The Ashta Lakshmi Mantra refers to the collective veneration of the eight primary forms of Goddess Lakshmi, as detailed in the Ashta Lakshmi Stotram, a hymn found in the Skanda Purana and later expanded in the Lakshmi Purana. Each form embodies a distinct aspect of prosperity: Adi Lakshmi (primordial abundance), Dhana Lakshmi (material wealth), Dhanya Lakshmi (food grains and agriculture), Gaja Lakshmi (royal power and elephant-borne splendor), Santana Lakshmi (progeny and family continuity), Veera Lakshmi (courage and valor), Vijaya Lakshmi (victory in endeavors), and Vidya Lakshmi (knowledge and wisdom). The stotram typically begins with the beej mantra 'Om' followed by each name in the dative case, e.g., 'Om Adi Lakshmyai Namah'. The phoneme 'Shrīm' (श्रीं) is often added as a bija for Lakshmi, as prescribed in the Mantra Mahodadhi (Chapter on Lakshmi).
Chanting the Ashta Lakshmi Stotram is believed to bestow comprehensive blessings covering all facets of life. Traditional purposes include alleviating poverty, ensuring agricultural abundance, granting success in business, and fostering intellectual growth. The recommended chanting context is during the early morning (Brahma Muhurta) or on Fridays, with a minimum of 11 repetitions per form, or 108 times of the full stotram. Ritual settings often involve a clean altar with a picture or idol of Ashta Lakshmi, offerings of lotus flowers, rice, and sweets.
During festivals like Diwali and Varalakshmi Vratam, the stotram is recited in homes and temples. Cautions include maintaining purity of body and mind, avoiding chanting during periods of impurity (e.g., menstruation unless in a state of necessity), and not chanting with negative intentions. The Agamas also prescribe specific nyasa and mudras for advanced practitioners. The eight forms are often depicted iconographically with distinct attributes: Adi Lakshmi holds a lotus and kalasha, Dhana Lakshmi showers coins, Dhanya Lakshmi holds paddy sheaves, Gaja Lakshmi is flanked by elephants, Santana Lakshmi holds a child, Veera Lakshmi carries weapons, Vijaya Lakshmi holds a sword and shield, and Vidya Lakshmi holds a book and rosary.
This holistic approach ensures that devotees receive not only material wealth but also spiritual and familial prosperity.
Salutations to the eight forms of Lakshmi, with the seed syllable Śrīm.
The mantra contains the beej syllable 'Śrīm' (श्रीं), which is the primary seed-sound for Goddess Lakshmi, invoking her energy of abundance and grace.