The Maha Lakshmi Ashtottara is a sacred hymn comprising 108 names of Goddess Lakshmi, the consort of Lord Vishnu and the bestower of wealth, prosperity, and abundance. This stotra is widely recited in Hindu households and temples, especially during festivals like Diwali and Varalakshmi Vratam. The text is found in several Puranic and Agamic sources, including the Lakshmi Purana and the Padma Purana, which extol the virtues of chanting these names. Each name reveals a distinct attribute of the goddess, such as 'Padmasana' (seated on a lotus), 'Kamala' (the lotus-dwelling one), and 'Vishnu Priya' (beloved of Vishnu).
The 108 names are arranged in a specific sequence, often beginning with 'Om Prakrtyai Namah' and ending with 'Om Sarva Samriddhi Pradayai Namah'. The beej-akshara 'Shreem' is considered the root mantra of Lakshmi and is implicitly present in many of the names. According to the Mantra Mahodadhi, the recitation of this ashtottara is believed to remove poverty, grant material and spiritual wealth, and bring harmony in family life. The recommended chanting context is during the morning or evening, preferably on Fridays, after a bath and in a clean environment.
The count is typically one or three malas (108 or 324 repetitions). Some traditions prescribe a specific ritual setting, such as placing a picture or idol of Lakshmi on a red cloth, offering flowers, incense, and lamp. Cautions include avoiding recitation during periods of impurity (e.g., menstruation) unless in a state of mental purity, and maintaining focus and devotion. The Devi Mahatmya also references the power of Lakshmi's names in granting boons.
This ashtottara is considered a concise yet complete sadhana for invoking Lakshmi's grace.
Salutations to the primordial nature, salutations to the modified nature, ... (108 names of Lakshmi)
The beej-akshara 'Shreem' is implicitly present in many names; the ashtottara itself is a sequence of names, not a single seed-syllable mantra.