Morning Prayer 1¶

The Shloka¶

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कराग्रे वसते लक्ष्मीः

करमध्‍ये सरस्वती ।

करमूले तु गोविन्दः

प्रभाते करदर्शनम् ॥

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Karāgre vasate Lakṣmīḥ karamadhye Sarasvatī ।

Karamūle tu Govindaḥ prabhāte karadarśanam ॥

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Meaning / Summary¶

The significance of this shloka lies in its ability to instill a sense of gratitude, divinity, and purpose at the very beginning of the day. By associating the hands, which are instruments of action, with the primary deities of wealth (Lakshmi), knowledge (Saraswati), and sustenance/protection (Govinda), the prayer elevates daily work and actions to a spiritual level. It reminds the individual that their hands are not merely physical tools but divine instruments through which they can create, learn, and contribute to the world. It encourages ethical conduct, righteous earning, the pursuit of knowledge, and the understanding that all efforts are ultimately supported by divine grace. This practice helps to start the day with positive intentions, mindfulness, and a deep appreciation for the opportunities and abilities one possesses.

Goddess Lakshmi resides at the fingertips, Goddess Saraswati resides in the middle of the palm, and Lord Govinda (Vishnu) resides at the base of the palm. Therefore, one should look at one’s palms in the morning.

This shloka is a traditional morning prayer recited upon waking. It states that the Goddess of Wealth, Lakshmi, resides at the fingertips; the Goddess of Knowledge, Saraswati, in the middle of the palm; and the Lord of Sustenance, Govinda (Vishnu), at the base of the palm. It concludes by recommending that one should respectfully view their hands first thing in the morning as a spiritual practice.

This shloka is a morning prayer, a profound expression of gratitude and mindfulness to be recited upon waking up. It encourages a devotee to look at their hands first thing in the morning, recognizing them as instruments bestowed by the divine. The fingertips are associated with Goddess Lakshmi, symbolizing the wealth and prosperity that one can acquire through diligent work and actions. The middle of the palm is associated with Goddess Saraswati, representing knowledge, wisdom, and creative arts that one uses in daily life. The base of the palm is associated with Lord Govinda (Vishnu), symbolizing the ultimate sustenance, protection, and divine grace that underlies all actions and endeavors. By visualizing these deities in one’s hands, the shloka reminds individuals that their actions (hands) are guided by divine blessings and responsibilities. It instills a sense of purpose, reminding one to use their hands for good deeds, for earning livelihood righteously, for gaining knowledge, and for serving the divine, thereby sanctifying their daily activities.

Sentence - 1¶

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कराग्रे वसते लक्ष्मीः

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Meaning¶

Goddess Lakshmi resides at the fingertips.

Meaning of Words¶

कराग्रे	karāgre
At the fingertips This word is a compound of ‘kara’ (hand) and ‘agre’ (at the tip or forefront), referring specifically to the tips of the fingers.
वसते	vasate
resides Meaning ‘lives’, ‘dwells’, or ‘is present’. In this context, it signifies the spiritual presence of the deity.
लक्ष्मीः	Lakṣmīḥ
Goddess Lakshmi The Hindu Goddess of wealth, fortune, prosperity, and auspiciousness. She is the consort of Lord Vishnu.

Sentence - 2¶

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करमध्‍ये सरस्वती

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Meaning¶

Goddess Saraswati resides in the middle of the palm.

Meaning of Words¶

करमध्‍ये	karamadhye
In the middle of the palm This word combines ‘kara’ (hand) and ‘madhye’ (in the middle), indicating the central part of the palm.
सरस्वती	Sarasvatī
Goddess Saraswati The Hindu Goddess of knowledge, music, arts, wisdom, and learning. She is part of the Tridevi, along with Lakshmi and Parvati.

Sentence - 3¶

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करमूले तु गोविन्दः

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Meaning¶

And Lord Govinda (Vishnu) resides at the base of the palm.

Meaning of Words¶

करमूले	karamūle
At the base of the palm A compound of ‘kara’ (hand) and ‘mūle’ (at the root or base), referring to the wrist area or the lower part of the palm.
तु	tu	And
गोविन्दः	Govindaḥ
Lord Govinda A popular name of Lord Krishna, who is an avatar of Lord Vishnu, the preserver and protector of the universe.

Sentence - 4¶

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प्रभाते करदर्शनम्

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Meaning¶

Therefore, one should look at one’s palms in the morning.

Meaning of Words¶

प्रभाते	prabhāte
In the morning Refers to the early morning, at dawn or sunrise, typically when one wakes up.
करदर्शनम्	karadarśanam
The sight of the hands Composed of ‘kara’ (hand) and ‘darśanam’ (sight, viewing, or a respectful vision/seeing). It implies reverentially looking at one’s hands.