Lakshmi Ashtottara Paath
108 Names of Divine Abundance

Sri Lakshmi Ashtottara Shatanamavali consists of the 108 most sacred names of Goddess Mahalakshmi. Found in the Agni Purana and other ancient texts, each name represents a specific aspect of the Divine Mother—wealth, beauty, courage, knowledge, and sovereignty.

Reciting these names is not just a prayer; it is an Archana—a floral offering. Traditionally, with each name chanted ("Om Prakrityai Namah", "Om Vikrityai Namah"...), a fresh lotus flower or kumkum is offered to the deity, creating a powerful accumulation of divine energy.

Significance of 108 Names

Why 108? In Vedic cosmology, 108 represents the entire universe (1 = God/Truth, 0 = Emptiness/Completeness, 8 = Infinity). Chanting the 108 names signifies the worship of the Goddess in her infinite and complete form.

Key Names & Meanings

• Om Prakrityai Namah: Adoration to Nature/Creation.
• Om Vidyaayi Namah: Adoration to Wisdom.
• Om Saubhagya Dayinyai Namah: Giver of Good Fortune.
• Om Dhanalaxmyai Namah: Goddess of Wealth.
• Om Daridrya Dhvamsinyai Namah: Destroyer of Poverty.

Benefits of Ashtottara Paath

• Financial Stability: Directly attacks the energy of scarcity (Daridrya) and invites flow of wealth.
• Debt Removal: Helps clear old debts and financial stagnation.
• Business Growth: Attracts new opportunities and customers.
• Peace in Home: Lakshmi is also the goddess of domestic harmony; this paath stops regular quarrels.
• Spiritual Wealth: Bestows the inner wealth of patience, kindness, and gratitude.

When to Perform?

• Fridays: The day of Goddess Lakshmi.
• Diwali (Lakshmi Puja): The most powerful night for this recitation.
• Akshaya Tritiya: For unending prosperity.
• Purnima (Full Moon): Especially Sharad Purnima.
• Sri Sukta Havan: Often performed along with Sri Sukta.

Lakshmi Ashtottara Paath Packages

The Vidhi (Procedure)

Preparation for Archana

The Archana (offering) is the core of this ritual:

1. Deep Prajwalan: Lighting a ghee lamp to welcome the Goddess.
2. Avahana: Invoking Lakshmi into the Kalash or Idol.
3. Anga Puja: Worshiping the different parts of the Goddess's form.
4. Ashtottara Shatanamavali: The main part. As each of the 108 names is chanted, a flower, coin, or pinch of Kumkum is offered at Her feet.
5. Neivedya: Offering sweets (Kheer is preferred).
6. Aarti: Final waving of lights.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the difference between Ashtottara and Sahasranama?

Ashtottara is 108 names, while Sahasranama is 1000 names. Ashtottara is more concise and perfect for daily or weekly worship, while Sahasranama is a longer ritual.

2. Why are Lotus flowers important?

Lakshmi is "Padmapriya" (Lover of Lotuses) and "Padmasana" (Seated on Lotus). Offering a Lotus pleases Her instantly as it represents purity manifesting from mud (the world).

3. Can I perform this for business success?

Yes, business owners often do this every Friday in their office. It clears the energy of the workspace and attracts clients.

4. What is Kumkum Archana?

It is offering red vermillion powder with each name. This Kumkum becomes highly charged with divine energy and is later used by the devotee on their forehead for success ("Tilak").

5. Can men perform this?

Absolutely. While women often lead Lakshmi pujas, men seeking financial stability and family welfare should definitely perform or participate in this.

6. Is it effective for marriage?

Yes, Lakshmi is also the goddess of beauty and charm. Worshiping her enhances one's aura, attracting good relationships.

7. Do I need to fast?

It is good to be on a vegetarian diet on the day of the puja. Strict fasting is not required unless you are doing a specific Vrat.

8. Can we do this on Diwali only?

Diwali is the best time, but doing it on any Friday or Full Moon keeps the energy of abundance active throughout the year.

9. What if I recite incorrect pronunciation?

Sanskrit creates resonance. While devotion matters most, correct pronunciation amplifies the effect. Our pandits ensure the mantras are chanted with perfect Vedic intonation.

10. Can I get the Kumkum after the puja?

Yes, if you book with us, we send the "Prasadam Kumkum" to you by post if you are not present. Applying it daily brings positivity.