lakshmi
Glittering goddess of spiritual wealth, material prosperity and radiant beauty
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lakshmi
Lakshmi is the embodiment of the superior feminine energy of the divine and is worshipped as the goddess of wealth, prosperity and love ( both material and spiritual ) as well as the embodiment of beauty. Lakshmi is a domestic household goddess and is worshipped daily but especially at full moon in October and on Diwali
origins
Lakshmi does not appear in the early Vedic literature, however the term Sri appears often and given that they have the same attributes, it becomes clear that Sri is in fact the later goddess Lakshmi. The story of the gods and the demons churning the ocean to obtain the nectar of immortality is a fundamental part of Hindu creation myths. It is believed that this churning produced Sri or Lakshmi and Lakshmi is hence the nectar, the rasa of creation which lends to creation its disctinctive flavour and beauty
multiarmed
Lakshmi has four hands representing the four goals of human life considered valuable in Hinduism – dharma ( pursuit of a moral life), kama ( pursuit of love ), artha ( pursuit of wealth ), and moksha ( liberation ). Lakshmi in Sanskrit means to perceive and to know your aim or objective.
energy
Lakshmi is the embodiment of divine superior spiritual feminine energy which purifies, empowers and uplifts the worshipper hence she is the Goddess of Fortune bringing her devotees good luck and protection from miseries. Lakshmi is known as Bhudevi who represents materiality and moveable assets and she is also known as Sridevi who represents spirituality or immoveable assets. Lakshmi is one of the three goddesses worshipped during Navratri on the second three nights and is especially venerated on Sharad Poonam the night of the full moon.
consort
Given that Lakshmi is the consort of Vishnu she is also the consort of the Ram and Krsna avatars of Vishnu. The relationship between Vishnu and Lakshmi is symbolised in the rituals and ceremonies for the bride and groom in Hindu weddings and a new bride is considered as Lakshmi as she brings beauty, prosperity, love and spiritual wealth to the home.
mediator
In certain parts of India, Lakshmi plays a special role as the mediator between her husband Vishnu and his worldly devotees. When asking Vishnu for grace or forgiveness, the devotees often approach Him through the intermediary presence of Lakshmi.
diwali
When Diwali comes along in October/ November every year, Lakshmi takes centre stage in the worship and celebrations. This festival of lights signifies the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, good over evil, and hope over despair. Before Diwali, people clean and decorate their homes and offices. On Diwali people dress up in new clothes or their best outfits and light up divas inside and outside the home. They then worship and venerate Lakshmi in a pooja. Businessmen have a special chopda poojan where they open account books for the new year and seek the blessings of Lakshmi for prosperity and peace in the coming year. After the poojas, there are usually fireworks followed by a lavish feast and an exchange of gifts between family members and close friends. Diwali also marks a major shopping period, since Lakshmi connotes auspiciousness, wealth and prosperity. This festival dedicated to Lakshmi is considered by Hindus as one of the most important and joyous festivals of the year and it marks the beginning of the new year.
associations
lotus
Lotus, a flower that blossoms in clean or dirty water, also symbolizes purity and beauty regardless of the good or bad circumstances in which its grows. It is a reminder that good and prosperity can bloom and not be affected by evil in one's surrounding.
elephants
Lakshmi is sometimes shown with one or two elephants, and occasionally with an owl. Elephants symbolize work, activity and strength, as well as water, rain and fertility for abundant prosperity. Lakshmi is also more commonly seen beside Ganesh rather than Vishnu and this bond is suitable as they are both revered as bringers of riches and good luck.
owl
The owl signifies the patient striving to observe, see and discover knowledge particularly when surrounded by darkness. The Owl, a bird that becomes blind in daylight, is also a symbolic reminder to refrain from blindness and greed after knowledge and wealth have been acquired
wealth
Wealth symbolically pours out from one of Lakshmi's hands in some representations, or she simply holds a jar of wealth in some representations. This symbolism has multiple meanings. Wealth manifested through Lakshmi means both material as well as spiritual wealth. Her face and open hands are in a mudra that signify compassion, giving or daana (charity)
worldwide
Lakshmi's iconography and statues have also been found in Hindu temples in Southeast Asia. The Goddess Kishijoten of Japan corresponds to Lakshmi, as the goddess of beauty, fortune and prosperity. The Goddess Vasudhara in Tibetan and Nepalese culture is closely analogous to Lakshmi.