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श्री
Śrī Sūktam – Verse 7
Upaitu Māṁ Devasakhaḥ – honour and prosperity in society
By Amit N. Lakhtariya
Devanāgarī
उपैतु मां देवसखः कीर्तिश्च मणिना सह।
प्रादुर्भूतोऽस्मि राष्ट्रेऽस्मिन्कीर्तिमृद्धिं ददातु मे॥
Upaitu māṁ deva-sakhaḥ kīrtiś ca maṇinā saha,
Prādurbhūto ’smi rāṣṭre ’smin kīrtim ṛddhiṁ dadātu me.
Word-by-word meaning
May he (that divine force) approach me, come near me
Me; in my life
The friend of the gods
This is often interpreted as Kubera, the divine treasurer, one who manages wealth with righteousness and wisdom.
And fame, honour, good reputation
Some commentators also see Kīrti as the goddess of fame who comes with Kubera.
Along with brilliance (like a jewel)
Accompanied by splendour and brilliance. Some commentators read maṇi as Maṇibhadra, the companion of Kubera.
I have arisen; I have become manifest
In essence, a declaration of stepping into one’s rightful place, presence and responsibility.
In this kingdom, in this land, in this society
It signifies prosperity and recognition not in isolation, but within the community, society or nation.
Honour, fame, good repute
Growth, prosperity, success; spiritual and material advancement
May it be granted to me
Full meaning
May the friend of the gods (the divine treasurer Kubera), along with honour and shining brilliance, approach me. Having manifested in this society and this life, may I be blessed with both good reputation and steady prosperity.
Deeper spiritual insights
“The friend of the gods” (Deva-sakhaḥ)
This is not just about material wealth; it is about divine companionship and guidance. True abundance does not come from selfish accumulation. It comes from aligning oneself with dharma (divine order) and being a friend to divine energies.
Honour and splendour (Kīrti and Maṇinā saha)
Prosperity without honour is hollow. The verse asks not just for wealth, but for respect, dignity and brilliance. Reflection: is my pursuit of prosperity guided by values that will earn respect in my community and family?
Living in society (Rāṣṭre ’smin)
Prosperity is not for isolation, but for uplifting the world around you. Reflection: how am I contributing to my family, my society and my country through the prosperity I am blessed with?
Good reputation (Kīrtim) and growth (Ṛddhim)
These are the two wings of true abundance: honour and steady advancement. Reflection: am I balancing growth with integrity?
Practical meditation
- Visualise yourself standing in a beautiful, radiant space, with golden light around you.
- See yourself surrounded by Kubera, the divine treasurer, Goddess Lakshmi and wise elders, all smiling at you as if blessing your actions.
- Feel honour, respect and growth radiating from you, blessing your family, your community and beyond.
- Meditate on this affirmation: “May divine companionship, honour and splendour walk beside me. In this world and community where I live and act, may I earn respect and steady, righteous prosperity.”
Reflection for today
How do I define prosperity beyond wealth? Am I building a life where people will respect me long after I have left the room? What contribution can I make to my surroundings to make my success meaningful?
This verse teaches us that prosperity is not just about gold in the vault. It is about honour in the heart, respect in the community and righteousness in action.
Terms used here are explained in the glossary. This commentary was prepared with AI assistance; read more.