Shloka 146
दुर्वासाशापः, क्षीरसागरमन्थनम्, श्रीः (लक्ष्मी) उद्भवः तथा श्रीस्तुतिः
इति सकलविभूत्यवाप्तिहेतुः स्तुतिर् इयम् इन्द्रमुखोद्गता हि लक्ष्म्याः अनुदिनम् इह पठ्यते नृभिर् यैर् वसति न तेषु कदाचिद् अप्य् अलक्ष्मीः
iti sakalavibhūtyavāptihetuḥ stutir iyam indramukhodgatā hi lakṣmyāḥ anudinam iha paṭhyate nṛbhir yair vasati na teṣu kadācid apy alakṣmīḥ
Thus ends this hymn to Śrī (Lakṣmī), uttered from Indra’s own mouth, declared the cause of attaining every prosperity. Those who recite it day after day are never, at any time, dwelt in by Alakṣmī—misfortune.
Sage Parāśara (narrating to Maitreya; concluding the Indra-spoken Lakṣmī-stuti)
Speaker: Parasara
Topic: Efficacy and fruit of Indra’s hymn to Lakṣmī (Śrī-stuti)
Teaching: Devotional
Quality: assuring
Concept: Daily recitation of Lakṣmī’s praise, as taught by Indra, is presented as a means to invite Śrī and ward off Alakṣmī (misfortune).
Vedantic Theme: Dharma
Application: Establish a consistent daily stotra/namajapa practice with steadiness (niyama) and ethical livelihood so prosperity supports dharma rather than mere indulgence.
Vishishtadvaita: Śrī is approached as inseparable divine grace that mediates the Lord’s benevolence toward devotees, making devotion efficacious in lived life.
Vishnu Form: Narayana
Bhakti Type: Shanta
Lakshmi Presence: Sri
FAQs
This verse functions as a phala-śruti: it states that regular daily recitation is a direct cause for attaining prosperity (vibhūti) and that misfortune (Alakṣmī) does not reside with the reciter.
Parāśara presents it as an authoritative hymn originally spoken by Indra, and he concludes by declaring its practical fruit—prosperity through Śrī and the exclusion of Alakṣmī—thereby integrating devotion with lived dharma.
Lakṣmī is portrayed as the principle of auspiciousness and flourishing that accompanies divine order; her presence signifies welfare and stability, while Alakṣmī represents the negation of that grace.