KARĀGRE VASATE LAKṢMĪḤ, KARAMADHYE SARASVATĪ
On Waking Early Morning
karāgre vasate lakṣmiḥ karamadhye sarasvati .
karamūle tu govindaḥ prabhāte karadarśanam .
At the fore of the hands(fingers) resides Lakshmi, and at the middle(palms), Saraswathi; at the root (wrist) is seated Gauri, (so) see the palm of the hand at dawn (first).
Kara – Hand
Karaagre – Beginning of the hand; Agra=beginning
Vasate – Resides
Lakshmi – Goddess Lakshmi; deity of wealth, beauty
Kara – Madhye: In the middle of Hand (Palm); Madhya=middle
Saraswati – Goddess Saraswati; deity of Knowledge, wisdom
Kara-Moole – In the base of the hand(wrist)
Moola – base
Sthitaa – Sit/Exist
Gowri – Goddess Gowri/ Parvati; deity of Power,strength
Mangalam – Auspecious
Darshanam – Seeing
History
This mantra has its roots in Vedic and classical Indian educational and ritual traditions.
Traditionally recited before starting any learning, writing, or creative work, especially in gurukulas (ancient learning centers) and devotional practices.
It is often paired with invocations to Ganesha, Sarasvatī, and Lakṣmī to ensure success, wisdom, and auspiciousness.
Found in Pūjā texts, instructional manuals for students (Śikṣā-śāstras), and devotional rituals, it has been passed down for centuries in oral and written form.
Historically, it served as a ritual and psychological primer, preparing the student’s mind and hands for effective learning.
Text & Etymology
Word Breakdown:
Karāgre – On the tip of the hand or fingers; often interpreted as the “hand that writes or acts.”
Vasate – Resides, dwells.
Lakṣmīḥ – Goddess Lakṣmī, symbolizing prosperity, abundance, and auspiciousness.
Karamadhye – In the middle of the hand/palm.
Sarasvatī – Goddess Sarasvatī, symbolizing knowledge, learning, speech, and wisdom.
Literal Meaning:
“On the tip of the hand resides Lakṣmī (prosperity), and in the middle of the hand resides Sarasvatī (knowledge).”
Symbolic Meaning:
Lakṣmī at the fingertips signifies that all action done (writing, work) is blessed with success and abundance.
Sarasvatī at the center of the hand represents the integration of knowledge, learning, and skill into action.
The verse is recited to invoke divine guidance for intellectual and material endeavors.
Benefits
a) Spiritual / Devotional
Invokes divine blessings of prosperity (Lakṣmī) and wisdom (Sarasvatī).
Cultivates respect and mindfulness before undertaking tasks, aligning actions with divine principles.
b) Psychological
Enhances focus, motivation, and confidence before intellectual or creative work.
Encourages mindfulness and positive intention in daily activity.
c) Practical / Educational
Commonly used before writing, learning, or exams.
Supports mental clarity, skill integration, and harmonious execution of tasks.
Creates an energetic and mental state conducive to learning and productivity.
Contraindications / Precautions
No physical contraindications.
Must be recited with attention and respect, preferably before beginning a task.
Avoid mechanical repetition without awareness of the meaning, as the power lies in intentional invocation.
Science of the Mantra
a) Neuroscience
Recitation primes the prefrontal cortex for focused attention and cognitive clarity.
Ritual invocation reduces performance anxiety, improves working memory, and enhances goal-directed action.
b) Psychology
Linking action (hands) with divine blessing fosters positive expectation, motivation, and self-efficacy.
Increases mindfulness and concentration, reducing distraction during learning or creative tasks.
c) Energy Science (Yoga / Tantra)
Symbolic activation of hands and fingertips aligns subtle energy (prāṇa) with higher consciousness.
Lakṣmī and Sarasvatī represent the dual aspects of abundance and wisdom, balancing material and intellectual energy flow.