| 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 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.
