ॐ Hindu Of Universe ॐ
“God’s light is within you, It never leaves you.”
The Great Goddess: Who Is Lakshmi
Lakshmi is known as the Mother Goddess. Maa Lakshmi is the master and commander of fortune, wealth, beauty, prosperity, abundance, and Maya (or illusion, the force that keeps incarnated beings from seeing the true nature of reality).
The goddess (or Devi) is one of the most frequently depicted and worshiped of all the Hindu deities. The colorful stories of her deeds and the exquisite art reflecting her image are a phantasmagoria of endless pleasure. Her influence has spread to religions across the continent, beginning in Hinduism and entering Jainism and Buddhism. But it is the Hindu version of Lakshmi that has made the most lasting and important impression on the spiritual development of humanity.
To understand Lakshmi in all her infinite variety, we must take a tour through many of the most powerful strains of Hindu thought. And we must come to appreciate and recognize what is, perhaps, the founding archetype of all human spirituality. When we take the time to do this, Lakshmi acts as a portal to riches both material and immaterial, gold of the earth and of the soul.
Lakshmi as the Divine Mother
Before we can grasp the full meaning of Lakshmi, we must get to the source of her meaning. The Divine Mother acts as the perfect entry point to read the symbolism and attributes of the goddess, and it helps to generalize the idea of Lakshmi as a force in the world that goes beyond anything that could be given a single name.
Across the known mythologies and religious faiths — both alive and long-abandoned — the image of the Divine Mother recurs in nearly all. She is the feminine force that gives birth to existence. This spiritual impulse to worship the female who goes through the labor of childbirth to produce all of creation has compelling psychological roots, as we are all made and nurtured by a Mother.
But beyond psychology, it also has resonance with our experience of the divine. The comfort, order, and serenity that mystical events create in us feel as if all things come together as a Mother to us, but such breakthroughs also give us the insight and bravery to mother the world ourselves. In such ultimate care and love, we find it in our own hearts to provide care and love. That is the essence of the Divine Mother.
Sometimes referred to as Mother Earth, this archetype serves as a powerful reservoir of spiritual insight and comfort. The goddess acts as an infinite source of tenderness, pleasure, and all the fecundity of the natural world. Just as she creates, however, she can (and sometimes will) take it away. It is here that she becomes the Devouring Mother — alas, to be an image of the infinite, you must contain all.
The primordial creative spark and maker of existence, Lakshmi is often referred to as the Divine Mother, sometimes explicitly. This framing helps us understand the many realms that she is said to control across all the different versions of her that appear in the various denominations of Hinduism and religions beyond. But they all connect to this view of Lakshmi as a Divine Mother.
The Worship of Lakshmi
In the history of Hinduism, many sects have held a place of reverence for Lakshmi in their pantheon, sometimes placing her as the ultimate embodiment of god herself. Across three millennia, the traditions and practices have no doubt changed, but today we have the result of hundreds upon hundreds of generations. Their devotion to Lakshmi continues to influence and guide us today.
Lakshmi is most commonly worshiped on Diwali — a five-day festival of lights. The reasoning is clear. Diwali is a joyful, ecstatic celebration heralding the victory of light over dark. Held in autumn, it comes just before the Winter Solstice when the days finally begin to grow lighter and lighter. But it is not only about physical lightness and darkness, nor only the literal length of the day. It goes much deeper — light as a symbol of understanding, knowing, and being. Light is, across virtually all cultures, a metaphor for spiritual wisdom and truth. And this universal connection between the literal and figurative light lends Diwali its special importance on the Hindu calendar.
Lakshmi, as a goddess of both material abundance and wisdom, serves both purposes of Diwali. As the days lengthen, the crops grow and there is plenty. But as spiritual light grows, we pull ourselves deeper into the truths of Lakshmi. Puja (or prayers) during Diwali are mostly made directly to Lakshmi, and celebrants often get in the spirit through shopping — tasting some of that prosperity that Lakshmi rules over.
Lakshmi is also worshiped during the harvest festival of Gaja Lakshmi Puja, which comes at the end of the monsoon season. As the divine mother, the goddess is seen as the ultimate source for the harvest itself. And again, many Hindus worship Lakshmi during the first week of the new year. For year-round worship, many great temples have been erected with idols of Lakshmi inside. Here, devotees may come into direct contact with the goddess and make offerings. Because she is such an ancient deity, there is no shortage of hymns, songs, and prayers to exalt the great and powerful Lakshmi once inside her temple.
Beyond these general celebrations, there are major denominations of Hinduism that place special significance on Lakshmi. Though countless sects have their own variations on the goddess, perhaps the most important to understand are Shaktism and Vaishnavism.
Shaktism and Lakshmi
Shaktism is a form of Hinduism that depicts the higher, metaphysical reality of a woman. Shakti is the godhead — the all-powerful feminine force that pervades all levels of existence. In this venerable religious tradition, entire hosts of goddesses are used to describe different aspects of the one Shakti. And so for believers, Lakshmi is an all-important element of the Mother goddess.
The tradition of Shaktism in India helped to develop the esoteric, occult practices and doctrines of Tantra — one of the most profound spiritual disciplines ever created on earth. That legacy has enshrined Lakshmi as a central deity for many Tantric practitioners. Due to the historic importance of the denomination, and its continued popularity around the world, Lakshmi’s prominent role in Shaktism is critical for understanding how this goddess rose to such auspicious heights in Hinduism.
How does Shaktism portray this goddess of abundance?
For many in the denomination and beyond, there is the central idea of the Tridevi — a feminine form of the Trimurti. While the Trimurti is made up of Brahma (creator), Vishnu (preserver), and Shiva (Destroyer), the Tridevi gives each role to a goddess. Here, the duties are taken up by Saraswati (creator), Lakshmi (preserver), and Parvati (Destroyer).
In many other denominations, this Tiidevi is seen as a kind of “lower” reflection of the Trimurti that provides assistance, as it is made up of the wives of the three gods. But for Shaktism, the Tridevi is the central force of creation.
Here we can see the infinite variation inside Hinduism. There is no “one” set of beliefs, there is instead a vast kaleidoscope of perspectives, everyone adding to the whole and helping us see, with our mortal eyes, how endlessly magnificent reality is.
Vaishnavism and Lakshmi
Yet another major Hindu tradition upholds Lakshmi as a vital element of all creation. Vaishnavism views Vishnu as the true, ultimate god of all. Lakshmi works as his consort and source of divine energy, giving her a prominent role for adherents.
In Vaishnavism, Lakshmi’s power is deeply intertwined in every aspect of Vishnu as he creates, supports, and destroys the universe across infinite cycles of becoming and undoing. This view of Lakshmi as a source of creation gives her the title Mahadevi — the divine mother, as we discussed above. Because Vaishnavism is by far the largest Hindu sect in India, its influence is unparalleled. That it upholds Lakshmi as such a dominant force in the universe attests to her importance in human spirituality.
Vishnu’s presence in almost all forms of Hinduism is always accompanied by his wife Lakshmi. So this relationship goes beyond even the enormous scope of Vaishnavism. It is interesting, then, to consider the couple as two sides of this single force. You have the feminine Lakshmi and the masculine Vishnu, working together in concert to continuously make, destroy, and remake all things, even being itself.
Description of Lakshmi
In the iconography of Hinduism, Lakshmi is often depicted on a lotus, while also carrying a lotus in her hand. The lotus is a potent link to the nature of the goddess, as it grows out of the water, no matter if it is filthy or pristine. What a beautiful flower can be created no matter the conditions points to our own ability to liberate our souls even though we find ourselves in an all-too flawed world.
Lakshmi is robed in a red dress with gold thread, signs of the wealth that pours from her being. For animal companions, the goddess is typically shown beset by elephants, who are strong and bring abundance, and at times her familiar is the owl, who is the seeker of wisdom in the dark. She is often depicted with eighteen hands that hold several items, including:
Lotus | Discus | Noose | Trident | Wine-cup | Ball | Conch | Shield | Sword | Sakti | Rod | Pitcher | Thunderbolt | Arrow | Mace | Axe | Rosary
Her visage implies knowledge and self-realization. She is a sign of moksha or liberation from the cycle of death and rebirth. In the grand Tantric tradition, Lakshmi’s is used as an image of karma, true reality, and consciousness as a force in the universe. This iconography has developed since at least the first millennium BCE, based on archaeological evidence. That makes her one of the oldest gods or goddesses still worshipped today. That long legacy of devotion has carefully crafted the image of Lakshmi that we have.
The Birth of Lakshmi
While there is nowhere near room to describe all the tales of Lakshmi, one of the most beautiful and colourful is the story of her birth. There is, as with all ancient tales, an endless variety of accounts, but the following is fairly common.
The story of Lakshmi’s birth begins with the gods (devas) and demons (asuras). They were yet still mortal and sought Amrita, which is the nectar of immortality. To gain it, they churned the Ocean of Milk (Kshirasagar) using an enormous mountain. Vishnu helped by morphing into a tortoise so that the mountain could turn on top of his mighty shell.
As they churned, they continued to produce great and noble things. And eventually, Lakshmi emerged from the ocean of milk carrying a lotus in her hand. With her, she brought many boons, including Amrita, the nectar that the gods and demons wanted so badly.
It was at that point that all the history of the universe turned. Would she grant immortality to the gods or the demons? Lakshmi chose to give the nectar of immortality to the gods. And among them, she chose Vishnu as her husband.
What Lakshmi Teaches Us?
There are some things in life that are truly good, such as material wealth. But abundance alone can endanger our souls. We must not become corrupted or overly tempted by acquisition. Thus, as incarnate beings, we both want this prosperity and must discipline ourselves against its negative effects.
Lakshmi grants us the keys to understanding how to do this. She is not only a route to money and fine things, she is also the bearer of spiritual treasure. This is why it is Lakshmi who brought the nectar of immortality.
As the Divine Mother, Lakshmi gives us the milk that we need to live. And she gives us the wisdom to mature into our independence. It is through this goddess that we both have and understand how to have.
Goddess Lakshmi – Hindu Goddesses and Deities
‘Shri’ or ‘Lakshmi’, as depicted in the Vedas, is the goddess of wealth and fortune, power and beauty. In her first incarnation, according to the Puranas, she was the daughter of the sage Bhrigu and his wife Khyati. She was later born out of the ocean of milk at the time of its churning. She, being the consort of Vishnu, is born as his spouse whenever he incarnates. When he appeared as Vamana, Rama and Krishna, she appeared as Padma (or Kamala), Sita and Rukmani. She is as inseparable from Vishnu as speech from meaning or knowledge from intellect, or good deeds from righteous-ness. He represents all that is masculine, and she, all that is feminine.
What is the meaning of Lakshmi?
Goddess Lakshmi means Good Luck to Hindus. The word ‘Lakshmi’ is derived from the Sanskrit word “Laksya”, meaning ‘aim’ or ‘goal’, and she is the goddess of wealth and prosperity, both material and spiritual. She is the goddess of prosperity, wealth, purity, generosity, and the embodiment of beauty, grace and charm.
Worship of a mother goddess has been a part of Indian tradition since its earliest times. Lakshmi is one of the mother goddesses and is addressed as “mata” (mother) instead of just “Devi” (goddess). Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped by those who wish to acquire or to preserve wealth. It is believed that Lakshmi (wealth) goes only to those houses which are clean and where the people are hardworking. She does not visit the places which are unclean/dirty or where the people are lazy.
She is the active energy of Vishnu. Her four hands signify her power to grant the four Purusharthas (ends of human life), Dharma (righteousness), Artha (wealth), Kama (pleasures of the flesh), and Moksha (beatitude). Representations of Lakshmi are also found in Jain monuments. In Buddhist sects of Tibet, Nepal and Southeast Asia, goddess Vasudhara mirrors the characteristics and attributes of Hindu goddess Lakshmi, with minor iconographic differences.
Goddess Lakshmi Iconography
In Lakshmi’s iconography, she is usually described as enchantingly beautiful and sitting or standing on an open eight petaled lotus flower on a lake, and holding lotuses in each of her two hands. It is because of this, perhaps, that she is named as Padma or Kamala. She is also adorned with a lotus garland. Very often elephants are shown on either side, emptying pitchers of water over her, the pitchers being presented by celestial maidens. Her colour is variously described as dark, pink, golden yellow or white. While in the company of Vishnu, she is shown with two hands only. When worshipped in a temple (separate temples for Lakshmi are rather rare) she is shown seated on a lotus throne, with four hands holding Padma, Sankha, Amrtakalasa (pot of ambrosia) and Bilva fruit. Sometimes, another kind of fruit, the Mahaliilga (a citron) is shown instead of Bilva. Cascades of gold coins are seen flowing from her hands, suggesting that those who worship her gain wealth. When shown with eight hands, bow and arrow, mace and discus are added. This is actually the MahaLakshmi, an aspect of Durga.
If Lakshmi is pictured as dark in complexion, it is to show that she is the consort of Vishnu, the dark god. If golden yellow, that shows her as the source of all wealth. If white, she represents the purest form of Prakarti (nature) from which the universe had developed. The pinkish complexion, which is more common, reflects her compassion for creatures, since she is the mother of all. The lotuses, in various stages of blooming, represent the worlds and beings in various stages of evolution.
The fruit stands for the fruits of our labours. How-ever- much we may toil and labour, unless the Mother is gracious enough to grant the fruits of our labour, nothing will be of any avail. If the fruit is a coconut-with its shell, kernel and water-it means that from her originate the three levels of creation, the gross, the subtle and the extremely subtle. If it is a pomegranate or a citron, it signifies that the various created worlds are under her control and that she transcends them all. If it is a bilva fruit which, incidentally, is not very tasty or attractive, but which is extremely good for health-it stands for Moksha, the highest fruit of spiritual life. Amshtakalasa also signifies the same thing, viz., that she can give us the bliss of immortality. In some of the sculptural depictions of Lakshmi, the owl is shown as her carrier-vehicle.
Goddess Laxmi Vrat and Festival
Although Goddesses Lakshmi is worshipped daily, the festive month of October is Lakshmi’s special month. The festivals of Diwali and Sharad Purnima (Kojagiri Purnima) are celebrated in her honour. Diwali spiritually signifies the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, good over evil, and hope over despair.
Gaja Lakshmi Puja is another autumn festival celebrated on Sharad Purnima, in many parts of India, on the full-moon day in the month of Ashvin (September–October). The Sharad Purnima, also called Kojaagari Purnima or Kumar Purnima is a harvest festival celebrated on the full moon day of the Hindu lunar month of Asvin. It marks the end of monsoon. There is a traditional celebration of the moon and is also called the ‘Kaumudi celebration’, Kaumudi meaning moonlight. On Sharad Purnima night, goddess Lakshmi is thanked and worshipped for the harvests.
Lakshmi Mantra
Lakshmi Beej Mantra
ॐ ह्रीं श्रीं लक्ष्मीभयो नमः॥
Om Hreem Shreem Lakshmibhayo Namah॥
Mahalakshmi Mantra
ॐ श्रीं ह्रीं श्रीं कमले कमलालये प्रसीद प्रसीद ॐ श्रीं ह्रीं श्रीं महालक्ष्मयै नम:॥
Om Shreem Hreem Shreem Kamale Kamalalaye Praseed Praseed
Om Shreem Hreem Shreem Mahalakshmaye Namah॥
Lakshmi Gayatri Mantra
ॐ श्री महालक्ष्म्यै च विद्महे विष्णु पत्न्यै च धीमहि तन्नो लक्ष्मी प्रचोदयात् ॐ॥
Om Shree Mahalakshmyai Cha Vidmahe Vishnu Patnyai Cha Dheemahi
Tanno Lakshmi Prachodayat Om॥
Goddess Lakshmi Avatars
Lakshmi has 8 primary forms. These 8 forms are personified as Ashta Lakshmi (Ashtalakshmi). These eight forms are as follows:
Dhanya Lakshmi: Dhanya means grains. Lakshmi is the Goddess of the Harvest and the Devi who blesses with abundance and success in harvest. Harvest is a time of abundance after a long period of patience and tending to fields. This symbolizes the inner harvest, that, with patience and persistence, we obtain the abundance of inner Joy through the blessing of Dhanya Lakshmi.
Adi Lakshmi: Mother Lakshmi resides with Lord Narayana in Vaikuntha, the abode of Lord Narayana. She is known as Rama, which means bringing happiness to the mankind. She is also known as Indira (who holds lotus or purity). In this form, Lakshmi is normally seen serving Shri Narayana. Lord Narayana is omnipresent. Adi Lakshmi or Rama Lakshmi serving Shri Narayana is symbolic of her serving the whole creation. Adi Lakshmi and Narayana are not two different entities but one only. Lakshmi is Shakti. Lakshmi is the Power of Narayana.
Dhairya Lakshmi: This form of mother Lakshmi grants the boon of infinite courage and strength. Those, who are in tune with infinite inner power, are always bound to have victory. Those who worship mother Dhairya Lakshmi lead a life with tremendous patience and inner stability.
Gaja Lakshmi: In the holy book of Shrimad Bhagavata the story of the churning of the ocean by Gods and demons is explained in detail. Sage Vyasa writes that Lakshmi came out of the ocean during the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan). So she is known as a daughter of the ocean. She came out of the ocean sitting on a full-bloomed lotus and also having lotus flowers in both hands with two elephants by her sides holding beautiful vessels.
Santan Lakshmi: In the family life, the children are the greatest treasure. Those who worship this particular form of Shri Lakshmi, known as a Santan Lakshmi, are bestowed with the grace of mother Lakshmi and have wealth in the form of desirable children with good health and a long life.
Vijay Lakshmi: Vijay is victory. Vijay is to get success in all undertakings and all different facets of life. Vijay is to conquer the lower nature. Hence those, with grace of mother Vijay Lakshmi, have victory everywhere, at all time, in all conditions. Victory to Vijay Lakshmi!
Dhana Lakshmi: Dhana is wealth. Wealth comes in many forms: Nature, Love, Peace, Health, Prosperity, Luck, Virtues, Family, Food, Land, Water, Will Power, Intellect, Character, etc. With the grace of mother Dhana Lakshmi we will get all these in abundance.
Vidya Lakshmi: Vidya is education. Serenity, Regularity, Absence of Vanity, Sincerity, Simplicity, Veracity, Equanimity, Fixity, Non-irritability, Adaptability Humility, Tenacity, Integrity, Nobility, Magnanimity, Charity, Generosity and Purity are the eighteen qualities imbibed through proper education that only can give immortality.
Goddess Lakshmi Temples
Chattarpur Mandir
Chattarpur Mandir is located at a distance of approximately 4 km from the famous Qutab Minar in the Mehrauli area of Delhi. It is a beautiful monument which is built in both the South Indian as well as North Indian style of architecture.
Chaurashi Temple
The Chaurashi Temple is situated at Bhramour which is 65 kilometers from Chamba Valley in the state of Himachal Pradesh. The main temples of Lakshmi Devi, Ganesh and Manimahesh and Nar Singh are called as Chaurashi Temples.
Maha Laxmi Temple
Mahalakshmi Temple in Mumbai is one amongst the oldest shrines in the city. It is Located on B. Desai Road at Breach Candy in Mumbai, it is among the most visited temples of the city. The temple is renowned for its exclusive history and devoutness.
Sripuram Golden Temple
The golden temple of Sripuram is a spiritual park situated at the foot of a small range of green hills in a place known as “Malaikodi” in the city of Vellore in Tamil Nadu. The temple is at the southern end of the city of Vellore, at city Tirumalaikodi. The Thirumalaikodi is about 8 kms from Vellore.
Lakshmi
Characteristics : Wealth, Fortune, Courage and Fertility
Other Names : Padma, Bhargavi, Sridevi, Aiswarya
Famous Prayers : Sri Lakshmi Stuti, Sri Sukta, Agasti Lakshmi Strota
Consort : Lord Vishnu
Vehicle (Vahana) : Owl (Ulooka)
Mula Mantra : Om Sri Maha Lakshmyai Namah
Goddess Laxmi
Goddess Lakshmi
Lakshmi is the auspicious goddess of wealth and fortune, whether it is material or spiritual. The word ”Lakshmi” has been derived from the Sanskrit word Lakshay, meaning “aim” or ”goal”. Goddess Lakshmi suggests the aim of life, which includes all worldly and spiritual success. Lakshmi is the divine consort of Lord Vishnu and provides him with wealth for the maintenance and preservation of the creation. Sometimes, Maha Lakshmi is also known as ”Laxmi”.
Lakshmi is the goddess of wealth, luxury, fertility, fortune, purity, beauty, power, generosity and auspiciousness. She is claimed to fulfill the promises of material, wealth and contentment.
Lakshmi and her association with “Shri”
According to the Hindu mythology, the sacred name of Lakshmi is ”Shri”. Whether in written or verbal form, ”Shri” always suggests presence of goddess Lakshmi in it. ”Shri” is written at the top of most of the documents. It is usually spoken before addressing a god, or any revered individual. The usage of ”Shri” itself evokes grace, affluence, abundance, authority and auspiciousness. The word ”Shri” is spoken or written, an aura of holiness is established. Sri is associated with the material side of life, just like the word ”Om” is associated with the spiritual side of life.
Goddess Lakshmi – The Image
Generally, Lakshmi is portrayed as a beautiful lady with golden complexion, dressed in red color attire and adorned with precious jewels. Lakshmi has four hands representing the four ends of human life, Kama (desires), Artha (wealth), and Moksha (liberation) from the cycle of birth and death. She holds lotus bud in two of her hands, which stands for beauty, purity, spirituality and fertility. She sits on a fully blossomed lotus, a seat of divine truth.
Cascades of gold coins are seen flowing from her hands, illustrating that she blesses people with wealth. The constant effort of two elephants is often shown standing next to the goddess and spraying water. It denotes that, in accordance with one’s dharma when governed by wisdom and purity, leads to both material and spiritual prosperity. The personal charm of Lakshmi is considered par excellence. An aura of divine happiness, mental and spiritual satisfaction, and prosperity always exists around her.
Belief Regarding Goddess Lakshmi
It is believed that Lakshmi resides in a place where virtue, righteous- ness, truth and compassion prevail. Goddess Lakshmi is considered to stay at a clean place. Wealth is required to meet the basic needs of life. People worship Lakshmi for the well being and prosperity of the family.
On the auspicious night of Diwali, Hindus worship Lakshmi ceremonially at home, pray for her blessings. It is believed that on this night the goddess herself visits the homes and replenishes the inhabitants with wealth.
Lakshmi Chalisa
Lakshmi Chalisa is a forty verse prayer dedicated to Maha Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. Shri Laxmi Chalisa is believed to have been composed by Sundardasa. Verses are usually dedicated to praise the goddess. The acts and deeds of Goddess Lakshmi are recalled in these verses to aid the devotee to meditate on virtuous and noble qualities.
Names of Lakshmi
Lakshmi is the goddess of beauty, wealth and good fortune in the Hindu Mythology. Goddess Lakshmi is one of the most popular goddesses among the Hindus. Maha Lakshmi is the divine consort of Lord Vishnu and assists him with wealth for the maintenance of the universe. Lakshmi fulfills all the wishes of her sincere devotees. Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped to attain wealth, beauty and good luck
Goddess Lakshmi – The Goddess of Wealth
Goddess Lakshmi (also spelled Laxmi) is a Hindu goddess of wealth and prosperity. She is the wife of Lord Vishnu who is one of the three main Hindu gods. She is one of the three main Hindu goddesses (Tridevi). Goddess Laxmi resides in Vaikuntha and is sometimes depicted as pressing the legs of Lord Vishnu. She incarnates on Earth as the companion/wife of the incarnation of Lord Vishnu.
Meaning of the Name Lakshmi:
The Sanskrit meaning of the word Lakshmi or Laxmi is “a sign of good luck”.
Different Names of Goddess Lakshmi:
There are thousands of names of Goddess Laxmi. Some of the popular names are:
1. Kamala.
2. Padma.
3. Vishnupriya.
4. Ramaa.
5. Narayani.
6. Shri.
Iconography:
Goddess Lakshmi is generally depicted as having four hands with a lotus in one or two of her hands. She showers gold coins from one of her hands, and the remaining hand is in Varada Mudra. There is a gold pot filled with gold coins in the tilted position on her lap with coins falling on the ground. Goddess Laxmi is either standing or sitting on a lotus flower. She looks extremely beautiful with a fair complexion. Two white elephants on her left and right pour water into the lotus flowers she is holding. Generally, she is wearing a red saree, but sometimes green, blue, or yellow colored sarees are also shown.
Origin of Goddess Laxmi:
The word Lakshmi is first mentioned in the Rig Veda x.71.2
भद्रैषां लक्ष्मीर्निहिताधि वाचि (bhadraiṣāṁ lakṣmīrnihitādhi vāci) meaning “an auspicious fortune is attached to their words”.The Sri Suktam in the Rig Veda is a hymn dedicated to Goddess Shri and Goddess Lakshmi. Some scholars believe that Sri and Lakshmi are two different goddesses, while some believe that Sri is another name for Goddess Laxmi.
She is also mentioned in Atharva Veda and Shatapatha Brahmana. In the Puranas, she appears as the wife of Lord Vishnu.
The Birth of Goddess Lakshmi:
1. According to the Skanda Purana, Goddess Laxmi is the daughter of Sage Bhrigu and Khyaati. She had two brothers, Dhaata and Vidhata. Later, she married Lord Vishnu.
2. Vaishnavites believe that Goddess Lakshmi is unborn, like Tridev. She is Adi Shakti and has always been present.
3. In Book 9 of Shatapatha Brahmana, Shri emerges from Prajapati after his intense meditation on the creation of life and the nature of the universe.
4. Many people think that Goddess Lakshmi was born in Samudra Manthan, but it is not true. She just reappeared during the event. Because of the curse of Sage Duravasa to gods, she had started living in the ocean of milk but came out during the churning of the ocean.
Incarnations of Goddess Laxmi:
1. Goddess Sita:
When Lord Vishnu reincarnated as Lord Rama in Treta Yuga, she was born as Goddess Seeta and married him. She became the reason for the destruction of Ravana and his army. Afterward, she disappeared into the Earth.
2. Goddess Radha:
She was the lover and companion of Lord Krishna. She was the daughter of Vrishbhanu and Kirti.
3. Goddess Rukmini:
She is a Hindu goddess and the first wife of Lord Krishna. She took care of the vast family of Lord Krishna when he was involved in his earthly duties. Rukmini committed Sati after his death.
4. Satyabhama:
She is also believed to be an incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi. She was the second wife of Lord Krishna. Satyabhama assisted Lord Krishna in the war against Narakasura. Per some stories, she killed Narakasura.
5. Padmavati:
Padmavati was the daughter of a local king in Andhra Pradesh who married Lord Venkatesha, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. It is believed that he took a loan from Lord Kubera to marry her and is still paying it off.
6. Tulsi:
Tulsi was the wife of an Asura named Shankhachuda. Because of her virtuousness, the gods could not kill him. Therefore, once Lord Vishnu disguised as Shankhachuda married her in a remarriage ritual. Thus, her virtuousness was broken, and the gods were able to kill her husband. Angry Tulsi cursed Lord Vishnu that he would turn into a stone. After that, she committed Sati.
Different Forms of Goddess Lakshmi:
1. Adi Lakshmi.
2. Dhana Lakshmi.
3. Dhanya Lakshmi.
4. Gaja Lakshmi.
5. Santana Lakshmi.
6. Dhairya Lakshmi.
7. Vijaya Lakshmi.
8. Vidya Lakshmi.
9. Aishwarya Lakshmi.
10. Saubhagya Lakshmi.
11. Rajya Lakshmi.
12. Vara Lakshmi.
13. Swarga Lakshmi.
14. Vaibhava Lakshmi.
Stories about Goddess Laxmi:
1. Samudra Manthan:
Sage Durvasa cursed Indra and all the gods that they would be bereft of all strength, energy, and fortune because Indra unintentionally insulted him. Therefore, Goddess Lakshmi left heaven and started living in the ocean of milk. Gods and Asuras performed churning of the ocean of milk from which many jewels and valuable things came out.
Goddess Lakshmi also came out of the ocean and chose Lord Vishnu as her husband.
2. Goddess Saraswati Cursed Goddess Lakshmi:
According to the Brahmavaivarta Purana, Lord Vishnu had three wives, viz. Lakshmi, Ganga, and Saraswati. Goddess Saraswati doubted that Lord Vishnu loved Ganga more than her. So, she said some harsh words to Lord Vishnu. Lord Vishnu left the place not to escalate the matter. Then, she asked Ganga to stay away from Lord Vishnu, and then, the quarrel between Saraswati and Ganga began.
When Goddess Laxmi returned, she tried to pacify Saraswati, but she thought that Lakshmi was taking the side of Ganga and cursed her to be born as a plant and flow as a river. Seeing this, Ganga got angry and cursed Goddess Saraswati that she would be separated from Lord Vishnu and would flow as a river on the Earth. Only Goddess Lakshmi remained silent and did not curse anyone.
3. Dhanteras Vrat Katha:
Once, Lord Vishnu planned to visit Earth. Goddess Lakshmi insisted that she would accompany him. Lord Vishnu agreed on one condition that she would not fall for earthly temptations and would not look in the south direction.
However, during their visit, she could not control her urge to look in the south direction and broke her pledge. Lord Vishnu got upset with her and asked her to serve in the fields of a poor farmer for 12 years as penance.
She took the form of a woman and started to work on the farm. After the arrival of Goddess Laxmi, the poor farmer became wealthy. He understood that it was due to the good luck of the woman working on her farm. Therefore, after 12 years when Goddess Lakshmi wanted to go back to Vaikuntha, he refused to release her. Therefore, Goddess Lakshmi appeared before him in her real form and promised him that she would return once a year during the night of Krishna Trayodashi before Diwali. This day is celebrated as Dhanteras.
4. Lord Vishnu Cursed Goddess Lakshmi:
Once, when Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi were resting in Vaikuntha, Revantha, the youngest son of the Sun God, came there riding a horse. The horse was so beautiful that Goddess Lakshmi was mesmerized by it. Lord Vishnu made many attempts to distract her, but she did not listen to him. Therefore, Lord Vishnu got angry and cursed her to be a mare.
When Goddess Lakshmi understood her mistake, she asked for forgiveness. But as a curse could not be taken back, Lord Vishnu told her that she would be free of the curse after she gave birth to a child when she is in the form of a mare. After that, Goddess Lakshmi became a mare and came to the bank of the Yamuna River. She started a penance there to propitiate Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva told her that Lord Vishnu would incarnate on Earth in the form of a horse and would free her.
After a few years, Lord Vishnu incarnated as Hayagriva and reached near Yamuna River, where Goddess Laxmi was living. After some time, Goddess Lakshmi became pregnant and gave birth to a child named Ekvir. Thus, she was freed from the curse and returned to Vaikuntha.
5. Goddess Lakshmi Blessed Maharaja Agrasen:
For the welfare of his subjects, Maharaja Agrasen started a severe penance to propitiate Lord Shiva, who advised him to worship Goddess Lakshmi. Therefore, he propitiated Goddess Lakshmi. She appeared before him and advised him to accept the Vaishya tradition. She asked her to establish a new kingdom and that she would bless his descendants with prosperity.
6. Why is Goddess Lakshmi worshipped with Lord Ganesha on Diwali?
Once, Goddess Lakshmi became arrogant about her powers and started self-praising. She said that she was the only one worthy of worship as she gave wealth to everyone. To break her arrogance, Lord Vishnu told her that despite all her qualities, she is incomplete without a child, and motherhood is the ultimate joy that a woman can experience.
Disheartened Laxmi went to Goddess Parvati, who was her best friend. Goddess Parvati had two sons. So, she requested her to let her adopt one of her sons. But Goddess Parvati was reluctant to do so because Goddess Lakshmi is unstable, and she feared that she would not take care of her son. But Goddess Lakshmi promised her that she would take good care of her son and bestow him with all the happiness. Therefore, Goddess Parvati let her adopt Lord Ganesha as her son.
Goddess Lakshmi was extremely happy and blessed Lord Ganesha that those who worship Lakshmi for wealth must first worship Lord Ganesha. Those who worship Lakshmi without Lord Ganesha will not be blessed by the goddess. Therefore, on Diwali, Goddess Laxmi is always worshiped with Ganesha. Acquiring wealth without intelligence only leads to the abuse of wealth.
Carrier of Goddess Laxmi:
An owl is the Vahana of Goddess Lakshmi. Just as an owl is blind during the day, similarly a wealthy person without the right kind of intellect cannot see beyond his richness. Therefore, whenever Laxmi travels without Lord Vishnu, she makes the person whom she visits, metaphorically blind.
However, when the Goddess Laxmi travels with Lord Vishnu, she travels on Garuda, which is the symbol of wisdom.
Alakshmi – the Sister of Goddess Lakshmi:
Alakshmi (Jyeshtha Devi) is a Hindu goddess of misfortune, poverty, laziness, and greed. She is the elder sister of Goddess Laxmi who is the goddess of fortune and prosperity. Wherever Lakshmi goes, she follows her. She resides wherever there is dirt, filth, crime, poverty, etc. She is depicted as naked, unkempt, and rides a donkey. Her offerings consist of chilies and limes.
The Brother of Goddess Lakshmi:
The Moon god, Chandra, is believed to be the brother of Goddess Laxmi because he also emerged from the ocean of milk along with her.
Festivals:
Lakshmi Puja:
Laxmi Puja is one of the most important Hindu festivals. It falls on the Amavasya of Kartik month per the Hindu calendar. On this day, Hindus worship Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Ganesha, and wealth (money, ornaments, etc.). It is believed that Goddess Lakshmi roams the Earth on this night. People keep the doors of their houses open in the evening time and lit oil lamps to welcome Goddess Lakshmi inside their homes.
Dhanteras:
Dhanteras or Dhanatrayodashi is an important Hindu festival that falls on the thirteenth day of Krishna Paksha (waning phase of the moon) of Kartik month. It is a part of the Diwali festival. People worship Dhanwantari, Lord Kubera, and Goddess Lakshmi on this day.
Kojagiri Purnima:
It falls on the full-moon day of the Ashwin month. On this day, people worship Goddess Laxmi to get her blessings. This night is known as the “night of awakening” because Goddess Lakshmi comes to Earth on this day. This festival also coincides with the harvest festival in some parts of northern India.
Temples:
1. Mahalakshmi Temple in Kolhapur, Maharashtra.
2. Mahalakshmi Temple in Mumbai, Maharashtra.
3. Lakshmi Narayan Temple (Birla Mandir), Delhi
4. Sripuram Golden Temple, Vellore in Tamil Nadu.
5. Ashtalakshmi Temple, Chennai in Tamil Nadu.
6. Lakshmi Devi Temple, Hassan in Karnataka.
Agrawal Samaj:
Agrawal Samaj is a trading community. Goddess Lakshmi is their chief goddess. Maharaj Agrasen was the founder of this community. He was a descendant of Lord Rama and belonged to the warrior community but became a trader on the advice of Goddess Laxmi. Agrawal Samaj is one of the wealthiest communities in India. It is believed that when Maharaj Agrasen propitiated Goddess Lakshmi, she gave him a boon that she would bless his descendants with prosperity.
Mantra:
1. ॐ श्रीं ह्रीं क्लीं त्रिभुवन महालक्ष्म्यै अस्मांक दारिद्र्य नाशय प्रचुर धन देहि देहि क्लीं ह्रीं श्रीं ॐ ।|
Om Shring Hring Kling Tribhuvan Mahalakshmyai Asmaakam Daaridrya Naashay Prachur Dhana Dehi Dehi Kling Hring Shring Om ||
2. ॐ श्रीं ह्रीं क्लीं ऐं सौं ॐ ह्रीं क ए ई ल ह्रीं ह स क ह ल ह्रीं सकल ह्रीं सौं ऐं क्लीं ह्रीं श्री ॐ||
Om Shring Hring Kling Aing Saung Om Hring Ka ye Ee La Hring Ha Sa Ka Ha La Hring Sakal Hring Saung Aing Kling Hring Shring Om ||
3. ॐ ह्री श्रीं क्रीं श्रीं क्रीं क्लीं श्रीं महालक्ष्मी मम गृहे धनं पूरय पूरय चिंतायै दूरय दूरय स्वाहा ||
Om Hring Shring Kreeng Shring Kreeng Kling Shring Mahaalakshmi Mam Grihe Dhanam Pooray Pooray Chintaayai Dooraya Dooraya Swaha ||
4. ॐ सर्वाबाधा विनिर्मुक्तो, धन धान्यः सुतान्वितः। मनुष्यो मत्प्रसादेन भविष्यति न संशयः ॐ ।।
Om Sarvabaadhaa Vinirmukto, Dhana Dhaanyah Sutaanvitah | Manushyo Matprasaaden Bhavishyati Na Sanshayah Om ||
5. ॐ श्री महालक्ष्म्यै च विद्महे विष्णु पत्न्यै च धीमहि तन्नो लक्ष्मी प्रचोदयात् ॐ ।।
Om Shree Mahalakshmyai Cha Vidmahe Vishnu Patnyai Cha Dheemahi Tanno Lakshmi Prachodayat Om ||
6. ।।ॐ श्रीं श्रियें नमः ।।
Om Shring Shriye Namah||
7. ॐ महालक्ष्म्यै नमाे नम||
Om Mahalakshmyai Namo Namah||
The Hindu Goddess Lakshmi
Goddess Lakshmi
The Brhadaranyaka Upanishad, an ancient Hindu text, states that there are 330 million deities. The Hindu goddess Lakshmi is many of them. Who is Lakshmi in Hinduism? She is the whimsical goddess of prosperity, perseverance, and liberation. She gives everything wonderful and delightful to her worshippers.
Goddess Lakshmi Names
With so many incarnations, there are many goddess Lakshmi names. Her oldest name, Shri, is from the Vedas where she is the mother-goddess that fosters creation. ‘Shri’ denotes abundance and grace. As later Hindu writings made the gods and goddesses easier for worshippers to relate to, she was given the name ‘Lakshmi,’ which means pursuit or goal; a worshipper’s hope to obtain what Shri represents. Lakshmi became a goddess that was very involved in our world and who protects her devotees from misery and financial problems.
Shri and Lakshmi are far from her only names. She is said to have thousands from her many incarnations, but most lists focus on the 108 most popular names of Lakshmi. She is also known as Padma (lotus), Anugrahaprada (wish-granter), Aditya (Sun-like), Lokamatri (mother of the universe), and Vishnupati (wife of Vishnu), to name a few. Each of these incarnations are Lakshmi, but they allow devotees the ability to tailor their petitions to the right Lakshmi. This is why she is so popularly worshipped.
Lakshmi Facts
For many Hindus, how an image depicts a god or goddess is just as important as how a story is written. Different images give different accounts. This is very true in regards to Lakshmi facts.
Lakshmi – Form
Lakshmi is often depicted with four arms, either standing or seated on a large lotus flower, and holding a water pot and a single blue or pink lotus flower in two of her hands. With her other two hands, she gives a blessing and showers coins on her devotees. Lakshmi wears a red sari and is accompanied by painted elephants, decorated with garlands of flowers, spraying water from their trunks, or other traditional symbols of good luck.
Like a well-written story, everything in an image of a Hindu deity is meaningful.
Lakshmi is depicted with four hands, which represent the four goals of human life: kama (desire), artha (wealth), dharma (duty) and moksha (release from the world). The first three are very worldly goals, while the fourth is a purely spiritual aspiration.
One hand of the goddess is shown dropping gold coins on the ground. The gold coins symbolize prosperity in all things, not just money. In another hand, she holds a lotus flower that signifies the process of transformation, reminding her devotees to translate their worldly success into spiritual growth. The goddess is shown sitting on a lotus conveys living in the world, but not possessed by the world.
Being the goddess of prosperity and love, Lakshmi is portrayed smiling and sitting on a lotus, signifying beauty, motherhood, and purity. Often, two elephants that are shown effortlessly pouring water on the goddess, denotes the way she freely grants wealth and power to her devotees. Lakshmi’s red sari symbolizes activity and hard work. Lakshmi despises complacency, laziness and pride; prosperity and spiritual development must be earned.
This description is just a generalization. There have been many different Lakshmi images, but the eight divine forms (ashtalakshmi) are time-honored.
Goddess Lakshmi Story
The goddess Lakshmi story of her birth fits into a larger tale of the battle between the gods and the demons. Lord Indra, king of the gods, angered a great sage who cursed Indra’s kingdom. Over time, the gods grew weaker, and the demons attacked, winning a great battle. Vishnu suggested that the gods recover the elixir of immortality from the Milky Ocean by churning it like butter and challenging the demons to a tug of war. Finally, out of the froth rose Lakshmi, white and beautiful, with a pot of elixir in her hands that she gave to the gods. Lakshmi then put a garland on Vishnu’s neck and chose him as her husband. They have been together in many forms ever since.
Who is Goddess Lakshmi?
In most Hindu houses and shops run by Hindus, a picture of Goddess Lakshmi is a must-have, for she is the Goddess of wealth and good fortune as well as youth and beauty. The consort of Lord Vishnu, both are often worshipped together as Lakshmi-Narayana. When Vishnu takes different avatars when he descends to earth, Lakshmi also assumes different forms. She was Sita, the wife of Rama, Dharani, the wife of Parashurama, Rukmini, the wife of Krishna, and Padma, the wife of Hari.
Lakshmi or Mahalakshmi is also called ‘Lokamata’, meaning ‘mother of the world’. Another name for her is Lola, which means ‘fickle’. It refers to her propensity not to stay in one place for too long, as well as her randomness in bestowing good fortune.
In the epic Mahabharata, one can find the story of Lakshmi’s birth from the churning of the Milky ocean in which both the gods and the demons took part. Lakshmi emerged from the Milky Ocean wearing white raiments and radiating youth and beauty. Hence, she is also called Ksirabdhitanaya, meaning ‘daughter of the sea of milk’. Lakshmi immediately surrendered herself to Vishnu’s protection, and hence she is believed to live on Vishnu’s chest. One of Vishnu’s many names is Shrinivas, which means ‘the dwelling place of Sri’. Sri denotes prosperity, and is another name for Lakshmi. The Harivamsa says that Lakshmi is the mother of Kama, the god of love. The day she emerged from the Milky Ocean is observed as Mahalakshmi Jayanthi.
Lakshmi is associated with the lotus flower. She features in the Buddhist pantheon as well. There are no temples solely for the Goddess, but she is particularly worshipped during Diwali, the ‘Festival of Lights’, which usually comes in October/November.
The Story of Lakshmi’s Birth
Once, there was a sage called Bhrigu who was married to Khyaati. They had two two sons, Dhata and Vidhaata as well as a daughter, Lakshmi. Lakshmi married Lord Vishnu. This was actually the goddess’ first appearance. It was in her second appearance that she came as the daughter of the Milky Ocean.
Durvaasa, a very acerbic and hot-tempered sage, once happened to see a beautiful girl holding a garland. She gave the garland to the sage out of respect, but at that moment, the sage spotted Indra, the king of the gods in heaven, riding on his elephant, Airaavat. The sage put the garland around Indra’s neck, but Indra took it off and put it on Airaavat’s head. However, the elephant took the garland with his trunk and threw it on the ground. This annoyed Durvaasa, and he cursed Indra, saying that he would lose all his wealth. In due course, Indra lost his wealth. And Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth, too, didn’t stay in heaven. She took up residence in the depths of the ocean. Soon, the demons attacked the gods and evicted them from heaven. Indra and the other gods then approached Lord Vishnu. Vishnu told them that they needed to bring Lakshmi out of the sea by churning the Milky Ocean with the help of the demons. So, the gods reconciled with the demons and made them agree to take part in the churning of the sea.
Churning of the Milky Ocean
They used the Mandaraachal Mountain for the purpose of churning the ocean. When the churning began, Mandaraachal started to sink. Vishnu then took the Koorma (great tortoise) avatar and bore the weight of the huge mountain on his back. Kamadhenu, the wish-granting cow, was the first to emerge from the sea during the churning. It was gifted to the sages to help them with their Yagyas. After the cow, came Vaaruni Devi, Kalpavriksha (the wishful tree), followed by beautiful apsaras. The Moon emerged after the apsaras and was used by Shiva to adorn his forehead. A lot of poison called Halahala also emerged. Shiva drank it to save the world, and the rest of the poison was absorbed by the serpents.
Finally, Dhanvantari himself appeared carrying the urn of nectar which had the power to grant immortality. Lakshmi also came out during the churning with lotuses in her hands. All the sages worshipped her. After bathing in divine water, she took up residence in Vishnu’s heart. When the demons saw this, they were perplexed. They grabbed the urn from Dhanvantari and fled. Then they began fighting over the nectar. Each demon wanted to drink more of it. To get back the nectar, Vishnu took the form of Mohini, a lovely damsel. She agreed to serve the nectar and managed to get hold of the urn. But she served it only to the gods. The demons flew into a rage and attacked the gods. But since the gods had drunk the nectar, they had become stronger, and they defeated the demons easily.
Afterward, the gods returned to heaven, and Indra regained all his wealth. He began to worship Lakshmi with respect and devotion. It is believed that those who read the story of Lakshmi’s birth with true devotion will never lack wealth in their life.
Story of Lakshmi adopting Ganesha
According to the scriptures, once Goddess Lakshmi grew very arrogant about Her wealth and powers. While having a conversation with her husband, Lord Vishnu, She kept praising Herself that She is the only one worthy of worship. She is the one who bestows everyone with money and wealth.
Lord Vishnu said that in spite of having all the qualities, a woman remains incomplete if she does not bear children. Motherhood is the ultimate joy that a woman can experience and since Lakshmi did not have children, She could not be deemed complete. On hearing this Goddess Lakshmi was extremely disappointed.
With a heavy heart, Goddess Lakshmi went to Goddess Parvati to seek help. Since Parvati had two sons, She requested the Goddess to let her adopt one of her sons to experience the joy of motherhood.
Parvati was reluctant to let Lakshmi adopt because it was known that Lakshmi does not stay in one place for long. So, she asked Lakshmi how she will take care of her son. So Parvati gave Lord Ganesha to Goddess Lakshmi. Goddess Lakshmi became very happy and said to Goddess Parvati, “From today onwards I’m giving my all accomplishments, luxury and prosperity to my son Ganesha. Those worshipping Lakshmi for wealth would first have to worship Ganesha to seek Her blessings. Those who will worship Lakshmi without Ganesha will not be blessed by the Goddess”
The relationship between goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha is a mother-son relationship. According to Hindu tradition, the husband should always stand at the right side of wife. Since Lord Ganesha is the adopted son of goddess Lakshmi, Lord Ganesha’s actual position is at the left side of Goddess Lakshmi.