Srimad Bhagavatam — Ashtama Skandha, Shloka 25
Lakṣmī’s Emergence, Dhanvantari, and the Advent of Mohinī-mūrti
तस्या: श्रियस्त्रिजगतो जनको जनन्या वक्षोनिवासमकरोत् परमं विभूते: । श्री: स्वा: प्रजा: सकरुणेन निरीक्षणेन यत्र स्थितैधयत साधिपतींस्त्रिलोकान् ॥ २५ ॥
tasyāḥ śriyas tri-jagato janako jananyā vakṣo nivāsam akarot paramaṁ vibhūteḥ śrīḥ svāḥ prajāḥ sakaruṇena nirīkṣaṇena yatra sthitaidhayata sādhipatīṁs tri-lokān
Le Bhagavān est le père des trois mondes, et Sa poitrine est la demeure suprême de la mère Lakṣmī, maîtresse de toutes les opulences. Par son regard favorable et miséricordieux, la déesse Lakṣmī accroît la prospérité des trois mondes, avec leurs habitants, les prajāpatis et les devas qui les dirigent.
According to the desire of Lakṣmīdevī, the goddess of fortune, the Supreme Personality of Godhead made His bosom her residence so that by her glance she could favor everyone, including the demigods and ordinary human beings. In other words, since the goddess of fortune stays on the bosom of Nārāyaṇa, she naturally sees any devotee who worships Nārāyaṇa. When the goddess of fortune understands that a devotee is in favor of devotional service to Nārāyaṇa, she is naturally inclined to bless the devotee with all opulences. The karmīs try to receive the favor and mercy of Lakṣmī, but because they are not devotees of Nārāyaṇa, their opulence is flickering. The opulence of devotees who are attached to the service of Nārāyaṇa is not like the opulence of karmīs. The opulence of devotees is as permanent as the opulence of Nārāyaṇa Himself.
FAQs
This verse explains that the Supreme Lord made His chest Lakṣmī’s supreme abode, indicating her inseparable relationship with Nārāyaṇa and that true prosperity is rooted in devotion to Him.
Śukadeva Gosvāmī speaks this verse to Mahārāja Parīkṣit while narrating the events of the churning of the ocean and the appearance of Śrī Lakṣmī.
Prosperity is sustained by compassion and righteous leadership; cultivating devotion, gratitude, and charitable conduct aligns one’s gains with Lakṣmī’s blessings rather than mere material acquisition.