Lakshmi

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“Mahalakshmi” redirects here. For other uses, see Mahalakshmi (disambiguation)and Lakshmi (disambiguation).

Lakshmi (Sanskrit: लक्ष्मी lakṣmī, Hindi pronunciation: [ˈləkʃmi]) is the Hindu goddess of wealth, love, prosperity (both material and spiritual), fortune, and the embodiment of beauty. She is the wife and active energy ofVishnu. Her four hands represent the four goals of human life considered proper in Hindu way of life – dharma, kama, artha, andmoksha. Representations of Lakshmi are also found in Jain monuments. In Buddhist sects of Tibet, Nepal and southeast Asia, goddessVasudhara mirrors the characteristics and attributes of Hindu goddess Lakshmi, with minor iconographic differences.

Lakshmi is also called Sri or Thirumagalbecause she is endowed with six auspicious and divine qualities, or Gunas, and also because she is the source of strength even to Vishnu. When Vishnu incarnated on the Earth as the avatars Rama and Krishna, Lakshmi took incarnation as his consort. Sita (Rama’s wife), Radha (Krishna’s lover), Rukmini and Satyabama are considered forms of Lakshmi.In ancient scriptures of India, all women are declared to be embodiments of Lakshmi. The marriage and relationship between Lakshmi and Vishnu as wife and husband, states Patricia Monaghan, is “the paradigm for rituals and ceremonies for the bride and groom in Hindu weddings“.

Archeological discoveries and ancient coins suggest the recognition and reverence for goddess Lakshmi, in Scytho-Parthian kingdom and throughout India, by 1st millennium BC. Lakshmi’s iconography and statues have also been found in Hindu temples of southeast Asia, estimated to be from second half of 1st millennium AD.

In modern times, Lakshmi is worshipped as the goddess of wealth. She is also worshipped as the consort of Vishnu in many temples. The festivals of Diwali and Sharad Purnima (Kojagiri Purnima) are celebrated in her honour.

Etymology

Lakshmi (Lakṣmī) is one of many Hindu deities whose meaning and significance evolved in ancient Sanskrit texts.

Lakshmi is mentioned once in Rig Veda, but the context suggests that the word does not mean “goddess of wealth and fortune”, rather it means “kindred mark or sign of auspicious fortune”.

भद्रैषां लक्ष्मीर्निहिताधि वाचि
“an auspicious fortune is attached to their words”

—Rig Veda, x.71.2, Translated by John Muir

In Atharva Veda, composed about 1000 BC, Lakshmi evolves into a complex concept with plural manifestations. Book 7, Chapter 115 of Atherva Veda describes the plurality, asserts that a hundred Lakshmis are born with the body of a mortal at birth, some good, punya (virtuous) and auspicious, while others bad, paapi (evil) and unfortunate. The good are welcomed, while the bad urged to leave. The concept and spirit of Lakshmi, her association with fortune and the good, is significant enough that Atharva Veda mentions it in multiple books, for example in Book 12, Chapter 5 as punya Lakshmi. In chapters of Atharva Veda, Lakshmi connotes the good, an auspicious sign, good luck, good fortune, prosperity, success and happiness.

Goddess Lakshmi

India Coins of Gandhara, 1st century BC Cambodia Vietnam, 10th century Malaysia Diwali home temple, USA

Lakshmi is one of the trinity of Hindu goddesses. Her iconography is found in ancient and modern Hindu temples.

In later mythology, Lakshmi is referred to as the goddess of fortune and beauty, identified with Śrī and regarded as the wife of Viṣṇu (Nārāyaṇa). For example, in Shatapatha Brahmana, variously estimated to be composed between 800 BC and 300 BC, Śrī (Lakshmi) is part of one of many theories, in ancient India, about the creation of universe. In Book 9 of Shatapatha Brahmana, Śrī emerges from Prajāpati, after his intense meditation on creation of life and nature of universe. Śrī is described as the beautiful, resplendent and trembling woman at her birth with immense energy and powers. The gods were bewitched, desire her and immediately become covetous of her. The gods approach Prajāpati and request permission to kill her and then take her powers, talents and gifts. Prajāpati refuses, tells the gods that males should not kill females, and that they can seek her gifts without violence. The gods then approach Lakshmi, deity Agni gets food, Soma gets kingly authority, Varuna gets imperial authority, Mitra acquires martial energy, Indra gets force, Brihaspati gets priestly authority, Savitri acquires dominion, Pushan gets splendor, Sarasvati takes nourishment and Tvashtri gets forms. The hymns of Shatapatha Brahmana thus describe Śrī as a goddess born with and personifying a diverse range of talents and powers.

According to another legend, she emerges during the creation of universe, floating over the water on the expanded petals of a lotus flower; she is also variously regarded as wife of Sūrya, as wife of Prajāpati, as wife of Dharma and mother of Kāma, as sister or mother of Dhātṛ and Vidhātṛ, as wife of Dattatreya, as one of the nine Śaktis of Viṣṇu, as a manifestation of Prakṛti, as identified withDākshāyaṇī in Bharataśrama, and with Sītā, wife of Rāma, and with other women.

In the Epics of Hinduism, such as in the Mahabharata, Laksmi personifies wealth, riches, beauty, happiness, loveliness, grace, charm and splendour. In another Hindu legend about the creation of universe, described in the Ramayana, Lakshmi springs with other precious things from the foam of the ocean of milk when churned by the gods and demons for the recovery of the Amṛta. She appeared with a lotus in her hand, whence she is also called Padmā.

Root of the word

Lakshmi in Sanskrit is derived from the root word lakṣ (लक्ष्) and lakṣa (लक्ष), meaning “to perceive, observe, know, understand” and “goal, aim, objective” respectively. These roots give Lakshmi the symbolism – know and understand your goal. A related term is lakṣaṇa, which means “sign, target, aim, symbol, attribute, quality, lucky mark, auspicious opportunity”.

Symbolism and iconography

The image, icons and sculpture of Lakshmi is represented with symbolism. Her name is derived from Sanskrit root words for know the goal and understand the objective. Her four arms are symbolic of the four goals of human being that are considered good in Hinduism – dharma (pursuit of ethical, moral life), artha (pursuit of wealth, means of life), kama (pursuit of love, emotional fulfillment), and moksha (pursuit of self-knowledge, liberation).

In Lakshmi’s iconography, she is either sitting or standing on lotus, and typically also carries lotus in one or two hands. Lotus carries symbolic meanings in Hinduism and other Indian traditions. It symbolically represents reality, consciousness and karma (work, deed) inSahasrara context, and knowledge and self-realization in other contexts. 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. Below, behind or on the sides, 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. The owl, called Pechaka in eastern regions of India, signifies the patient striving to observe, see and discover knowledge particularly when surrounded by darkness. Owl, a bird that becomes blind in daylight, is also a symbolic reminder to refrain from blindness and greed after knowledge and wealth has been acquired.

Wealth symbolically pours out from one of her 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).

Lakshmi typically wears a red dress embroidered with golden threads, symbolism for beauty and wealth. She, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, is often represented with her husband Vishnu, the god who maintains human life filled with justice and peace. This symbolism implies wealth and prosperity is coupled with maintenance of life, justice and peace.

Names

Lakshmi has numerous names, and numerous ancient Stotram and Sutras of Hinduism recite her various names. She is very closely associated with the lotus, and her many epithets are connected to the flower, such as:

• Padma: lotus dweller
• Kamala: lotus dweller
• Padmapriya: One who likes lotuses
• Padmamaladhara devi: One who wears a garland of lotuses
• Padmamukhi: One whose face is as beautiful as a lotus
• Padmakshi: One whose eyes are as beautiful as a lotus
• Padmahasta: One who holds a lotus
• Padmasundari: One who is as beautiful as a lotus

Her other names include:

• Vishnupriya: One who is the beloved of Vishnu
• Ulkavahini: One who rides an owl

Her other names include: Ambika, Manushri, Mohini, Chakrika, Kamalika, Aishwarya, Lalima, Indira, Kalyani, Nandika, Nandini, Rujula, Vaishnavi, Samruddhi, Narayani, Bhargavi, Sridevi, Chanchala, Jalaja, Madhavi, Sujata, Shreya, Maheshwari, Madhu, Madhavi, Paramaa, Janamodini, Tripura, Tulasi, Ketaki, Malati, Vidhya, Trilochana, Tilottama, Subha, Chandika, Devi, Kriyalakshmi, Viroopa, Vani, Gayatri, Savitri, Apara or Aparajita, Aparna, Aruna, Akhila, Bala, Tara, Kuhu, Poornima, Aditi, Anumati, Avashyaa, Sita, Taruni, Jyotsna, Jyoti, Nimeshika, Atibha, Ishaani, Kalyani, Smriti and Sri. She is also referred to as Jaganmaatha (“Mother of the Universe”) in Shri Mahalakshmi Ashtakam.^{[citation needed]}

Ancient literature on Lakshmi

Upanishads

Shakta Upanishads are dedicated to the trinity of goddesses – Lakshmi, Saraswati and Parvati. Saubhagya Lakshmi Upanishad, estimated to be composed before 300 BC, describes the qualities, characteristics and powers of Lakshmi. In second part of the Upanishad, the emphasis shifts to the use of yoga and transcendence from material craving in order to achieve spiritual knowledge and self-realization, the true wealth.Saubhagya-Lakshmi Upanishad synonymously uses Sri to describe Lakshmi.

Stotrams and Sutras

Numerous ancient Stotram and Sutras of Hinduism recite hymns dedicated to Lakshmi. She is a major goddess in the Puranas and Itihasa of Hinduism. In ancient scriptures of India, all women are declared to be embodiments of Lakshmi. For example,

Every woman is an embodiment of you.
You exist as little girls in their childhood,
As young women in their youth,
And as elderly women in their old age.

—Sri Kamala Stotram

Every woman is an emanation of you.

—Sri Daivakrta Laksmi Stotram

Ancient prayers dedicated to Lakshmi seek both material and spiritual wealth in prayers dedicated to her.

Puranas

Lakshmi features prominently in the Puranas of Hinduism. Vishnu Purana, in particular, dedicates many sections to her and also refers to her as Śrī. J. A. B. van Buitenen translates passages describing Lakshmi in Vishnu Purana as, “Śrī, loyal to Vishnu, is the mother of the world. Vishnu is the meaning, Śrī is the speech. She is the conduct, he the behavior. Vishnu is knowledge, she the insight. He is dharma, she the virtuous action. She is the earth, he earth’s upholder. She is contentment, he the satisfaction. She is wish, he is the desire. Śrī is the sky, Vishnu the Self of everything. He is the moon, she the beauty of moon. He is the ocean, she is the shore”. This unified, complementing and integrated image of Lakshmi and Vishnu as wife and husband, notes Patricia Monaghan, is “the paradigm for rituals and ceremonies for the bride and groom in Hindu weddings“.

Subhasita, gnomic and didactic literature

Lakshmi, along with Parvati and Saraswati, are subjects of extensive Subhasita, gnomic and didactic literature of India. Composed in 1st millennium BC through the 16th century AD, these are short poems, proverbs, couplets or aphorisms in Sanskrit, written in precise meter. They sometimes take the form of dialogue between Lakshmi and Vishnu, or highlight the spiritual message in Vedas and ethical maxims from Hindu Epics through Lakshmi. An example Subhashita is Puranarthasamgraha, compiled by Vekataraya in South India, where Lakshmi and Vishnu discuss niti (right, moral conduct) and rajaniti (statesmanship, right governance) – covering in 30 chapters, ethical and moral questions about personal, social and political life.

Manifestations and aspects

In eastern India, Lakshmi is seen as a form of one goddess Devi, the Supreme power; Devi is also called Durga or Shakti. Lakshmi, Saraswati and Parvati are typically conceptualized as distinct in most of India, but in states such as West Bengal and Odisha, they are regionally believed to be forms of Durga.

Lakshmi is seen in two forms, Bhudevi and Sridevi, both either side of Sri Venkateshwara or Vishnu. Bhudevi is the representation and totality of the material world or energy, called the aparam Prakriti, in which she is called Mother Earth. Sridevi is the spiritual world or energy, called the Prakriti. Lakshmi is the power of Vishnu.

Inside temples, Lakshmi is often shown together with Vishnu. 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. She is also the personification of the spiritual fulfillment.Lakshmi embodies the spiritual world, also known as Vaikunta, the abode of Lakshmi-Narayana or Vishnu, or what would be considered heaven in Vaishnavism. Lakshmi is the embodiment of God’s superior spiritual feminine energy, Param Prakriti, which purifies, empowers and uplifts the individual.^{[citation needed]}

Secondary manifestations

Main article: Ashta Lakshmi

Ashta Lakshmi (Sanskrit: अष्टलक्ष्मी,Aṣṭalakṣmī, lit. “eight Lakshmis”) are a group of eight secondary manifestations of Lakshmi, who preside over eight sources of wealth and thus represent the powers of Shri-Lakshmi. Temples dedicated to Ashta Lakshmi are found in Tamil Nadu such as the Ashtalakshmi Kovil near Chennai, and in many other states of India.

Ashta Lakshmi

आदि लक्ष्मी (ఆదిలక్ష్మి; ಆದಿಲಕ್ಷ್ಮಿ)	Ādi Lakṣmī	The First manifestation of Lakshmi
धान्य लक्ष्मी (ధాన్యలక్ష్మి; ಧಾನ್ಯಲಕ್ಷ್ಮಿ)	Dhānya Lakṣmī	Granary wealth
धैर्य लक्ष्मी (ధైర్యలక్ష్మి; ಧೈರ್ಯಲಕ್ಷ್ಮಿ)	Veera Lakṣmī	Wealth of courage
गज लक्ष्मी (గజలక్ష్మి; ಗಜಲಕ್ಷ್ಮಿ)	Gaja Lakṣmī	Elephants spraying water, wealth of fertility, rains and food.
सन्तान लक्ष्मी (సంతానలక్ష్మి; ಸಂತಾನಲಕ್ಷ್ಮಿ)	Santāna Lakṣmī	Wealth of continuity, progeny
विजय लक्ष्मी (విజయలక్ష్మి; ವಿಜಯಲಕ್ಷ್ಮಿ)	Vijaya Lakṣmī	Wealth of victory
विद्या लक्ष्मी (విద్యాలక్ష్మి; ವಿದ್ಯಾಲಕ್ಷ್ಮಿ)	Aishwarya Lakṣmī	Wealth of knowledge and education
धन लक्ष्मी (ధనలక్ష్మి; ಧನಲಕ್ಷ್ಮಿ)	Dhana Lakṣmī	Monetary wealth

Other representations of Lakshmi include manifesting in three forms – Sri devi, Bhoo devi, and Neela devi. This representation is found, for example, in Sri Bhu Neela Sahita Temple near Dwaraka Tirumala, Andhra Pradesh and Adinath Swami Temple in Tamil Nadu. Sridevi represents moveable assets (called Chanchala). Bhoodevi represents immoveable assets (Achanchala).^{[citation needed]}

In another representation, Mahalakshmi presides over eighteen forms of wealth, ten of which include the eight great siddhis called AshtaSiddhis, the spiritual knowledge or Jnana (Sanskrit: ज्ञान, jñāna).^{[citation needed]}

In Nepal, Mahalakshmi is shown with 16 hands, each symbolically manifesting her aspects that include those of regular Lakshmi as well as other powers of Durga worshipped in regions southeast and east of Nepal. In sixteen hands, Mahalakshmi holds lotus, a pot, charity gesture (mudra), book, rosary, bell, shield, bow, arrow, sword, trident, admonition gesture, noose, skull cap and kettledrum. Mahalakshmi, in this representation, does not sit on a lotus but on a lion, and she is manifested as a kind, compassionate, tranquil deity.

Jain temples

Like Hindu temples, some Jain temples depict Sri Lakshmi as a goddess of artha and kama (good wealth, good love). She is, for example, exhibited with Vishnu in Parshvanatha Jain Temple at the Khajuraho Monuments of Madhya Pradesh. Lakshmi is shown being drawn close to Vishnu, pressing against his chest, while Vishnu cups a breast in his palm. This Vishnu-Lakshmi iconography in Jainism religion, built near Hindu temples of Khajuraho, suggests the sharing and acceptance of Lakshmi and other religious concepts across a spectrum of Indian religions. Lakshmi is also praised in the Jain text Kalpa Sūtra.

Creation and legends

Devas (gods) and asuras (demons) were both mortal at one time, in Hinduism. Amrit, the divine nectar that grants immortality, could only be obtained by churning the Kshirsagar (Ocean of Milk). The devas and asuras both sought immortality and decided to churn the Kshirsagar. The samudra manthan commenced with the devas on one side and the asuras on the other. Vishnu incarnated as Kurma, the tortoise, and a mountain was placed on the tortoise as a churning pole. Vasuki, the great venom-spewing serpent, was wrapped around the mountain and used to churn the ocean. A host of divine celestial objects came up during the churning. Along with them emerged the goddess Lakshmi. In some versions she is said to be the daughter of the sea god since she emerged from the sea.^{[citation needed]}

In the Garuda Purana, Linga Purana and Padma Purana she is said to have been born as the daughter of the divine sage Bhrigu and his wife Khyaati and was named “Bhargavi”. According to the Vishnu Purana, the universe was created when the Devas (good) and Asuras (evil) churn the cosmic ocean of milk (Ksheera Sagara). Lakshmi came out of the ocean bearing lotus, along with the divine cow Kamadhenu, Varuni,the tree Parijat, the Apsaras, the Chandra(the moon), and Dhanvantari with Amrita (nectar of immortality). When she appeared, she had a choice to go to Devas or the Asuras. She chose Devas side; and among thirty deities, she chose to be with Vishnu. Thereafter, in all three worlds, the lotus bearing goddess was celebrated.

Celebration in Hindu society

Many Hindus worship Lakshmi on Diwali, the festival of lights. It is celebrated in autumn, typically October or November, every year. The festival spiritually 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 outfit, light up diyas (lamps and candles) inside and outside their home, participate in family puja (prayers) typically to Lakshmi. After puja, fireworks follow, then a family feast including mithai (sweets), 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.

Gaja Lakshmi Puja is another autumn festival celebrated on Sharad Purnima, in many parts of India, on the full-moon day in the month ofAshvin (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.

Regional variations

Bengal

In Bengal, Lakshmi is worshiped on Kojagiri Purnima, in autumn when the moon is full, the brightest night of the year. She, riding on her mount-the great white owl, is believed to bless wealth and resources for content lives on this night. The owl symbolically represents penetrating sight in the darkness of night.

During the celebrations, lotus flowers, sandalwood, vermilion, betel leaves & nuts, fruits and various sweet preparations made from jaggery, rice and coconuts are used for her ritual worship.

Apart from the autumnal celebration, Lakshmi, along with Alakshmi (her shadow energy), is also worshipped during Diwali night in some Bengali communities. The goddess Kali ofKalighat in Kolkata is worshipped in Mahalakshmi form during Diwali. Some people observe Lakshmi Vrata/Puja (fasting and prayer). Women sing a string of poems called ‘Panchali’, narrating the glories of goddess Lakshmi.^{[citation needed]}

Odisha

Lakshmi is the goddess thanked after autumn harvests in the month of Mrigashīrsha. Women celebrate the festival Manabasa Gurubara orLakshmi Puja. On each Thursday of the month, the houses are cleaned and the floors are decorated with floral designs drawn with rice powder mixed with water, called jhoti. Footprints are painted from the doorstep to the place of worship, to symbolize that Lakshmi has entered the house. The roofs are decorated with flower garlands and festoons woven out of paddy stalks.^{[citation needed]} After a purification bath in the morning, the women of the region symbolically offer prayers to paddy considered a bounty from Lakshmi. Different rice cakes and Khiri (rice soup prepared with milk and sugar) are prepared in households and are offered to the deity and then eaten by all.^{[citation needed]}

People in Odisha also worship Gaja Lakshmi on Sharad Purnima, also known as Kumar Purnima. Children wear new clothes and families celebrate the day with feasts. It is a festival of rejoicing for the girls; all of them sing and dance. The songs are of a special nature. They play a kind of game known as puchi and other country games.^{[citation needed]}

Related goddesses

Japan

Goddess Kishijoten of Japan corresponds to Lakshmi. Kishijoten is the goddess of beauty, fortune and prosperity. Kishijoten is considered the sister of the deity Bishamon (毘沙門, also known as Tamon or Bishamon-ten); Bishamon protects human life, fights evil and brings good fortune. In ancient and medieval Japan, Kishijoten was the goddess worshipped for luck and prosperity, particularly on behalf of children. Kishijoten was also the guardian goddess of Geishas. While Bishamon and Kishijoten are found in ancient Chinese and Japanese Buddhist literature, their roots have been traced to deities in Hinduism.

Tibet and Nepal

Goddess Vasudhara in Tibetan and Nepalese culture is closely analogous to goddess Lakshmi.

Worship

There are many slokas, songs and legends dedicated to Mahalakshmi. These are recited during Lakshmi worship and ceremonies.

Some stotra dedicated to Lakshmi are “Sri Mahalakshmi Ashtakam”, “Sri Lakshmi Sahasaranama Sthothra” by Sanathkumara, “Sri Stuti” by Sri Vedantha Desikar, Sri Lakshmi Stuti by Indra, “Sri Kanaka dhara Sthothra” by Sri Aadhi Shankaracharya, “Sri Chatussloki” by SriYamunacharya, “Sri Lakshmi Sloka” by Bhagavan Sri Hari Swamiji and Sri Sukta which is contained in the Vedas. Lakshmi Gayathri Sloka, “Om Mahalakshmichae Vidmahe sri Vishnupathinichae Dhi-Mahi Thanno Lakshmi Prachodayat” is a prayer to Lakshmi contained in the Sri Sukta.^{[citation needed]}

Culture

Lakshmi is considered auspicious and symbolizes beauty and prosperity. Her name gives the prefix Sri (also spelled Shri, pronounced as shree) common in cultural discourse and human relationships. Sri is considered an auspicious prefix or suffix, and used to imply or mean beauty, wealth, prosperity or auspiciousness. For example, Rajya Lakshmi means “wealth of empire”, and Shanti Sri means “wealth of peace”. In modern India, common honorific synonymous for the English Mr. and Mrs., are Shri (also Sri or Shree) and Shrimati (also Srimati orShreemati) respectively.

Archeology

Gaja Lakshmi, where Lakshmi is flanked by two elephants spraying water on her, is one of the most frequent representations found in archeological sites. One of the oldest sculpture of Gaja Lakshmi is from Mathura, at Sonkh site, dated to be from pre-Kushan Empire era.Similarly, the Atranjikhera site in modern Uttar Pradesh, has yielded terracotta plaque with images of Lakshmi dated to be from 2nd century BC. Other archeological sites with ancient Lakshmi terracotta figurines from 1st millennium BC include Vaisali, Sravasti, Kausambi, Campa and Candraketugadh.

Goddess Lakshmi in frequently found in ancient coins of various Hindu kingdoms from Afghanistan throughout India. Gaja Lakshmi has been found on coins of Scytho-Parthian kings Azes II and Azilises; she also appears on Sunga Empire king Jyesthamitra era coins, both dated to be from 1st millennium BC. Coins from 1st through 4th century AD, found in various locations in India, such as Ayodhaya, Mathura, Ujjain, Sanchi, Bodh Gaya, Kanauj all feature Lakshmi. Similarly, ancient Graeco-Indian gems and seals with images of Lakshmi have been found, estimated to be from the 1st millennium BC.

A 1400-year-old rare granite sculpture of Lakshmi has been recovered at the Waghama village along the Jehlum in Anantnag district ofJammu and Kashmir.

See also

• Ashta Lakshmi
• Deepalakshmi
• Doddagaddavalli
• Hindu goddess
• Laxminarayan
• Star of Lakshmi

References

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21. ^ Monier Williams Religious Thought and Life in India, Part 1, 2nd Edition, pages 108-111
22. ^ lakṣ, लक्ष् Monier-Williams Sanskrit-English Dictionary, University of Koeln, Germany
23. ^ ^{a b} Carol Plum-Ucci, Celebrate Diwali, ISBN 978-0766027787, pages 79-86
24. ^ lakṣaṇa Monier-Williams Sanskrit-English Dictionary, University of Koeln, Germany
25. ^ ^{a b} A Parasarthy (1983), Symbolism in Hinduism, Chinmaya Mission Publication,ISBN 978-8175971493, pages 57-59
26. ^ ^{a b c} A Parasarthy (1983), Symbolism in Hinduism, Chinmaya Mission Publication, ISBN 978-8175971493, pages 91-92, 160-162
27. ^ R.S. Nathan (1983), Symbolism in Hinduism, Chinmaya Mission Publication,ISBN 978-8175971493, page 16
28. ^ Lynne Gibson (2002), Hinduism, Heinemann, ISBN 978-0435336196, page 29
29. ^ Hope Werness (2007), Continuum Encyclopedia of Animal Symbolism in World Art, Bloomsbury, ISBN 978-0826419132, pages 159-167
30. ^ Ajnatanama (1983), Symbolism in Hinduism, Chinmaya Mission Publication,ISBN 978-8175971493, page 317-318
31. ^ ^{a b} Vijaya Kumara, 108 Names Of Lakshmi, Sterling Publishers, ISBN 9788120720282
32. ^ ^{a b} A Mahadeva (1950), Saubhagya-Lakshmi Upanishad in The Shakta Upanishads with the Commentary of Sri Upanishad Brahma Yogin, Adyar Library Series No. 10, Madras
33. ^ Saubhagya Lakshmi Upanishad Original text of the Upanishad in Sanskrit
34. ^ A. G. Krishna Warrier (1931, Translator), Saubhagya Lakshmi Upanishad, The Theosophical Publishing House, Chennai, ISBN 978-0835673181
35. ^ Constantina Rhodes (2011), Invoking Lakshmi: The Goddess of Wealth in Song and Ceremony, State University of New York Press, ISBN 978-1438433202,
    Quote: Through illusion,
    A person can become disconnected,
    From his higher self,
    Wandering about from place to place,
    Bereft of clear thought,
    Lost in destructive behavior.
    It matters not how much truth,
    May shine forth in the world,
    Illuminating the entire creation,
    For one cannot acquire wisdom,
    Unless it is experienced,
    Through the opening on the heart.[…]
36. ^ ^{a b c} J. A. B. van Buitenen (Translator), Cornelia Dimmitt (Editor), Classical Hindu Mythology: A Reader in the Sanskrit Puranas, Temple University Press,ISBN 978-0877221227, pages 95-99
37. ^ ^{a b} Ludwik Sternbach (1974), Subhasita, Gnomic and Didactic Literature, A History of Indian literature, Volume 4, Otto Harrassowitz Verlag, ISBN 978-3447015462
38. ^ Ludwik Sternbach (1974), Subhasita, Gnomic and Didactic Literature, A History of Indian literature, Volume 4, Otto Harrassowitz Verlag, ISBN 978-3447015462, page 22
39. ^ Christopher John Fuller (2004), The Camphor Flame: Popular Hinduism and Society in India, Princeton University Press, ISBN 978-0691120485, page 41
40. ^ Pages 31 and 32 in Kinsley, David. Hindu Goddesses: Vision of the Divine Feminine in the Hindu Religious Traditions. Berkeley: University of California Press, 1988. ISBN 978-0-520-06339-6
41. ^ Srimad Devi Bhagwata Purana
42. ^ Vidya Dehejia and Thomas Coburn, Devi: the great goddess : female divinity in South Asian art, Smithsonian, ISBN 978-3791321295
43. ^ Anna Dallapiccola (2007), Indian art in detail, Harvard University Press, ISBN 978-0674026919, pages 11-27
44. ^ Stephen Knapp, Spiritual India Handbook, ISBN 978-8184950243, page 392
45. ^ ^{a b} Pratapaditya Pal (1985), Art of Nepal: A Catalogue of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art Collection, University of California Press, ISBN 978-0520054073, page 120
46. ^ ^{a b} Vidya Dehejia (2009), The Body Adorned: Sacred and Profane in Indian Art, Columbia University Press, ISBN 978-0231140287, page 151
47. ^ Hermann Jacobi (Editor: Max Muller, Republished with edits by Mahendra Kulasrestha), The Golden Book of Jainism, ISBN 978-8183820141, page 213
48. ^ Vera, Zak (February 2010). Invisible River: Sir Richard’s Last Mission. ISBN 978-1-4389-0020-9. Retrieved 26 October 2011. First Diwali day called Dhanteras or wealth worship. We perform Laskshmi-Puja in evening when clay diyas lighted to drive away shadows of evil spirits.
49. ^ Diwali Encyclopædia Britannica (2009)
50. ^ Jean Mead, How and why Do Hindus Celebrate Divali?, ISBN 978-0-237-534-127
51. ^ Pramodkumar (March 2008). Meri Khoj Ek Bharat Ki. ISBN 978-1-4357-1240-9. Retrieved 26 October 2011. It is extremely important to keep the house spotlessly clean and pure on Diwali. Lamps are lit in the evening to welcome the goddess. They are believed to light up her path.
52. ^ Solski, Ruth (2008). Big Book of Canadian Celebrations. S&S Learning Materials. ISBN 978-1-55035-849-0. Retrieved 26 October 2011. Fireworks and firecrackers are set off to chase away evil spirits, so it is a noisy holiday too.
53. ^ India Journal: ‘Tis the Season to be Shopping Devita Saraf, The Wall Street Journal (August 2010)
54. ^ “Sharad Poornima”.
55. ^ ^{a b} Charles Russell Coulter and Patricia Turner (2013), Encyclopedia of Ancient Deities, Taylor and Francis, ISBN 9781135963903, page 102
56. ^ Lakshmi Stotra Sanskrit documents
57. ^ Upinder Singh (2009), A History of Ancient and Early Medieval India: From the Stone Age to the 12th Century, ISBN 978-8131711200, Pearson Education, pages 438, 480 for image
58. ^ Duffield Osborne (1914), A Graeco-Indian Engraved Gem, American Journal of Archaeology, Vol. 18, No. 1, pages 32-34
59. ^ “The Tribune, Chandigarh, India – Jammu & Kashmir”. Tribuneindia.com. Retrieved 2012-11-09.

Mantra technique to make money

 http://godwealth.blogspot.com/2012/03/mantra-technique-to-make-money.html

Mantra technique to make money

Mantras:
Have you ever heard of mantras? Mantra is the sacred word which is repeated verbally during prayer, meditation, incantation, invocation of a god, or during a magic spell. Here, we will be using the same formula for making money. Try this one with the help of an experienced Guru. Guru is a religious preacher or teacher who leads us with his experience to reach a particular goal.

Chanting mantra is not that easy as it is shown in all websites. Mental and Physical impurities have to be first cleared out.
Then as we practice, we are not supposed to abuse or scold someone verbally. In Hinduism it is said purifying oneself by Kaaya( bodily), Vacha(words) and Manasa(mentally).

Next step is to practice vegetarian style food and practising brahmacharya (away from sexual or physical relations). This is very tough task. But one has to overcome these temptations to reach the necessary goal. Swami Vivekanandahas said,”Stop not till the goal is reached”. He has rightly said these words keeping in mind the temptations and obstacles that one faces in his daily life.

Uchhar or pronunciation of mantras is also needed to be perfected with the help of a guru. This is most important while chanting mantras. For each person in this world there is a best suited time, either morning or evening. This can be easily found with the help of Moon sign or Indian style of astrology. For this, one has to know his birth time and place exactly.

One can enter birth date and place in the check boxes of any of the vedic astrology web sites and result can be got. In the list, it will show the best time for the person, whether morning or evening. Stick to that time firmly for worships, pooja or meditation. All auspicious times may be suitable for anyone according to some, but stress on the one shown according to the moon sign astrology.

The Indian astrology (Vedic or Moon sign) is said to be more perfect because it is decided by the particular time and birth place of a person. But in the case of Sun sign astrology or astrology according to the month, it is said to be less accurate because it gives same results for all those who are born in a particular month. Indian astrology decides accurately because of the nakshathra(star) next to the moon on that particular day. And also the Ascendant or rising zodiac sign. The Ascendant is the degree of the ecliptic which is rising over the Eastern horizon at the precise time and place of an individual’s birth.

Rosary for meditation while chanting mantras may also be a necessity according to the Guru. Rosary should be hidden beneath a cloth while meditating and should not be counted as we chant openly.

Mantras for making money:

During the Pooja or a worship of a particular god, Shodashopachara (Sixteen fold worship), installing of Yantras may also be necessary in some cases. And the installation of the Yantra should be done as directed by the Guru.

Kuber: Kuber or the treasurer of gods. He is the elder step brother of Ravana. The famous Golden city of Ravana’s Lanka that comes in the epic “Ramayan” is of Kubera. Later, taken over by Ravana.

Kubera Mantra – “Om Yakshyaya Kuberaya Vaishravanaaya Dhanadhanyadi Padayeh
Dhana-Dhanya Samreeddhing Me Dehi Dapaya Swaha”.
That means, “Kubera, the lord of yakshas, bless us with wealth and prosperity”.
OR
Beej mantra of Kuber – ” Om Hreem Shreem Hreem Kuberay Namah”.

One who worships Lakshmi and Kubera might not find difficulty in making money and gaining all kinds of material comforts.

Lakshmi and Kubera are specially worshipped during Diwali( Deepavali), Dhan Trayodashi and Dussera(Dasara).

Lakshmi: According to ancient indian scriptures, Lakshmi is born during the “Samudra Manthan”(churning of sea) by devathas(gods) and rakshasas(demons). Out of the many precious things that came out during the churning of sea, Lakshmi was also one of them. She gets married to the god Srivishnu, one of the supreme of gods of Hindu religion.

Lakshmi Mantra- “Om Sri Maha Lakshmyai Namah”
OR
“Ya Devi Sarva Bhutesu Laxmi rupena samsthita
Namestasyai, Namestasyai, Namestasyai, Namo Namah”.
Beej mantra of Lakshmi- “Om Shreem Namah”

Worship Kuber and Lakshmi together during Diwali

If a person chants the beej mantras of any of these gods, he must very strictly follow his daily routine as said by the Guru. Or else there might be danger and adverse effects.

Lakshmi mantra and Kuber mantra (MP3’s of mantras might be available for download).

Lakshmi

Wikipedia

Lakshmi

InterpretationTranslation

Lakshmi

For other uses, see Lakshmi (disambiguation).

Lakshmi
Lakshmi by Raja Ravi Varma
Devanagari	लक्ष्मी
Sanskrit Transliteration	lakṣmī
Affiliation	Devi (Tridevi), Shakti
Consort	Vishnu
Mount	Elephant, owl

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Lakshmi (Sanskrit: लक्ष्मी lakṣmī, Hindi pronunciation: [ˈləkʃmi], Gujarati: લક્ષ્મી, Tamil:லட்சுமி latchumi, Telugu: లక్ష్మి, Lakshmi) or Lakumi (Kannada: ಲಕುಮಿ) is theHindu goddess of wealth, prosperity (both material and spiritual), light, wisdom,fortune, fertility, generosity and courage; and the embodiment of beauty, graceand charm. Representations of Lakshmi are also found in Jain monuments. Alsocalled Mahalakshmi, she is said to bring good luck, and is believed to protect herdevotees from all kinds of misery and money–related sorrows.

Lakshmi in Sanskrit is derived from its elemental form lakS, meaning “to perceiveor observe“.^[1] This is synonymous with lakṣya, meaning “aim” or “objective“. TheHindu sacred texts, the Vedas call Mahalakshmi as Lakshyayidhi Lakshmihi whichmeans she is the one who has the object and aim of uplifting mankind.

Mahalakshmi is called Shri or Thirumagal (திருமகள் in Tamil; శ్రీ మహా లక్ష్మి inTelugu) because she is endowed with six auspicious and divine qualities, orGunas, and also because she is the source of strength even to Lord Narayana.She is the consort of Vishnu^[2] and married Rama (in her incarnation as Sita) andKrishna (as Radha^[3][4][5] and later Rukmini). All the wives of Krishna were forms ofLakshmi.^[6]

In Durga Puja in Bengal, Lakshmi is considered to be a daughter of Durga alongwith her sister Saraswati and her brothers Ganesha and Karthikeya.^[7]

Contents 1 Evolution and legends 2 Explanation of Mahalakshmi 3 Epithets 4 Iconography 5 Secondary manifestations 6 Celebration in Hindu society 7 Bengal 7.1 Appearance 8 Orissa 8.1 Manabasa Gurubara 8.1.1 Gaja 9 Worship 10 Mantra 11 Respect for money 12 Temples 13 See also 14 References 15 Further reading 16 External links

Evolution and legends

In Hinduism, Devas (gods) and asuras (demons) were both mortal at one time. Amrit, the divine nectar that wouldgrant immortality, could be obtained only by churning the Kshirsagar (Ocean of Milk). The devas and asuras bothsought immortality and decided to churn the Kshirsagar. With the devas on one side and the asuras on the other,the samudra manthan commenced. Vishnu incarnated as Kurma, the tortoise, on whom was placed a mountain asa churning pole; Vasuki, the great venom–spewing serpent, was wrapped around it and used to churn the ocean. Ahost of divine celestial objects came up during the churning. Among these, was the goddess Lakshmi, the daughterof the king of the milky ocean. The last to come up was the amrita. With this, the avatar of Kurma, the tortoise,ended. Vishnu then took up the form of a beautiful maiden to distract the asuras and gave immortality to the devas.

Mahalakshmi has always existed. Her appearance from samudra manthan is her main manifestation only.Mahalakshmi was also born to the great sage Bhrigu, and she is therefore also called Bhargavi. Mahalakshmi isalso the sister of the great guru Sukracharya as well as the great planet Chandra. Each time Vishnu descends onearth as an avatar, He is accompanied by an avatar of Lakshmi.

The moon (chandra) also appeared from the ocean during the churning, making it her brother. Alakshmi, thegoddess of misfortune, is Lakshmi‘s elder sister. According to the Vishnu Purana, Lakshmi is the daughter of Bhriguand Khyaati and resided in Swarga, but, due to the curse of Durvasa, she left Swarga and made Ksheersagara herhome.

The etymology and meanings of the word lakshmi is given in Monier Williams‘ Sanskrit–English Dictionary compiledin the 19th century in British India.

1. laksmIka meaning a mark, sign, or token is in Rik Veda x, 71, 2 and Nirukta iv, 10.
2. laksmi ( with or without pAp‘I ) is a bad sign or an impending misfortune referred to Atharva Veda andApasthambha Shrauta Suutra.
3. In older Sanskrit, it is usually used with “p‘uNyA” meaning a good sign, good fortune, prosperity, success, orhappiness in Atharva Veda.
4. Laksmi personifies wealth, riches, beauty, loveliness, grace, charm, splendour, and lustre in Mahabharata.
5. Laksmi as a noun is a goddess of fortune and beauty (frequently in the later mythology identified with Śrī andregarded as the wife of Viṣṇu or Nārāyaṇa).
6. According to Sir Monier Williams, “Religious thought and life in India“, 45, 40–43 she sprang with other preciousthings from the foam of the ocean when churned by the gods and demons for the recovery of the Amṛta. Sheappeared with a lotus in her hand, whence she is also called Padmā.
7. According to another legend, she appeared at the creation floating over the water on the expanded petals of a lotusflower; she is also variously regarded as wife of Sūrya, as wife of Prajā–pati, as wife of Dharma and mother ofKāma, as sister or mother of Dhātṛ and Vidhātṛ, as wife of Datt^atreya, as one of the nine Śaktis of Viṣṇu, as amanifestation of Prakṛti, as identified with Dākshāyaṇī in Bharat^aśrama, and with Sītā, wife of Rāma, and withother women.

Explanation of Mahalakshmi

Lakshmi with Vishnu at VaikunthaPahari Painting

Mahalakshmi is the presiding Goddess of the Middle episode of Devi Mahatmya. Here, she is depicted as Devi inher universal form as Shakti. The manifestation of the Devi to kill Mahishasura is formed by the effulgences of allthe gods. The Goddess is described as eighteen–armed, bearing a string of beads, battle axe, mace, arrow,thunderbolt, lotus, bow, water pot, cudgel, lance, sword, shield, conch, bell, wine cup, trident, noose and the discussudarsana. She has a complexion of coral and is seated on a lotus.^[8] She is known as Ashta Dasa BhujaMahalakshmi.

She is seen in two forms, Bhudevi and Sridevi, both either side of Sri Venkateshwara or Vishnu. Bhudevi is therepresentation and totality of the material world or energy, called the aparam Prakriti, in which she is called MotherEarth. Sridevi is the spiritual world or energy, called the Param Prakriti. Most people are mistaken that they areseparate beings although they are one, Lakshmi. Lakshmi is the power of Lord Vishnu.^{[citation needed]}

Mahalakshmi‘s presence is also found on Lord Sri Venkateswara (at Tirumala) or Vishnu‘s chest, at the heart.Lakshmi is the embodiment of love, from which devotion to God or Bhakti flows from. It is through Love/Bhakti orLakshmi that the atma or soul is able to reach God or Vishnu. Lakshmi plays a special role as the mediatorbetween her husband Lord Vishnu and His worldly devotees. While Vishnu is often conceived of as a stern, easilyperturbed patriarch, Lakshmi represents a more soothing, warm and approachable mother figure who willinglyintervenes in the lives of devotees on His behalf. Often, it is Lakshmi who acts as the advocate for the request of agiven mortal. When asking Vishnu for grace or the forgiveness of sins, Hindus often approach Him through theintermediary presence of Lakshmi.^[9] She is also the personification of the spiritual energy, called Kundalini, withinus and the universe. Also, she embodies the spiritual world, also known as Vaikunta, the abode of Lakshmi–Narayana or Vishnu, or what would be considered Heaven in Vaishnavism. She is also the divine qualities of Godand the soul. Lakshmi is the embodiment of God‘s superior spiritual feminine energy, or the Param Prakriti, whichpurifies, empowers and uplifts the individual. Hence, she is called the Goddess of Fortune. Due to her motherlyfeelings and being the consort of Narayan (Supreme Being), she is believed as the Mother of the Universe.^[10][11][12]

Epithets

Vishnu with Lakshmi(Lakshminarayana) at Halebidu

Lakshmi has many names. She is known to be very closely associated with the lotus, and her many epithets areconnected to the flower, such as:

Prakruti – Mahalakshmi is the very personification of nature, the centre of all, the manifested and the unmanifested.

Vikruti – Mahalakshmi is the multi–faceted Nature, who assumes many forms, known by numerous names, yet isattributeless.

Vidya – Mahalakshmi is the very personification of Wisdom.

Padma: lotus dweller

• Kamala: lotus dweller
• Padmapriya: One who likes lotuses
• Padmamaladhara devi: One who wears a garland of lotuses
• Padmamukhi: One whose face is as beautiful as a lotus
• Padmakshi: One whose eyes are as beautiful as a lotus
• Padmahasta: One who holds a lotus
• Padmasundari: One who is as beautiful as a lotus
• Vishnupriya: One who is the beloved of Vishnu
• Ulkavahini: One who rides an owl

Her other names include: Manushri, Chakrika, Kamalika, Lalima, Kalyani, Nandika, Rujula, Vaishnavi, Narayani,Bhargavi, Sridevi, Chanchala, Bhumi Devi, Jalaja, Madhavi, Sujata, Shreya and Aiswarya. She is also referred to asJaganmaatha (“Mother of the Universe“) in Shri Mahalakshmi Ashtakam. Rama and Indira are popular.

Iconography

Sculpture of Lakshmi

Lakshmi is described as bestowing coins of prosperity and flanked by elephants signifying her royal power.However, in some texts, she has an owl as her vahana. Her expression is always calm and loving. The lotus alsosymbolizes the fertile growth of organic life, as the world is continually reborn on a lotus growing out of Vishnu‘snavel.

Lakshmi is worshipped daily, but special focus is given in the month of October. Her worship ceremonies includepeople offering food and sweets, chanting her 108 names, prayers repeated, and devotional songs being sung.

A 1400–year–old rare granite sculpture of Goddess Lakshmi has been recovered at the Waghama village along theJehlum in Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir.^[13]

Secondary manifestations

Main article: Ashta Lakshmi

Mahalakshmi of Kolhapur

Ashta Lakshmi (Sanskrit: अष्टलक्ष्मी,Aṣṭalakṣmī, lit. “eight Lakshmis“) are a group of eight secondary manifestationsof Lakshmi, who preside over eight sources of wealth and thus represent the powers of Shri–Lakshmi. Actually,Mahalakshmi presides over eighteen forms of wealth, ten of which are the eight great siddhis called AshtaSiddhis,the spiritual knowledge or Gnana, and teaching or imparting the spiritual knowledge to the entire world without anyclass difference.

Mahalakshmi is also known to preside over 16 forms of worldly wealth excluding Ashta siddhis, gnana andimparting gnana. They are as follows: (1) Fame; (2) Knowledge; (3) Courage and Strength; (4) Victory; (5) GoodChildren; (6) Valor; (7) Gold, Gems and Other Valuables; (8) Grains in abundance; (9) Happiness; (10) Bliss; (11)Intelligence; (12) Beauty; (13) Higher Aim, High Thinking and Higher Meditation; (14) Morality and Ethics; (15)Good Health; (16) Long Life.

Ashta Lakshmi

आदि लक्ष्मी (ఆది లక్ష్మి)	Ādi Lakṣmī	The First manifestation of Lakshmi
धान्य लक्ष्मी (ధాన్య లక్ష్మి)	Dhānya Lakṣmī	Granary wealth
धैर्य लक्ष्मी (ధైర్య లక్ష్మి)	Dhairya Lakṣmī	Wealth of courage
गज लक्ष्मी (గజ లక్ష్మి)	Gaja Lakṣmī	Elephants, symbols of wealth
सन्तान लक्ष्मी (సంతాన లక్ష్మి)	Santāna Lakṣmī	Wealth of continuity, progeny
विजय लक्ष्मी (విజయ లక్ష్మి)	Vijaya Lakṣmī	Wealth of victory
विद्या लक्ष्मी (విద్యా లక్ష్మి)	Vidyā Lakṣmī	Wealth of knowledge and education
धन लक्ष्मी (ధన లక్ష్మి)	Dhana Lakṣmī	Monetary wealth

It must be kept in mind that the type of Ashta Lakshmis differ with every yuga and thus one would not finduniformity in the names of Ashta lakshmis in Hindu sacred texts. There are more than crores manifestations ofMahalakshmi; without her nothing in this world would survive as she forms the basis of the entire gamut of creation.Without her grace there will be nothing to eat, no air to breathe, no progeny in continuation etc. At a minor level,one cannot survive without monetary wealth in this wide world, if one has not developed spiritualism. Even if onewere to beg, one would not get even a dime without the grace of Mahalskhmi. It is only through the grace ofMahalakshmi that even the King of Gods, Devandra, gained wealth, when He was cursed by the famous sageDhurvasa for disrespecting the garland offered to Him.

Mahalkshmi is also said to exist in several other forms. The most famous amonsgt them are Sridevi, Bhoodevi, andNeeladevi. The famous Vaishnavite saint Aandaal, who was born in Srivilliputhur about 5050 years ago, is anincarnation of Mahalakshmi herself. Sridevi represents moveable assets, called Chanchala in Sanskrit. Bhoodevirepresents immoveable assets (Achanchala). It is because of this that mountains in India are prefixed withAchanachala, for example, Arunachala, Himachala etc. The term chanchala also denotes fickleness, which is whypeople are not always wealthy. Everything in this world operates only with the grace of Mahalakshmi.

Celebration in Hindu society

Lakshmi murti at Bhubaneswarduring (Laxmi Puja) Festival

Hindus worship Lakshmi the most on Diwali, the festival of lights. According to tradition, people would put small oillamps outside their homes on Diwali in hopes Lakshmi will come to bless them.

The prefix Sri (also spelled Shri, pronounced as shree) translates as “one who takes delight in“. Therefore, SriLakshmi, means wealth of any kind. Any thing that need be affluent gets the auspicious prefix or suffix Lakshmi, orSri, such as Rajya Lakshmi (Wealth of Empire), Shanti Sri (Wealth of Peace), etc. In modern India, common titlesstanding in for the English Mr. and Mrs. are Shri (also Sri or Shree) and Shrimati (also Srimati or Shreemati), as inSri desai or Srimati shanti.

In Uttarakhand, after the worship of the goddess on Diwali night, the shankha, or conch, is not blown. This isbecause the shankha is also from the ocean like the goddess herself, so it is given a day of rest.

Karaveera Nivasini Mahalakshmi, also known as Ambabai, is the patron goddess of Kolhapur city, Maharashtra.

Bengal

Kojagiri Lakshmi puja

In Bengal, Lakshmi is worshiped during divali night in autumn when the moon is full, the brightest night of the year.It is believed that she showers wealth on this night. She, along with her mount, the great white owl, descends toEarth and takes away the darkness of poverty, stagnation, anger, and laziness from our lives. Her vahana owlrepresents royalties, penetrating sight and intelligence. It serves as her mount over which she has full control.Lakshmi is also referred to as pranadayini(“giver of vital life–sustaining energy“) who can turn a dull thing full of life.

Appearance

Lakshmi is depicted in a red costume, which represents continuous activity, or in a golden costume, representingfulfillment. She wears ornaments full of gold and a golden ruby–studded crown. Her hair is long, dark and wavy. Hercomplexion is golden, representing a boon–giver. She shows the abhaya mudra or the gyan mudra with her righthand and holds a potful of gold in her left arm and paddy sheaf in her left hand.

She is related to the chakras of the solar plexus and the heart.

In the Sri Vaishnava philosophy, Sri (Lakshmi) is honored as the Iswarigm sarva bhootanam, i.e., the supremegoddess and not just the goddess of wealth.

Orissa

Manabasa Gurubara

With the harvest brought home, the farmers feel greatly satisfied with the yield. After six months of toil in the field,they fill the granaries with the blessings of Lakshmi. So, the whole month of Mrigashīrsha (December–January) isspent in worshipping the goddess. All the rituals connected with the festival Manabasa Gurubara or Lakshmi Pujaare done by housewives. On each Thursday of the month, the houses are plastered with cow dung, and the floorsare decorated with beautiful floral designs drawn with rice powder mixed with water, called jhoti. Footprints arepainted from the doorstep to the place of worship, as if Goddess Lakshmi has entered the house. The roofs aredecorated with flower garlands and festoons woven out of paddy stalks.

Main ritual After a purification bath in the morning, the housewives worship the goddess, not through an image,but significantly through paddy measures. Different varieties of rice cakes and Khiri (rice soup prepared with milkand sugar) are prepared in every household and are offered to the deity and then eaten by all.

The legend In the evening, the Laxmi Puran, in which an interesting story is told, is read or recited. Once Shreeya,an untouchable woman, worshipped Lakshmi by observing this festival. Being moved by her devotion, Lakshmi lefther permanent abode, the temple that is situated inside the campus of the temple of Lord Jagannatha, and visitedShreeya‘s house. When Lord Balabhadra, the elder brother of Lord Jagannatha, came to know about this, she wasdeclared defiled and was not allowed to come back into the temple. Lakshmi was deeply hurt and went to herfather, Sagara.

When Lakshmi went out of the temple, all wealth in the temple started vanishing. Later, Balabhadra andJagannatha could not find food to sustain themselves. They came out of the temple in the attire of Brahminbeggars in search of food. Ultimately, They landed at the door of Lakshmi. Balabhadra apologised for the mistake,and all of them returned to the temple.

The Purana ultimately teaches all to pay extreme regards to Lakshmi, and the person who disregards her is sure tofall on evil days. This means that wealth should be well protected and properly used, for misuse of wealth is sure tomake a person suffer.

Gaja

Azilises coin depicting GajaLakshmi standing on a lotus, 1stcentury BCE.

Gaja Lakshmi Puja is celebrated in the Sharad Purnima, the full–moon day in the Oriya month ofAswina(September–October). This autumn festival is one of the most popular and important festivals of Orissa. Thegoddess of wealth is worshiped for one day, and, in some places, it is celebrated for seven to ten days, and thefestival is religiously celebrated by the business community in Orissa. All over Orissa, richly decorated andbeautifully made images of Gaja Lakshmi are installed, and the festival instills a spirit of holiness and sanctity intothe whole community, so much so that people of other faiths participate in it with abundant warmth and sincerity. InOrissa, this festival, also known as Kumar Purnima, falls on the full moon – Purnima. Girls and boys wear newclothes and generally have a good time with family and friends.

In the early morning, the girls, after their purification baths, wear new garments and make food offerings to the sun.They observe fasting for the day. In the evening, when the moon rises, they again make food offerings of a specialvariety and eat it after the rituals are over.

It is a festival of rejoicing for the girls; all of them sing and dance. The songs are of a special nature. They also playa kind of game known as Puchi. They also indulge in other varieties of country games.

Worship

There are innumerable slokas in praise of Mahalakshmi. Some of the most famous prayers for worshipping her are:Sri Mahalakshmi Ashtakam, Sri Lakshmi Sahasaranama Sthothra by Sanathkumara, Sri Stuti By Sri VedanthaDesikar, Sri Lakshmi Stuti By Indra, Sri Kanakadhara Sthothra by Sri Aadhi Shankaracharya, Sri Chatussloki bySri Yamunacharya, Sri Lakshmi Sloka by Bhagavan Sri Hari Swamiji and Sri Sukta which is contained in theVedas. The famous Lakshmi Gayathri Sloka ” Om Mahalakshmichae Vidmahe sri Vishnupathinichae Dhi–MahiThanno Lakshmi Prachodayat“ is a powerful prayer contained in the Vedic Sri Sukta, which when chanted everyday108 times is known to grace the chanter with immediate grace of the Goddess within 90 days.

There is another famous prayer pronounced by the great sage Agastya: Agastya Lakshmi Stotra. Although MotherLakshmi is worshipped as the goddess of fortune, when she is worshipped with Narayana, the worshipper isblessed with not only wealth but also peace and prosperity. They can be worshipped in various forms, such asLakshmi Narayana, Lakshmi Narasimha, Sita Rama, Radha Krishna, or Vithal Rukmini. Another, lesser known, formof Lakshmi is worshiped in Karnataka as Hattilakamma, which is a furious form of Lakshmi and also two youngersisters Doddamma and Chikamma called Jalgeramma which are a form of Durga. Here people offer blood to thesebloodthirsty goddesses, and use their hands to smear the blood on walls. It is believed that by doing so all thedesires are fulfilled with in time span as they desired

Mantra

Sanskrit Mantra :^[14]
ॐ श्रीं ह्रीं क्लीं त्रिभुवन महालक्ष्म्यै अस्माकम् दारिद्र्य नाशय प्रचुर धन देहि देहि क्लीं ह्रीं श्रीं ॐ ।
English Mantra :
oṃ śrīṃ hrīṃ klīṃ tribhuvana mahālakṣmyai asmākam dāridrya nāśaya pracura dhana dehi dehi klīṃ hrīṃśrīṃ oṃ ।

Respect for money

In many areas of India it is customary that, out of respect, when a person‘s foot accidentally touches money (whichis considered as a manifestation of Lakshmi) or another person‘s leg, it will be followed by an apology in the form ofa single hand gesture (Pranāma) with the right hand, where the offending person first touches the object with thefinger tips and then the forehead and/or chest. This also counts for books and any written material, which areconsidered as a manifestation of the goddess of knowledge Saraswati.^[15]

Temples

• Mahalakshmi Temple Dahanu
• Ashtalakshmi Kovil, Chennai
• Ashtalakshmi Temple, Hyderabad
• Mahalakshmi Temple, Kolhapur
• Mahalakshmi Temple, Mumbai
• Sri Mahalakshmi Temple, Goravanahalli near Bangalore
• Mahalakshmi temple, Brazil

See also

• Ashta Lakshmi
• Deepalakshmi
• Doddagaddavalli
• Hindu goddess
• Laxminarayan
• Star of Lakshmi

References

1. ^ Monier–Williams Sanskrit–English Dictionary.
2. ^ Bhagavata Purana:8.8.23–24
3. ^ Encyclopaedia of Hindu gods and goddesses By Suresh Chandra http://books.google.co.in/books?id=mfTE6kpz6XEC&pg=PA199&dq=goddess+lakshmi
4. ^ http://www.festivalsinindia.net/goddesses/radha.html
5. ^ Radha in Hinduism, the favourite mistress of the god Krishna, and an incarnation of Lakshmi. In devotionalreligion she represents the longing of the human soul for God: The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable | 2006 |ELIZABETH KNOWLES |
6. ^ Essential Hinduism By Steven Rosen|2006|p=136
7. ^ Kinsley, David (1988). Hindu Goddesses: Vision of the Divine Feminine in the Hindu Religious Traditions.University of California Press. ISBN 0–520–06339–2. p. 95.
8. ^ Sankaranarayanan, S., Glory of the Divine Mother (Devī Māhātmyam), Nesma Books, India, 2001. (ISBN 81–87936–00–2), P 148.
9. ^ Pages 31 and 32 in Kinsley, David. Hindu Goddesses: Vision of the Divine Feminine in the Hindu ReligiousTraditions. Berkeley: University of California Press, 1988. ISBN 978–0–520–06339–6http://books.google.co.in/books?id=hgTOZEyrVtIC&pg=PA17&dq=Hindu+Goddesses:+Vision+of+the+Divine+Feminine+in+the+Hindu+Religious+Traditions.&client=firefox–a#PPA31,M1
10. ^ Lot of information on this site. Contains her many names.http://www.vishvarupa.com/print–information–about–lakshmi.html
11. ^ http://www.lakshmisgarden.com/p_aboutlaks.shtml
12. ^ http://www.yogalife.net/gods–n–goddesses.html http://www.glossary.com/encyclopedia.php?q=Lakshmi
13. ^ http://www.tribuneindia.com/2009/20090413/j&k.htm#20
14. ^ http://www.vedicrishi.in/mantra/index/act/lakshmi–mantra
15. ^ DeBruyn, Pippa; Bain, Keith; Venkatraman, Niloufer (2010). Frommer‘s India. pp. 76.

Further reading

• Venkatadhvari, , (1904). Sri Lakshmi Sahasram. Chowkhamba Sanskrit Depot, Benares.http://www.archive.org/stream/shrlakshmsahsram01venkuoft#page/n1/mode/2up.
• Hindu Goddesses: Vision of the Divine Feminine in the Hindu Religious Traditions (ISBN 81–208–0379–5) by DavidKinsley
• Lakshmi Puja and Thousand Names (ISBN 1–887472–84–3) by Swami Satyananda Saraswati

External links

• Mahalaxmi Temple, Ambabai Temple, Kolhapur
• MahaLakshmi Puja

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• Lakshmi — entsteigt dem Milchozean. Die Göttin steht auf einer Lotosblüte, dem Symbol von Reinheit und Vollkommenheit; auch in den beiden erhobenen Händen hält sie Lotosblumen. Lakshmi (Sanskrit, f., लक्ष्मी, Lakṣmī) ist die hinduistische Göttin des Glücks …   Deutsch Wikipedia
• Lakshmī — Saltar a navegación, búsqueda Para el multimillonario industrial, véase Lakshmi Mittal. Estatuilla de Lakṣmī …   Wikipedia Español
• Lakshmî — Lakshmi Peinture de Lakshmi Dans l hindouisme, Lakshmi (ou Mahalakshmi) est la déesse de la fortune et de la prospérité, ou de l abondance. Elle est la fille du sage Bhrigu et l épouse fidèle/aimante/dévote de Vishnu, appelée aussi Srî. Elle se… …   Wikipédia en Français
• Lakshmi —    Lakshmi is the wife of VISHNU and the GODDESS of wealth and happiness. She also is associated with beauty. Lakshmi sometimes goes by the name of Sri, though in very early times Sri seems to have had an independent identity and was only later… …   Encyclopedia of Hinduism
• Lakshmi —   [ lakʃmi], weibliche Gottheit Indiens, mit Wohlstand, Schönheit, Glück und Fruchtbarkeit assoziiert; im Hinduismus seit epischer Zeit (indische Literaturen) die Gattin v. a. Vishnus (als solche auch Shri genannt). Ihr Zeichen ist der Lotos… …   Universal-Lexikon
• Lakshmi — Hindu goddess of beauty, from Skt. lakshmi mark, fortue, riches, beauty …   Etymology dictionary
• Lakshmi — noun Hindu goddess of fortune and prosperity • Instance Hypernyms: ↑Hindu deity * * * /luksh mee/, n. the Hindu goddess of fortune. * * * Lakshmi /lakshˈmē/ noun In Hindu mythology, Vishnu s consort ORIGIN: Sans * * * [ ləkshmē] Laksh·mi Hinduism …   Useful english dictionary
• Lakshmi — Dans l hindouisme, Lakshmi (ou Mahalakshmi) est la déesse de la Fortune, et de la richesse inhérente, ou de l abondance. Elle est aussi la Déesse de la Beauté. Elle est la fille du sage Bhrigu et l épouse fidèle/aimante/dévote de Vishnu, appelée… …   Wikipédia en Français
• Lakshmi —    In Vedic myth the wife of Vishnu. She was the Hindu goddess of good luck and plenty and the personification of beauty. In order to take her place as the mate of Vishnu she assumed the personalities of the wives of Vishnu in each of his avatars …   Who’s Who in non-classical mythology
• Lakshmi — /luksh mee/, n. the Hindu goddess of fortune. * * * or Laksmi Hindu and Jain goddess of wealth and good fortune. The consort of Vishnu, she is said to have taken different forms to be with him in each of his incarnations. She is a principal… …   Universalium

Tales of Raksha Bandhan

10SundayAug 2014

http://www.allabouthinduism.info/2014/08/10/tales-raksha-bandhan/

Tags

Draupadi, Krishna,Raksha Bandhan

Endearing tales of the love between brother and sister abound in Hindu mythology and many are remembered and recounted to children on this special day of Raksha Bandhan.

The divine bond between Lord Krishna and Draupadi, wife of the Pandava brothers, is legendary. She was his dear friend whom Krishna loved as his little sister.

Once while fighting the evil King Sishupal, Krishna was hurt and left with a bleeding finger. Seeing this, Draupadi rushed to his aid. Tearing a strip of cloth from her sari she tied it around his finger to stop the bleeding. Lord Krishna, realising her affections and concern for him, declared himself bound by her sisterly love. He promised to repay this debt whenever she needed him in the future.
 a Madhubani painting depicting the above story.

Many years later, when the Pandavas lost Draupadi in a game of dice and the Kaurava brothers tried to  humiliate her by pulling away her sari, Krishna came to the resucue. With his divine powers he created the illusion of an endless garment which no matter how hard Dushasan tried, he could not remove.  Draupadi was saved the terrible embarrassment in the court of Hastinapur that day.

On another occasion when Draupadi and the Pandavas were in exile and living in the forest Sage Durvasa, famous for his temper, visited them.Tired and hungry they asked for alms. Draupadi had a magical vessel, known as Akshayapatra, which would serve an endless supply of rice. But once washed for the day, it would yield nothing until the next day. On that day Draupadi had cleaned the vessel and when Durvasa arrived there was nothing left to serve him. The Pandavas and Draupadi were terrified of offending the great Sage but didn’t know what to do.

As always when Draupadi was in trouble she found herself turning to Krishna for help. There was one small grain of rice still left in the vessel stuck to its rim. Krishna ate it . As soon as he had done so, Durvasa and his followers felt an inexplicable fullness and all their hunger vanished. With no more desire for food they carried on their way. Once again Krishna had saved his sister from an unfortunate episode.

Samudra Manthan

27WednesdayFeb 2013

http://www.allabouthinduism.info/2013/02/27/samudra-manthan/

The Churning of the Ocean is one of the most popular stories in Hindu mythology  and has been celebrated for centuries in the form of the famous Maha Kumbh Mela.

It describes the second incarnation of Vishnu- the Kurma Avatar . It was when Vishnu took the form of a turtle to save the earth.

Beautiful carvings and sculptures depicting scenes from this story have been found in many ancient temples in India and  in other parts of the world.

Like this one from the Angkor Wat temples of Cambodia.

                                                                                                               photo courtesy http://www.connectingcultures.us                                    

And, even in a modern day airport  like this one!

                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                Suvarnabhumi Airport, Bangkok.

 

For those who haven’t heard or read the story before, here it is….

The Full Story...

                 One day when Indra,  the King of Gods, was out riding on his elephant, he met Durvasa Muni, a very learned sage. Durvasa offered Indra a divine garland of flowers. Indra who was lost in his own grandeur did not understand that Durvasa had honoured him by doing so. In his ignorance, he took the garland and placed it on his elephant’s trunk. The elephant intoxicated by the heady scent of the flowers took it and flung it to the ground and trampled upon it.

Durvasa was enraged at the insult. He cursed Indra that all the devas( gods) would lose their powers. Indra quickly realised his mistake but the curse once spoken could not be revoked.  The devas became weak and powerless while their arch enemies the Asuras became stronger with each passing day.

Desperate and now fearing for their lives, the gods approached Brahma and Shiva for help, who in turn sent the devas to Vishnu, the Protector of the Universe.

Vishnu saw the plight of the devas and knew that the balance between good and evil had to be restored.

There was a way, Vishnu told the devas, to get their powers back. They would have to churn the great cosmic ocean of milk, Ksheer Sagar and bring out the nectar of immortality that was hidden within it. On drinking this nectar ( Amrit), they would become invincible.

The devas were worried now. How could they possibly churn the great ocean ?

“You must use Mount Meru, which stands at the centre of the Universe, as your churning staff and request Vasuki, the King of Snakes to be the churning rope,” Vishnu added.

The devas looked to the ground in embarrassment, “We no longer have the strength to take on such a difficult task.”

Vishnu had a plan.

He asked the devas to join forces with the Asuras and  promise them an equal share of the nectar, if they helped with the churning.

“But that would make the asuras immortal too! ” cried the devas.

“The asuras will not get the nectar,” Vishnu assured them.

The devas bowed down to Vishnu and left Vaikunth.

On hearing about the plan to obtain the precious nectar, the asuras got all excited and readily agreed to help.

Together they set upon the task. First they gathered many precious herbs and added them to the milky waters. Then they went to Mount Meru and lifted it in an attempt to carry it to the ocean  but the devas could not hold it up and the mountain collapsed upon them, crushing thousands of devas and asuras.

Seeing this terrible calamity, Vishnu appeared on his celestial vehicle Garuda, the eagle. With one finger Vishnu lifted Mount Meru and placed it on Garuda’s back, who then flew it to the centre of the ocean.

With Vasuki coiled around the mountain, the churning finally began . The asuras insisted on pulling from the head of the snake so the devas took the tail. They heaved with all their might, tugging back and forth till the ocean began to turn, its waters rising in enormous waves.

However, now the mountain began to sink, dragging everyone with it. Once again, Vishnu came to their rescue in the form of a gigantic turtle. This was Vishnu’s third incarnation, the Kurma Avatar.

Vishnu slipped into the depths of the ocean and lifted the sinking mountain on his back. Now with the mountain supported, the churning resumed with such vigour that Vasuki, struggled under the strain.                                                                                     (illustrations  from an Amar Chitra Katha comic)

He started spewing smoke and fire from his thousand mouths, engulfing the asuras in poisonous fumes and choking them. But no one would give up.The churning continued.

Then a large cloud of the deadly poison Halahal, arose from ocean and spread all over the Earth, threatening to destroy all creation. Cries for help reached Mount Kailash where Shiva sat in deep meditation.

Hearing the commotion , Shiva woke up from his trance. He saw the poison spreading and quickly gathered it all in his hands and swallowed it. So deadly was the poison that it burned Shiva’s neck turning it blue. ( Since then Shiva is also called Neelkanth, the one with a blue neck).

The devas and asuras pressed on with the task.  Before long, a number of different treasures emerged from the Milky Ocean.

These included Kamdhenu, the divine cow; Kalpavriksha, the wish-fulfilling tree; the wonderful Parijat  whose blossoms never wilt and the precious gem Kaustubh worn by Vishnu. They were followed by a bevy of beautiful nymphs  and Varuni the goddess of alcohol. Then came the radiant Laxmi, Goddess of wealth who married Vishnu.

Finally , there arose Dhanavantari, the divine physician holding a pitcher of nectar in his hands. Seeing the pitcher the asuras rushed ahead and took it by force.

Vishnu then disguised as the bewitching maiden Mohini,  appeared before the asuras and cast a spell on them.  So enchanted were they by her extraordinary beauty that the asuras asked her to distribute the nectar. Mohini  smiled and took the pitcher, offering to help them on one condition- they could not question her actions. The asuras agreed.

As they sat in two rows, opposite each other, the devas and asuras waited to be served the nectar. With her smile fixed upon the asuras, Mohini served the devas one by one.

Rahu one of the asuras understood that Mohini had no intention of the serving any nectar to the asuras so he took the form of a deva and crossed to the other side. He had just drunk the nectar when Surya, the sun god  and Som, the moon god saw who he really was. Their shouts alerted Vishnu who threw his discus at Rahu and chopped his head off, flinging it into  the sky. Although Rahu was killed, his head which had taken the nectar, became immortal and even today he takes revenge on the sun and moon by swallowing and eclipsing them.

The asuras realised they had been tricked and a tremendous fight broke out. By now most of the devas had had the nectar and regained their powers so Vishnu flew away with the pot spilling some drops of the nectar on Earth. These fell on  Prayag, Ujjain, Nashik and Haridwar. (For this reason the Kumbh Mela is celebrated at these places every twelve years.)

For twelve days and night ( twelve human years) the fight raged. Eventually the devas won  and restored Mount Meru to its original position.

The deeper you look into this story, the more intriguing it gets. It hints at so many hidden meanings. But, that’s a whole other post – Secrets of The Milky Ocean !

ह्यूमन राइट्स वाले कहा है? –

ह्यूमन राइट्स वाले कहा है? –

પ્રહલાદ પ્રજાપતિ

ह्यूमन राइट्स वाले कहा है? —- हिंदुस्तान में रहकर इस्लामी आतंकियों को प्रोत्साहित करने की बात करेंवाले बसपा के मुल्ले नेता को कड़ी से कड़ी सजा मिले ——-

Aditya Agniveer added 2 new photos.

कहां मर गयें है आज So called ‪#‎Sickular_और_Educated‬ टाईप सुतीये और Paid Media House, जो PK के विरोधियों के खिलाफ Debate और रंडीरोना मचा रहे थे! इस आतंकी समर्थक मुल्ले के खिलाफ भी Debate और रंडीरोना करेंगे? या सांप सुघ गया है ‪#‎Sickular‬ सुतीयों को!

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Sign Language of Intelligent Hindu Women!

Sign Language of Intelligent Hindu Women!