Home › Śrī Sūktam › Verse 4
श्री
Śrī Sūktam – Verse 4
Kāṁ Sosmitāṁ – Lakshmi, golden-walled, compassionate and radiant
By Amit N. Lakhtariya
Devanāgarī
कां सोस्मितां हिरण्यप्राकारामार्द्रां ज्वलन्तीं तृप्तां तर्पयन्तीम्।
पद्मे स्थितां पद्मवर्णां तामिहोपह्वये श्रियम्॥
Kāṁ sosmitāṁ hiraṇya-prākārām ārdrāṁ jvalantīṁ tṛptāṁ tarpayantīm,
Padme sthitāṁ padma-varṇāṁ tām ihopahvaye śriyam.
Word-by-word meaning
Her whom I long for, the blissful one with a gentle smile
A poetic emphasis on the yearning of the seeker: that Lakshmi whom I desire and call upon with reverence. Many commentators read kāṁ as “who, that is, the blissful, the indescribable one” and sosmitā as sa-smitā, “with a gentle smile”.
One who is surrounded by walls of gold
Symbolising the supreme protection of divine abundance, and that true prosperity is fortified and safe.
Compassionate, moist, tender
A symbol of softness, nurturing and kindness. True prosperity is not dry or harsh: it nourishes all beings.
Radiant, shining like fire
Prosperity is not dull; it is luminous, energetic and dynamic.
Fully satisfied
Lakshmi is herself complete, fulfilled and brimming with contentment.
One who satisfies and nourishes others
True wealth nourishes and uplifts others, not just oneself.
Seated on a lotus
The lotus symbolises purity, beauty, detachment and divine perfection.
Lotus-hued, lotus-coloured
Her radiance and complexion are compared to the soft, soothing colours of a lotus.
I invoke that Śrī (Lakshmi) here and now, in my life
Full meaning
I call upon that Goddess Śrī (Lakshmi), who is surrounded by walls of gold, symbolising supreme abundance, whose presence is tender and compassionate, yet radiantly brilliant. She is fully satisfied and satisfies others, seated on a lotus with a lotus-like radiance. I invoke that divine prosperity to come and dwell here, in my life.
Deeper spiritual insights
The golden fortress (Hiraṇya-prākārām)
Prosperity is not fragile. True wealth, both material and spiritual, is well protected, stable and enduring. Reflection: am I building prosperity on strong, ethical foundations or on weak ground?
Compassion and nourishment (Ārdrām and Tarpayantīm)
Abundance should flow outward, nourishing others. Selfish prosperity dries up; shared abundance multiplies. Reflection: how am I using my wealth, for self-indulgence or to nourish and support others?
Radiance and contentment (Jvalantīm and Tṛptāṁ)
True wealth glows. It brings inner confidence, light and satisfaction. Lakshmi does not represent restless greed; she represents calm fulfilment and peaceful joy. Reflection: am I chasing endlessly, or am I cultivating contentment and peace with what I have?
Lotus symbolism (Padme sthitāṁ, Padma-varṇāṁ)
The lotus grows in mud but remains untouched, a reminder that prosperity should be pure and detached from ego or corruption. Reflection: am I cultivating purity in my wealth, staying detached from arrogance and impurity?
Practical meditation
- Visualise Goddess Lakshmi seated on a beautiful lotus, glowing with radiant light, surrounded by golden walls of protection.
- See her eyes full of compassion, her aura warm and nourishing, her presence deeply calming yet brilliant.
- Whisper in your heart: “May the abundance that enters my life be pure, luminous, compassionate and protected. May I find joy in sharing and nourishing others.”
Reflection for today
Where am I building golden walls, meaning strong foundations, in my life, and where am I leaving cracks? Am I radiating contentment, or restless dissatisfaction? How can I share more, give more and nourish others from my abundance?
This verse is a gentle reminder that true wealth is radiant, compassionate, stable and deeply fulfilling. It uplifts not only us but everyone we touch.
Terms used here are explained in the glossary. This commentary was prepared with AI assistance; read more.