1232 Arrowhead Ave, Livermore, CA 94551

A Non-Profit Organization since 1977

Tax ID# 94-2427126; Inc #D0821589
Om Namah Shivaya Om Namo Narayanaya Tel: 925-449-6255; Fax: 925-455-0404
Web: http://www.livermoretemple.org

Significance of Sri Suktha Homam

Sri Suktham is a hymn of exquisite beauty and grace. It is in Atharva Veda and also appears
as a supplement to Rigveda. In Rigveda Sri Suktham appears at the end in Parisistabhanga.
Even though Parisista means leftovers and not connected to main Rigveda, many vedic
scholars think that Sri Suktham originated even before Rigveda.

The sadhaka invokes with these Sri Suktha mantras Goddess Maha Lakshmi through sacred
Fire. Aarogyam Bhaskarat Itchath Sriyam Itchath Hutasanath - One can achieve health by
praying the Sun, and can achieve wealth by praying Goddess Maha Lakshmi through Sacred
Fire.

Sri means Maha Lakshmi. Suktham means well said. There are fifteen mantras in the Sri
Suktham. By performing homa several times with all the ingredients as prescribed in puranas,
tantras and agamas, one can receive several benefits. The glory of Sri Suktham is described
in Kasyapa-Gnanakandam (Vaikhanasam) scriptures.

One who performs Maha Lakshmi mantra japa for 120,000 times continuously for 12 days and
performs homa on the last day, attains all siddhis. It is also explained how the uninterrupted
wealth can be achieved by performing homa with Bilva leaf and Bilva fruit. It is suggested to
perform homa with Tulasi, and Ghee of Kapila Dhenu (Black color with brown spots cows)
gives best results.

Other ancient scriptures Skanda, Vamana, Markandeya and Brahmanda Puranas, also
describe the importance of Sri Suktham. Some of these references mentioned that Bilva
samith and other valuable pearls and jades can be used in homa. Esana samhitha mentioned
the Apamarga samith for dhana and Dhanya abhivriddhi (prosperity). Chanting Sri Suktham
removes our poverty (both material as well as spiritual).

One of the verses in Sri Suktha is:

Aadithya varnae tapassodhi jaatho Vanaspathi stava vruksotha bilvaha ||
Tasya phalani tapasaanudantu Mayaantha raayaashcha baahya alakshmeehi ||

Oh Lakshmi, your complexion is like that of a morning Sun, a vanaspathi (trees bearing fruits
without blossoming) called by name Bilva was brought forth by your devout austerity.
Through your favor may the fruits of the tree drive away my misfortunes and poverty caused
by my internal organs (mind and intelligence) as well as those by external ones (hands, feet,
mouth, eyes, etc.,)

Hidden Meanings:
In this mantra, sadhaka has to start japa under the Bilva tree and do meditation on Sri Devi.
Bilva leaves or phalas are to be used for this mantra. One who does homa by offering Bilva
leaves will certainly attain all desires, including Mokha (salvation) at the end, as per vaamana
and skanda purana.

Over all, Maha Lakshmi is associated with Lotus everywhere in Puranas and Vedas one of
her names is Lotus, one of her names is someone who loves Lotus, She sits on a lotus, she
carries Lotus, etc., It must be noted that Lotus symbolizes cause and effect. She is married
to Lord Vishnu, who is the protector of Righteousness (Dharma).