Having purified our inner and outer selves on Choti Diwali, we now stand at the threshold of the most potent phase of the Shreem Upāsanā: the ten-day intensive dedication to Goddess Lakshmi. This is not merely a ritual; it’s a deep dive into the very fabric of existence, a conscious alignment with the energy of abundance, beauty, and auspiciousness that Lakshmi embodies.
The previous days built the foundation: Dhanteras established the channels of prosperity (material, ethical, and health), and Choti Diwali purified the vessel, vanquishing inner darkness so that our being can truly hold this divine light. Now, with a clear intention and a cleansed spirit, we embark on a journey of profound invocation and assimilation.
The Heart of Invocation: Beejaksharas (Seed Mantras)
At the core of this intensive sādhanā lies the chanting of Beejaksharas, or ‘seed mantras.’ These are not ordinary words; they are sonic codes, primal vibrations that encapsulate the essence of a deity or a cosmic force. Each Beejakshara is a condensed form of divine energy, a direct conduit to the consciousness it represents.
For Goddess Lakshmi, the primary Beejakshara is Shreem (श्रीं).
Shreem (श्रीं): This sacred sound resonates with the energy of creation, sustenance, and dissolution – the complete cycle of divine grace. It’s the vibration of natural harmony, beauty, fertility, and auspiciousness. Chanting Shreem is like planting a seed of divine abundance in the fertile ground of your consciousness.
How to practice: During these ten days, dedicate specific times for repeating “Om Shreem Mahalakshmiye Namaha” or simply “Shreem.” Focus on the vibration, allowing it to permeate every cell of your being. Visualize a golden, radiant light filling your body and extending outwards.
Other powerful Beejaksharas associated with Lakshmi, which can be incorporated or focused on during different days, include:
Hreem (ह्रीं): The mantra of illusion (Maya) and divine will, used for purification and attracting divine blessings.
Kleem (क्लीं): The mantra of attraction, desire, and captivating power, often used to draw positive energies.
Aim (ऐं): The mantra of knowledge, wisdom, and creative arts, also associated with Goddess Saraswati, who often accompanies Lakshmi.
Each Beejakshara, when chanted with devotion and awareness, activates specific energies within you and in your environment, clearing obstacles and aligning you with higher frequencies.
The Vision of Divine Oneness: Lakshmi as Totality
Beyond the mantras and rituals, the true essence of this 10-day sādhanā is the realization of Divine Oneness. Lakshmi is not just an external deity to be worshipped; She is the inherent perfection and abundance that already exists within you and pervades all creation.
Lakshmi as Inner & Outer: Recognize that outer prosperity is a reflection of inner richness. As you chant, meditate on the idea that wealth, health, joy, and wisdom are not separate things you acquire, but rather aspects of the one divine consciousness that is Lakshmi.
Everything is Shreem: Contemplate that every harmonious flow, every beautiful form, every nourishing aspect of life is an expression of Shreem. See Lakshmi in the vibrant colors of a flower, the warmth of the sun, the laughter of a child, the abundance of a harvest, and the clarity of your own mind.
Dissolving Separation: The ultimate goal is to dissolve the perceived separation between yourself and the divine. You are not asking Lakshmi to give you abundance, but to help you realize the abundance that is your true nature.
Structuring Your 11-Day Sādhanā
Each of these ten days offers an opportunity for deeper connection. While specific rituals may vary, the core practices remain:
Morning Invocation: Begin your day with chanting the Shreem Beejakshara (e.g., 108, 1008, or 11,000 repetitions as per your capacity and lineage).
Meditation: Spend time in silent contemplation, visualizing Lakshmi’s radiant form and feeling her omnipresent energy.
Offerings: Make simple offerings of flowers, incense, lamps (diyas), and pure food (naivedyam) with a heart full of gratitude.
Daily Reflection: At the end of each day, reflect on moments of abundance, beauty, and grace you experienced, seeing Lakshmi’s hand in everything.
Maintain Purity: Continue the spiritual discipline of purity in thought, word, and deed, as established on Choti Diwali.
This 11-day period is a sacred container for transformation. It’s a journey from seeking to knowing, from scarcity to inherent abundance, from separation to oneness. By immersing yourself in the vibrations of the Beejaksharas and cultivating the awareness of Lakshmi as totality, you invite a profound and lasting shift in your consciousness.
Step fully into this light. Let the sacred sound of Shreem resonate within you, transforming your being into a beacon of divine prosperity.
