Karaagre Vasate

The front part of the hands (the finger tips) are ascribed to Goddess Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth, the middle part (the palm proper) to Goddess Saraswati - the Goddess of Learning. Therefore, every morning, one should have a respectful look at one's hand, which symbolizes honest labor.

History

This shloka is to be recited in the morning. when you get up, just sit in the bed, don't rush out to get ready. say this shloka with eyes still closed, and open them by the fourth part (mangalaM karadarshanaM) and see your hands and smile. after this still don't rush out, say another shloka (coming up in next post), and THEN get down from the bed.

This exercise is so good, that it helps you stabilize your blood pressure. if after lying for 6-7 hours, you suddenly get up, there can be a pressure drop in the brain and this is known to be the most important factor in early morning strokes. both shlokas when said slowly will take about 1-2 minutes which is sufficient to get your brain used to new blood pressure.

The Prayer