Lakshmi Ashtottaram part 1

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Here is a somewhat rough translation of Lakshmi Ashtottaram as per the

translation from an old book whose author is unknown. If anyone needs

the original tamil version and has not already got it, please write to me.

 

Apologies in advance for any inaccuracies in the translation.

 

 

Parvathi spoke:

He Mahadeva! You are the foremost among devas and you know the past,

present and the future. You are kind and compassionate and fulfil all

your devotees' wishes. Grant my wish - I wish to listen to

Mahalakshmi's ashtottharam.

Parameshvaran replied:

" Well spoken Devi! This stotram of Mahalakshmi's gives everything

that one desires- punyam, good fortune and prosperity; it destroys

poverty and sins; and grants plentitude in this world and the

salvation in the next, to those who listen and meditate on it. It is

very auspicious and can even control kings when recited. It has been

kept as a hidden secret even from the devas. It is the repository of

64 arts, and gives the nine riches and eight siddhis when recited.

There is no need to say any more. On reciting, this stotram can

reveal Lakshmi herself and I shall recite this for you since you are

very dear to me. Listen with a focused mind –

( Notes: The nine nidhis are mahaapadmam, padmam, shankam, makaram,

kachchapam, mukundam, kandam, neelam, varam are mentioned in some

puranas. In Markandeya purana the saatvik, rajas and tamas differences

among these have also been mentioned)

Mahalakshmi is the devata for this Ashtottaram, kleem is beejam,

bhuvaneshvasri is shakthi, shraam , etc. are anganyasam, and karanyasam.

 

Dhyanam

Obeisance to Mahalakshmi, who has a beautiful smiling face

and grants all auspiciousness and good fortunes, holds lotus flowers

and wears numerous gems, and who grants the wishes of all her devotees

and who is attended by Hari, Haran and Brahma; and obeisance to She

Who has Padmanidhi and Shankanidhi and has all the seven shakthis by

her side.

He Mahalakshmi! Bhagavati! Save me! You have beautiful eyes and hands

like lotus flowers. You are adorned with fragrant garlands and gem

studded jewels. You are Hari's beloved and you bring joy to

everybody's hearts. You are the creator of all the world!

 

Pranavam

 

Prakritim

She is the goddess of the prakriti tattvam or she is the devatha of

the achetana tattvam. She is the creator of " mahat " etc. ( `This

world is being created from Me, so I am celebrated as prakriti' says

Lakshmi in Lakshmi tantram)

 

Vikritim

She is also known as Vikrithi since the tattvas like Mahat are also

created because of her.

 

(She says mahaantamaavishaamyenam prerayaami svasrishhtaye' in Lakshmi

Tantram)

 

Vidyaam

She is the repository of all knowledge. " lakshhmyaam chavidyaa

shabda: vidyaapravartanatvaat – says Swami Desikan in his

chatyshshlokii bhashyam.

 

Sarvabhutahitapradaam

She gives to everyone all that is good for them.

 

Shradhhaam

Shraddha is one of Lakshmi's names- Indra calls her " Medhaa shradhdhaa

Sarasvati' in his stuti.

 

Vibhuuthim

She is the devataa in whom all wealth resides.

In Mahabharatha in the conversation with Indra, Lakshmi says that she

is always with the seven shathis that are and Desire, shraddha,

Dhrithis(bravery), patience, vibhuthi, sannathi (humility), bhumi and

She is the Queen of all these Shakthis.

 

Surabhim

She tales the form of Kamadhenu who gives everything one desires.

 

Paramaatmikaam

Vishnu is Pramatmaa and in the same way Lakshmi is also Paramatma.

Vishmu pervades everything and so does Lakshmi.

 

 

Note- Add 'namaami' at the end of each thirunaamam - meaning 'I pay

obeisance to'