shri

Shri (Śrī) is a Sanskrit honorific prefix that connotes auspiciousness, prosperity, wealth, or venerable status. It is closely associated with Śrī, the goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, and is used as an epithet for deities and revered figures in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. In secular use it denotes respect and good fortune.

In practice, Shri is prefixed to names and titles as a sign of respect or auspiciousness. It is common in India and across South Asia before the names of men, organizations, temples, and ceremonial titles. The transliteration varies; Sri and Shri are both common in English-language texts, with Śrī reflecting scholarly transliteration.

In modern usage, Shri functions as a courtesy title similar to "Sir" in English, though it carries religious and cultural overtones. It is also used in the names of places and institutions, for example Sri Krishna Temple or Sri Ramachandra. For women, the corresponding honorific is Shrimati (Smt.), while Shri remains the traditional prefix for men.

The prefix remains widespread in devotional literature, religious discourse, and formal address, and it persists in the naming of people, organizations, and locales. It signals auspiciousness, respect, and cultural heritage in South Asia and the Indian diaspora.