Meaning of Shri and Shrila

Nityaananda! Gauraanga! Hare Krishna! This is one of the short Articlea I wrote in my brahmachari days:

"Shri" is basically a noun and is also used as an adjective.

According to Sanskrit dictionary, "Shri" as a noun, means Shrimati    Radharani, Shrimati Lakshmidevi, wealth, opulence, beauty, fame, knowledge, strength,    any virtue or excellence, etc.

Also "Shri" as an adjective means splendid, radiant, adorning (decorated)    etc.

So when "Shri" is used for Vishnu Tattva (God), it can be taken both as a    noun and an adjective.

But whenever it is used for the jiva-tattva (souls), it is used as an adjective.

"Shrila" is an adjective of the noun "Shri."

"Shri-la" means one who possesses wealth (i.e rich), opulence, beauty,    etc. "la" means possessor, knower etc. "Shri" also means the three Vedas. So "Shrila" means    a learned personality who knows the three Vedas.

As "Shri" means Shrimati Radharani, "Shrila" means one who    possesses the lotus feet of Shrimati Radharani is his heart.

As "Shri" is the name of one of the six ragas or musical modes (masculine),    "Shrila" means expertise in music, especially in the "Shri"    raga.

Daaso'smi, BR Sadhu Swami Gaurangapada.

Comment on this Post