Goddess Lakshmi (also spelled Laxmi) is a Hindu goddess of wealth and prosperity. She is the wife of Lord Vishnu who is one of the three main Hindu gods. She is one of the three main Hindu goddesses (Tridevi). Goddess Laxmi resides in Vaikuntha and is sometimes depicted as pressing the legs of Lord Vishnu. She incarnates on Earth as the companion/wife of the incarnation of Lord Vishnu.

Meaning of the Name Lakshmi:

The Sanskrit meaning of the word Lakshmi or Laxmi is “a sign of good luck”.

Different Names of Goddess Lakshmi:

There are thousands of names of Goddess Laxmi. Some of the popular names are:

1. Kamala.

2. Padma.

3. Vishnupriya.

4. Ramaa.

5. Narayani.

6. Shri.

Iconography:

Goddess Lakshmi is generally depicted as having four hands with a lotus in one or two of her hands. She showers gold coins from one of her hands, and the remaining hand is in Varada Mudra. There is a gold pot filled with gold coins in the tilted position on her lap with coins falling on the ground. Goddess Laxmi is either standing or sitting on a lotus flower. She looks extremely beautiful with a fair complexion. Two white elephants on her left and right pour water into the lotus flowers she is holding. Generally, she is wearing a red saree, but sometimes green, blue, or yellow colored sarees are also shown.

Origin of Goddess Laxmi:

The word Lakshmi is first mentioned in the Rig Veda x.71.2

भद्रैषां लक्ष्मीर्निहिताधि वाचि (bhadraiṣāṁ lakṣmīrnihitādhi vāci) meaning  “an auspicious fortune is attached to their words”.

The Sri Suktam in the Rig Veda is a hymn dedicated to Goddess Shri and Goddess Lakshmi. Some scholars believe that Sri and Lakshmi are two different goddesses, while some believe that Sri is another name for Goddess Laxmi.

She is also mentioned in Atharva Veda and Shatapatha Brahmana. In the Puranas, she appears as the wife of Lord Vishnu.

The Birth of Goddess Lakshmi:

1. According to the Skanda Purana, Goddess Laxmi is the daughter of Sage Bhrigu and Khyaati. She had two brothers, Dhaata and Vidhata. Later, she married Lord Vishnu.

2. Vaishnavites believe that Goddess Lakshmi is unborn, like Tridev. She is Adi Shakti and has always been present.

3. In Book 9 of Shatapatha Brahmana, Shri emerges from Prajapati after his intense meditation on the creation of life and the nature of the universe.

4. Many people think that Goddess Lakshmi was born in Samudra Manthan, but it is not true. She just reappeared during the event. Because of the curse of Sage Duravasa to gods, she had started living in the ocean of milk but came out during the churning of the ocean.

Incarnations of Goddess Laxmi:

1. Goddess Sita:

When Lord Vishnu reincarnated as Lord Rama in Treta Yuga, she was born as Goddess Seeta and married him. She became the reason for the destruction of Ravana and his army. Afterward, she disappeared into the Earth.

2. Goddess Radha:

She was the lover and companion of Lord Krishna. She was the daughter of Vrishbhanu and Kirti.

3. Goddess Rukmini:

She is a Hindu goddess and the first wife of Lord Krishna. She took care of the vast family of Lord Krishna when he was involved in his earthly duties. Rukmini committed Sati after his death.

4. Satyabhama:

She is also believed to be an incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi. She was the second wife of Lord Krishna. Satyabhama assisted Lord Krishna in the war against Narakasura. Per some stories, she killed Narakasura.

5. Padmavati:

Padmavati was the daughter of a local king in Andhra Pradesh who married Lord Venkatesha, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. It is believed that he took a loan from Lord Kubera to marry her and is still paying it off.

6. Tulsi:

Tulsi was the wife of an Asura named Shankhachuda. Because of her virtuousness, the gods could not kill him. Therefore, once Lord Vishnu disguised as Shankhachuda married her in a remarriage ritual. Thus, her virtuousness was broken, and the gods were able to kill her husband. Angry Tulsi cursed Lord Vishnu that he would turn into a stone. After that, she committed Sati.

Different Forms of Goddess Lakshmi:

1. Adi Lakshmi.

2. Dhana Lakshmi.

3. Dhanya Lakshmi.

4. Gaja Lakshmi.

5. Santana Lakshmi.

6. Dhairya Lakshmi.

7. Vijaya Lakshmi.

8. Vidya Lakshmi.

9. Aishwarya Lakshmi.

10. Saubhagya Lakshmi.

11. Rajya Lakshmi.

12. Vara Lakshmi.

13. Swarga Lakshmi.

14. Vaibhava Lakshmi.

Stories about Goddess Laxmi:

1. Samudra Manthan:

Sage Durvasa cursed Indra and all the gods that they would be bereft of all strength, energy, and fortune because Indra unintentionally insulted him. Therefore, Goddess Lakshmi left heaven and started living in the ocean of milk. Gods and Asuras performed churning of the ocean of milk from which many jewels and valuable things came out.

Goddess Lakshmi also came out of the ocean and chose Lord Vishnu as her husband.

2. Goddess Saraswati Cursed Goddess Lakshmi:

According to the Brahmavaivarta Purana, Lord Vishnu had three wives, viz. Lakshmi, Ganga, and Saraswati. Goddess Saraswati doubted that Lord Vishnu loved Ganga more than her. So, she said some harsh words to Lord Vishnu. Lord Vishnu left the place not to escalate the matter. Then, she asked Ganga to stay away from Lord Vishnu, and then, the quarrel between Saraswati and Ganga began.

When Goddess Laxmi returned, she tried to pacify Saraswati, but she thought that Lakshmi was taking the side of Ganga and cursed her to be born as a plant and flow as a river. Seeing this, Ganga got angry and cursed Goddess Saraswati that she would be separated from Lord Vishnu and would flow as a river on the Earth. Only Goddess Lakshmi remained silent and did not curse anyone.

3. Dhanteras Vrat Katha:

Once, Lord Vishnu planned to visit Earth. Goddess Lakshmi insisted that she would accompany him. Lord Vishnu agreed on one condition that she would not fall for earthly temptations and would not look in the south direction. 

However, during their visit, she could not control her urge to look in the south direction and broke her pledge. Lord Vishnu got upset with her and asked her to serve in the fields of a poor farmer for 12 years as penance.

She took the form of a woman and started to work on the farm. After the arrival of Goddess Laxmi, the poor farmer became wealthy. He understood that it was due to the good luck of the woman working on her farm. Therefore, after 12 years when Goddess Lakshmi wanted to go back to Vaikuntha, he refused to release her. Therefore, Goddess Lakshmi appeared before him in her real form and promised him that she would return once a year during the night of Krishna Trayodashi before Diwali. This day is celebrated as Dhanteras.

4. Lord Vishnu Cursed Goddess Lakshmi:

Once, when Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi were resting in Vaikuntha, Revantha, the youngest son of the Sun God, came there riding a horse. The horse was so beautiful that Goddess Lakshmi was mesmerized by it. Lord Vishnu made many attempts to distract her, but she did not listen to him. Therefore, Lord Vishnu got angry and cursed her to be a mare.

When Goddess Lakshmi understood her mistake, she asked for forgiveness. But as a curse could not be taken back, Lord Vishnu told her that she would be free of the curse after she gave birth to a child when she is in the form of a mare. After that, Goddess Lakshmi became a mare and came to the bank of the Yamuna River. She started a penance there to propitiate Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva told her that Lord Vishnu would incarnate on Earth in the form of a horse and would free her.

After a few years, Lord Vishnu incarnated as Hayagriva and reached near Yamuna River, where Goddess Laxmi was living. After some time, Goddess Lakshmi became pregnant and gave birth to a child named Ekvir. Thus, she was freed from the curse and returned to Vaikuntha.

5. Goddess Lakshmi Blessed Maharaja Agrasen:

For the welfare of his subjects, Maharaja Agrasen started a severe penance to propitiate Lord Shiva, who advised him to worship Goddess Lakshmi. Therefore, he propitiated Goddess Lakshmi. She appeared before him and advised him to accept the Vaishya tradition. She asked her to establish a new kingdom and that she would bless his descendants with prosperity.

6. Why is Goddess Lakshmi worshipped with Lord Ganesha on Diwali?

Once, Goddess Lakshmi became arrogant about her powers and started self-praising. She said that she was the only one worthy of worship as she gave wealth to everyone. To break her arrogance, Lord Vishnu told her that despite all her qualities, she is incomplete without a child, and motherhood is the ultimate joy that a woman can experience.

Disheartened Laxmi went to Goddess Parvati, who was her best friend. Goddess Parvati had two sons. So, she requested her to let her adopt one of her sons. But Goddess Parvati was reluctant to do so because Goddess Lakshmi is unstable, and she feared that she would not take care of her son. But Goddess Lakshmi promised her that she would take good care of her son and bestow him with all the happiness. Therefore, Goddess Parvati let her adopt Lord Ganesha as her son.

Goddess Lakshmi was extremely happy and blessed Lord Ganesha that those who worship Lakshmi for wealth must first worship Lord Ganesha. Those who worship Lakshmi without Lord Ganesha will not be blessed by the goddess. Therefore, on Diwali, Goddess Laxmi is always worshiped with Ganesha. Acquiring wealth without intelligence only leads to the abuse of wealth.

Carrier of Goddess Laxmi:

An owl is the Vahana of Goddess Lakshmi. Just as an owl is blind during the day, similarly a wealthy person without the right kind of intellect cannot see beyond his richness. Therefore, whenever Laxmi travels without Lord Vishnu, she makes the person whom she visits, metaphorically blind.

However, when the Goddess Laxmi travels with Lord Vishnu, she travels on Garuda, which is the symbol of wisdom.

Alakshmi – the Sister of Goddess Lakshmi:

Alakshmi (Jyeshtha Devi) is a Hindu goddess of misfortune, poverty, laziness, and greed. She is the elder sister of Goddess Laxmi who is the goddess of fortune and prosperity. Wherever Lakshmi goes, she follows her. She resides wherever there is dirt, filth, crime, poverty, etc. She is depicted as naked, unkempt, and rides a donkey. Her offerings consist of chilies and limes.

The Brother of Goddess Lakshmi:

The Moon god, Chandra, is believed to be the brother of Goddess Laxmi because he also emerged from the ocean of milk along with her.

Festivals:

Lakshmi Puja:

Laxmi Puja is one of the most important Hindu festivals. It falls on the Amavasya of Kartik month per the Hindu calendar. On this day, Hindus worship Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Ganesha, and wealth (money, ornaments, etc.). It is believed that Goddess Lakshmi roams the Earth on this night. People keep the doors of their houses open in the evening time and lit oil lamps to welcome Goddess Lakshmi inside their homes.

Dhanteras:

Dhanteras or Dhanatrayodashi is an important Hindu festival that falls on the thirteenth day of Krishna Paksha (waning phase of the moon) of Kartik month. It is a part of the Diwali festival. People worship Dhanwantari, Lord Kubera, and Goddess Lakshmi on this day.

Kojagiri Purnima:

It falls on the full-moon day of the Ashwin month. On this day, people worship Goddess Laxmi to get her blessings. This night is known as the “night of awakening” because Goddess Lakshmi comes to Earth on this day. This festival also coincides with the harvest festival in some parts of northern India.

Temples:

1. Mahalakshmi Temple in Kolhapur, Maharashtra.

2. Mahalakshmi Temple in Mumbai, Maharashtra.

3. Lakshmi Narayan Temple (Birla Mandir), Delhi

4. Sripuram Golden Temple, Vellore in Tamil Nadu.

5. Ashtalakshmi Temple, Chennai in Tamil Nadu.

6. Lakshmi Devi Temple, Hassan in Karnataka.

Agrawal Samaj:

Agrawal Samaj is a trading community. Goddess Lakshmi is their chief goddess. Maharaj Agrasen was the founder of this community. He was a descendant of Lord Rama and belonged to the warrior community but became a trader on the advice of Goddess Laxmi. Agrawal Samaj is one of the wealthiest communities in India. It is believed that when Maharaj Agrasen propitiated Goddess Lakshmi, she gave him a boon that she would bless his descendants with prosperity.

Mantra:

1. ॐ श्रीं ह्रीं क्लीं त्रिभुवन महालक्ष्म्यै अस्मांक दारिद्र्य नाशय प्रचुर धन देहि देहि क्लीं ह्रीं श्रीं ॐ ।|

Om Shring Hring Kling Tribhuvan Mahalakshmyai Asmaakam Daaridrya Naashay Prachur Dhana Dehi Dehi Kling Hring Shring Om ||

2. ॐ श्रीं ह्रीं क्लीं ऐं सौं ॐ ह्रीं क ए ई ल ह्रीं ह स क ह ल ह्रीं सकल ह्रीं सौं ऐं क्लीं ह्रीं श्री ॐ||

Om Shring Hring Kling Aing Saung Om Hring Ka ye Ee La Hring Ha Sa Ka Ha La Hring Sakal Hring Saung Aing Kling Hring Shring Om ||

3. ॐ ह्री श्रीं क्रीं श्रीं क्रीं क्लीं श्रीं महालक्ष्मी मम गृहे धनं पूरय पूरय चिंतायै दूरय दूरय स्वाहा ||

Om Hring Shring Kreeng Shring Kreeng Kling Shring Mahaalakshmi Mam Grihe Dhanam Pooray Pooray Chintaayai Dooraya Dooraya Swaha ||

4. ॐ सर्वाबाधा विनिर्मुक्तो, धन धान्यः सुतान्वितः। मनुष्यो मत्प्रसादेन भविष्यति न संशयः ॐ ।।

Om Sarvabaadhaa Vinirmukto, Dhana Dhaanyah Sutaanvitah | Manushyo Matprasaaden Bhavishyati Na Sanshayah Om ||

5. ॐ श्री महालक्ष्म्यै च विद्महे विष्णु पत्न्यै च धीमहि तन्नो लक्ष्मी प्रचोदयात् ॐ ।।

Om Shree Mahalakshmyai Cha Vidmahe Vishnu Patnyai Cha Dheemahi Tanno Lakshmi Prachodayat Om ||

6. ।।ॐ श्रीं श्रियें नमः ।।

 Om Shring Shriye Namah||

7. ॐ महालक्ष्म्यै नमाे नम||

Om Mahalakshmyai Namo Namah||