Universal
Karagre Vasate Lakshmi
कराग्रे वसते लक्ष्मीः करमध्ये सरस्वती । करमूले तु गोविन्दः प्रभाते करदर्शनम् ॥
Transliteration
Karāgre vasate lakṣmīḥ karamadhye sarasvatī, karamūle tu govindaḥ prabhāte karadarśanam.
Translation
At the tip of the hands dwells Lakshmi; in the middle, Saraswati; at the base, Govinda (Vishnu). Thus in the morning one should look upon one's hands.
Meaning
A gentle verse recited on first waking, while gazing at one's own palms — a reminder that the means to prosperity (Lakshmi), knowledge (Saraswati) and grace (Govinda) lie in one's own hands and effort.
Benefits
Sets a grateful, auspicious tone for the day and a mindful start to the morning.
When to Recite
On first waking, before rising from bed, gazing at the palms of the hands.
Source
Traditional Nitya Prayer — Traditional morning prayer (Pratah Smarana)