Introduction
The Saubhagyalakshmi Upanishad, alternatively known as Saubhagyalakhmyupanishad, is a minor Upanishadic scripture within Hinduism, composed in Sanskrit. It belongs to the group of 10 Upanishads associated with the Rigveda and is categorized as one of the 8 Shakta Upanishads.
This Upanishad conveys its teachings through the symbolism of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and fortune. It explores the concept of genuine prosperity and introduces Yoga meditation as a means to transcend material desires and attain inner wealth. In this context, the Upanishad uses “Sri” as a synonym for Lakshmi. Additionally, the text introduces Tantra concepts, including the nine chakras as part of yogic practice.
Notably, the Saubhagyalakshmi Upanishad harmoniously combines Advaita Vedanta doctrines with Shaktism worship.
In the anthology of 108 Upanishads in the Telugu language, known as the Muktika canon and narrated by Rama to Hanuman, this Upanishad is listed as number 105, as documented by Paul Deussen, a German Indologist and philosophy professor.
The Upanishad itself is divided into three chapters. The first chapter discusses Lakshmi as the goddess of prosperity, presents hymns to Sri, and describes her in terms of Tantra through a yantra drawing. The text also provides details about the Om mantra and depicts her iconography, portraying her as lotus-eyed, holding a lotus, bestowing gifts, radiant like gold, adorned with a gem-studded crown, and standing on a lotus. It emphasizes her role as Vishnu’s consort and asserts that she grants wealth but reserves her blessings for those who have transcended material desires.
The second chapter focuses on the individuals favored by the goddess. It suggests that Yoga is their chosen path, leading them to seek inner illumination through the Om mantra. They maintain moderation in their habits and diet, practice yoga postures (asanas), and engage in breath exercises. The chapter describes how such yogis awaken their kundalini chakras, resulting in improved health and vitality.
The Upanishad further delves into the concept of Samadhi, equating it to the dissolution of individual consciousness into the supreme consciousness, drawing an analogy with salt dissolving in water.
In the second part of the second chapter, the text underscores that the ultimate goal of yoga is to transcend all dualities and attain unity with the Atman (Self). Yogis renounce egoism and free themselves from the experience of separateness and sorrow. Through yoga meditation, they achieve concentration and unify their lower and higher selves, merging their individual Self with the Supreme Brahman. They come to reside in the abode of Lakshmi.
The third and final chapter revisits the discussion of chakra wheels, introducing nine chakras. The Upanishad stands out for presenting the ninth wheel as the supreme void. The text concludes by stating that anyone who comprehends and studies its teachings not only gains the wealth they seek but also liberates themselves from the cycle of rebirth.