Saturday, September 19, 2015

Lakshmi Stotram Lyrics | Lakshmi Puja Lyrics With Meanings in English


Goddess Lakshmi is the consort of Lord Vishnu. She is the presiding deity of Wealth, Happiness, and Prosperity. She is also the provider of Victory, Children, Knowledge, Food, Benevolence, etc. that are all essential for people to live happily in this world.

It is believed that it is very easier to get the grace of Goddess than God, just like the love of a mother is easily available than that from the father.

Lakshmi's worship can be beneficial in two ways.

The first advantage is, that she gets pleased more easily and grants your wishes.

The second one is, that if Lakshmi gets pleased, then Vishnu also is made to please and grant you His blessings also.


So, worship of Lakshmi, also known as Mahalakshmi, is essential during all puja performances.

You can do it in a very simple way without going through that elaborate worship mode practiced by many others. If you can sincerely worship her with these simple lyrics, it is enough to obtain her grace.


I am providing below the Lakshmi Stotram lyrics in all the three languages of English, Sanskrit/Hindi, and Telugu languages and, then, the full meanings of it in English text.


Lakshmi Stotram in English Text

VandE padmakaraam, prasanna vadanaam, soubhaagyadaam, bhaagyadaam,
Hastaabhyaam abhaya pradaam, maniganair naanaa vidhair bhooshitaam,
bhaktaabhiista phala pradaam, Harihara, Brahmaadibhi ssEvitaam,
paarshvE pankaja, shankh, padma, nidhibhir yuktaam, sadaa shakhti bhihi ||
sarasija nayanE, sarOja hastE, dhavaLataraamsuka gandhamaalya shObhE,
bhagavati, harivallabhE, manOjnE, tribhuvana bhootakari praseedam ahyam ||

Lakshmeem, ksheera samudraraaja tanayaam, shreeranga dhaameshwareem,
Daaseebhoota samast deva vanitaam, lokaik deepaamkuraam,
Shriman manda kataaksh labdh vibhava brahmendra gangaa dharaam,
tvaam trilokya kutumbineem, sarasijaam, vande mukund priyaam          || (2)

Maatar: namaami, kamale, kamalaayataakshi,
Shri Vishnu hritkamal vaasini, vishva maata,
ksheerodaje, kamal komal garbh Gouri,
Lakshmi praseed satatam namataam sharanye  ||   (3)


Hindi / Sanskrit

वन्दे पद्मकराम प्रसन्न वदनाम सौभाग्यदाम भाग्यदाम
हस्ताभ्याम् अभय प्रदाम् मणि गणैः नाना विधै: भूषिताम्
भक्ताभीश्ट फल प्रदाम् हरिहर ब्रह्मादिभि: सेविताम्
पार्श्वे पंकज शंख पद्म निधिर्भ्युक्ताम् सदा शक्तिभिः ||
सरसिज नयने सरोजहस्ते धवळा तरामसुक गन्धमाल्य शोभे
भगवति हरिवल्लभे मनोज्ञे त्रिभुवन भूतिकरि प्रसीद मह्यं ॥

लक्ष्मीम् क्षीर समुद्रराज तनयाम् श्रीरंग धामेश्वरीम्
दासीभूत समस्त देव वनिताम् लोकैक दीपांकुरॉम
श्रीमन मन्द कटाक्ष लभ्द विभव ब्रह्मेन्द्र गंगाधराम्
त्वाम त्रैलोक्य कुटुम्बिनीम् सरसिजाम् वन्दे मुकुन्द प्रियाम्  ॥

मातर्नमामि  कमले कमलायताक्षि
श्री विष्णु हृत्कमल वासिनि विश्वमात
क्षीरोदजे कमल कोमल गर्भ गौरि
लक्ष्मी प्रसीद सततम् नमताम् शरण्ये  ॥


Telugu Language

శ్రీ లక్ష్మీ స్తుతి స్తోత్రాలు 

వందే పద్మకరాం ప్రసన్న వదనాం సౌభాగ్యదాం భాగ్యదాం 
హస్తాభ్యాం అభయ ప్రదాం మణి గణై ర్నానా విధైర్భూషితాం 
భక్తా భిష్ట ఫల ప్రదాం హరిహర బ్రహ్మాదిభి స్సేవితాం 
పార్శ్వే పంకజ శంఖ పద్మ నిధిభి ర్యుక్తాం  సదా శక్తిభి: ॥ 
సరసిజ నయనే సరోజ హస్తే ధవళతరాంశుక గంధమాల్య శోభే 
భగవతి హరివల్లభే మనోజ్ఞే త్రిభువన భూతికరి ప్రసీదమహ్యమ్ || 

లక్ష్మీం క్షీర సముద్రరాజ తనయాం శ్రీరంగ ధామేశ్వరీం 
దాసీ భూత సమస్త దేవ వనితాం లోకైక దీపాంకురాం 
శ్రీమన్మంద కటాక్ష లభ్ద విభవ బ్రహ్మేంద్ర గంగా ధరాం 
త్వాం త్రైలోక్య కుటుంబినీం సరసిజాం వందే ముకుంద ప్రియాం  ॥ 

మాతర్నమామి కమలే కమలాయతాక్షి 
శ్రీ విష్ణు హృత్కమల వాసిని విశ్వ మాత 
క్షీరోదజే కమల కోమల గర్భ గౌరి 
లక్ష్మీ ప్రసీద సతతం నమతాం శరణ్యే  ॥ 




Meanings and Essence of the Lyrics for Goddess Lakshmi Puja

Sloka (1)
Meanings of words:
vande = bowing the head or folding hands in respect, padma = lotus, karaam = having hands (like lotus) or holding a lotus in hand, prasanna = smiling, vadanaam = faced, soubhaagya = fortune or wellness of spouse, bhaagya = prosperity, daam = giver, hastha = hands, aabhyam = medium, abhaya = protection, pradaam = granting, mani = glowing jewel, ganair = others, naanaa = many, vidha = varieties, bhooshitaam= decorated, bhakta = devotee, abheest = desires, phala = results, pradaam = giver or granting, Hari = Vishnu, Hara = Shiva, Brahma = the creator Brahma, aadibhi = and others, sevitaam = worshipped by, paarshve = on the sides, pankaj = lotus, shankh = the conch, padma = lotus, nidhibhir = treasures, yuktaam = possession, sadaa = always, shakti bhihi = powered.
sarasija nayane = lotus-eyed; saroja haste = her hands are like lotus (soft and beautiful); dhavalataraamsuka = of pure white glow; gandhamaalya = fragrant garland; shObhE = decorated; bhagavati = Goddess; Harivallabhe = consort of Hari or Vishnu; tribhuvana bhoota = living beings of the three worlds;  kari praseeda = please do protect; ahyam = always.

So, the full essence of this first sloka that includes two extra lines is as follows:
I fold my hands or bow with my head to Goddess Lakshmi whose hands are like lotus (holds lotus in her hands), having a cheerful face, who bestows fortunes and prosperity, by blessings with hands, who is adorned with various kinds of glowing jewels, who grants the wishes of devotees with fruitful results, who is attended by Vishnu, Shiva, Brahma and all others, who has on Her sides the Lotus, Conch and all treasures, and who is the abode of all Powers.
Hey, Lotus-Eyed and Lotus-Handed Goddess wearing a fragrant garland of pure-white flowers!
O, consort of Hari, and protector of all the three worlds, please bless us with your motherly grace.

Sloka (2)
Meanings of words:
Lakshmim = to Goddess Lakshmi, ksheer = milk, samudra = ocean, raja = king, tanayaam = daughter, sriranga = name of a place named Sri Rangam in Tamil Nadu, dhaameshwari = Goddess of that place, daasi bhoota = having as servants or getting the services, samasta = all, deva = divine, vanitha = women, loka = world, eka = one or only one, deepankuri = emerging light, Sriman = God Vishnu on whose chest Lakshmi resides, manda = serene, kataaksh = glance, labdh = possess, vibhav = prosperity, Brahmendra = Lord Brahma, Gangaa dharaam = one who wears Ganga (Lord Shiva),
tvaam = you, trilokya = three worlds, kutumbineem = having as an abode, sarasija = born from the lotus, Vande = praying with folded hands, Mukund = Vishnu's another name, priyaam = beloved.

The full meaning of this second sloka is as follows:
I offer my prayers to Goddess Lakshmi, who is daughter to the king of the ocean of milk, whose abode is Srirangam, who is attended to by all the divine ladies, who is the glowing light for this entire world, who resides in the chest of Vishnu and possesses the prosperity of blessing glances from Brahma and Shiva, who resides in all the three worlds or lokas and who is born from the lotus flower.

Sloka (3)
Meanings of words:
maata = mother, namaami = to offer reverence, kamale = lotus bodied, kamalaayata = wide like petals of lotus, akshi = having eyes, Vishnu = God, hrit kamal = lotus like chest, vaasini = resident, vishwa maata = world's mother, ksheera = milk, udaja = sprouted or offspring, kamal komal = delicate like lotus, garbh = womb, Gouri = shining, glowing bodied, Lakshmi = Goddess, praseeda = to be pleased, satatam = always for ever, namataam = paying respect, sharanye = surrendering.

So, the meaning of this third sloka is as follows: 
O Mother, I pray with respect to you, who is Lotus-bodied, lotus-eyed, and residing in the lotus-like chest of Vishnu, O Mother of worlds and offspring of the milky ocean, having a glowing lotus-delicate womb, O Goddess Lakshmi, I surrender before you, please be gracious always upon me.

So, the above are the slokas in the worship of Goddess Lakshmi, which can be recited in a melodious form also as Songs for Goddess Lakshmi.

Tuesday, September 8, 2015

24 Names of Vishnu | How to Do Vishnu Puja With 24 Names


It is upheld by many seers of Vaishnavism that the 24 Names of Keshava are of special importance out of the 1000 names of God that are known as Vishnu Sahasranamam.

In a previous post, I mentioned performing Achamana or the purification act of body and soul by sipping water 3 times into your mouth (with your bowl-shaped palm) while chanting the primary three names of God. 

After that ritual has been performed, you will start the worship of God Vishnu, reciting the below-mentioned 24 names, popularly known as  "Keshava Nama" in Sanskrit. This worship can be done with flowers and/or akshata or akshintalu (raw rice mixed with turmeric powder that is mostly used for performing puja and, thereafter, for blessing your youngsters at all ceremonies).

These twenty-four names of God Vishnu are a part of the Vishnu Sahasranamam and are treated as most auspicious by all devotees, each name signifying some special quality and attribute of God.
You will be reciting each name and offering the flower or akshata/kumkum to God at each name. You may offer both the flower and akshata interchangeably or even by mixing both on one plate. Offer a flower each for each name or one or two grains of akshata at your convenience.


24 Keshava Namas

First of all, let me be clear that the prefix "Om" refers to the sound which vibrates all through the universe in the form of spiritual sound waves reaching to God.

The suffix "namaha" or "Namah" refers to the fact that "I am saluting" (the performer of this worship), bowing my head, or folding my hands before God.

So both of the above are used as the prefix and suffix in almost all prayers.


1) Om Keshavaaya namaha  ( one who possesses dense, black curled hair. It is also interpreted as one who Himself is Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. K is for Brahma, and a hidden letter A in 'e' is for Vishnu and 'ish' in esh is for Shiva. The full word of Keshav is broken into K+A+Ishav)

2) Om Naaraayanaaya namaha ( one who has his abode as water/ocean, or,  who is the abode for all living beings. "aayanam" means resting place and "naara" means either water or all living things)

3) Om Maadhavaaya namaha ( one who is the husband of Lakshmi or one who took birth in Madhu creed or family which is a sub-sect of the Yadav vamsha. Further, maa means mother' (Lakshmi) and 'dhava' means husband.)

4) Om Govindaaya namaha (Govinda means "cowherd' or as "the one who regained earth again from netherworld" or as "who can be realized through Vedic chantings alone".)

5) Om Vishnave namaha (One who is present in all the creatures and things of the universe. "Vishnu' means who is present all through the elements of the universe. It may also mean as 'giver' and 'protector')

6) Om Madhusoodhanaaya namaha (One who has conquered a demon named 'Madhu'. Or whose form is like honey. It may also refer to as the stealer of butter/ghee as a child, Lord Krishna. Because 'Madhu' refers to 'honey' and ghee/butter also).

7) Om Trivikramaaya namaha ( One who measured all three worlds with his step, one who covered the entire universe with 3 long steps or who is spread and shines through all 3 Vedas of Rig, Yajur, and Saama. 'Tri' means three and 'Vik' means states and 'ramaaya' refers to one who pleases or shines)

8) Om Vaamanaaya namaha ( One who is beautiful in a dwarf form and spreads the glowing light bestowing pleasures. 'Vaaman' means handsome dwarf)

9) Om Sriidharaaya namaha ( One who is wearing Lakshmi in his heart. 'Sri' refers to Lakshmi and 'Dhar' means one bearing her and giving support)

10) Om Hrusheekeshaaya namaha (One who is the controller of senses. It also refers to one having rays of sun and moon in his hair that give joy to all beings.)

11) Om Padmanaabhaaya namaha (One who has Lotus in his navel, which is an abode of Brahma. It may also refer to his navel being beautiful as lotus. 'Padma' means lotus and 'naabhi' means navel.)

12) Om Daamodaraaya namaha (One who was tied with a rope around his stomach by Yashoda. 'Udara' means stomach and 'daama' means rope or cord. "daama" can also refer to the whole universe and so denotes 'one who has the entire universe in his stomach'.)

13) Om Sankarshnaaya namaha (One who awards the fruits of karma or fate to both living and lifeless beings. Or one who has the dual powers of attraction and repulsion. 'Sankarshana' is also considered as the name of the great serpent, Adishesha, who is a part of God. He is also the Lord of 'Ahamkaara' or ego.)

14) Om Vaasudevaaya namaha (Vaasudeva means son of "Vasudeva". He is Sri Krishna, the first of the four manifestations of Vishnu, others being Sankarshana, Pradyumna, and Aniruddha. These four manifestations are Lords of 4 states of the soul: Chitta (subconscious mind), Ahamkaara (ego), Buddhi (intellect or knowledge), Manas (mind)).
Vasudeva is Lord of 'Chitta' or subconsciousness.

15) Om Pradyumnaaya namaha (Pradyumna means one who is self-glowing. He is enriched with beauty, wealth and lovable appearance. He is the 3rd of the four manifestations of Vishnu and is the Lord of 'Buddhi' or intellect.)

16) Om Aniruddhaaya namaha (Aniruddh means unstoppable. He possesses mighty valor and an uncontrollable form that protect his devotees. He is the 4th manifestation and is the Lord of 'manas' or mind)

17)Om Purushottamaaya namaha (One who is the supreme being or God. 'Purusha' means a person and 'uttama' means supreme. One who is beyond death and life.)

18) Om Adhokshajaaya namaha (One who does not decrease or diminish even after being enjoyed and consumed by all beings. It also means one having the eternal knowledge that is not reachable through our senses.)

19) Om Naarasimhaaya namaha (One who took the form of half-lion and half-man to protect Prahlad and to kill his demon-father "Hiranyakashipu". 'Nara' means man and 'Simha' means lion.)

20) Om Achyutaaya namaha (One who does not fall or lose his powers even after entering this material world. An infallible being. 'Achyuta' means one who does not fall or beget of something. It also means one who keeps Brahma and others infallible.)

21) Om Janaardhanaaya namaha (One who protects his devotees from enemies and miseries. 'Jana' means people, 'aardhan' means miseries or enemies creating miseries)

22) Om Upendraaya namaha (One who appeared as Indra's brother. 'Upendra' means Indra's part or youngster. It is believed that 'Vamana' also resembled Indra's brother when seeking three steps from Mahabali, the demon)

23) Om Haraye namaha (One who removes or evaporates the miseries of his devotees and provides them eternal bliss or moksha)

24) Om Srikrishnaaya namaha (One who is the most beautiful and enchanting with his hue resembling dark clouds. One who is in eternal bliss with his own creations in the form of Sri Krishna)


So, above are the 24 Names of Sri Krishna or Vishnu that are popular as Keshava Namas or The 24 Names of Lord Vishnu.

After performing puja with these names, one may recite some more hymns or slokas of Vishnu, Sri Krishna, Goddess Lakshmi, and Panchaayudha, etc. if he likes and has time to enjoy more time with God. You will be ending the worship offering dhoop (incense odor), deep, naivedya, and Mangala haarati in a simple form.

Saturday, September 5, 2015

Vishnu Stuti Lyrics - Meanings - Prayers in Praise of Lord Vishnu in Hindi, English and Telugu Languages

Vishnu stuti or Vishnu stotram is the recitation (or chanting) of verses in praise of Lord Vishnu or Srimannarayana God.


There are basically three most popular verses that are recited daily at homes in praise of Vishnu stuti. These slokas are generally recited after doing worship with the 24 names of Vishnu known as "Keshava Naamaa-s".

So, below are the lyrics presented first in Hindi, then in English Text, and thereafter, in the Telugu language.

After that, the full meanings in the English language are also provided.



Hindi / Sanskrit Language

शान्ताकारम् , भुजगशयनम् ,पद्मनाभम् , सुरेशम् ,
विश्वाकारम् , गगनसदृशम् , मेघवर्णम् , शुभाङ्गम् ,
लक्ष्मीकान्तम् , कमल नयनम् , योगि हृद्यानगम्यम् ,
वन्दे विष्णुम् भव भयहरम् , सर्व लोकैकनाथम  ॥

मेघश्यामम् , पीत कौशेय वासम् ,
श्रीवत्साङ्कम, कौस्तुभोद् भासिताङ्गम् ,
पुण्योपेतम् , पुण्डरीकायताक्षम,
विष्णुम् वन्दे सर्व लोकैकनाथम्   ॥

स शंख चक्रम् , स किरीट कुण्डलम् ,
स पीत वस्त्रम् , सरसी रुहेक्षणम् ,
सहार वक्ष स्थल शोभि कौस्तुभम् ,
नमामि विष्णुम् शिरसा चतुर्भुजम्  ॥


Vishnu Stuti Lyrics in English Text  

shaantaakaaram, bhujaga shayanam, padma naabham, surEsham,
vishwaakaaram, gagan sadrusham, mEgh varNam, subhaamgam,
laxmiikaantam, kamala nayanam, yOgi hrudyaa nagamyam,
vandE vishnum, bhav bhay haram, sarv lOkaikanaatham   || (1)

mEgh shyaamam, peeta kausEya vaasam,
srivatsaangkam, koustubhOdh bhaasitaangam,
puNyOpEtam, pundariik aayataaksham,
vishnum vandE, sarv lOkaikanaatham    || (2)

sa shankh chakram, sa kireet kundalam,
sa peet vastram, sarasee ruhEkshaNam,
sahaar vaksha sthal shObhi kaustubham,
namaami vishnum, sirasaa chaturbhujam   || (3)



Telugu Language

విష్ణు స్తుతి శ్లోకాలు (శ్రీమహావిష్ణు స్తోత్రాలు)

శాన్తాకారం, భుజగ శయనం, పద్మ నాభం, సురేశం,
విశ్వాకారం, గగన సదృశం, మేఘ వర్ణం, శుభాంగం,
లక్ష్మీ కాంతం, కమల నయనం, యోగి హృద్యాన గమ్యం,
వందే విష్ణుం, భవ భయ హరం, సర్వ లోకైక నాథం  ॥

మేఘ శ్యామం, పీత కౌసేయ వాసం,
శ్రీ వత్సాంకం, కౌస్తుభోద్భాసితాంగం  ,
పుణ్యోపేతం, పుండరీకాయతాక్షం,
విష్ణుం వందే సర్వ లోకైక నాథం ॥

స శంఖ చక్రం, స కిరీట కుండలం,
స పీత వస్త్రం, సరసీ రుహేక్షణం,
సహార వక్ష స్థల శోభి కౌస్తుభం,
నమామి విష్ణుం, శిరసా చతుర్భుజం ॥





Meanings in English

Sloka 1) 
Shanta-Karam = One who is peaceful in form; bhujaga shayanam = one who sleeps on a serpent;
Padma naabham = One having his navels like a lotus or the Lotus itself as his navel; surEsham = chief or head of angels; vishwaakaaram = universe shaped;
Gagan sadrusham = sky resembled; Megha varnam = cloud coloured; subhaamgam = auspicious bodied;
LaxmikaanTam = one having Goddess Laxmi as his consort; Kamal nayanam = lotus-eyed;
yogi hridyaangamyam= one who is not reachable or understandable even to yogis or ascetics;
Vande = to pay respect; vishnum = to God Vishnu; Bhava Bhaya haram = who drives away fear;
sarva lOkaikanaatham = the only lord of all world (Sarva means 'all', Loka means 'world'
eka means'one or only' and naatham means' lord').

So, the full meaning of this verse is as follows:

I offer my salutations to that Vishnu, who is of peaceful or serene appearance, one who sleeps on a serpent, one who has lotus as his navel and is the lord of Devas or angels, who is embodiment of the universe and sky shaped, whose colour is like that of clouds, whose body is auspicious, who is having Goddess Laxmi as his consort, whose eyes are like lotus and who is not understandable even to sages, one who removes the fears of worldly beings and who is the only lord of all lokas or universes.


Sloka 2)
megha = cloud, shyaamam= dark colour, pita kauseyam = yellow dress, vaasam = abode or one who resides in, srivatsa = srivatsa mark or sign, aangkam = having on the chest, kaustubha = the jewel of kaustubha, udbhaasita = shining, angam = bodied, punya = holi or pure, oupetam = encircled with, pundarika = lotus petal, aayata = extension, aksham = eyed, vande = to respect or salute, sarva loka = all lokas, ekanaatham = one Lord.

So, the full meaning of the second shloka is as follows:

I offer my salutations to Vishnu, the Lord of all lords, who is cloud hued, and who is dressed in yellow silk garments, whose chest bears the mark of srivatsa emblem, whose body glows with the kaustubha jewel, who is embodied with holiness, and whose eyes are wide like lotus petals.


Sloka 3)
sa = with or one who is having, sankha = the conch, chakram = round ring or wheel, kireeta = crown,
kundalam = earrings, peeta vastram = yellow golden dress, sarasi = born from lake (Lotus), ruhekshanam = resembling eyes ( ruha = resemblance, akshanam = possessed eyes), sa haara = with garland, vaksha sthal = chest, shobhi= adorned, kaustubham = kaustubh mani (jewel),
namaami = saluting, Vishnum = to Vishnu, sirasaa = with my head, chaturbhujam = four armed.

The full meaning of this third sloka is as follows:

I salute by bowing my head to that four armed Vishnu, who holds the conch (named as paanchajanya) in one hand and the holy wheel (known as Sudarshan chakra) in another hand, one who is adorned with a beautiful crown and earrings, and dressed in yellow golden-silk dhoti, one who has lotus like eyes and is wearing a garland with a kaustubha mani (jewel) on his chest.

So, these are the three popular slokas recited daily during prayers for Vishnu. In the next post, I will tell you about the Lakshmi stuthi or slokas recited addressing Goddess Lakshmi.