Description

We discussed Kanagadhara Stotram and its significance. Sri Sthuthi is recited for the same purpose by Vaishnavites, as Kanagadhara Stotram is for Smartas.

Sri Sthuthi, composed by Sri Vedantha Desikar, is a stotra, having 25 hymns on Sri Lakshmi, praising her power.  The name “Sri” refers to the goddess Lakshmi, who is the supreme force that drives the world. Sthuthi means a song of praise. So the name “Sri Sthuthi” refers to the song of praise written on Sri Lakshmi.

LEGEND BEHIND THE STOTRA

A poor brahmana brahmachaari approached Sri Vedantha Desikar’s house at Thuppul and told him that he could not get married due to his poverty. Sri Vedantha Desikar took him to Perumdevi Thaayar, the consort of Sri Varadaraja Perumal, and composed Sri Sthuthi to get Thayar’s blessings for the brahmachari. The goddess pleased by the hymn of Sri Vedantha Desikar showered a rain of gold coins. The poor brahmachari collected the gold coins and showed his gratitude towards Sri Desikar, Thayar and Varadharaja Perumal. Later, the brahmachari found a suitable wife and entered grahasthaashramam.

SLOKA BEHIND THE STOTRA

The poor Brahmin mentioned in the above story used to recite a mantra from Sikshavalli part of Taittriyopanishad, which is as follows.

“Aahvahanthee  Vithanvanaa Kurvanaa Cheeramathmana,

Vaasamsi mama gavasccha annapane cha sarvadhaa

Thatho me sriyamavaha, iomasam pasubhi: saha svahaa”

This is a prayer on Sri Lakshmi for the conferral of many auspiciousness and wealth. It says that she is the generator and multiplier of wealth; let her bless me with good garments, cattle, food, and drink.

Sri Desikar did not want the purpose of the above sloka to be wasted. So, he took the Brahmin to her sannidhi and composed the present stotra on her.

STRUCTURE OF THE SLOKA

Sri Sthuthi has 25 hymns. Sri Desikar composed first 24 hymns in Mandhakrantha meter, whereas the last hymn is composed in Malini meter.

MEANING OF THE SLOKA

The Importance of the sloka lies in its emphasis on Divya Thampathi (Divine couple). The sloka suggests that Narayana and Sri as the couple are the ultimate reality or Tattvam, supporting the philosophy of Sri Vaishnavism. It suggests that Narayana and Lakshmi should not be sought after individually but as couples. The sloka claims that only through her blessings (Lakshmi Kataaksha), one could attain riches.

HOW TO CHANT THE SLOKA?

• Like many of the slokas, Sri Sthuthi does not require specific rules for chanting.
• Anyone with a pure mind and pure body can chant the sloka.
• It is suggested to know the meaning of the sloka to get better benefits.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE SLOKA

• Chanting Vishnu Sahasranamam and Sri Sthuthi helps one to attain peaceful life and gives positive vibration.
• However, the sloka is specifically recited to attain wealth and prosperity in one’s life.
• The sloka is also recited for getting a suitable bride/groom. It is suggested that a person moving from brahmacharyam to grihasthaashramam should chant the sloka.
• Chanting the sloka with a pure mind helps one to be prosperous.