Shree

Shree, also transliterated as Sri or Shri, is a Sanskrit honorific and a word denoting wealth, prosperity, and auspiciousness. In Hindu and broader South Asian usage, Śrī functions as a respectful prefix attached to the names of gods, goddesses, saints, and people. The term is closely associated with Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, and is used to invoke blessings and to confer reverence.

Linguistically, Śrī originates from Sanskrit and has broad cultural resonance in India, Nepal, and regions influenced by Indian traditions. It is commonly placed before personal names (Shri Ram, Shri Mataji) as a sign of respect, and before deities or religious figures in prayers, hymns, and temple inscriptions. In everyday language, the word can appear as a nominal honorific in formal or polite address and in devotional contexts.

In modern use, Shree and its variants appear in branding and business names to convey prestige and trust. It also functions as a given name or part of a name among Indian families and the diaspora. The term is frequently encountered in literature, media, and ceremonial occasions, reflecting its enduring cultural significance.

Variants and orthography include Sri, Shri, and Shree, with diacritical spellings such as Śrī in scholarly contexts. In English-language texts, the pronunciation is often preserved as Shree or Sri, depending on transliteration conventions. The concept remains a common cultural motif across South Asia, symbolizing respect, prosperity, and auspicious beginnings.