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Śrī Sūktam – Verse 5
Chandrāṁ Prabhāsāṁ – surrender, and the choice of Lakshmi
By Amit N. Lakhtariya
Devanāgarī
चन्द्रां प्रभासां यशसा ज्वलन्तीं श्रियं लोके देवजुष्टामुदाराम्।
तां पद्मिनीमीं शरणमहं प्रपद्येऽलक्ष्मीर्मे नश्यतां त्वां वृणे॥
Chandrāṁ prabhāsāṁ yaśasā jvalantīṁ śriyaṁ loke devajuṣṭām udārām,
Tāṁ padminīm īṁ śaraṇam ahaṁ prapadye alakṣmīr me naśyatāṁ tvāṁ vṛṇe.
Word-by-word meaning
Shining and gladdening, moon-like
Symbolises coolness, beauty, purity, emotional calm and grace.
Full of brilliant light
Refers to divine brightness, an inner spiritual glow.
Glowing with fame, success and honour
True prosperity brings not just wealth, but respect and renown earned through good deeds.
That Śrī (Lakshmi), adored in the world and favoured by the gods themselves
Generous, magnanimous
True abundance is never stingy; it is generous, open-hearted and sharing.
That lotus-bearing Goddess
The small word īṁ that follows is a Vedic particle of emphasis, usually left untranslated.
I take refuge in her; I surrender myself at her feet
This is the deepest gesture of trust and humility, acknowledging that divine grace guides prosperity.
May all forms of misfortune (Alakṣmī) disappear from my life
Alakṣmī is the opposite of Lakshmi: poverty, scarcity, misfortune and negativity.
I choose you (O Lakshmi); I seek you alone
A conscious choice to align with prosperity, grace and righteousness, rejecting all that is inauspicious.
Full meaning
I surrender myself to that radiant, moon-like, luminous Goddess Lakshmi, who shines with fame, grace and generosity, adored by the gods and revered by all. I take refuge in this lotus-bearing Goddess. May all misfortune vanish from my life; O Divine Lakshmi, I choose you and your grace alone.
Deeper spiritual insights
Choosing prosperity consciously (Tvāṁ vṛṇe)
The verse teaches us that prosperity and misfortune are both energies we choose to invite or reject. Reflection: am I consciously choosing prosperity in thought, word and action every day?
The removal of Alakṣmī (misfortune)
Prosperity is not just about attracting good; it is about cleansing negativity: scarcity mindsets, bad habits, laziness or unethical actions that block abundance. Reflection: what “Alakṣmī” habits or energies do I need to consciously let go of today?
Magnanimity and generosity (Udārām)
True wealth radiates and uplifts others. Generosity amplifies prosperity. Reflection: where can I be more giving and open-hearted in my life?
Surrender (Śaraṇam ahaṁ prapadye)
We do our part, but then we surrender the outcome to divine grace. Prosperity flows best when action meets surrender.
Practical meditation
- Close your eyes and visualise the radiant form of Goddess Lakshmi, soft as moonlight yet brilliantly glowing.
- See her holding a lotus, smiling with compassion and generosity.
- Whisper softly in your heart: “O Divine Mother, I surrender at your feet. May all misfortune dissolve. May I embody light, grace, generosity and abundance. I choose you and your path.”
Reflection for today
What negative patterns (Alakṣmī) am I willing to consciously let go of? Where can I express more generosity (Udārām)? How can I trust and surrender more, while still taking inspired action?
This verse is a powerful turning point. You are not just calling prosperity; you are declaring your conscious alignment with it, and rejecting scarcity, fear and negativity.
Terms used here are explained in the glossary. This commentary was prepared with AI assistance; read more.