What is Sri?
The word “Sri” is also used as a prefix to denote holy places, like Sri Rangam (a Vaishnavite temple in Tamil Nadu) and Sri Puri (a Jagannath temple in Odisha).
The word “Sri” is a sign of respect and reverence.
What does the Title Sri Mean?
The word “Sri” is derived from the Sanskrit root śrī, which means “holy, exalted, or venerable.” It is a title used for reverence and respect in Hinduism. The feminine form of the word is “Srija” or “Shrija.” Sri is often used as an honorific before the names of goddesses, like Lakshmi and Saraswati. It can also be used before the names of gods, saints, gurus, and even ordinary mortals whom we respect. For example, we might refer to Mahatma Gandhi as “Sri Gandhi Ji.”
Who is Goddess Sri Devi?
Devi is the Sanskrit word for “goddess.” Sri Devi is one of the most popular goddesses in Hinduism and is also known as Lakshmi, Parvati, and Saraswati. In some versions of the Puranas, she is said to be born from a lotus that emerged from Lord Vishnu’s navel. Sri Devi is usually depicted as a beautiful woman with four arms and four hands. She holds a lotus in two of her hands and has a conch shell and a discus in the other two. Her four hands represent the four goals of human life: Dharma, Artha, Kama, and Moksha. Hindus believe that worshiping Sri Devi will bring them good luck, abundance, and success in all their endeavors.
