SriShri

SriShri is a compound honorific used in Indian languages to convey high respect and auspiciousness. It combines the honorifics Sri (Śrī) and Shri (Shri), and can appear with a space as “Sri Shri” or without space as “SriSri.” The form is used before names of deities, revered gurus, saints, and respected elders, signaling esteem, prosperity, and spiritual significance.

In practice, SriShri functions as a title and form of address as well as a branding element for some spiritual teachers. The repetition intensifies reverence and is commonly associated with prominent figures in Hindu spiritual traditions. For example, the public figure known as Sri Sri Ravishankar uses the double honorific as part of his name, reflecting both tradition and branding rather than a separate personal name.

Etymologically, Śrī in Sanskrit denotes wealth, prosperity, light, and auspiciousness, and is also the name of the goddess Lakshmi. The term’s usage extends beyond worship to honor respected individuals and religious leaders. Variants in spelling and spacing—such as Sri Shri, Sri Shri, or SriSri—reflect transliteration choices and stylistic preferences in writing.

Overall, SriShri embodies a culturally specific system of esteem that spans devotional, social, and contemporary contexts, signaling reverence for persons deemed spiritually or socially significant.