Shri Symbol in Hinduism - Meaning of Sri

Shri is the sacred sound of cosmic auspiciousness and abundance in Hindu religion. Written as Sri or Shree or Sree or Shri, it stands for abundance, auspiciousness, affluence, grace, wealth, light, luster, splendor, beauty, loveliness and authority. The symbol has been used since Vedic times. Holiness is attached to the word when written or spoken. It is also added before a name to show respect.

After the symbol ‘Aum’ (ॐ) and Swastika, Shri is the most popular symbol used in Hinduism. Sri is also the sacred symbol of Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth and prosperity. The symbol is therefore written atop of ledgers and documents.

If 'OM' is spiritual, Shri is both spiritual and materialistic.

Sri is used to address gods in Hindu pantheon, elders, teachers, holy men and any individual. When addressing individuals, ‘Shriman’ is used to address male members and Shrimati is used address female members in a society. In South India, mainly Shri is used to address both male and female.

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6 comments:

oriental said...

Shri is fitting for those who are neither male/masculine or female/feminine. It can be used in a neuter/neutral context.

Roger Laramee said...

Thank you to share the answer I was seeking.

Roger

aparna said...

what is the meaning of sreenivasulu

Anonymous said...

can sri be used for a woman

bindesh singh said...

sri means Laxmi, (feminine)

Unknown said...

Pranam,
Wanted to add a few aspects.

@ Aparna: Sreenivasulu means:
Sree = Lakshmidevi
Nivas = Place of dwelling
hence Sreenivas = Place where goddess Lakshmidevi lives = Vishnu
The addition of 'lu' in the end is used as a respect in Andhra region

As Bindesh ji mentions. Sri = Lakshmi devi.
It also means prosperity, wealth, knowledge, all forms of good.

When Shri/Sri is added to the name it is equal to calling someone knowledgeable, respectable.

Shriman/Sriman = Someone who has good heart/kind hearted could usually used for a married man.

Shrimati/Srimati = used w.r.t married women. Means someone with good thoughts or noble thoughts. One who is embodiment of all good.
A married woman is considered as the most auspicious person and hence usage of the term.

One could talk about the Sanskrit alphabet sri/Shri/Sree for hours. It is a combination of

S/Sh = Sakara = Satva Guna
R = Rakara = Rajo guna
I/Ee = Ekara = Tamo Guna

One who controls the three prime gunas is called sree.

Hence Lakshmidevi is also called Trigunatmika which is another way or referring to sree.

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