Origin: Hinduism
Title: Goddess of Wealth, Prosperity, Fortune, and Beauty
Attributes:
- Appearance: Lakshmi is usually depicted with golden skin, symbolizing her radiance and wealth. She has four arms, each representing the four ends of human life: dharma (righteousness), artha (wealth), kama (desire), and moksha (liberation). She holds:
- Lotus flowers, which symbolize purity, beauty, and spiritual power.
- Vehicle: An owl, symbolizing wisdom and intelligence that one should use to navigate through the darkness of life.
Mythology:
- Emergence: Lakshmi is said to have emerged from the churning of the cosmic ocean (Samudra Manthan) alongside other treasures, on a lotus, fully grown and adorned, signifying her birth from the essence of creation.
- Association with Vishnu: She is the consort of Lord Vishnu, often depicted massaging his feet in devotion. Her presence with Vishnu signifies the fulfillment of all life's goals when one follows the path of righteousness.
Symbols:
- Lotus: Represents purity, beauty, fertility, and wealth. Lakshmi's association with the lotus suggests her ability to transcend the material world and offer spiritual ascension.
- Elephants: Sometimes, she is shown being bathed or showered with water by elephants (Gaja Lakshmi), which symbolize royal power, prosperity, and the removal of obstacles.
Worship:
- Festivals: Diwali, the festival of lights, is particularly dedicated to Lakshmi, where people invite her into their homes to bring prosperity for the coming year.
- Daily Rituals: Many Hindus perform daily puja (worship) to Lakshmi, especially merchants and business owners who seek her blessings for success.
Legends:
- Indra's Palace: There's a story where she deserted Indra’s palace due to his lack of gratitude, teaching the lesson that wealth and prosperity are transient and must be handled with humility.
- Reincarnations: Lakshmi is said to incarnate on earth alongside Vishnu in his various avatars. For instance, she was Sita in the Ramayana when Vishnu was Rama, and Rukmini and Radha with Krishna.
Cultural Impact: Lakshmi's image is used widely in iconography, often in homes and businesses to attract wealth and prosperity. Her worship goes beyond mere material wealth, emphasizing spiritual richness, moral integrity, and the importance of giving.
Interesting Fact: Lakshmi's name is derived from the Sanskrit word 'Laksya', which means goal or aim, reflecting her association with the attainment of life's goals. Her many names like Shri, Kamalatmika, Padmavati, etc., all reflect different aspects of her divine essence.