Goddess Lakshmi
Lakshmi is the Hindu goddess of wealth, fortune, power, beauty, and prosperity. she is the consort of Lord Vishnu and represents the active energy (Shakti) of the preserver.
Iconography and Symbolism
Lakshmi is typically depicted as a beautiful woman with four arms, standing or sitting on a giant lotus flower. Her symbols include:
- Lotus Flower: Represents purity, spiritual perfection, and detachment from worldly attachments.
- Gold Coins: Flowing from her palms, representing material prosperity and abundance.
- Four Arms: Represent the four goals of human life: Dharma (duty), Artha (wealth), Kama (desire), and Moksha (liberation).
- Elephants: Often seen spraying water, representing fertility, rain, and royal power.
Manifestations (Ashta Lakshmi)
Lakshmi is worshipped in eight secondary forms known as Ashta Lakshmi, representing different aspects of prosperity:
- Adi Lakshmi: The primeval goddess.
- Dhana Lakshmi: Wealth of finances.
- Dhanya Lakshmi: Wealth of agricultural produce.
- Gaja Lakshmi: Wealth of power and animals.
- Santana Lakshmi: Wealth of offspring.
- Veera Lakshmi: Wealth of courage and strength.
- Vidya Lakshmi: Wealth of knowledge and skills.
- Vijaya Lakshmi: Wealth of victory and success.
Major Festivals
- Diwali: The most famous festival, where homes are lit with lamps to welcome Lakshmi and seek her blessings for the coming year.
- Varalakshmi Vratam: Primarily celebrated in South India by women for the well-being of their families.
Spiritual Aspect
While she is the goddess of material wealth, her true essence is the light of the soul. She provides the resources necessary for a person to live a righteous life and achieve spiritual growth.