कराग्रे वसते लक्ष्मीः
Karāgre Vasate Lakṣmīḥ
Deity
lakshmi
Verses
2
Recitation
~1 min
Best Day
Daily — every morning
Karāgre Vasate Lakṣmīḥ is one of the most universally taught Hindu prayers, recited as the very first act after waking up. The devotee, while still in bed, looks at their open palms and chants this verse — invoking Goddess Lakshmi at the fingertips (where action begins), Goddess Saraswati at the middle of the palm (where speech and learning reside), and Govinda (Vishnu) at the base of the palm (the foundation). Then, before stepping foot on the earth, a second verse asks Bhumi Devi (Mother Earth) for forgiveness for the touch of feet.
Shloka 1
Sanskrit (Devanagari)
कराग्रे वसते लक्ष्मीः करमध्ये सरस्वती । करमूले तु गोविन्दः प्रभाते करदर्शनम् ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
karāgre vasate lakṣmīḥ kara-madhye sarasvatī kara-mūle tu govindaḥ prabhāte kara-darśanam
English meaning
At the tip of my hand resides Lakshmi (prosperity); in the middle of my palm dwells Saraswati (wisdom); at the base of my hand is Govinda (the Supreme Lord) — thus at dawn one should look upon one's palms.
Shloka 2
Sanskrit (Devanagari)
समुद्र वसने देवि पर्वत स्तन मण्डले । विष्णुपत्नि नमस्तुभ्यं पादस्पर्शं क्षमस्व मे ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
samudra-vasane devi parvata-stana-maṇḍale viṣṇu-patni namas-tubhyaṃ pāda-sparśaṃ kṣamasva me
English meaning
O Devi clad in oceans, with mountains as your bosom, O consort of Vishnu — I bow to you; please forgive me the touch of my feet upon you.
Sources verified against
When should I recite Karagre Vasate Lakshmi — Morning Prayer?
Best days: Daily — every morning. Best time: pre-dawn.
What language is this stotra in?
The original is in Sanskrit (or Awadhi for the Hanuman Chalisa). We provide it in Devanagari script, IAST transliteration for pronunciation, and English meaning for understanding.
How accurate is the text?
Each stotra is cross-validated against multiple published authoritative sources, listed on this page under "Sources verified against". If you spot any discrepancy from your tradition, please let us know.
How long does it take to recite?
Approximately 1 minute at a steady, devotional pace.
