Kardarshan Shlok

Karāgre vasate Lakṣmīḥ karamadhye Sarasvatī।
Karamūle tu Govindaḥ prabhāte karadarśanam॥

At the tip of your fingers resides Goddess Lakshmi, in the middle of your hands resides Goddess Saraswati, and at the base resides Lord Govinda. Hence, begin your day by looking at your hands.

Let us understand the meaning of the shlok

• Karāgre: Derived from kara (hand) and agre (tip), this term refers to the very tips of your fingers. According to Hindu tradition, the fingertips symbolize the arrival of opportunities and prosperity, which is why Goddess Lakshmi, the bestower of wealth, is believed to reside here. Every action begins with your fingertips, making them a powerful symbol of potential abundance.

• Sarasvatī: Goddess of wisdom and learning, her presence in the center of the hand emphasizes that your actions must be guided by knowledge and clarity.

• Govindaḥ: Lord Vishnu, also called Govinda, represents sustenance and the foundation of all life, signifying that everything you do should be rooted in divine intention and consciousness.

This shlok is a beautiful reminder that our hands, and by extension our actions, carry divine blessings. When you look at your hands each morning, you’re acknowledging that wealth, wisdom, and divine support are always within reach.

Three easy ways to integrate this shlok in your daily lives

• Morning Ritual: Right when you wake up, before reaching for your phone or jumping into your day, pause for a moment. Gently open your eyes and look at your hands while reciting this shlok. This simple act of mindfulness sets a positive tone for the day, reminding you of the potential and blessings in every action you take.

• Practical Application: Carry this mindset throughout your day. Whether you're working, learning, or even caring for loved ones, remind yourself that you have the power of Lakshmi, Saraswati, and Govinda guiding your hands.

• Action Step: Try placing a note by your bedside as a gentle reminder to start your day with this shlok. Let this simple act of looking at your hands help you cultivate gratitude and purpose every morning.

Good to know…

The practice of karadarshanam is not just about the shlok—it's a beautiful morning ritual that has been a part of Hindu culture for thousands of years. In fact, our ancestors believed that your hands hold not only your destiny but also the energy of the universe. Each finger is associated with different elements—fire, water, air, earth, and ether—and looking at them while chanting this shlok helps you align with these forces at the very start of your day. This ritual reminds us that every task, no matter how small, can be infused with divine grace and purpose.

Take a moment to reflect…

How would your morning change if you started it by recognizing the divine power in your own hands?

Hari om!

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