Lakshmi
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Glittering goddess of spiritual wealth, material prosperity and radiant beauty
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.
Lakshmi is generally depicted with a lotus in her hands and with an owl as her mount, surrounded by two elephants on either side showering her with water. Lakshmi is usually adorned in red and gold, these being symbolic of beauty and wealth and is radiant and rich in adornment and ornamentation
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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 distinctive flavour and beauty
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.
Lakshmi is the embodiment of gods 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.
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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.
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.
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.
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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 night, people clean, renovate and decorate their homes and offices. On Diwali night, Hindus dress up in new clothes or their best outfitds and light up divas inside and outside the home. They then worship and venerate Lakshmi in a pooja. After the pooja, 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.
​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.
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