Goddess
Lakshmi
Goddess
Lakshmi means Good Luck to Hindus. The word 'Lakshmi' is derived from the
Sanskrit word Laksya, meaning 'aim' or 'goal', and she is the goddess of
wealth and prosperity, both material and spiritual.
Lakshmi
is the household goddess of most Hindu families, and a favorite of women.
Although she is worshipped daily, the festive month of October is Lakshmi's
special month. Lakshmi Puja is celebrated on the full moon night of Kojagari
Purnima.
The Lakshmi Form
Lakshmi
is depicted as a beautiful woman of golden complexion, with four hands, sitting
or standing on a full-bloomed lotus and holding a lotus bud, which stands for
beauty, purity and fertility. Her four hands represent the four ends of human
life: dharma or righteousness, kama or desires, artha or
wealth, and moksha or liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
Cascades
of gold coins are seen flowing from her hands, suggesting that those who worship
her gain wealth. She always wears gold embroidered red clothes. Red symbolizes
activity and the golden lining indicates prosperity. Lakshmi is the active
energy of Vishnu, and also appears as Lakshmi-Narayan - Lakshmi accompanying
Vishnu.
Two
elephants are often shown standing next to the goddess and spraying water. This
denotes that ceaseless effort, in accordance with one's dharma and
governed by wisdom and purity, leads to both material and spiritual prosperity.
A Mother Goddess
Worship of a mother goddess has been a part of Indian tradition since its
earliest times. Lakshmi is one of the mother goddesses and is addressed as mata
(mother) instead of just devi (goddess).
As
a female counterpart of Lord Vishnu, Mata Lakshmi is also called 'Shri', the
female energy of the Supreme Being. She is the goddess of prosperity, wealth,
purity, generosity, and the embodiment of beauty, grace and charm.
A Domestic Deity
The importance attached to the presence of Lakshmi in every household makes her
an essentially domestic deity. Householders worship Lakshmi for the well being
and prosperity of the family. Businessmen and women also regard her equally and
offer her daily prayers.
On
the full moon night following Dusshera or Durga Puja Hindus worship Lakshmi
ceremonially at home, pray for her blessings, and invite neighbors to attend the
puja. It is believed that on this full moon night the goddess herself
visits the homes and replenishes the inhabitants with wealth. A special worship
is also offered to Lakshmi on the auspicious Diwali night.
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