Karagre Vasate Lakshmi — Morning Prayer with Meaning
This is the best-known mantra to say on waking up. As soon as you open your eyes, you look at your palms and recite it — Lakshmi, Saraswati and Govind are said to dwell in your hands. Then, before stepping on the floor, you ask Mother Earth's forgiveness for touching her with your feet.
Karagre vasate lakshmih karamadhye sarasvati | karamule tu govindah prabhate kara-darshanam ||
Samudra-vasane devi parvata-stana-mandale | vishnu-patni namas tubhyam pada-sparsham kshamasva me ||
Meaning
Verse 1
Karagre vasate lakshmih karamadhye sarasvati | karamule tu govindah prabhate kara-darshanam ||
Lakshmi lives at the tips of the hands, Saraswati in the middle, and Govind at the base. So, at dawn, look at your hands.
Verse 2
Samudra-vasane devi parvata-stana-mandale | vishnu-patni namas tubhyam pada-sparsham kshamasva me ||
O Goddess Earth, clothed by the oceans and adorned with mountains, consort of Vishnu — I bow to you. Please forgive me for touching you with my feet.
Meanings written in simple language by the KathaMantra team.
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Frequently asked questions
When should Karagre Vasate be recited?
First thing in the morning, before getting out of bed, while looking at your joined palms.
Which mantra is said along with it?
Next, before your feet touch the floor, you say 'Samudra Vasane Devi' and bow to Mother Earth.
Is there another version?
Yes, some families say 'Karamule sthito Brahma' (Brahma at the base of the hand). 'Karamule tu Govindah' is the more common version.