Mahalaxmi Ashtak is a sacred hymn composed for the worship of Maa Laxmi that bestows prosperity, happiness and blessings upon devotees. This eight-verse stotra (hymn) describes the various forms and qualities of Devi Mahalaxmi. Devotees who recite this ashtak receive the grace of Maa and attain wealth and abundance in life.
Introduction to Mahalaxmi Ashtak
Mahalaxmi Ashtak is a Sanskrit stotra containing eight verses. Each verse describes the glory of Maa Laxmi, her divine form and her grace upon devotees. This hymn is especially recited on Fridays because that day is dedicated to Maa Laxmi.
Ashtak means a collection of eight verses. In this stotra, Devi Laxmi is addressed by various names such as Vishnu Priya, Kamala, Padma and Shri. Each verse highlights a particular quality or form of Maa.
The Form and Significance of Maa Mahalaxmi
Devi Mahalaxmi is the presiding deity of wealth, prosperity and good fortune. She is the consort of Lord Vishnu and is seated upon a lotus flower. Maa has four hands holding a lotus, conch, vessel of nectar and the varamudra (blessing gesture).
Maa Laxmi is not only the goddess of material wealth but also the bestower of spiritual prosperity, knowledge and moksha (liberation). Through her worship, a devotee receives both worldly and spiritual wealth.
The Method of Reciting Mahalaxmi Ashtak
To recite Mahalaxmi Ashtak, certain rules should be followed. First, bathe and wear clean clothes. Then light a lamp before the picture or idol of Maa Laxmi.
Before reciting, remember Lord Ganesha and then with a pure mind recite the Mahalaxmi Ashtak.
श्री महालक्ष्म्यष्टकम्
नमस्तेऽस्तु महामाये श्रीपीठे सुरपूजिते।
शङ्खचक्रगदाहस्ते महालक्ष्मि नमोऽस्तुते॥१॥
नमस्ते गरुडारूढे कोलासुरभयङ्करि।
सर्वपापहरे देवि महालक्ष्मि नमोऽस्तुते॥२॥
सर्वज्ञे सर्ववरदे सर्वदुष्टभयङ्करि।
सर्वदुःखहरे देवि महालक्ष्मि नमोऽस्तुते॥३॥
सिद्धिबुद्धिप्रदे देवि भुक्तिमुक्तिप्रदायिनि।
मन्त्रपूते सदा देवि महालक्ष्मि नमोऽस्तुते॥४॥
आद्यन्तरहिते देवि आद्यशक्ति महेश्वरि।
योगजे योगसम्भूते महालक्ष्मि नमोऽस्तुते॥५॥
स्थूलसूक्ष्ममहारौद्रे महाशक्ति महोदरे।
महापापहरे देवि महालक्ष्मि नमोऽस्तुते॥६॥
पद्मासनस्थिते देवि परब्रह्मस्वरूपिणि।
परमेशि जगन्मातर्महालक्ष्मि नमोऽस्तुते॥७॥
श्वेताम्बरधरे देवि नानालङ्कारभूषिते।
जगत्स्थिते जगन्मातर्महालक्ष्मि नमोऽस्तुते॥८॥
फलश्रुति
महालक्ष्म्यष्टकं स्तोत्रं यः पठेद्भक्तिमान्नरः।
सर्वसिद्धिमवाप्नोति राज्यं प्राप्नोति सर्वदा॥
एककाले पठेन्नित्यं महापापविनाशनम्।
द्विकालं यः पठेन्नित्यं धनधान्यसमन्वितः॥
त्रिकालं यः पठेन्नित्यं महाशत्रुविनाशनम्।
महालक्ष्मीर्भवेन्नित्यं प्रसन्ना वरदा शुभा॥
Regular recitation of this stotra maintains happiness and prosperity in the home. Reciting it on Fridays is considered especially fruitful.
During recitation, one should not harbour any malice or negative thoughts in the mind. Only recitation done with faith and devotion pleases Maa.
Benefits of Mahalaxmi Ashtak
Regular recitation of Mahalaxmi Ashtak brings many benefits to the devotee. By Maa’s grace, wealth comes into the home and financial difficulties are removed.
Reciting this stotra brings growth in business and stability in employment. Devotees who regularly worship Maa never face a shortage of wealth.
Peace and harmony remain in the family. Through Maa Laxmi’s grace, spiritual progress occurs along with happiness and prosperity in the home. Mental peace is attained and positivity enters life.
Deepavali and Mahalaxmi Ashtak
On the sacred festival of Deepavali, special worship of Maa Laxmi is performed. Reciting Mahalaxmi Ashtak on this day is considered extremely auspicious. Reciting this stotra during Laxmi puja on Deepavali night pleases Maa and she resides in the home forever.
On Deepavali, homes are decorated with lamps and Maa Laxmi is invoked. On this auspicious day, along with Mahalaxmi Ashtak, Laxmi Chalisa and Laxmi aarti (the ritual of light) should also be recited.
Friday Vrat and Mahalaxmi Ashtak
Friday is dedicated to Devi Laxmi. On this day special worship of Maa is performed. Devotees who observe the Friday vrat (fast) certainly recite Mahalaxmi Ashtak.
On Friday morning, bathe and wear white or yellow clothes. Offer yellow flowers, incense, lamp and naivedya (food offering) to Maa Laxmi. Then recite Mahalaxmi Ashtak.
On this day, prepare kheer or halwa as prasad (blessed offering) and offer it to Maa. In the evening, perform the aarti of Laxmi ji and distribute prasad. Reciting Mahalaxmi Ashtak along with the Friday vrat brings special grace of Maa.
Mahalaxmi Ashtak and Spiritual Sadhana
Mahalaxmi Ashtak is important not only for material prosperity but also for spiritual progress. Maa Laxmi is the presiding deity of eight types of Laxmis who are called Ashtalaxmi.
While reciting this stotra, the devotee should meditate on Maa’s divine form. This meditation practice concentrates the mind and deepens devotional feeling.
Regular recitation removes the restlessness of the mind and brings inner peace. By Maa’s grace, the devotee receives inspiration to walk the path of moksha.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should Mahalaxmi Ashtak be recited?
Mahalaxmi Ashtak can be recited daily in the morning or evening. Reciting it on Fridays is especially fruitful. It should also certainly be recited on Deepavali.
Can anyone recite Mahalaxmi Ashtak?
Yes, any devotee can recite Mahalaxmi Ashtak with faith and devotion. No special qualification is required for this.
How many times should Mahalaxmi Ashtak be read?
According to tradition, this stotra should be read at least once daily. For the fulfilment of special wishes, it can also be read eleven times or twenty-one times.
What benefits come from Mahalaxmi Ashtak?
Regular recitation of this stotra brings increase in wealth and grains, progress in business, happiness and peace in the home, and spiritual advancement. By Maa’s grace, all types of troubles are removed.
Is there a difference between Mahalaxmi Ashtak and Laxmi Chalisa?
Yes, Mahalaxmi Ashtak contains eight verses while Laxmi Chalisa contains forty verses. Both are sacred texts of praise for Maa Laxmi and reciting both is considered auspicious.
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