Lakshmi

Introduction

Goddess Lakshmi is the deity of wealth, fortune, prosperity, beauty, and auspiciousness. She is the consort of Lord Vishnu and incarnates alongside him — as Sita with Rama and as Rukmini with Krishna. She is also called Shri, a title denoting grace and splendour.

Lakshmi has eight forms (Ashtalakshmi) representing different aspects of prosperity — Adilakshmi, Dhanalakshmi, Dhanyalakshmi, Gajalakshmi, Santanalakshmi, Veeralakshmi, Vijayalakshmi, and Vidyalakshmi.

Form and Iconography

Lakshmi has a radiant golden complexion. She wears a red sari and gold ornaments. Of her four hands, two hold lotus flowers, one showers gold coins (in the abhaya-varada mudra), and one extends blessings. She is seated upon a lotus blossom. Two white elephants pour water over her, symbolizing royal consecration and purification. The owl is her vahana (vehicle).

Mythological Stories

Emergence from the Ocean: Lakshmi emerged from the churning of the Kshira Sagara (ocean of milk). Seated upon a lotus and radiant with divine beauty, she chose Lord Vishnu as her consort by placing a garland around his neck. Since then, she resides upon Vishnu’s chest.

Lakshmi and Indra: When Indra grew arrogant, Lakshmi departed from the heavens, causing the gods to lose their power. Only after the churning of the ocean did Lakshmi reappear.

Mahalakshmi Vrata Katha: The story of the Mahalakshmi Vrata recounts how a poor Brahmin’s wife worshipped Mahalakshmi for sixteen days and attained fortune and prosperity.

Major Temples

• Mahalakshmi Temple, Kolhapur, Maharashtra — One of the Shakti Peethas, extremely ancient
• Padmavathi Temple (Alamelu Mangapuram), Tiruchanur, Andhra Pradesh — A famous temple near Tirupati
• Mahalakshmi Temple, Mumbai — One of the oldest temples in Mumbai
• Ashtalakshmi Temple, Chennai — Dedicated to all eight forms of Lakshmi

Associated Festivals

Diwali is the most important festival for Lakshmi Puja. On the night of Kartik Amavasya, Lakshmi and Ganesh are worshipped together. Sharad Purnima (Kojagari Purnima) features nocturnal Lakshmi worship. Vaibhav Lakshmi Vrata is observed every Friday. The last three days of Navratri are dedicated to Lakshmi.

Associated Mantras and Prayers

• Lakshmi Beej Mantra: “Om Shreem Mahalakshmyai Namaha”
• Shri Sukta: The Rig Vedic hymn to Lakshmi, the most ancient of her prayers
• Kanakadhara Stotram: Composed by Adi Shankaracharya, recited for wealth
• Mahalakshmi Ashtakam: An eight-verse hymn praising Mahalakshmi