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Lakshmi

May 27, 2023

For other uses, see Lakshmi (disambiguation).
"Shridevi" redirects here. For the Javanese, Sundanese, and Balinese goddess of rice, see Dewi Sri. For the Indian actress, see Sridevi.
"Mahalakshmi", "Dhanalakshmi", and "Sri Lakshmi" redirect here. For Mahalakshmi, see Mahalakshmi (disambiguation). For Dhanalakshmi, see Dhanalakshmi (disambiguation). For the actress, see Sri Lakshmi (actress).

Lakshmi (/ˈlʌkʃmi/;[10][nb 1] Sanskrit: लक्ष्मी, romanized: Lakṣmī, sometimes spelled Laxmi, lit. 'she who leads to one's goal'), also known as Shri (Sanskrit: श्री, romanized: Śrī, lit. 'Noble'),[12] is one of the principal goddesses in Hinduism. She is the goddess of wealth, fortune, power, beauty, fertility and prosperity,[13] and associated with Maya ("Illusion"). Along with Parvati and Saraswati, she forms the Tridevi of Hindu goddesses.[14]

Lakshmi
Mother Goddess
Goddess of Prosperity, Fortune, Wealth, Power, Love, Abundance, Beauty[1][2] and Maya

Supreme Goddess in Vaishnavism[3]

Para Brahman[4]
Member of Tridevi and Panch Prakriti
Sri Gaja Lakshmi by Raja Ravi Varma (1896)
Other namesBhargavi, Kamala, Narayani, Padma, Sri
Devanagariलक्ष्मी
Affiliation
AbodeVaikuntha, Manidvipa
Mantraॐ श्रीं श्रियें नमः। (Om̐ Śrī Sriyem̐ Namah), ॐ श्रीं महालक्ष्म्यै नमः। (Om̐ Śrīm̐ Mahālakṣmyai Namaha), ॐ श्री महालक्ष्म्यै नमः। (Om̐ Śrī Mahālakṣmyai Namah)
SymbolsPadma (Lotus), Shankha (conch), Discus, Gada (mace), Jnana Mudra, Abhaya Mudra, Varadamudra, Gold.
TreeTulsi
DayFriday
MountGaruda, owl, elephant, lion
FestivalsDeepavali (Lakshmi Puja), Sharad Purnima, Varalakshmi Vratam, Navaratri, Sankranti[5]
Personal information
SiblingsJyestha or Alakshmi, Chandra
ConsortVishnu[9]
Children• Kamadeva[6]

• Bala and Utsaha (Vayu Purana)[7]

• Kardama, Chiklita, and 16 other sons (18 sons) (Rigveda)[8]
Translations of
लक्ष्मी (Lakṣmī)
Sanskritलक्ष्मी (Lakṣmī)
Assameseলক্ষ্মী (Lakṣmī)
Bengaliলক্ষ্মী (Lakṣmī)
Bhojpuri{{{bho}}}
Hindiलक्ष्मी (Lakṣmī)
Kannadaಲಕ್ಷ್ಮೀ (Lakṣmī)
Marathiलक्ष्मी (Lakṣmī)
Odiaଲକ୍ଷ୍ମୀ (Lakṣmī)
Tamilலக்ஷ்மீ (Lakṣmī)
Teluguలక్ష్మీ (Lakṣmī)
Gujaratiલક્ષ્મી (Lakṣmī)
Glossary of Hinduism terms

Within the goddess-oriented Shaktism, Lakshmi is venerated as the prosperity aspect of the Mother goddess.[15][16] Lakshmi is both the consort and the 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.[9][16][17][18] She is an especially prominent figure in Sri Vaishnavism, in which devotion to Lakshmi is deemed to be crucial to reach Vishnu.[19] 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.[12][16][20] The eight prominent manifestations of Lakshmi, the Ashtalakshmi, symbolise the eight sources of wealth.[21]

Lakshmi is depicted in Indian art as an elegantly dressed, prosperity-showering golden-coloured woman standing or sitting in the padmasana position upon a lotus throne, while holding a lotus in her hand, symbolising fortune, self-knowledge, and spiritual liberation.[22][23] Her iconography shows her with four hands, which represent the four aspects of human life important to Hindu culture: dharma, kāma, artha, and moksha.[24][25] The Lakshmi Sahasranama of the Skanda Purana, Lakshmi Tantra, Markandeya Purana, Devi Mahatmya, and Vedic scriptures describe Lakshmi as having eight or eighteen hands, and as sitting on Garuda, a lion, or a tiger.[26][27][28] According to the Lakshmi Tantra, the goddess Lakshmi, in her ultimate form of Mahasri, has four arms of a golden complexion, and holds a citron, a club, a shield, and a vessel containing amrita.[29] In the Skanda Purana and the Venkatachala Mahatmayam, Sri, or Lakshmi, is praised as the mother of Brahma.[30]

Archaeological discoveries and ancient coins suggest the recognition and reverence for Lakshmi existing by the 1st millennium BCE.[31][32] 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.[33][34] The day of Lakshmi Puja during Navaratri, and the festivals of Deepavali and Sharad Purnima (Kojagiri Purnima) are celebrated in her honour.[35]

Etymology and epithets

 
A painting of Lakshmi on the inner walls of the Tanjore Big temple.

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.[36] These roots give Lakshmi the symbolism: know and understand your goal.[37] A related term is lakṣaṇa, which means 'sign, target, aim, symbol, attribute, quality, lucky mark, auspicious opportunity'.[38]

 
Gaja Lakshmi, Cambodia, ca. 944-968

Lakshmi has numerous epithets and numerous ancient Stotram and Sutras of Hinduism recite her various names:[39][40] 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), Padmavati (She who was born from 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). Vaishnavas also consider Lalita, who is praised with 1,000 names in the Lalita Sahasranama, as Lakshmi.[41]

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).[42][43] 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".[44]

Her other names include:[39][45] Aishwarya, Akhila, Anagha, Anapagamini, Anumati, Apara, Aruna, Atibha, Avashya, Bala, Bhargavi, Bhudevi, Chakrika, Chanchala, Chandravadana, Chandrasahodari, Chandraroopa, Devi, Deepta, Haripriya, Harini, Harivallabha, Hemamalini, Hiranyavarna, Indira, Jalaja, Jambhavati, Janaki, Janamodini, Jyoti, Jyotsna, Kalyani, Kamalika, Ketaki, Kriyalakshmi, Kshirsha, Kuhu, Lalima, Madhavi, Madhu, Malti, Manushri, Nandika, Nandini, Nikhila, Nila Devi, Nimeshika, Parama, Prachi, Purnima, Radha, Ramaa, Rukmini, Samruddhi, Samudra Tanaya, Satyabhama, Shraddha, Shreeya, Sita, Smriti, Sridevi, Sudha, Sujata, Swarna Kamala, Taruni, Tilottama, Tulasi, Vasuda, Vasudhara, Vasundhara, Varada, Varalakshmi, Vedavati, Vidya, Vimala, and Viroopa.

Symbolism and iconography

 
Bas relief of GajaLakshmi at the Buddhist Sanchi Stupa, Stupa I, North gateway, Satavahana dynasty sculpture, 1st century CE.[46]

Lakshmi is a member of the Tridevi, the triad of great goddesses. She represents the Rajas guna, and the Iccha-shakti.[47][48] 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.[37] 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).[25][49]

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.[50] 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.[51][52]

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.[26][27][28]

Below, behind, or on the sides, Lakshmi is very often shown with one or two elephants, known as Gajalakshmi, and occasionally with an owl.[53] Elephants symbolize work, activity, and strength, as well as water, rain and fertility for abundant prosperity.[54] 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.[55] According to historian D. D. Kosambi, most of the Imperial Gupta kings were Vaishnavas and held the goddess Lakshmi in the highest esteem.[56] Goddess Lakshmi is Simhavahini (mount as lion) on most of the coins during their rule.[57] Coins during the rule of Prakashadiya, a Gupta ruler, contain the Garudadhvaja on the obverse and Lakshmi on the reverse.[56] The Gupta period sculpture only used to associate lions with Lakshmi but was later attributed to Durga or a combined form of both goddesses.[58][59][60][61] Lions are also associated with Veera Lakshmi, who is one of the Ashtalakshmi.[62] 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".[63]

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.[50] Her face and open hands are in a mudra that signifies compassion, giving or dāna ('charity').[49]

 
Lord Vishnu with his head on the lap of the Goddess Andal

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.[50]

In Japan, where Lakshmi is known as Kisshōten, she is commonly depicted with the Nyoihōju gem (如意宝珠) in her hand.

Literature

Goddess Lakshmi
 
Bharhut Stupa, circa 110 BCE
 
Coins of Gandhara, 1st century BCE
 
Coinage of Gupta Empire
 
Cambodia
 
Vietnam, 10th century
 
Malaysia
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.[64] Lakshmi is mentioned once in Rigveda, in which the name is used to mean 'kindred mark, sign of auspicious fortune'.

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.[64] 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.[65] 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.[64] 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.[66] 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.[64] 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][67]: 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,[68] 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][67]: 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 (Lakshmi).[69] 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.[72] 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.[73][74] Saubhagya-Lakshmi Upanishad synonymously uses Sri to describe Lakshmi.[72]

Stotram and sutras

Numerous ancient Stotram and Sutras of Hinduism recite hymns dedicated to Lakshmi.[39] 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:[39]

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.[39]

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.[75] J. A. B. van Buitenen translates passages describing Lakshmi in Vishnu Purana:[75]

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.[76] 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.[76] 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.[76]: 22 

Manifestations and aspects

 
Sculpture of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi at Hoysaleswara Temple at Halebidu

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.[77] 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,[78] and primordial Prakriti who creates the universe.[79]

 
An early 20th-century painting depicting Vishnu resting on Ananta-Shesha, with Lakshmi massaging his feet.

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,[80] 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[81] are all various forms of Goddess Lakshmi.[82] In Lakshmi Tantra, Lakshmi says to Indra that she got the name Durga after killing an asura named Durgama.[83] 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".[84]

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.[85] In Hindu Bengali culture, Lakshmi, along with Saraswati, are seen as the daughters of Durga. They are worshipped during Durga Puja.[86]

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.[9][87] According to Lakshmi Tantra, Nila Devi, one of the manifestations or incarnations of Lakshmi is the third wife of Vishnu.[88][89] Each goddess of the triad is mentioned in Śrī Sūkta, Bhu Sūkta and Nila Sūkta, respectively.[90][91][92] 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.[93] In many parts of the region, Andal is considered as an incarnation of Lakshmi.[94]

 
Ashtalakshmi - Eight forms of Lakshmi

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.[95]

Ashta Lakshmi
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.[96]
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

 
A painting depicting Samudra Manthana, with Lakshmi emerging with the lotus in her hands.

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 Kshira Sagara ('Ocean of Milk'). The devas and asuras both sought immortality and decided to churn the Kshira Sagara with Mount Mandhara. The Samudra Manthana 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.[97]

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 Kshira Sagara. 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.[75]

Worship

Many Hindus worship Lakshmi on Deepavali (Diwali), the festival of lights.[98] It is celebrated in autumn, typically October or November every year.[99] The festival spiritually signifies the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, good over evil and hope over despair.[100]

 
Deepavali celebrations include puja (prayers) to Lakshmi and Ganesha. Lakshmi is of the Vaishnavism tradition, while Ganesha of the Shaivism tradition of Hinduism.[101][102]

Before Deepavali night, people clean, renovate and decorate their homes and offices.[103] On Deepavali 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 the Lakshmi Puja, fireworks follow,[104] then a family feast including mithai (sweets), and an exchange of gifts between family members and close friends. Deepavali also marks a major shopping period, since Lakshmi connotes auspiciousness, wealth and prosperity.[105] 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.[106] Varalakshmi Vratam is celebrated by married Hindu women to pray for the well-being of their husbands.[107]

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).[35] 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.[108] On Sharad Purnima night, goddess Lakshmi is thanked and worshipped for the harvests. Vaibhav Lakshmi Vrata is observed on Friday for prosperity.[109]

Temples

 
Lakshmi Devi idol in Sanctum of temple at Doddagaddavalli, in Hassan District, Karnataka India.
 
Self emerged idol of goddess Lakshmi with Srinivasa in Kallur Mahalakshmi temple [Second Kolhapur]
 
Mahalaxmi temple Sulebhavi., Local form of goddess lakshmi

Some significant temples dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi are:

Hymns

 
Shri Lakshmi lustrated by elephants, Uttar Pradesh, Kausambi, 1st century BCE.

Numerous hymns, prayers, shlokas, stotra, songs, and legends dedicated to Lakshmi are recited during the ritual worship of the goddess.[39] These include:[125]

Archaeology

 
Greek-influenced statue of Gaja Lakshmi, holding lotus and cornucopia, flanked by two elephants and two lions. From Kashmir, 6th century CE.

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.[31][32] An ancient sculpture of Gaja Lakshmi (from Sonkh site at Mathura) dates to the pre-Kushan Empire era.[31] 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.[32]

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.[128] Similarly, ancient Greco-Indian gems and seals with images of Lakshmi have been found, estimated to be from 1st-millennium BCE.[129]

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.[130]

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.[131]

Outside Hinduism

Jainism

Lakshmi is also an important deity in Jainism and found in Jain temples.[132][133] 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,[134] 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.[134] This commonality is reflected in the praise of Lakshmi found in the Jain text Kalpa Sūtra.[135]

Buddhism

 
The Japanese Kishijoten is adapted from Lakshmi.

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.[136][137] In Buddhist sects of Tibet, Nepal, and Southeast Asia, Vasudhara mirrors the characteristics and attributes of the Hindu Goddess, with minor iconographic differences.[138]

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.[139]

In Japanese Buddhism, Lakshmi is known as Kishijoten (吉祥天, 'Auspicious Heavens') and is also the goddess of fortune and prosperity.[140] 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.[140]

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:[citation needed]

Notes

  1. ^ This pronunciation has a closer approximation of the Hindustani pronunciation. Pronounced UK: /ˈlækʃmi/,[11] US: /ˈlɑːkʃmi/
  2. ^ Some scholars propose a theory that Sri and Lakshmi may have originally been different goddesses, who merged into one figure.[70] In contrasts, other scholars state that the association of Rukmini was a later interpolation in the epic.[71]

See also

References

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  134. ^ a b Dehejia, Vidya. 2009. The Body Adorned: Sacred and Profane in Indian Art. Columbia University Press. ISBN 978-0231140287. p. 151.
  135. ^ Jacobi, Hermann. The Golden Book of Jainism, edited by Max Muller, and Mahendra Kulasrestha. ISBN 978-8183820141. p. 213.
  136. ^ Wangu, Madhu Bazaz (2003). . p. 57. ISBN 9788170174165. Archived from the original on 22 April 2019. 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.
  137. ^ Heinrich Robert Zimmer (2015). Myths and Symbols in Indian Art and Civilization. Princeton University Press. p. 92. ISBN 978-1-4008-6684-7. from the original on 6 September 2017. Retrieved 15 October 2016.
  138. ^ Shaw, Miranda. 2006. "Chapter 13." Pp. 258–62 in Buddhist Goddesses of India. Princeton University Press. ISBN 978-0691127583.
  139. ^ "Ten Small Mantras". www.buddhamountain.ca. Retrieved 15 October 2021.
  140. ^ 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..."
  141. ^ a b An Introduction to Religious and Theological Studies, Second Edition. Cyril orji. 2021. ISBN 9781532685934.
  142. ^ The 33. Gaurav Singh Patel. November 2021. p. 105. ISBN 9798885213653.
  143. ^ Seeing Spiritual India – A Guide to Temples. Stephen Knapp. 2009. ISBN 9780595614523.
  144. ^ Destiny's Child – The Undefeatable Reign Of Cochin's Parukutty Neithyaramma. Raghu Palat. 2022. ISBN 9789354924644.
  145. ^ Understanding Culture and Society in India. Springer Nature Singapore. 2021. ISBN 9789811615986.

Bibliography

  • Brooks, Douglas Renfrew (1992). Auspicious Wisdom: The Texts and Traditions of Srividya Sakta Tantrism in South India. SUNY Press. ISBN 9780791411469.
  • Gupta, Sanjukta (2000). Laksmi Tantra. Motilal Banarsidass Publishe. ISBN 978-8120817357.
  • Isaeva, N. V. (1993). Shankara and Indian Philosophy. SUNY Press. ISBN 978-0791412817.
  • Kinsley, David (1988). Hindu Goddesses: Visions of the Divine Feminine in the Hindu Religious Tradition. University of California Press. ISBN 978-8-120-80394-7.
  • Om Lata Bahadur (2006). John Stratton Hawley; Vasudha Narayanan (eds.). The Life of Hinduism. University of California Press. ISBN 978-0-520-24914-1.
  • Pal, Pratapaditya (1986), Indian Sculpture: Circa 500 B.C.-A.D. 700, University of California Press, ISBN 978-0520059917

Further reading

  • Kododwala, Dilip (2004). Divali. Evans. p. 11. ISBN 978-0237528584.
  • Saraswati, Swami Satyananda. Lakshmi Puja and Thousand Names. ISBN 1-887472-84-3.
  • Venkatadhvari (1904). Sri Lakshmi Sahasram (in Sanskrit). Chowkhamba Sanskrit Depot, Benares.

External links

  • British Broadcasting Corporation – Lakshmi
  • Kashmiri Overseas Association, Inc – Goddess Lakshmi

May 27, 2023
lakshmi, other, uses, disambiguation, shridevi, redirects, here, javanese, sundanese, balinese, goddess, rice, dewi, indian, actress, sridevi, mahalakshmi, dhanalakshmi, redirect, here, mahalakshmi, mahalakshmi, disambiguation, dhanalakshmi, dhanalakshmi, disa. For other uses see Lakshmi disambiguation Shridevi redirects here For the Javanese Sundanese and Balinese goddess of rice see Dewi Sri For the Indian actress see Sridevi Mahalakshmi Dhanalakshmi and Sri Lakshmi redirect here For Mahalakshmi see Mahalakshmi disambiguation For Dhanalakshmi see Dhanalakshmi disambiguation For the actress see Sri Lakshmi actress Lakshmi ˈ l ʌ k ʃ m i 10 nb 1 Sanskrit लक ष म romanized Lakṣmi sometimes spelled Laxmi lit she who leads to one s goal also known as Shri Sanskrit श र romanized Sri lit Noble 12 is one of the principal goddesses in Hinduism She is the goddess of wealth fortune power beauty fertility and prosperity 13 and associated with Maya Illusion Along with Parvati and Saraswati she forms the Tridevi of Hindu goddesses 14 LakshmiMother GoddessGoddess of Prosperity Fortune Wealth Power Love Abundance Beauty 1 2 and Maya Supreme Goddess in Vaishnavism 3 Para Brahman 4 Member of Tridevi and Panch PrakritiSri Gaja Lakshmi by Raja Ravi Varma 1896 Other namesBhargavi Kamala Narayani Padma SriDevanagariलक ष म AffiliationVaishnavismShaktismTrideviAdi ShaktiAshta LakshmiAbodeVaikuntha ManidvipaMantraॐ श र श र य नम Om Sri Sriyem Namah ॐ श र मह लक ष म य नम Om Srim Mahalakṣmyai Namaha ॐ श र मह लक ष म य नम Om Sri Mahalakṣmyai Namah SymbolsPadma Lotus Shankha conch Discus Gada mace Jnana Mudra Abhaya Mudra Varadamudra Gold TreeTulsiDayFridayMountGaruda owl elephant lionFestivalsDeepavali Lakshmi Puja Sharad Purnima Varalakshmi Vratam Navaratri Sankranti 5 Personal informationSiblingsJyestha or Alakshmi ChandraConsortVishnu 9 Children Kamadeva 6 Bala and Utsaha Vayu Purana 7 Kardama Chiklita and 16 other sons 18 sons Rigveda 8 Translations ofलक ष म Lakṣmi Sanskritलक ष म Lakṣmi Assameseলক ষ ম Lakṣmi Bengaliলক ষ ম Lakṣmi Bhojpuri bho Hindiलक ष म Lakṣmi Kannadaಲಕ ಷ ಮ Lakṣmi Marathiलक ष म Lakṣmi Odiaଲକ ଷ ମ Lakṣmi Tamilலக ஷ ம Lakṣmi Teluguలక ష మ Lakṣmi Gujaratiલક ષ મ Lakṣmi Glossary of Hinduism termsWithin the goddess oriented Shaktism Lakshmi is venerated as the prosperity aspect of the Mother goddess 15 16 Lakshmi is both the consort and the 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 9 16 17 18 She is an especially prominent figure in Sri Vaishnavism in which devotion to Lakshmi is deemed to be crucial to reach Vishnu 19 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 12 16 20 The eight prominent manifestations of Lakshmi the Ashtalakshmi symbolise the eight sources of wealth 21 Lakshmi is depicted in Indian art as an elegantly dressed prosperity showering golden coloured woman standing or sitting in the padmasana position upon a lotus throne while holding a lotus in her hand symbolising fortune self knowledge and spiritual liberation 22 23 Her iconography shows her with four hands which represent the four aspects of human life important to Hindu culture dharma kama artha and moksha 24 25 The Lakshmi Sahasranama of the Skanda Purana Lakshmi Tantra Markandeya Purana Devi Mahatmya and Vedic scriptures describe Lakshmi as having eight or eighteen hands and as sitting on Garuda a lion or a tiger 26 27 28 According to the Lakshmi Tantra the goddess Lakshmi in her ultimate form of Mahasri has four arms of a golden complexion and holds a citron a club a shield and a vessel containing amrita 29 In the Skanda Purana and the Venkatachala Mahatmayam Sri or Lakshmi is praised as the mother of Brahma 30 Archaeological discoveries and ancient coins suggest the recognition and reverence for Lakshmi existing by the 1st millennium BCE 31 32 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 33 34 The day of Lakshmi Puja during Navaratri and the festivals of Deepavali and Sharad Purnima Kojagiri Purnima are celebrated in her honour 35 Contents 1 Etymology and epithets 2 Symbolism and iconography 3 Literature 3 1 Vedas and Brahmanas 3 2 Epics 3 3 Upanishads 3 4 Stotram and sutras 3 5 Puranas 3 6 Subhasita Genomic and Didactic Literature 4 Manifestations and aspects 5 Creation and legends 6 Worship 7 Temples 8 Hymns 9 Archaeology 10 Outside Hinduism 10 1 Jainism 10 2 Buddhism 11 Incarnations 12 Notes 13 See also 14 References 14 1 Bibliography 15 Further reading 16 External linksEtymology and epithets A painting of Lakshmi on the inner walls of the Tanjore Big temple Lakshmi in Sanskrit is derived from the root word lakṣ लक ष and lakṣa लक ष meaning to perceive observe know understand and goal aim objective respectively 36 These roots give Lakshmi the symbolism know and understand your goal 37 A related term is lakṣaṇa which means sign target aim symbol attribute quality lucky mark auspicious opportunity 38 Gaja Lakshmi Cambodia ca 944 968 Lakshmi has numerous epithets and numerous ancient Stotram and Sutras of Hinduism recite her various names 39 40 such as Sri Radiance eminence splendor wealth Padma she who is mounted upon or dwelling in a lotus or She of the lotus Kamala or Kamalatmika She of the lotus Padmapriya Lotus lover Padmamaladhara Devi Goddess bearing a garland of lotuses Padmamukhi Lotus faced she whose face is as like as a lotus Padmakṣi Lotus eyed she whose eyes are as beautiful as a lotus Padmahasta Lotus hand she whose hand is holding a lotus es Padmasundari She who is as beautiful as a lotus Padmavati She who was born from a lotus Srija Jatika of Sri Narayani belonging to Narayana or the wife of Narayana Vaishnavi worshipper of Vishnu or the power of Vishnu Viṣṇupriya who is the beloved of Vishnu Nandika the one who gives pleasure Vaishnavas also consider Lalita who is praised with 1 000 names in the Lalita Sahasranama as Lakshmi 41 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 42 43 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 44 Her other names include 39 45 Aishwarya Akhila Anagha Anapagamini Anumati Apara Aruna Atibha Avashya Bala Bhargavi Bhudevi Chakrika Chanchala Chandravadana Chandrasahodari Chandraroopa Devi Deepta Haripriya Harini Harivallabha Hemamalini Hiranyavarna Indira Jalaja Jambhavati Janaki Janamodini Jyoti Jyotsna Kalyani Kamalika Ketaki Kriyalakshmi Kshirsha Kuhu Lalima Madhavi Madhu Malti Manushri Nandika Nandini Nikhila Nila Devi Nimeshika Parama Prachi Purnima Radha Ramaa Rukmini Samruddhi Samudra Tanaya Satyabhama Shraddha Shreeya Sita Smriti Sridevi Sudha Sujata Swarna Kamala Taruni Tilottama Tulasi Vasuda Vasudhara Vasundhara Varada Varalakshmi Vedavati Vidya Vimala and Viroopa Symbolism and iconography Bas relief of GajaLakshmi at the Buddhist Sanchi Stupa Stupa I North gateway Satavahana dynasty sculpture 1st century CE 46 Lakshmi is a member of the Tridevi the triad of great goddesses She represents the Rajas guna and the Iccha shakti 47 48 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 37 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 25 49 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 50 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 51 52 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 26 27 28 Below behind or on the sides Lakshmi is very often shown with one or two elephants known as Gajalakshmi and occasionally with an owl 53 Elephants symbolize work activity and strength as well as water rain and fertility for abundant prosperity 54 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 55 According to historian D D Kosambi most of the Imperial Gupta kings were Vaishnavas and held the goddess Lakshmi in the highest esteem 56 Goddess Lakshmi is Simhavahini mount as lion on most of the coins during their rule 57 Coins during the rule of Prakashadiya a Gupta ruler contain the Garudadhvaja on the obverse and Lakshmi on the reverse 56 The Gupta period sculpture only used to associate lions with Lakshmi but was later attributed to Durga or a combined form of both goddesses 58 59 60 61 Lions are also associated with Veera Lakshmi who is one of the Ashtalakshmi 62 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 63 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 50 Her face and open hands are in a mudra that signifies compassion giving or dana charity 49 Lord Vishnu with his head on the lap of the Goddess Andal 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 50 In Japan where Lakshmi is known as Kisshōten she is commonly depicted with the Nyoihōju gem 如意宝珠 in her hand LiteratureGoddess Lakshmi Bharhut Stupa circa 110 BCE Coins of Gandhara 1st century BCE Coinage of Gupta Empire Cambodia Vietnam 10th century MalaysiaLakshmi 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 64 Lakshmi is mentioned once in Rigveda in which the name is used to mean kindred mark sign of auspicious fortune भद र ष लक ष म र न ह त ध व च bhadraiṣaṁ lakṣmirnihitadhi vaci an auspicious fortune is attached to their words Rig Veda x 71 2 translated by John Muir 64 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 64 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 65 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 Narayaṇa 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 64 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 66 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 64 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 Kama sister or mother of Dhatṛ and Vidhatṛ wife of Dattatreya one of the nine Shaktis of Viṣṇu a manifestation of Prakṛti as identified with Dakshayaṇi in Bharatasrama and as Sita wife of Rama 2 67 103 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 68 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 Padma 2 67 108 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 Lakshmi 69 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 72 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 73 74 Saubhagya Lakshmi Upanishad synonymously uses Sri to describe Lakshmi 72 Stotram and sutras Numerous ancient Stotram and Sutras of Hinduism recite hymns dedicated to Lakshmi 39 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 39 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 39 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 PuranasLakshmi features prominently in Puranas of Hinduism Vishnu Purana in particular dedicates many sections to her and also refers to her as Sri 75 J A B van Buitenen translates passages describing Lakshmi in Vishnu Purana 75 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 76 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 76 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 76 22 Manifestations and aspects Sculpture of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi at Hoysaleswara Temple at Halebidu 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 77 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 78 and primordial Prakriti who creates the universe 79 An early 20th century painting depicting Vishnu resting on Ananta Shesha with Lakshmi massaging his feet 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 80 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 81 are all various forms of Goddess Lakshmi 82 In Lakshmi Tantra Lakshmi says to Indra that she got the name Durga after killing an asura named Durgama 83 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 84 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 85 In Hindu Bengali culture Lakshmi along with Saraswati are seen as the daughters of Durga They are worshipped during Durga Puja 86 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 9 87 According to Lakshmi Tantra Nila Devi one of the manifestations or incarnations of Lakshmi is the third wife of Vishnu 88 89 Each goddess of the triad is mentioned in Sri Sukta Bhu Sukta and Nila Sukta respectively 90 91 92 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 93 In many parts of the region Andal is considered as an incarnation of Lakshmi 94 Ashtalakshmi Eight forms of Lakshmi Ashta Lakshmi Sanskrit अष टलक ष म Aṣṭalakṣmi 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 95 Ashta Lakshmi Adi Lakshmi The First manifestation of LakshmiDhanya Lakshmi Granary WealthVeera Lakshmi Wealth of CourageGaja Lakshmi Elephants spraying water the wealth of fertility rains and food 96 Santana Lakshmi Wealth of Continuity ProgenyVidya Lakshmi Wealth of Knowledge and WisdomVijaya Lakshmi Wealth of VictoryDhana Aishwarya Lakshmi Wealth of prosperity and fortuneCreation and legends A painting depicting Samudra Manthana with Lakshmi emerging with the lotus in her hands 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 Kshira Sagara Ocean of Milk The devas and asuras both sought immortality and decided to churn the Kshira Sagara with Mount Mandhara The Samudra Manthana 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 97 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 Kshira Sagara 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 75 WorshipMany Hindus worship Lakshmi on Deepavali Diwali the festival of lights 98 It is celebrated in autumn typically October or November every year 99 The festival spiritually signifies the victory of light over darkness knowledge over ignorance good over evil and hope over despair 100 Deepavali celebrations include puja prayers to Lakshmi and Ganesha Lakshmi is of the Vaishnavism tradition while Ganesha of the Shaivism tradition of Hinduism 101 102 Before Deepavali night people clean renovate and decorate their homes and offices 103 On Deepavali 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 the Lakshmi Puja fireworks follow 104 then a family feast including mithai sweets and an exchange of gifts between family members and close friends Deepavali also marks a major shopping period since Lakshmi connotes auspiciousness wealth and prosperity 105 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 106 Varalakshmi Vratam is celebrated by married Hindu women to pray for the well being of their husbands 107 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 35 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 108 On Sharad Purnima night goddess Lakshmi is thanked and worshipped for the harvests Vaibhav Lakshmi Vrata is observed on Friday for prosperity 109 TemplesThis section relies excessively on references to primary sources Please improve this section by adding secondary or tertiary sources Find sources Lakshmi news newspapers books scholar JSTOR May 2023 Learn how and when to remove this template message Lakshmi Devi idol in Sanctum of temple at Doddagaddavalli in Hassan District Karnataka India Self emerged idol of goddess Lakshmi with Srinivasa in Kallur Mahalakshmi temple Second Kolhapur Mahalaxmi temple Sulebhavi Local form of goddess lakshmi Some significant temples dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi are 108 Divya Desams Lakshmi Narasimha Temple Nuggehalli Laxminarayan Temple Delhi Lakshminarayana Temple Hosaholalu Mahalakshmi Temple Kolhapur Mahalakshmi Temple Dahanu Mahalakshmi Temple Mumbai Mookambika Temple Kollur Lakshmi Devi Temple Doddagaddavalli Chottanikkara Temple Kerala Sri Kanaka Maha Lakshmi Temple Andhra Pradesh Bhagyalakshmi Temple Hyderabad Golden Temple Sripuram Ashtalakshmi Temple Chennai Thirunarayur Nambi Temple Azhagiya Manavala Perumal Temple Agroha Dham Narasimhaswamy Temple Namakkal As Nammagiri Thayar Nachiyar Koil As Vanchulavalli thayar Mahalakshmi Temple Kallur Second Kolhapur 110 Goravanahalli Mahalakshmi Temple 111 Sri Lakshmi Kuberar Temple Rathinamangalam 112 Mahalaksmi temple Bandora Panaji 113 Mahalakshmi temple Ucchila 114 Mahalakshmi Mandir Pune 115 Kanakadhara Mahalakshmi Temple Punnorkode Pazhamthottam 116 Pundarikakshan Perumal Temple Narasimhaswamy Temple Namakkal Lakshmi Temple Khajuraho Mahalakshmi Kollapuradamma Temple Ratnagiri 117 Shree Lakshmi Chandrala Parameshwari Temple 118 Karnataka Mahalakshmi temple Sulebhavi Belgaum 119 Sweta Lakshmi Varahi Temple Telanagana 120 Astabhuja mahalakshmi temple Haldwani 121 Shri Kollapuradamma Sri Mahalakshmi temple Chitradurga 122 London Sri Mahalakshmi Temple 123 Mahalakshmi temple delaware United States 124 Hymns Shri Lakshmi lustrated by elephants Uttar Pradesh Kausambi 1st century BCE Numerous hymns prayers shlokas stotra songs and legends dedicated to Lakshmi are recited during the ritual worship of the goddess 39 These include 125 Sri Mahalakshmi Ashtakam Sri Lakshmi Sahasaranama Stotra by Sanat Kumara Sri Stuti by Vedanta Desika Lakshmi Stuti by Indra Kanakadhara Stotram by Adi Shankara Chatuh Shloki by Yamunacharya Sri Lakshmi Sloka by Bhagavan Hari Swamiji Sri Sukta which is contained in the Vedas and includes the Lakshmi Gayatri Mantra Om Sri Mahalakshmyai ca vidmahe Vishnu patnyai ca dhimahi tanno Lakshmi prachodayat Om Lakshmi Gayatri mantra mentioned in the Linga Purana 48 13 Samudratayai vidmahe Vishnunaikena dhimahi tanno Radha prachodayat 126 Ashtalakshmi Stotram by U V Srinivasa Varadachariyar 127 Archaeology Greek influenced statue of Gaja Lakshmi holding lotus and cornucopia flanked by two elephants and two lions From Kashmir 6th century CE 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 31 32 An ancient sculpture of Gaja Lakshmi from Sonkh site at Mathura dates to the pre Kushan Empire era 31 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 32 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 128 Similarly ancient Greco Indian gems and seals with images of Lakshmi have been found estimated to be from 1st millennium BCE 129 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 130 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 131 Outside HinduismJainism Gaja Lakshmi at Shravanabelagola Temple Karnataka Lakshmi is also an important deity in Jainism and found in Jain temples 132 133 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 134 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 134 This commonality is reflected in the praise of Lakshmi found in the Jain text Kalpa Sutra 135 Buddhism The Japanese Kishijoten is adapted from Lakshmi 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 136 137 In Buddhist sects of Tibet Nepal and Southeast Asia Vasudhara mirrors the characteristics and attributes of the Hindu Goddess with minor iconographic differences 138 In Chinese Buddhism Lakshmi is referred to as either Gōngdetian 功德天 lit Meritorious god or Jixiang Tiannǚ 吉祥天女 lit Auspicious goddess and is the goddess of fortune and prosperity She is regarded as the sister of Pishamentian 毗沙門天 or Vaisravaṇa 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 Da Jixiang Tiannǚ Zhou is classified as one of the Ten Small Mantras Chinese 十小咒 pinyin Shi xiǎo zhou which are a collection of dharanis that are commonly recited in Chinese Buddhist temples during morning liturgical services 139 In Japanese Buddhism Lakshmi is known as Kishijoten 吉祥天 Auspicious Heavens and is also the goddess of fortune and prosperity 140 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 Vaisravaṇa are found in ancient Chinese and Japanese Buddhist literature their roots have been traced to deities in Hinduism 140 Lakshmi is closely linked to Dewi Sri who is worshipped in Bali as the goddess of fertility and agriculture IncarnationsLakshmi is attributed with various incarnations including the following citation needed Bhumi Vedavati Sita Radha Gopis Rukmini Jambavati Satyabhama Kalindi Nagnajiti Mitravinda Lakshmana Bhadra Junior wives of Krishna Revati Padmavathi Niladevi Tulasi Kamalatmika Ashta Lakshmi Andal Narasimhi 141 Vaishnavi 141 Namagiri Thayar 142 Kolhapur ambabai 143 Chottanikkara bhagavathy 144 Vaishno Devi 145 Notes This pronunciation has a closer approximation of the Hindustani pronunciation Pronounced UK ˈ l ae k ʃ m i 11 US ˈ l ɑː k ʃ m i Some scholars propose a theory that Sri and Lakshmi may have originally been different goddesses who merged into one figure 70 In contrasts other scholars state that the association of Rukmini was a later interpolation in the epic 71 See alsoDeepalakshmi Doddagaddavalli Star of LakshmiReferences Journal of Historical Research Volumes 28 30 Department of History Ranchi University 1991 p 3 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 amp 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 amp Company p 153 ISBN 9780786453221 In Hindu mythology Lakshmi is the goddess of wealth power and beauty Kaushal Kishore Sharma 1988 Rabindranath Tagore s Aesthetics Abhinav Publications p 26 ISBN 9788170172376 Lakshmi our Goddess of wealth represents not only beauty and power but also the spirit of goodness a b c d e f g lakṣmi Archived 20 May 2015 at the Wayback Machine Monier Williams Sanskrit English Dictionary University of Washington Archives Lakshmi Tantra Volumes 13 Motilal Banarasidas Publishers 2007 p 70 ISBN 9788120817357 Mahalakshmi Ashtakam Padmaasanasthite Devi Parabrahma Svaroopini Paramesi Jaganmaata Mahalakshmi Namostu Te O Devi You are seated on the lotus You are the Supreme Brahman You are the great Lord and Mother of the universe O Mahaalakshmi obeisance to Thee Translating the secrets of Makara Sankranti Times of India 14 January 2021 The Seven Holy Cities Chapter 7 6 September 2020 http gdurl com 2 Uk bare URL Prayers to Goddess Lakshmi a b c Anand Rao 2004 Soteriologies of India LIT Verlag Munster p 167 ISBN 978 3 8258 7205 2 Archived from the original on 26 December 2018 Retrieved 22 September 2016 Lakshmi Lexico UK English Dictionary Oxford University Press Archived from the original on 16 November 2021 Lakshmi Oxford English Dictionary Online ed Oxford University Press Subscription or participating institution membership required a b Coulter Charles Russell Turner Patricia 4 July 2013 Encyclopedia of Ancient Deities ISBN 9781135963903 James G Lochtefeld 15 December 2001 The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Hinduism Volume 1 The Rosen Publishing Group Inc ISBN 978 0 8239 3179 8 Mark W Muesse The Hindu Traditions A Concise Introduction Fortress Press p 157 ISBN 978 1451414004 Upendra Nath Dhal 1978 Goddess Laksmi Origin and Development Oriental Publishers amp Distributors p 109 Goddess Laksmi is stated as the genetrix of the world she maintains them as a mother ought to do So she is often called as the Mata a b c Williams George M 2003 Handbook of Hindu Mythology ABC CLIO Inc pp 196 8 ISBN 1 85109 650 7 Sashi Bhusan Dasgupta 2004 Evolution of Mother Worship in India Advaita Ashrama A Publication House of Ramakrishna Math Belur Math p 20 ISBN 9788175058866 Isaeva 1993 p 252 Carman John Braisted Vasudha Narayanan 1989 The Tamil Veda Piḷḷan s interpretation of the Tiruvaymol i Chicago University of Chicago Press ISBN 0 226 09305 0 OCLC 18624684 Monaghan Patricia 31 December 2010 Goddesses in World Culture ABC CLIO ISBN 978 0 313 35465 6 James G Lochtefeld 15 December 2001 The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Hinduism Volume 1 The Rosen Publishing Group p 65 ISBN 978 0823931798 James G Lochtefeld 2002 The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Hinduism A M The Rosen Publishing Group pp 385 386 ISBN 978 0 8239 3179 8 Retrieved 15 October 2016 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 a b Divali THE SYMBOLISM OF LAKSHMI Trinidad and Tobago National Library and Information System Authority 2009 Archived from the original on 8 November 2014 a b 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 a b Saligrama Krishna Ramachandra Rao 1991 Pratima Kosha Descriptive Glossary of Indian Iconography Volume 5 IBH Prakashana p 65 a b 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 Sanjukta Gupta 2007 Lakshmi Tantra MOTILAL BANARIDAS p 23 ISBN 9788120817340 Jaitentra Prakash Jain 1951 Skand Puran PDF Motilal banarasidas p 66 Obeisance to Sri the mother of the worlds Obeisance obeisance to the mother of Brahma Hail to you to the lotuseyed one Obeisance obeisance to the lotus faced one 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 a b c Vishnu Asha 1993 Material life of northern India Based on an archaeological study 3rd century B C to 1st century BCE ISBN 978 8170994107 pp 194 95 Roveda Vitorio 2004 The Archaeology of Khmer Images Aseanie 13 13 11 46 Jones Soumya Fall 2007 O goddess where art thou Reexamining the Female Divine Presence in Khmer art PDF SEAP Bulletin 28 31 Archived from the original PDF on 9 November 2014 a b Jones Constance 2011 J G Melton ed Religious Celebrations An Encyclopedia of Holidays Festivals Solemn Observances and Spiritual Commemorations pp 253 254 798 ISBN 978 1598842050 lakṣ लक ष Monier Williams Sanskrit English Dictionary Germany University of Koeln Archived 20 May 2015 at the Wayback Machine a b Plum Ucci Carol Celebrate Diwali ISBN 978 0766027787 pp 79 86 lakṣaṇa Monier Williams Sanskrit English Dictionary Germany University of Koeln Archived 20 May 2015 at the Wayback Machine a b c d e f Rhodes Constantina 2011 Invoking Lakshmi The Goddess of Wealth in Song and Ceremony State University of New York Press ISBN 978 1438433202 Vijaya Kumara 108 Names of Lakshmi Sterling Publishers ISBN 9788120720282 Brooks 1992 p 67 Prabhakar T Malshe 1974 Kolhapur A Study in Urban Geography University of Poona p 3 Munindra Misra 4 August 2015 Lord Vishnu amp Goddess Lakshmi Osmora Publishing ISBN 9782765916727 Dirk van der Plas 1987 Effigies Dei Essays on the History of Religions Brill p 72 Sri Lakshmi Ashtottara Shatanamavali sri lakṣmi aṣṭōttarasatanamavali Stotra Nidhi 2 December 2018 Retrieved 17 June 2022 The Toranas are dated to the 1st century CE See Ornament in Indian Architecture Margaret Prosser Allen University of Delaware Press 1991 p 18 1 The Calcutta Review 1855 Vanamali 21 July 2008 Shakti Realm of the Divine Mother Simon and Schuster ISBN 978 1 59477 785 1 a b Parasarthy A 1983 Symbolism in Hinduism Chinmaya Mission Publication ISBN 978 8175971493 pp 57 59 a b c Parasarthy A 1983 Symbolism in Hinduism Chinmaya Mission Publication ISBN 978 8175971493 pp 91 92 160 62 Nathan R S 1983 Symbolism in Hinduism Chinmaya Mission Publication ISBN 978 8175971493 p 16 Gibson Lynne 2002 Hinduism Heinemann ISBN 978 0435336196 p 29 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 Werness Hope 2007 Continuum Encyclopedia of Animal Symbolism in World Art Bloomsbury ISBN 978 0826419132 pp 159 67 Ajnatanama 1983 Symbolism in Hinduism Chinmaya Mission Publication ISBN 978 8175971493 pp 317 18 a b Damodar Dharmanand Kosambi 1977 D D Kosambi Commemoration Volume Banaras Hindu University p 97 Damodar Dharmanand Kosambi 1977 D D Kosambi Commemoration Volume Banaras Hindu University p 79 Pal 1986 p 79 Journal Volumes 6 7 Asiatic Society Kolkata India 1964 p 96 From the occurrence of cornucopiae lotus flower and lion mount the goddess has been described as Lakshmi Ambika a composite icon combining the concepts of Sri or Lakshmi the goddess of prosperity and Ambika the mother aspect of Durga Jackie Menzies 2006 Goddess Divine Energy Art Gallery of New South Wales p 113 ISBN 9780734763969 Mihindukalasurya Ar Pi Susanta Pranandu 2005 Rituals Folk Beliefs and Magical Arts of Sri Lanka Susan International p 228 ISBN 9789559631835 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 ISBN 9788121504584 a b c d e Muir John ed 1870 Lakshmi and Shri Pp 348 49 in Original Sanskrit Texts on the Origin and History of the People of India Their Religions and Institutions at Google Books volume 5 London Trubner amp Co अप क र मत स न त व र य प न य लक ष म अथर वव द क ण ड 12 Archived 8 October 2016 at the Wayback Machine Atharva Veda Sanskrit Original Archive Naama Drury 2010 The Sacrificial Ritual in the Satapatha Brahmana ISBN 978 8120826656 pages 61 102 a b Williams Monier Religious Thought and Life in India Part 1 2nd ed Archived 16 March 2016 at the Wayback Machine Ramayana i 45 40 43 Svargarohanika parva Sacred texts com Retrieved 13 July 2015 Dalal Roshen 18 April 2014 Hinduism An Alphabetical Guide Penguin UK ISBN 978 81 8475 277 9 Brodbeck Simon Black Brian 9 August 2007 Gender and Narrative in the Mahabharata Routledge ISBN 978 1 134 11995 0 a b Mahadeva A 1950 Saubhagya Lakshmi Upanishad In The Shakta Upanishads with the Commentary of Sri Upanishad Brahma Yogin Adyar Library Series 10 Madras Saubhagya Lakshmi Upanishad Original text in Sanskrit Archived 8 November 2014 at the Wayback Machine Warrier A G Krishna trans 1931 Saubhagya Lakshmi Upanishad Chennai Theosophical Publishing House ISBN 978 0835673181 a b c van Buitenen J A B trans Classical Hinduism A Reader in the Sanskrit Puranas edited by Cornelia Dimmitt Temple University Press ISBN 978 0877221227 pp 95 99 a b c Sternbach Ludwik 1974 Subhasita Gnomic and Didactic Literature A History of Indian Literature 4 Otto Harrassowitz Verlag ISBN 978 3447015462 Kinsley 1988 pp 31 32 Charles Russell Coulter Patricia Turner 2013 Encyclopedia of Ancient Deities Routledge p 285 ISBN 978 1 135 96390 3 Pintchman Tracy 2001 Seeking Mahadevi Constructing the Identities of the Hindu Great Goddess State University of New York Press pp 84 85 ISBN 978 0 7914 5007 9 Pintchman 2001 p 82 Gupta 2000 p 27 Gupta 2000 p page needed Gupta 2000 p 52 Chitralekha Singh Prem Nath 2001 Lakshmi Crest Publishing House p 20 ISBN 9788124201732 Fuller Christopher John 2004 The Camphor Flame Popular Hinduism and Society in India Princeton University Press ISBN 978 0691120485 p 41 Concise Encyclopaedia of India 2006 ISBN 9788126906390 Edward Balfour 1873 Cyclopaedia of India and of Eastern and Southern Asia Adelphi Press pp 10 11 Archived from the original on 26 December 2018 Retrieved 22 September 2016 T N Srinivasan 1982 A Hand Book of South Indian Images An Introduction to the Study of Hindu Iconography Tirumalai Tirupati Devasthanams p 96 S M Srinivasa Chari 1994 Vaiṣṇavism Its Philosophy Theology and Religious Discipline Motilal Banarsidass Publishers p 176 ISBN 978 8120810983 Singh Upinder 2008 A History of Ancient and Early Medieval India From the Stone Age to the 12th Century Pearson Education India p 438 ISBN 978 81 317 1677 9 Archived from the original on 13 January 2020 Retrieved 15 December 2019 S M Srinivasa Chari 1994 Vaiṣṇavism Its Philosophy Theology and Religious Discipline Motilal Banarsidass Publishers p 177 ISBN 978 8120810983 Chitta Ranjan Prasad Sinha 2000 Proceedings of the 9th Session of Indian Art History Congress Hyderabad November 2000 Indian Art History Congress p 61 Of the four Vedas Rig Yajur Sama and Atharva Purusa Sukta of Rig Veda identifies Lord Visnu as the Cosmic God Sri Suktam Bhu Suktam and Nila Suktam of Rig Veda reveals the glory of Laksmi and her forms Sri Bhu and Nila Knapp Stephen Spiritual India Handbook ISBN 978 8184950243 p 392 Rao A V Shankaranarayana 2012 Temples of Tamil Nadu Vasan Publications pp 195 199 ISBN 978 81 8468 112 3 Dehejia Vidya and Thomas Coburn Devi the great goddess female divinity in South Asian art Smithsonian ISBN 978 3791321295 Dallapiccola Anna 2007 Indian Art in Detail Harvard University Press ISBN 978 0674026919 pp 11 27 Why Lakshmi goes to wrong people english webdunia com Archived from the original on 20 December 2019 Retrieved 24 August 2020 Vera Zak February 2010 Invisible River Sir Richard s Last Mission ISBN 978 1 4389 0020 9 Archived from the original on 26 December 2018 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 Diwali Encyclopaedia Britannica 2009 Archived 14 November 2012 at the Wayback Machine Mead Jean How and why Do Hindus Celebrate Divali ISBN 978 0 237 534 127 Om Lata Bahadur 2006 pp 92 93 Kinsley 1988 pp 33 34 Pramodkumar March 2008 Meri Khoj Ek Bharat Ki ISBN 978 1 4357 1240 9 Archived from the original on 4 August 2020 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 Solski Ruth 2008 Big Book of Canadian Celebrations S amp S Learning Materials ISBN 978 1 55035 849 0 Archived from the original on 4 August 2020 Retrieved 26 October 2011 Fireworks and firecrackers are set off to chase away evil spirits so it is a noisy holiday too India Journal Tis the Season to be Shopping Devita Saraf The Wall Street Journal August 2010 Lakshmi Panchami 2021 Date significance time puja India Today Fieldhouse Paul 2017 Food feasts and faith an encyclopedia of food culture in world religions Santa Barbara California p 263 ISBN 978 1 61069 411 7 OCLC 959260516 Sharad Poornima Archived from the original on 29 December 2012 Observe Vaibhav Laxmi fast on Friday for prosperity Times of India The Times of India Archived from the original on 29 February 2020 Retrieved 13 December 2019 Kallur Mahalaxmi devi mandir kallurmahalaxmi official website Sri Mahalakshmi Temple in Goravanahalli www karnataka com 6 June 2017 Sri Lakshmi Kuberar Temple Rathinamangalam temple dinamalar com Mahalaksmi temple Bandora Panaji Mahalaksmi temple Bandora Panaji official website Shree Mahalakshmi Temple Uchila Mahalakshmi temple pune Official website of temple Kanakadhara Mahalakshmi Temple Pallikkara Punnorcode Kanakadhara Mahalakshmi Temple Pallikkara Punnorcode official website Ratnagiri Kollapuradamma Temple templesinindiainfo com 5 October 2021 History of Lakshmi Chandrala Parameshwari Temple Lakshmi Chandrala Parameshwari Temple Visit to Mahalaxmi temple Sulebhavi Belgaum worldofcoins swetalakshmivarahi swetalakshmivarahi official website ashta dasha bhuja lakshmi temple www templetravel info Shri Kollapuradamma Sri Mahalakshmi Shri Kollapuradamma Sri Mahalakshmi Seva Trust London Sri Mahalakshmi Temple London Sri Mahalakshmi Temple official website Mahalakshmi temple delaware United States www templepurohit com Lakshmi Stotra Sanskrit documents Archived 12 September 2016 at the Wayback Machine Miller Barbara Stoler 1975 Radha Consort of Kṛṣṇa s Vernal Passion Journal of the American Oriental Society 95 4 655 671 doi 10 2307 601022 ISSN 0003 0279 JSTOR 601022 Hawley John Stratton Wulff Donna Marie 1996 Devi Goddesses of India University of California Press p 108 ISBN 978 0 520 20058 6 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 Duffield Osborne 1914 A Graeco Indian Engraved Gem Archived 1 February 2016 at the Wayback Machine American Journal of Archaeology Vol 18 No 1 pages 32 34 The Tribune Chandigarh India Jammu amp Kashmir Tribuneindia com Archived from the original on 2 November 2012 Retrieved 9 November 2012 Casa della Statuetta Indiana or House of the Indian Statuette Pompeii in Pictures Archived from the original on 23 March 2015 Retrieved 10 February 2015 Vidya Dehejia 2013 The Body Adorned Sacred and Profane in Indian Art Columbia University Press p 151 ISBN 978 0 231 51266 4 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 Robert S Ellwood Gregory D Alles 2007 The Encyclopedia of World Religions Infobase Publishing p 262 ISBN 978 1 4381 1038 7 Archived from the original on 6 July 2017 Retrieved 15 October 2016 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 Wangu Madhu Bazaz 2003 Images of Indian Goddesses Myths Meanings and Models p 57 ISBN 9788170174165 Archived from the original on 22 April 2019 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 a b An Introduction to Religious and Theological Studies Second Edition Cyril orji 2021 ISBN 9781532685934 The 33 Gaurav Singh Patel November 2021 p 105 ISBN 9798885213653 Seeing Spiritual India A Guide to Temples Stephen Knapp 2009 ISBN 9780595614523 Destiny s Child The Undefeatable Reign Of Cochin s Parukutty Neithyaramma Raghu Palat 2022 ISBN 9789354924644 Understanding Culture and Society in India Springer Nature Singapore 2021 ISBN 9789811615986 Bibliography Brooks Douglas Renfrew 1992 Auspicious Wisdom The Texts and Traditions of Srividya Sakta Tantrism in South India SUNY Press ISBN 9780791411469 Gupta Sanjukta 2000 Laksmi Tantra Motilal Banarsidass Publishe ISBN 978 8120817357 Isaeva N V 1993 Shankara and Indian Philosophy SUNY Press ISBN 978 0791412817 Kinsley David 1988 Hindu Goddesses Visions of the Divine Feminine in the Hindu Religious Tradition University of California Press ISBN 978 8 120 80394 7 Om Lata Bahadur 2006 John Stratton Hawley Vasudha Narayanan eds The Life of Hinduism University of California Press ISBN 978 0 520 24914 1 Pal Pratapaditya 1986 Indian Sculpture Circa 500 B C A D 700 University of California Press ISBN 978 0520059917Further readingKododwala Dilip 2004 Divali Evans p 11 ISBN 978 0237528584 Saraswati Swami Satyananda Lakshmi Puja and Thousand Names ISBN 1 887472 84 3 Venkatadhvari 1904 Sri Lakshmi Sahasram in Sanskrit Chowkhamba Sanskrit Depot Benares External linksLakshmi at Wikipedia s sister projects Definitions from Wiktionary Media from Commons Quotations from Wikiquote Texts from Wikisource British Broadcasting Corporation Lakshmi Kashmiri Overseas Association Inc Goddess Lakshmi Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title Lakshmi amp oldid 1154278781, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,

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