Lakshmi
Lakshmi | |
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Member of Tridevi | |
![]() Raja Ravi Varma's Sri Gaja Lakshmi | |
Other names | Sri, Narayani, Bhargavi, Bhagavati, Padma, Kamala, Vaishnavi |
Devanagari | लक्ष्मी |
Affiliation | Devi, Tridevi, Shakti, Mahadevi, Ashta Lakshmi, |
Abode | Vaikuntha, Manidvipa |
Mantra | ॐ श्रीं श्रियें नमः। (Om Shri Shriye Namaha), ॐ श्रीं महालक्ष्म्यै नमः। (Om Shreem Maha Lakshmiyei Namaha), ॐ श्री महालक्ष्म्यै नमः। (Om Shri Mahalakshmiyei Namaha) |
Symbols | Padma (Lotus), Shankha (conch), Discus, Gada (mace), Jnana Mudra, Abhaya Mudra, Varadamudra, gold, coins. |
Day | Friday |
Mount | Garuda, Owl, Elephant, Lion or Tiger |
Festivals | Diwali (Lakshmi Puja), Sharad Purnima, Varalakshmi Vratam, Navaratri, Sankranti[3] |
Personal information | |
Siblings | Jyestha or Alakshmi |
Consort | Vishnu[4] |
Children | • Kamadeva
• 18 sons including chikleeta ( rig Veda) • amrithvalli and sundaravalli (skand puran) |
Translations of लक्ष्मी (Lakṣmī) | |
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Sanskrit | लक्ष्मी (Lakṣmī) |
Assamese | লক্ষ্মী (Lakṣmī) |
Bengali | লক্ষ্মী (Lakṣmī) |
Gujarati | લક્ષ્મી (Lakṣmī) |
Hindi | लक्ष्मी (Lakṣmī) |
Marathi | लक्ष्मी (Lakṣmī) |
Odia | ଲକ୍ଷ୍ମୀ (Lakṣmī) |
Glossary of Hinduism terms |
Lakshmi (/ˈlʌkʃmi/;[5][nb 1] Sanskrit: लक्ष्मी, romanized: Lakṣmī, lit. 'she who leads to one's goal'), also known as Shri (Sanskrit: श्री, romanized: Śrī, lit. 'Noble'),[7] is one of the principal goddesses in Hinduism. She is the goddess of wealth, fortune, power, beauty, fertility and prosperity,[8] and associated with Maya ("Illusion"). Along with Parvati and Saraswati, she forms the Tridevi of Hindu goddesses.[9]
Within the Goddess-oriented Shaktism, Lakshmi is venerated as a principle aspect of the Mother goddess.[10][11] Lakshmi is both the wife and divine energy (shakti) of the Hindu god Vishnu, the Supreme Being of Vaishnavism; she is also the Supreme Goddess in the sect and assists Vishnu to create, protect and transform the universe.[4][11][12][13] Whenever Vishnu descended on the earth as an avatar, Lakshmi accompanied him as consort, for example, as Sita and Radha or Rukmini as consorts of Vishnu's avatars Rama and Krishna, respectively.[7][11] The eight prominent manifestations of Lakshmi, the Ashtalakshmi symbolize the eight sources of wealth.[14]
Lakshmi is depicted in Indian art as an elegantly dressed, prosperity-showering golden-coloured woman standing or siting in padmasana on a lotus throne, while holding a lotus in her hand, symbolizing fortune, self-knowledge, and spiritual liberation.[15][16] Her iconography shows her with four hands, which represent the four aspects of human life important to Hindu culture: dharma, kāma, artha, and moksha.[17][18] Lakshmi Sahasranama of Skanda Purana, Lakshmi Tantra, Markandeya Purana, Devi Mahatmya and vedic scriptures describes Lakshmi as having eight or eighteen hands and as sitting on Garuda, Lion or Tiger.[19][20][21]
Archaeological discoveries and ancient coins suggest the recognition and reverence for Lakshmi existing by the 1st millennium BCE.[22][23] Lakshmi's iconography and statues have also been found in Hindu temples throughout Southeast Asia, estimated to be from the second half of the 1st millennium CE.[24][25] The festivals of Diwali and Sharad Purnima (Kojagiri Purnima) are celebrated in her honor.[26]
Etymology and epithets
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.[27] These roots give Lakshmi the symbolism: know and understand your goal.[28] A related term is lakṣaṇa, which means 'sign, target, aim, symbol, attribute, quality, lucky mark, auspicious opportunity'.[29]
Lakshmi has numerous epithets and numerous ancient Stotram and Sutras of Hinduism recite her various names:[30][31] such as Sri (Radiance, eminence, splendor, wealth), Padmā (she who is mounted upon or dwelling in a lotus or She of the lotus), Kamalā or Kamalatmika (She of the lotus), Padmapriyā (Lotus-lover), Padmamālādhāra Devī (Goddess bearing a garland of lotuses), Padmamukhī (Lotus-faced-she whose face is as like as a lotus), Padmākṣī: (Lotus-eyed - she whose eyes are as beautiful as a lotus), Padmahasta: (Lotus-hand - she whose hand is holding [a] lotus[es]), Padmasundarī (She who is as beautiful as a lotus), Śrījā (Jatika of Sri), Narayani (belonging to Narayana or the wife of Narayana), Vaishnavi (worshipper of Vishnu or the power of Vishnu), Viṣṇupriyā (who is the beloved of Vishnu), Nandika (the one who gives pleasure). Other than these Vaishnavas also consider Lalita, who is praised with 1,000 names in Lalita Sahasranama as Lakshmi.[32]
Lakshmi Sahasranama of Skanda Purana praises Lakshmi as Mahadevi (she who is the great goddess), Mahamaya (she who is a great illusion), Karaveera Nivasini (The Goddess Who lives in Karaveera/Kolhapur) and Maha Astha Dasa Pithagne (she who has 18 great Shakti Peethas). She is also praised as Mahalakshmi (she who is great Lakshmi), Mahakali (she who is great Kali) and Mahasaraswati (she who is great Saraswati) who are the primary deities in Devi Mahatmya. The other prominent names included in this text are, Bhuvaneshvari (she who is the Queen or ruler of the Universe), Katyayani (she who is the daughter of sage Katyayana), Kaushiki (Shakti that came out of the sheath (or Kosha) of Parvati), Brahmani (She who is the power of Brahma), Kamakshi (she who fulfils desires by her eyes), Chandi (she who killed Mahishasura), Chamunda (She who killed Chanda and Munda), Madhu Kaidabha Bhanjini (she who killed Madhu and Kaidabha), Durga (she who killed Durgamasura), Maheshvari (she who is the power of Maheshvara), Varahi (she who is the power of Varaha, a form of Vishnu), Narasimhi (she who is the power of Narasimha, a form of Vishnu), Srividyaa (she who is Sri Vidya), Sri Manthra Raja Rajini (the queen of Sri Vidya), Shadadharadhi devata (she who is the goddess of the six chakras).[33][34] Dutch author Dirk van der Plas says, "In Lakshmi Tantra, a text of Visnuite signature, the name Mahamaya is connected with third or destructive of Goddess' three partial functions, while in supreme form she is identified with Lakshmi".[35]
Her other names include:[30] Aishwarya, Akhila, Anagha, Anumati, Apara, Aruna, Atibha, Avashya, Bala, Bhargavi, Bhudevi, Chakrika, Chanchala, Devi, Haripriya, Indira, Jalaja, Jambhavati, Janamodini, Jyoti, Jyotsna, Kalyani, Kamalika, Ketki, Kriyalakshmi, Kshirsa, Kuhu, Lalima, Madhavi, Madhu, Malti, Manushri, Nandika, Nandini, Nikhila, Nila Devi, Nimeshika, Parama, Prachi, Purnima, Radha, Ramaa, Rukmini, Samruddhi, Satyabhama, Shreeya, Sita, Smriti, Sridevi, Sujata, Swarna Kamala, Taruni, Tilottama, Tulasi, Vasuda, Varada, Vedavati, Vidya, and Viroopa.
Symbolism and iconography
![](http://webcf.waybackmachine.org/web/20220428174835im_/https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/38/North_Torana%2C_Sanchi_04.jpg/250px-North_Torana%2C_Sanchi_04.jpg)
Lakshmi is a member of the Tridevi, the triad of great goddesses. She represents the Rajas guna, and the Iccha-shakti.[37][38] The image, icons, and sculptures of Lakshmi are represented with symbolism. Her name is derived from Sanskrit root words for knowing the goal and understanding the objective.[28] Her four arms are symbolic of the four goals of humanity 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).[18][39]
In Lakshmi's iconography, she is either sitting or standing on a lotus and typically carrying a lotus in one or two hands. The lotus carries symbolic meanings in Hinduism and other Indian traditions. It symbolizes knowledge, self-realization, and liberation in the Vedic context, and represents reality, consciousness, and karma ('work, deed') in the Tantra (Sahasrara) context.[40] The lotus, a flower that blooms in clean or dirty water, also symbolizes purity regardless of the good or bad circumstances in which it grows. It is a reminder that good and prosperity can bloom and not be affected by evil in one's surroundings.[41][42]
Lakshmi Sahasranama of Skanda Purana, Lakshmi Tantra, Markandeya Purana, Devi Mahatmya and Vedic scriptures describes Lakshmi as having eighteen hands and is described as holding rosary, axe, mace, arrow, thunderbolt, lotus, pitcher, rod, Sakti, Sword, Shield, Conch, bell, wine-cup, trident, noose and the discus in her eighteen hands.[43][44][45]
Below, behind, or on the sides, Lakshmi is very often shown with one or two elephants, known as Gajalakshmi, and occasionally with an owl.[46] Elephants symbolize work, activity, and strength, as well as water, rain and fertility for abundant prosperity.[47] The owl signifies the patient striving to observe, see, and discover knowledge, particularly when surrounded by darkness. As a bird reputedly blinded by daylight, the owl also serves as a symbolic reminder to refrain from blindness and greed after knowledge and wealth have been acquired.[48] According to historian D. D. Kosambi, most of the Imperial Gupta kings were Vaishnavas and held the goddess Lakshmi in the highest esteem.[49] Goddess Lakshmi is Simhavahini (mount as lion) on most of the coins during their rule.[50] Coins during the rule of Prakashadiya, a Gupta ruler, contain the Garudadhvaja on the obverse and Lakshmi on the reverse.[49] The Gupta period sculpture only used to associate lions with Lakshmi but was later attributed to Durga or a combined form of both goddesses.[51][52][53][54] Lions are also associated with Veera Lakshmi, who is one of the Ashtalakshmi.[55] Historian B. C. Bhattacharya says, "An image of Gajalakshmi is found with two lions — one on either side of her. Two elephants are also shown near her head and by this we can say that Lion is also the vahana of Lakshmi along with Garuda".[56]
In some representations, wealth either symbolically pours out from one of her hands or she simply holds a jar of money. This symbolism has a dual meaning: wealth manifested through Lakshmi means both materials as well as spiritual wealth.[40] Her face and open hands are in a mudra that signifies compassion, giving or dāna ('charity').[39]
Lakshmi typically wears a red dress embroidered with golden threads, which symbolizes fortune and wealth. She, 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 are coupled with the maintenance of life, justice, and peace.[40]
In Japan, where Lakshmi is known as Kisshōten, she is commonly depicted with the Nyoihōju gem (如意宝珠) in her hand.
In Hindu literature
Lakshmi is one of the tridevi of Hindu goddesses. Her iconography is found in ancient and modern Hindu and Buddhist temples. |
Vedas and Brahmanas
The meaning and significance of Lakshmi evolved in ancient Sanskrit texts.[57] Lakshmi is mentioned once in Rigveda, in which the name is used to mean 'kindred mark, sign of auspicious fortune'.
भद्रैषां लक्ष्मीर्निहिताधि वाचि |
"an auspicious fortune is attached to their words" |
—Rig Veda, x.71.2 | —translated by John Muir[57] |
In Atharva Veda, transcribed about 1000 BCE, Lakshmi evolves into a complex concept with plural manifestations. Book 7, Chapter 115 of Atharva Veda describes the plurality, asserting 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.[57] The concept and spirit of Lakshmi and 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.[58] In some chapters of Atharva Veda, Lakshmi connotes the good, an auspicious sign, good luck, good fortune, prosperity, success, and happiness.[2]
Later, Lakshmi is referred to as the goddess of fortune, identified with Sri and regarded as the wife of Viṣṇu (Nārāyaṇa).[2] For example, in Shatapatha Brahmana, variously estimated to be composed between 800 BCE and 300 BCE, Sri (Lakshmi) is part of one of many theories, in ancient India, about the creation of the universe. In Book 9 of Shatapatha Brahmana, Sri emerges from Prajapati, after his intense meditation on the creation of life and nature of the universe. Sri is described as a resplendent and trembling woman at her birth with immense energy and powers.[57] The gods are bewitched, desire her, and immediately become covetous of her. The gods approach Prajapati and request permission to kill her and then take her powers, talents, and gifts. Prajapati refuses, tells the gods that men should not kill women and that they can seek her gifts without violence.[59] The gods then approach Lakshmi. 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 splendour, Saraswati takes nourishment and Tvashtri gets forms.[57] The hymns of Shatapatha Brahmana thus describe Sri 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 Dharma, mother of Kāma, sister or mother of Dhātṛ and Vidhātṛ, wife of Dattatreya, one of the nine Shaktis of Viṣṇu, a manifestation of Prakṛti as identified with Dākshāyaṇī in Bharatasrama and as Sita, wife of Rama.[2][60]: 103–12
Epics
In the Epics of Hinduism, such as in Mahabharata, Lakshmi personifies wealth, riches, happiness, loveliness, grace, charm, and splendor.[2] In another Hindu legend about the creation of the universe as described in Ramayana,[61] Lakshmi springs with other precious things from the foam of the ocean of milk when it is churned by the gods and demons for the recovery of Amṛta. She appeared with a lotus in her hand and so she is also called Padmā.[2][60]: 108–11
Sita, the female protagonist of the Ramayana and her husband, the god-king Rama are considered as avatars of Lakshmi and Vishnu, respectively. In the Mahabharata, Draupadi is described as a partial incarnation of Sri.[62] However, other chapter of the epic states that Lakshmi took the incarnation of Rukmini, the chief-wife of the Hindu god Krishna.[nb 2]
Upanishads
Shakta Upanishads are dedicated to the Tridevi of goddesses—Lakshmi, Saraswati and Parvati. Saubhagyalakshmi Upanishad describes the qualities, characteristics, and powers of Lakshmi.[65] In the second part of the Upanishad, the emphasis shifts to the use of yoga and transcendence from material craving to achieve spiritual knowledge and self-realization, the true wealth.[66][67] Saubhagya-Lakshmi Upanishad synonymously uses Sri to describe Lakshmi.[65]
Stotram and sutras
Numerous ancient Stotram and Sutras of Hinduism recite hymns dedicated to Lakshmi.[30] She is a major goddess in Puranas and Itihasa of Hinduism. In ancient scriptures of India, all women are declared to be embodiments of Lakshmi. For example:[30]
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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.[30]
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....
Puranas
Lakshmi features prominently in Puranas of Hinduism. Vishnu Purana, in particular, dedicates many sections to her and also refers to her as Sri.[68] J. A. B. van Buitenen translates passages describing Lakshmi in Vishnu Purana:[68]
Sri, loyal to Vishnu, is the mother of the world. Vishnu is the meaning, Sri 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, the earth's upholder. She is contentment, he the satisfaction. She wishes, he is the desire. Sri is the sky, Vishnu the Self of everything. He is the Sun, she the light of the Sun. He is the ocean, she is the shore.
Subhasita, Genomic and Didactic Literature
Lakshmi, along with Parvati and Saraswati, is a subject of extensive Subhashita, genomic and didactic literature of India.[69] Composed in the 1st millennium BCE through the 16th century CE, they are short poems, proverbs, couplets, or aphorisms in Sanskrit written in a precise meter. They sometimes take the form of a dialogue between Lakshmi and Vishnu or highlight the spiritual message in Vedas and ethical maxims from Hindu Epics through Lakshmi.[69] An example Subhashita is Puranartha Samgraha, compiled by Vekataraya in South India, where Lakshmi and Vishnu discuss niti ('right, moral conduct') and rajaniti ('statesmanship' or 'right governance')—covering in 30 chapters and ethical and moral questions about personal, social and political life.[69]: 22
Manifestations and aspects
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.[70] She is also the personification of spiritual fulfillment. Lakshmi embodies the spiritual world, also known as Vaikuntha, the abode of Lakshmi and Vishnu (collectively called Lakshmi Narayana). Lakshmi is the embodiment of the creative energy of Vishnu,[71] and primordial Prakriti who creates the universe.[72]
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According to Garuda Purana, Lakshmi is considered as Prakriti (Mahalakshmi) and is identified with three forms — Sri, Bhu and Durga. The three forms consists of Satva ('goodness'),[2] rajas, and tamas ('darkness') gunas,[73] and assists Vishnu (Purusha) in creation, preservation and destruction of the entire universe. Durga form represents the power to fight, conquer and punish the demons and anti-gods.
In the Lakshmi Tantra and Lakshmi Sahasranama of Skanda Purana, Lakshmi is given the status of the primordial goddess. According to these texts, Durga and the forms such Mahalakshmi, Mahakali and Mahasaraswati and all the Shaktis that came out of all gods such as Matrikas and Mahavidya[74] are all various forms of Goddess Lakshmi.[75] In Lakshmi Tantra, Lakshmi says to Indra that she got the name Durga after killing an asura named Durgama.[76] Indologists and authors Chitralekha Singh and Prem Nath says, "Narada Purana describes the powerful forms of Lakshmi as Durga, Mahakali, Bhadrakali, Chandi, Maheshwari, Mahalakshmi, Vaishnavi and Andreye".[77]
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.[78] In Hindu Bengali culture, Lakshmi, along with Saraswati, are seen as the daughters of Durga. They are worshipped during Durga Puja.[79]
In South India, Lakshmi is seen in two forms, Sridevi and Bhudevi, both at the sides of Venkateshwara, a form of Vishnu. Bhudevi is the representation and totality of the material world or energy, called the Apara Prakriti, or Mother Earth; Sridevi is the spiritual world or energy called the Prakriti.[4][80] According to Lakshmi Tantra, Nila Devi, one of the manifestations or incarnations of Lakshmi is the third wife of Vishnu.[81][82] Each goddess of the triad is mentioned in Śrī Sūkta, Bhu Sūkta and Nila Sūkta, respectively.[83][84][85] This threefold goddess can be found, for example, in Sri Bhu Neela Sahita Temple near Dwaraka Tirumala, Andhra Pradesh, and in Adinath Swami Temple in Tamil Nadu.[86] In many parts of the region, Andal is considered as an incarnation of Lakshmi.[87]
Ashta Lakshmi (Sanskrit: अष्टलक्ष्मी, Aṣṭalakṣmī, 'eight Lakshmis') is a group of eight secondary manifestations of Lakshmi. The Ashta Lakshmi presides over eight sources of wealth and thus represents the eight powers of Shri Lakshmi. Temples dedicated to Ashta Lakshmi are found in Tamil Nadu, such as Ashtalakshmi Kovil near Chennai and many other states of India.[88]
Adi Lakshmi | The First manifestation of Lakshmi |
Dhanya Lakshmi | Granary Wealth |
Veera Lakshmi | Wealth of Courage |
Gaja Lakshmi | Elephants spraying water, the wealth of fertility, rains, and food.[89] |
Santana Lakshmi | Wealth of Continuity, Progeny |
Vidya Lakshmi | Wealth of Knowledge and Wisdom |
Vijaya Lakshmi | Wealth of Victory |
Dhana / Aishwarya Lakshmi | Wealth of prosperity and fortune |
Creation and legends
Devas (gods) and asuras (demons) were both mortal at one time in Hinduism. Amrita, the divine nectar that grants immortality, could only be obtained by churning Kshirasagar ('Ocean of Milk'). The devas and asuras both sought immortality and decided to churn the Kshirasagar with Mount Mandhara. 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-god, 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.[90]
In Garuda Purana, Linga Purana and Padma Purana, Lakshmi is said to have been born as the daughter of the divine sage Bhrigu and his wife Khyati and was named Bhargavi. According to Vishnu Purana, the universe was created when the devas and asuras churned the cosmic Kshirasagar. Lakshmi came out of the ocean bearing lotus, along with divine cow Kamadhenu, Varuni, Parijat tree, Apsaras, Chandra (the moon), and Dhanvantari with Amrita ('nectar of immortality'). When she appeared, she had a choice to go to Devas or 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.[68]
Worship
Many Hindus worship Lakshmi on Diwali, the festival of lights.[91] It is celebrated in autumn, typically October or November every year.[92] The festival spiritually signifies the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, good over evil and hope over despair.[93]
Before Diwali night, people clean, renovate and decorate their homes and offices.[96] On Diwali night, Hindus dress up in new clothes or their best outfits, light up diyas (lamps and candles) inside and outside their home, and participate in family puja (prayers) typically to Lakshmi. After puja, fireworks follow,[97] 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.[98] This festival dedicated to Lakshmi is considered by Hindus to be one of the most important and joyous festivals of the year.
A very sacred day for the worship of Goddess Lakshmi falls on Chaitra Shukla Panchami, also called, Lakshmi Panchami, Shri Panchami, Kalpadi and Shri Vrata. As this worship is in the first week of the Hindu new year, by Hindu calendar, it is considered very auspicious.[99]
Gaja Lakshmi Puja is another autumn festival celebrated on Sharad Purnima in many parts of India on the full-moon day in the month of Ashvin (October).[26] Sharad Purnima, also called Kojaagari Purnima or Kuanr Purnima, is a harvest festival marking the end of monsoon season. There is a traditional celebration of the moon called the Kaumudi celebration, Kaumudi meaning moonlight.[100] On Sharad Purnima night, goddess Lakshmi is thanked and worshipped for the harvests. Vaibhav Lakshmi Vrata is observed on Friday for prosperity.[101]
List of temples
Some temples where Devi Lakshmi can be found include:
- In Maharashtra, as Ambabai or Mahalakshmi in Mahalakshmi Temple, Kolhapur (Shakti peetha); Mahalakshmi Temple, Dahanu; and the Mahalakshmi Temple in Mumbai
- In Karnataka, as Mookambika in Mookambika Temple, Kollur; and Lakshmi Devi Temple, Doddagaddavalli
- In Kerala, as Bhagavathi in Chottanikkara Temple
- In Andhra Pradesh, as Kanaka Mahalakshmi in Sri Kanaka Maha Lakshmi
- In Tamil Nadu, as Lakshmi Narayani in Golden Temple, Sripuram; as Ashtalakshmi in Ashtalakshmi Temple, Chennai; Thirunarayur Nambi Temple; Andal temple, Srivilliputhur; Azhagiya Manavala Perumal Temple; and Pundarikakshan Perumal Temple
- In Madhya Pradesh, as Lakshmi in Lakshmi Temple, Khajura
Hymns
Countless hymns, prayers, shlokas, stotra, songs, and legends dedicated to Mahalakshmi are recited during the ritual worship of Lakshmi.[30] These include:[102]
- Sri Lalitha Sahasranamam
- Sri Mahalakshmi Ashtakam
- Sri Lakshmi Sahasaranama Stotra (by Sanath kumara)
- Sri Stuti (by Sri Vedantha Desikar)
- Sri Lakshmi Stuti (by Indra)
- Sri Kanakadhāra Stotram (by Sri Adi Shankara)
- Sri Chatussloki (by Sri Yamunacharya)
- Narayani Stuti
- Devi Mahatmyam Middle episode
- Argala Stotra
- Sri Lakshmi Sloka (by Bhagavan Sri Hari Swamiji)
- Sri Sukta, which is contained in the Vedas and includes Lakshmi Gayatri Mantra ("Om Shree Mahalakshmyai ca vidmahe Vishnu patnyai ca dheemahi tanno Lakshmi prachodayat, Om")
- Lakshmi Gayatri mantra mentioned in Linga Purana (48.13) - " Sammuddhrtayai vidmahe Vishnunaikena dhimahi | tan no Radha prachodaydt " translated to "we think about Lakshmi whom Vishnu himself supports, we meditate on her, then let Radha inspire us."[103]
Archaeology
A representation of the goddess as Gaja Lakshmi or Lakshmi flanked by two elephants spraying her with water, is one of the most frequently found in archaeological sites.[22][23] An ancient sculpture of Gaja Lakshmi (from Sonkh site at Mathura) dates to the pre-Kushan Empire era.[22] Atranjikhera site in modern Uttar Pradesh has yielded terracotta plaque with images of Lakshmi dating to 2nd century BCE. Other archaeological sites with ancient Lakshmi terracotta figurines from the 1st millennium BCE include Vaisali, Sravasti, Kausambi, Campa, and Candraketugadh.[23]
The goddess Lakshmi is frequently found in ancient coins of various Hindu kingdoms from Afghanistan to India. Gaja Lakshmi has been found on coins of Scytho-Parthian kings Azes II and Azilises; she also appears on Shunga Empire king Jyesthamitra era coins, both dating to 1st millennium BCE. Coins from 1st through 4th century CE found in various locations in India such as Ayodhya, Mathura, Ujjain, Sanchi, Bodh Gaya, Kanauj, all feature Lakshmi.[104] Similarly, ancient Greco-Indian gems and seals with images of Lakshmi have been found, estimated to be from 1st-millennium BCE.[105]
A 1400-year-old rare granite sculpture of Lakshmi has been recovered at the Waghama village along Jehlum in Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir.[106]
The Pompeii Lakshmi, a statuette supposedly thought to be of Lakshmi found in Pompeii, Italy, dates to before the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 CE.[107]
In other religions and cultures
Jainism
Lakshmi is also an important deity in Jainism and found in Jain temples.[108][109] Some Jain temples also depict Sri Lakshmi as a goddess of artha ('wealth') and kama ('pleasure'). For example, she is exhibited with Vishnu in Parshvanatha Jain Temple at the Khajuraho Monuments of Madhya Pradesh,[110] where she is shown pressed against Vishnu's chest, while Vishnu cups a breast in his palm. The presence of Vishnu-Lakshmi iconography in a Jain temple built near the Hindu temples of Khajuraho, suggests the sharing and acceptance of Lakshmi across a spectrum of Indian religions.[110] This commonality is reflected in the praise of Lakshmi found in the Jain text Kalpa Sūtra.[111]
Buddhism
![](http://webcf.waybackmachine.org/web/20220428174835im_/https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a3/Jyoruriji_Kissyoten_Srii.jpg/170px-Jyoruriji_Kissyoten_Srii.jpg)
In Buddhism, Lakshmi has been viewed as a goddess of abundance and fortune, and is represented on the oldest surviving stupas and cave temples of Buddhism.[112][113] In Buddhist sects of Tibet, Nepal, and Southeast Asia, Vasudhara mirrors the characteristics and attributes of the Hindu Goddess, with minor iconographic differences.[114]
In Chinese Buddhism, Lakshmi is referred to as either Gōngdétiān (功德天, lit "Meritorious god" ) or Jíxiáng Tiānnǚ (吉祥天女, lit "Auspicious goddess") and is the goddess of fortune and prosperity. She is regarded as the sister of Píshāméntiān (毗沙門天), or Vaiśravaṇa, one of the Four Heavenly Kings. She is also regarded as one of the twenty-four protective deities, and her image is frequently enshrined in the Mahavira Hall of most Chinese Buddhist monasteries together with the other deities. Her mantra, the Sri Devi Dharani (Chinese: 大吉祥天女咒; pinyin: Dà Jíxiáng Tiānnǚ Zhòu) is classified as one of the Ten Small Mantras (Chinese: 十小咒; pinyin: Shí xiǎo zhòu), which are a collection of dharanis that are commonly recited in Chinese Buddhist temples during morning liturgical services.[115]
In Japanese Buddhism, Lakshmi is known as Kishijoten (吉祥天, 'Auspicious Heavens') and is also the goddess of fortune and prosperity.[116] Like in China, Kishijoten is considered the sister of Bishamon (毘沙門, also known as Tamon or Bishamon-ten), who protects human life, fights evil, and brings good fortune. In ancient and medieval Japan, Kishijoten was the goddess worshiped for luck and prosperity, particularly on behalf of children. Kishijoten was also the guardian goddess of Geishas.
In Tibetan Buddhism, Lakshmi is an important deity, especially in the Gelug School. She has both peaceful and wrathful forms; the latter form is known as Palden Lhamo, Shri Devi Dudsol Dokam, or Kamadhatvishvari, and is the principal female protector of (Gelug) Tibetan Buddhism and of Lhasa, Tibet.[citation needed]
While Lakshmi and Vaiśravaṇa are found in ancient Chinese and Japanese Buddhist literature, their roots have been traced to deities in Hinduism.[116]
Lakshmi is closely linked to Dewi Sri, who is worshipped in Bali as the goddess of fertility and agriculture.
Incarnations
Lakshmi is attributed with various incarnations, including the following:
- Sita
- Radha
- Gopis
- Rukmini
- Jambvati
- Satyabhama
- Kalindi
- Nagnajiti
- Mitravinda
- Lakshmana
- Bhadra
- Junior wives of Krishna
- Revati
- Padmavathi
- Vedavati
- Bhumi
- Nila Devi
- Tulasi
- Andal
Notes
- ^ This pronunciation has a closer approximation of the Hindustani pronunciation. Pronounced UK: /ˈlækʃmi/,[6] US: /ˈlɑːkʃmi/
- ^ Some scholars propose a theory that Sri and Lakshmi may have originally been different goddesses, who merged into one figure.[63] In contrasts, other scholars state that the association of Rukmini was a later interpolation in the epic.[64]
See also
- Ashta Lakshmi
- Deepalakshmi
- Doddagaddavalli
- Mahalakshmi Temple, Kolhapur
- Hindu goddess
- Lakshmi Narayan
- Star of Lakshmi
- Tridevi
References
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Lord Visnu is the refuge of the world and Goddess Lakshmi is the energy behind the Universe.
- Amulya Mohapatra; Bijaya Mohapatra (1 January 1993). Hinduism: Analytical Study. Mittal Publications. p. 26. ISBN 9788170993889.
Sri or Laxmi is the goddess of wealth and fortune , power and beauty.
- Bulbul Sharma (2010). The Book of Devi. Penguin Books India. p. 47. ISBN 9780143067665.
Sri or Lakshmi, as depicted in the sacred texts, is the goddess of wealth and fortune, royal power and beauty.
- Stephen Knapp (2012). Hindu Gods & Goddesses. Jaico Publishing House. p. 132. ISBN 9788184953664.
Goddess Lakshmi is the consort and shakti, or potency, of Lord Vishnu. Lakshmi, or Sri when she is especially known as the goddess of beauty (though sometimes considered to be separate entities), is the goddess of fortune, wealth, power, and loveliness.
- David Kinsley (1 January 1989). The Goddesses' Mirror: Visions of the Divine from East and West. SUNY Press. p. 55. ISBN 9780887068362.
- David Monaghan; Ariane Hudelet; John Wiltshire (10 January 2014). The Cinematic Jane Austen: Essays on the Filmic Sensibility of the Novels. McFarland & Company. p. 153. ISBN 9780786453221.
In Hindu mythology, Lakshmi is the goddess of wealth, power and beauty.
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Lakshmi, our Goddess of wealth, represents not only beauty and power but also the spirit of goodness.
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- ^ "Lakshmi". Lexico UK English Dictionary. Oxford University Press. n.d.
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- ^ a b Coulter, Charles Russell; Turner, Patricia (4 July 2013). Encyclopedia of Ancient Deities. ISBN 9781135963903.
- ^ Ph.D, James G. Lochtefeld (15 December 2001). The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Hinduism, Volume 1. The Rosen Publishing Group, Inc. ISBN 978-0-8239-3179-8.
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- ^ Upendra Nath Dhal (1978). Goddess Laksmi: Origin and Development. Oriental Publishers & Distributors. p. 109.
Goddess Lakşmī is stated as the genetrix of the world; she maintains them as a mother ought to do . So she is often called as the Mātā.
- ^ a b c Williams, George M. (2003). Handbook of Hindu Mythology. ABC-CLIO, Inc. pp. 196–8. ISBN 1-85109-650-7.
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- ^ James G. Lochtefeld (15 December 2001). The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Hinduism, Volume 1. The Rosen Publishing Group. p. 65. ISBN 978-0823931798.
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- ^ Heinrich Robert Zimmer (2015). Myths and Symbols in Indian Art and Civilization. Princeton University Press. p. 100. ISBN 978-1-4008-6684-7. Retrieved 15 October 2016.
- ^ Rhodes, Constantina. 2011. Invoking Lakshmi: The Goddess of Wealth in Song and Ceremony. State University of New York Press, ISBN 978-1438433202. pp. 29–47, 220–52.
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- ^ D. R. Rajeswari (1989). Sakti Iconography. Intellectual Publishing House. p. 19. ISBN 9788170760153.
According to Sapta Sati the iconographical characteristics of Lakshmi are as follows: She is having 18 hands carrying rosary, axe, mace, arrow, thunderbolt, lotus, pitcher, rod, Sakti, Sword, Shield, Conch, bell, wine-cup, trident, noose and the discus
- ^ Saligrama Krishna Ramachandra Rao (1991). Pratima Kosha: Descriptive Glossary of Indian Iconography, Volume 5. IBH Prakashana. p. 65.
- ^ H. C. Das (1985). Cultural Development in Orissa. Punthi Pustak. p. 337.
The Bisvakarmasastra depicts her holding a pot, a club in her right hands, and a shield and a wood apple in the left. The Markandeya Purana describes the developed form of Laksmi having as many as 18 hands.
- ^ a b c Singh, Upinder. 2009. A History of Ancient and Early Medieval India: From the Stone Age to the 12th Century. ISBN 978-8131711200, Pearson Education. p. 438
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- ^ Vijaya Kumara, 108 Names of Lakshmi, Sterling Publishers, ISBN 9788120720282
- ^ Brooks 1992, p. 67.
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- ^ D. R. Rajeswari (1989). Sakti Iconography. Intellectual Publishing House. p. 19. ISBN 9788170760153.
According to Sapta Sati the iconographical characteristics of Lakshmi are as follows: She is having 18 hands carrying rosary, axe, mace, arrow, thunderbolt, lotus, pitcher, rod, Sakti, Sword, Shield, Conch, bell, wine-cup, trident, noose and the discus
- ^ Saligrama Krishna Ramachandra Rao (1991). Pratima Kosha: Descriptive Glossary of Indian Iconography, Volume 5. IBH Prakashana. p. 65.
- ^ H. C. Das (1985). Cultural Development in Orissa. Punthi Pustak. p. 337.
The Bisvakarmasastra depicts her holding a pot, a club in her right hands, and a shield and a wood apple in the left. The Markandeya Purana describes the developed form of Laksmi having as many as 18 hands.
- ^ Laura Amazzone (2012). Goddess Durga and Sacred Female Power. University Press of America. pp. 103–104. ISBN 978-0-7618-5314-5. Archived from the original on 26 December 2018. Retrieved 15 October 2016.
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From the occurrence of cornucopiae, lotus flower and lion mount the goddess has been described as Lakshmi - Ambikā — a composite icon combining the concepts of Śrī or Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity, and Ambikā, the mother aspect of Durga.
- ^ Jackie Menzies (2006). Goddess: Divine Energy. Art Gallery of New South Wales. p. 113. ISBN 9780734763969.
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Lion: It was a 'vahana' of Lakshmi, the Goddess of Prosperity, and Parvati, the wife of Siva.
- ^ D. R. Rajeswari (1989). Sakti Iconography. Intellectual Publishing House. p. 22. ISBN 9788170760153.
In some places Gazalakshmi also has been given Lion as her Vahana. In South India Veera Lakshmi, one of the forms of eight Lakshmis is having Lion as her Vahana. In Rameshwaram also for Veera Lakshmi Lion is Vahana. She carries Trisula, Sphere, Sankha, Chakra, and Abhaya and Varada mudras.
- ^ Urmila Agarwal (1995). North Indian temple sculpture. Munshiram Manoharlal Publishers. p. 60.
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Of the four Vedas : Rig, Yajur, Sāma and Atharva, Puruşa Sukta of Rig Veda identifies Lord Vişņu as the Cosmic God . Sri Suktam, Bhu Suktam and Nila Suktam of Rig Veda reveals the glory of Lakşmi and her forms Sri, Bhū and Nila.
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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.
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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.
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Fireworks and firecrackers are set off to chase away evil spirits, so it is a noisy holiday too.
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- ^ 2022 Lakshmi Panchami[2]
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The Vishnu-Lakshmi imagery on the Jain temple speaks of the close links between various Indian belief systems and the overall acceptance by each of the values adopted by the other
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- ^ a b Dehejia, Vidya. 2009. The Body Adorned: Sacred and Profane in Indian Art. Columbia University Press. ISBN 978-0231140287. p. 151.
- ^ Jacobi, Hermann. The Golden Book of Jainism, edited by Max Muller, and Mahendra Kulasrestha. ISBN 978-8183820141. p. 213.
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The Goddess Lakshmi in Buddhist Art: The goddess of abundance and good fortune, Lakshmi, reflected the accumulated wealth and financial independence of the Buddhist monasteries. Her image became one of the popular visual themes carved on their monuments.
- ^ Heinrich Robert Zimmer (2015). Myths and Symbols in Indian Art and Civilization. Princeton University Press. p. 92. ISBN 978-1-4008-6684-7. Archived from the original on 6 September 2017. Retrieved 15 October 2016.
- ^ Shaw, Miranda. 2006. "Chapter 13." Pp. 258–62 in Buddhist Goddesses of India. Princeton University Press. ISBN 978-0691127583.
- ^ "Ten Small Mantras". www.buddhamountain.ca. Retrieved 15 October 2021.
- ^ a b Charles Russell Coulter; Patricia Turner (2013). Encyclopedia of Ancient Deities. Routledge. pp. 102, 285, 439. ISBN 978-1-135-96390-3. p. 102: "Kishijoten, a goddess of luck who corresponds to Lakshmi, the Indian goddess of fortune..."
Bibliography
- Pal, Pratapaditya (1986), Indian Sculpture: Circa 500 B.C.-A.D. 700, University of California Press, ISBN 978-0520059917
- Isaeva, N. V. (1993), Shankara and Indian Philosophy, SUNY Press, ISBN 978-0791412817
- Gupta, Sanjukta (2000), Laksmi Tantra, Motilal Banarsidass Publishe, ISBN 978-8120817357
- Brooks, Douglas Renfrew (1992). Auspicious Wisdom: The Texts and Traditions of Srividya Sakta Tantrism in South India. SUNY Press. ISBN 9780791411469.
Further reading
- Venkatadhvari (1904). Sri Lakshmi Sahasram. Chowkhamba Sanskrit Depot, Benares. (in Sanskrit only)
- Dilip Kododwala, Divali, p. 11, at Google Books, ISBN 978-0237528584
- Kinsley, David (1988). Hindu Goddesses: Visions of the Divine Feminine in the Hindu Religious Tradition. University of California Press. ISBN 978-0-520-90883-3.
- Lakshmi Puja and Thousand Names (ISBN 1-887472-84-3) by Swami Satyananda Saraswati