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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