Mahalakshmyashtakamमहालक्ष्म्यष्टकम्
Devoted to Mahalakshmi
Source: Padma Purana, Uttara Khanda (taught by Indra to seers)
Transliteration
namaste-stu mahamaye shripithe surapujite shankhachakragadahaste mahalakshmi namo-stu te
Meaning (English)
Salutations to you, O great enchantress Mahamaya, enshrined in the sacred Sri Pitha, worshipped by all the celestials. Bearing the conch, discus and mace in your divine hands, O Mahalakshmi, salutations be unto you again and again. The eight verses, taught by Indra after Lakshmi rescued the devas from the curse of poverty, hail her as Sarvalokasya Janani — Mother of all worlds, Mahalakshmi who simultaneously presides over wealth, fertility, fame, victory and the highest knowledge. Each verse culminates in the refrain Mahalakshmi Namo-stu Te.
Benefits (Phal)
Most popular Lakshmi stotra after Sri Suktam; daily eight-verse recitation removes poverty, multiplies income, attracts business opportunities and restores lost wealth; particularly recommended during Diwali, Dhanteras and on every Friday; said in the phala-shruti to grant santati for the childless, vidya for the unlearned, raja-prasada for the unemployed and moksha for the seeker after sustained recitation.
When to Chant
Daily at dawn or dusk, every Friday, all eight days of Diwali week, on Akshaya Tritiya, Varalakshmi Vrata, Kojagiri Purnima, and on every occasion of new venture, house-warming or financial sankalpa.
How to Chant
Sit facing east or north at the household shrine after morning bath. Light a ghee lamp before Lakshmi image, offer red lotus or red rose, kumkum, turmeric, akshat and a coin. Chant all eight verses in simple anushtubh chhanda, pausing to focus on each Lakshmi-rupa described. Offer kheer or sweet rice as bhog. Conclude with one mala of Sri Mahalakshmyai Namah.
Book a pandit for Mahalakshmyashtakam jaap
Major sankalp (1.25 lakh count or more) traditionally requires a trained pandit. Verified pandits perform on your behalf with full video proof + sankalpa with your gotra/nakshatra.