Shri Mahalakshmi Ashtakam Stotram

Shri Mahalakshmi Ashtakam Stotram (popularly known by its opening line Namastestu Mahāmāye) is an 8-verse hymn dedicated to Goddess Mahalakshmi, composed by Lord Indra in the Padma Purana.

The scriptural story behind this stotram is renowned. When Durvasa Maharshi cursed Indra, the devas lost their divine kingdom (Trailokya) and wealth (Sri). The devas and demons churned the Milky Ocean (Samudra Manthan), from which Goddess Mahalakshmi emerged in all Her golden beauty holding a lotus.

Lord Indra chanted these 8 verses praising Mother Mahalakshmi as the ruler of all creation, the granter of boons, and the destroyer of sins. Pleased by Indra's hymn, Mother Lakshmi restored prosperity, kingdom, and divine glory to the devas.

Each verse of the hymn concludes with the sacred refrain: "Mahālakṣmi Namostute" ("Salutations unto You, O Mahalakshmi!").

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• Verse 1: Salutations to Mahalakshmi, embodiment of Mahamaya, seated on Sripitha, holding Conch, Discus, and Mace.
• Verse 2: Salutations to Mahalakshmi mounted on Garuda, terrifying to Kolasura demon, destroying all sins.
• Verse 3: Salutations to Mahalakshmi who is all-knowing, granter of all boons, terrifying to evil, destroying all sorrow.
• Verse 4: Salutations to Mahalakshmi, bestower of success, intellect, worldly enjoyment, and liberation.
• Verse 5: Salutations to Mahalakshmi without beginning or end, primordial power, born of Yoga.
• Verse 6: Salutations to Mahalakshmi in gross, subtle, and terrifying cosmic forms, destroying great sins.
• Verse 7: Salutations to Mahalakshmi seated on a lotus, embodiment of Supreme Brahman, Mother of the universe.
• Verse 8: Salutations to Mahalakshmi dressed in white garments, adorned with jewels, sustainer of the universe.
• Verses 9–11 (Phalashruti): Reciting once destroys sins; twice bestows wealth & grains; thrice destroys enemies and grants permanent Lakshmi grace.

According to scriptural declaration in verses 9 to 11 of this stotram, daily recitation of Shri Mahalakshmi Ashtakam grants escalating blessings:

• Reciting Thrice Daily (Krita-Tri-Kalam): Destroys great sins (Maha-Papa-Vinashanam).
• Reciting Twice Daily (Dvi-Kalam): Destroys enemies and bestows steady wealth and grain (Dhana-Dhanya-Samanvitam).
• Reciting Once Daily (Eka-Kalam): Destroys all poverty and bestows good fortune (Sarva-Siddhi-Mavapnoti).
• Permanent Residence of Goddess Lakshmi: Mother Lakshmi resides permanently in the home of the devotee.

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Verse 9

Mahālakṣmy-Aṣṭaka-Stotraṃ Yaḥ Paṭhet-Bhaktimān-Naraḥ ।
Sarva-Siddhim-Avāpnoti Rājyaṃ Prāpnoti Sarvadā ॥ 9 ॥

Verse 10

Eka-Kālaṃ Paṭhen-Nityaṃ Mahā-Pāpa-Vināśanam ।
Dvi-Kālaṃ Yaḥ Paṭhen-Nityaṃ Dhana-Dhānya-Samanvitaḥ ॥ 10 ॥

1. When should Mahalakshmi Ashtakam be chanted?

Daily during morning or evening Sandhya time, and especially on Fridays, Varalakshmi Vratam, Dhanteras, and Diwali.

2. How many times should it be chanted daily?

Chanting it once, twice, or thrice daily brings progressive blessings as declared in verses 9–11.

3. What offerings please Mother Mahalakshmi?

Red or pink Lotus flowers, Kumkum, Turmeric, Ghee lamp, and sweet Pongal or Payasam.