Gajalakshmi Chalisa
श्री गजलक्ष्मी चालीसा
Forty-verse hymn to Gajalakshmi, the fourth and most revered of the Ashtalakshmi forms, in which Mahalakshmi sits on a full-bloomed lotus while two celestial white elephants bathe her with golden pots of amrita. This is the form depicted on the doorways of temples, coins of the Guptas, and the lustration scenes of Bharhut and Sanchi.
Significance
Gajalakshmi represents royal prosperity, agricultural abundance, cattle wealth, and the moisture-laden monsoon that sustains civilisation. Her Chalisa is recited to restore lost wealth, attract the favour of kings and governments, ensure timely rains, and bring the eight Lakshmis under one roof during the Sharad Purnima full moon night.
When recited: Sharad Purnima (Kojagari), every Friday evening, Varalakshmi Vratam, Gaja Lakshmi Puja during Ashwin Shukla Ashtami in Odisha, and Diwali Lakshmi Puja
Benefits
- Restores wealth lost to misfortune, lawsuits, or family disputes
- Attracts royal patronage, government contracts, and promotions
- Blesses farmers with timely rain, healthy cattle, and bumper harvests
- Brings the combined grace of all eight Ashtalakshmi forms
- Removes Lakshmi-dosha and chronic poverty from the lineage
- Strengthens marital harmony and progeny when read by couples
Opening verses
First 6 verses of the Gajalakshmi Chalisa — the most-recited opening section.
जय गजलक्ष्मी कमलासनी, हरिप्रिया सुख सम्पति दानी।
श्वेत गजन कर कलश उठाये, अमृत जल से तुम्हें नहाये।
कमल पुष्प पर शोभित माता, स्वर्ण वर्ण तन जग सुखदाता।
चार भुजा शुभ शंख सुदर्शन, पद्म वरद कर भक्त सुदर्शन।
अष्टलक्ष्मी में श्रेष्ठ कहाई, राजलक्ष्मी रूप तुम पाई।
शरद पूर्णिमा निशि में आवो, कोजागरि व्रत फल दिखलावो।
Meaning
Victory to Gajalakshmi, seated on the lotus, beloved of Hari, giver of joy and prosperity. The white elephants lift their golden pots and bathe you with the waters of immortality. You shine upon a lotus blossom, your golden form blessing the world. Your four arms bear the auspicious conch and Sudarshan, the lotus, and the boon-granting mudra that draws devotees near. Among the eight Lakshmis you are praised as the greatest, manifest as Rajalakshmi herself. Come on the night of Sharad Purnima and reveal the fruit of the Kojagari vrata.
For complete authoritative text
Refer to printed editions from these sources for the full 40-verse chalisa with traditional pronunciation guides: