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Lakshmi

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(Redirected fromSaanvi)
For other uses, seeLakshmi (disambiguation).
"Shridevi" redirects here. For the Javanese, Sundanese, and Balinese goddess of rice, seeDewi Sri.For the Indian actress, seeSridevi.

"Mahalakshmi", "Dhanalakshmi", and "Sri Lakshmi" redirect here. For Mahalakshmi, seeMahalakshmi (disambiguation).For Dhanalakshmi, seeDhanalakshmi (disambiguation).For the actress, seeSri Lakshmi (actress).
"Bhargavi" redirects here. For other uses, seeBhargavi (disambiguation).

Lakshmi
Mother Goddess
Goddess of Wealth, Prosperity, Fortune, Royal Power, Abundance and Beauty[1][2]
Supreme Goddess inVaishnavism[3]
Member ofTrideviandPancha Prakriti
Sri Gaja LakshmibyRaja Ravi Varma(1896)
Other namesSri, Bhargavi, Kamala, Padma, Narayani, Vaishnavi
Devanagariलक्ष्मी
Affiliation
AbodeVaikuntha,Manidvipa
Mantra
  • ॐ श्रीं महालक्ष्म्यै नमः। (Om̐ Śrīm̐ Mahālakṣmyaya Namaḥ)
  • ॐ श्रीं श्रियें नमः। (Om̐ Śrī Sriyem̐ Namaḥ)
Symbols
TreeTulasi
DayFriday
Mount
Festivals
Genealogy
SiblingsAlakshmi
ConsortVishnu[6]
Children

Lakshmi(/ˈlʌkʃmi/;[7][nb 1]Sanskrit:लक्ष्मी,IAST:Lakṣmī,sometimes spelledLaxmi,lit. 'she who leads to one's goal'), also known asShri(Sanskrit:श्री,IAST:Śrī,lit. 'Noble'),[9]is one of the principal goddesses inHinduism.She is the goddess of wealth, fortune, prosperity, beauty, fertility, royal power and abundance.[10]Lakshmi is the supreme goddess inVaishnavism.[3]She along withParvatiandSaraswati,forms theTridevi.[11][12]

Within the goddess-orientedShaktism,Lakshmi is venerated as the prosperity aspect of theMother goddess.[13][14]Lakshmi is both the consort and the divine energy (shakti) ofVishnu,the Supreme Being ofVaishnavism;she is also the Supreme Goddess in the sect and assists Vishnu to create, protect, and transform the universe.[6][14][15][16]She is an especially prominent figure inSri Vaishnavism,in which devotion to Lakshmi is deemed to be crucial to reach Vishnu.[17]Whenever Vishnu descended on the earth as an avatar, Lakshmi accompanied him as consort, for example, asSitaandRadhaorRukminias consorts of Vishnu's avatarsRamaandKrishna,respectively.[9][14][18]The eight prominent manifestations of Lakshmi, theAshtalakshmi,symbolise the eight sources of wealth.[19]

Lakshmi is depicted in Indian art as an elegantly dressed, prosperity-showering golden-coloured woman standing or sitting in thepadmasanaposition upon alotus throne,while holding a lotus in her hand, symbolising fortune, self-knowledge, and spiritual liberation.[20][21]Her iconography shows her withfour hands,which represent the four aspects of human life important to Hindu culture:dharma,kama,artha,andmoksha.[22][23]

Archaeological discoveries and ancient coins suggest the recognition and reverence for Lakshmi existing by the 1st millennium BCE.[24][25]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.[26][27]The day of Lakshmi Puja duringNavaratri,and the festivals ofDeepavaliandSharad Purnima(Kojagiri Purnima) are celebrated in her honour.[28]

Etymology and epithets

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

Lakshmi inSanskritis derived from the root wordlakṣ(लक्ष्) andlakṣa(लक्ष), meaning 'to perceive, observe, know, understand' and 'goal, aim, objective', respectively.[29]These roots give Lakshmi the symbolism:knowandunderstandyour goal.[30]A related term islakṣaṇa,which means 'sign, target, aim, symbol, attribute, quality, lucky mark, auspicious opportunity'.[31]

Gaja Lakshmi, Cambodia, ca. 944-968

Lakshmi has numerous epithets and numerous ancientStotramandSutrasofHinduismrecite her various names:[32][33]such asSri(Radiance, eminence, splendor, wealth),Padmā(she who is mounted upon or dwelling in a lotus or She of thelotus),KamalāorKamalatmika(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 toNarayanaor 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). Shaktas also considerLalita,who is praised with 1,000 names in theLalita Sahasranama,as Lakshmi.[34]

Lakshmi Sahasranama ofSkanda Puranapraises Lakshmi asMahadevi(she who is the great goddess),Mahamaya(she who is a great illusion),Karaveera Nivasini(The Goddess Who lives in Karaveera/Kolhapur) andMaha Astha Dasa Pithagne(she who has 18 greatShakta pithas). She is also praised asMahalakshmi(she who is great Lakshmi),Mahakali(she who is great Kali) andMahasaraswati(she who is great Saraswati) who are the primary deities inDevi 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(Shaktithat came out of the sheath (or Kosha) ofParvati),Brahmani(She who is the power ofBrahma),Kamakshi(she who fulfils desires by her eyes),Chandi(she who killedMahishasura),Chamunda(She who killedChanda and Munda),Madhu Kaidabha Bhanjini(she who killedMadhu and Kaidabha),Durga(she who killed Durgamasura),Maheshvari(she who is the power of Maheshvara),Varahi(she who is the power ofVaraha,a form ofVishnu),Narasimhi(she who is the power ofNarasimha,a form ofVishnu),Srividyaa(she who isSri Vidya),Sri Manthra Raja Rajini(the queen of Sri Vidya),Shadadharadhi devata(she who is the goddess of the sixchakras).[35][36]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".[37]

Her other names include:[32][38]Aishwarya, Akhila, Anagha, Anapagamini, Anumati, Apara, Aruna, Atibha, Avashya, Bala,Bhargavi,Bhudevi,Chakrika,Chanchala,Chandravadana, Chandrasahodari, Chandraroopa,Devi,Deepta, Dhruti, 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, Padmavati, 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.

Iconography and symbolism

Lakshmi lustrated by elephants, Uttar Pradesh, Kausambi, 1st century BCE.
Bas relief ofGajaLakshmiat theBuddhistSanchiStupa,Stupa I, North gateway,Satavahana dynastysculpture, 1st century CE.[39]

Lakshmi is a member of theTridevi,thetriadof great goddesses. She represents theRajasguna,and theIccha-shakti.[40][41]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.[30]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), andmoksha(pursuit of self-knowledge, liberation).[23][42]

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, andkarma('work, deed') in the Tantra (Sahasrara) context.[43]The lotus, a flower that blooms in clean or dirty water, also symbolises 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.[44][45]

Below, behind, or on the sides, Lakshmi is very often shown with one or two elephants, known asGajalakshmi,and occasionally with an owl.[46]Elephants symbolise work, activity, and strength, as well as water, rain and fertility for abundant prosperity.[47]The owl signifies the patient striving to observe, see, and discover knowledge, particularly when surrounded by darkness. As a bird reputedly blinded by daylight, the owl also serves as a symbolic reminder to refrain from blindness and greed after knowledge and wealth have been acquired.[48]According to historianD. D. Kosambi,most of the Imperial Gupta kings wereVaishnavasand held the goddess Lakshmi in the highest esteem.[49]Goddess Lakshmi is Simhavahini (mount as lion) on most of the coins during their rule.[50]Coins during the rule of Prakashadiya, a Gupta ruler, contain the Garudadhvaja on the obverse and Lakshmi on the reverse.[49]TheGupta periodsculpture only used to associate lions with Lakshmi but was later attributed toDurgaor a combined form of both goddesses.[51][52][53][54]Lionsare also associated withVeera Lakshmi,who is one of the Ashtalakshmi.[55]Historian B. C. Bhattacharya says, "An image of Gajalakshmi is found with two lions — one on either side of her. Two elephants are also shown near her head and by this we can say that Lion is also the vahana of Lakshmi along withGaruda".[56]

In some representations, wealth either symbolically pours out from one of her hands or she simply holds a jar of money. This symbolism has a dual meaning: wealth manifested through Lakshmi means both materials as well as spiritual wealth.[43]Her face and open hands are in a mudra that signifies compassion, giving ordāna('charity').[42]

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.[43]When Lakshmi and Vishnu appear together in images and statues, she is significantly smaller, which is often used to portray her devotional status as a wife. A frequently depicted scene of the pair illustrates Lakshmi massaging Vishnu's feet.[57]

Alternatively, Lakshmi Sahasranama ofSkanda Purana,Lakshmi TantraandMarkandeya Puranadescribe 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, and as sitting onGaruda,alion,or atiger.[58][59][60]According to theLakshmi 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 containingamrita.[61]In the Skanda Purana and theVenkatachala Mahatmayam,Sri, or Lakshmi, is praised as the mother ofBrahma.[62]

In Japan, where Lakshmi is known asKisshōten,she is commonly depicted with theNyoihōju gem ( như ý bảo châu )in her hand.[63]

Literature

Goddess Lakshmi
BharhutStupa,circa 110 BCE
Coins ofGandhara,1st century BCE
Coinage ofGupta Empire
Cambodia
Vietnam, 10th century
Malaysia
Lakshmi is one of thetridevi 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 inRigveda,in which the name is used to mean 'kindred mark, sign of auspicious fortune'.

InAtharva 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 are 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 asPunya 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 ofViṣṇu(Nārāyaṇa).[2]For example, inShatapatha 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.Agnigets food, Soma gets kingly authority,Varunagets imperial authority, Mitra acquires martial energy, Indra gets force,Brihaspatigets priestly authority, Savitri acquires dominion, Pushan gets splendour,Saraswatitakes 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 ofDharma,mother ofKāma,sister or mother ofDhātṛandVidhātṛ,wife of Dattatreya, one of the nine Shaktis ofViṣṇu,a manifestation ofPrakṛtias identified withDākshāyaṇīin Bharatasrama and asSita,wife ofRama.[2][67]: 103–12 

Epics

In the Epics of Hinduism, such as inMahabharata,Lakshmi personifies wealth, riches, happiness, loveliness, grace, charm, and splendor.[2]In another Hindu legend about the creation of the universe as described inRamayana,[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 ofAmṛta.She appeared with a lotus in her hand and so she is also called Padmā.[2][67]: 108–11 

Sita,the female protagonist of theRamayanaand her husband, the god-kingRamaare considered asavatarsof Lakshmi and Vishnu, respectively. In theMahabharata,Draupadiis described as a partial incarnation of Sri (Lakshmi).[69] However, other chapter of the epic states that Lakshmi took the incarnation ofRukmini,the chief-wife of the Hindu godKrishna.[nb 2]

Upanishads

ShaktaUpanishadsare dedicated to theTrideviof goddesses—Lakshmi,SaraswatiandParvati.Saubhagyalakshmi Upanishaddescribes 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 ancientStotramandSutrasof Hinduism recite hymns dedicated to Lakshmi.[32]She is a major goddess inPuranasandItihasaof Hinduism. In ancient scriptures of India, all women are declared to be embodiments of Lakshmi. For example:[32]

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Closeup of Vishnu, seated in the lotus position on a lotus. From depiction of the poet Jayadeva bowing to Vishnu, Gouache on paper Pahari, The very picture of devotion, bare-bodied, head bowed, legs crossed and hands folded, Jayadeva stands at left, with the implements of worship placed before the lotus-seat of Vishnu who sits there, blessing the poet.
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Every woman is an embodiment of you.
You exist as little girls in their childhood,
As young women in their youth
And as elderly women in their old age.

— Sri Kamala Stotram

Every woman is an emanation of you.

— Sri Daivakrta Laksmi Stotram

Ancient prayers dedicated to Lakshmi seek both material and spiritual wealth in prayers.[32]

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 inPuranasof Hinduism. Vishnu Purana, in particular, dedicates many sections to her and also refers to her as Sri.[75]J. A. B. van Buitenentranslates 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 extensiveSubhashita,genomic and didactic literature of India.[76]Composed in the 1st millennium BCE through the 16th century CE, they are short poems, proverbs, couplets, oraphorismsin 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 isPuranartha Samgraha,compiled by Vekataraya in South India, where Lakshmi and Vishnu discussniti('right, moral conduct') andrajaniti('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 LordVishnuand Goddess Lakshmi atHoysaleswara TempleatHalebidu

Inside temples, Lakshmi is often shown together withVishnu.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 asVaikuntha,the abode of Lakshmi and Vishnu (collectively calledLakshmi Narayana). Lakshmi is the embodiment of the creative energy of Vishnu,[78]and primordialPrakritiwho creates the universe.[79]

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

According toGaruda Purana,Lakshmi is considered asPrakriti(Mahalakshmi) and is identified with three forms — Sri, Bhu and Durga. The three forms consist ofSatva('goodness'),[2]rajas,andtamas('darkness') gunas,[80]and assists Vishnu (Purusha) in creation, preservation and destruction of the entire universe.Durga's form represents the power to fight, conquer and punish the demons and anti-gods.

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In theLakshmi Tantraand Lakshmi Sahasranama ofSkanda Purana,Lakshmi is given the status of the primordial goddess. According to these texts, Durga and the other forms, such as Mahalakshmi, Mahakali and Mahasaraswati and all the Shaktis that came out of all gods such asMatrikasandMahavidya,[81]are all various forms of Goddess Lakshmi.[82]InLakshmi Tantra,Lakshmi tellsIndrathat she got the name Durga after killing an asura named Durgama.[83]Indologists and authors Chitralekha Singh and Prem Nath says, "Narada Puranadescribes the powerful forms of Lakshmi as Durga, Mahakali, Bhadrakali, Chandi, Maheshwari, Mahalakshmi, Vaishnavi and Andreye ".[84]

Lakshmi,Saraswati,andParvatiare 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 ofDurga.They are worshipped duringDurga Puja.[86]

In South India, Lakshmi is seen in two forms, Sridevi andBhudevi,both at the sides ofVenkateshwara,a form of Vishnu. Bhudevi is the representation and totality of the material world or energy, called theApara Prakriti,or Mother Earth; Sridevi is the spiritual world or energy called thePrakriti.[6][87]According toLakshmi Tantra,Nila Devi,one of the manifestations or incarnations of Lakshmi is the third wife ofVishnu.[88][89]Each goddess of the triad is mentioned inŚrī Sūkta,Bhu Sūkta and Nila Sūkta, respectively.[90][91][92]This threefold goddess can be found, for example, in Sri Bhu Neela Sahita Temple nearDwaraka Tirumala,Andhra Pradesh, and in Adinath Swami Temple in Tamil Nadu.[93]In many parts of the region,Andalis 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 inTamil Nadu,such asAshtalakshmi KovilnearChennaiand 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) andasuras(demons) were both mortal at one time inHinduism.Amrita,the divine nectar that grants immortality, could only be obtained by churningKshira Sagara('Ocean of Milk'). The devas and asuras both sought immortality and decided to churn the Kshira Sagara with Mount Mandhara. TheSamudra Manthanacommenced with the devas on one side and the asuras on the other.Vishnuincarnated 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 thesea godsince she emerged from the sea.[97]

InGaruda Purana,Linga PuranaandPadma Purana,Lakshmi is said to have been born as the daughter of the divine sageBhriguand his wife Khyati and was namedBhargavi.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 a lotus, along with the divine cowKamadhenu,Varuni,theParijattree, theApsaras,Chandra(the moon), andDhanvantariwithAmrita('nectar of immortality'). When she appeared, she had a choice to go to the Devas or the Asuras. She chose the 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 and festivals

Festivals

Many Hindus worship Lakshmi onDeepavali(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 includepuja(prayers) to Lakshmi and Ganesha. Lakshmi is of the Vaishnavism tradition, while Ganesha of the Shaivism tradition of Hinduism.[101][102]

Before the night ofDeepavali,people clean, renovate and decorate their homes and offices.[103]On the night of Deepavali, Hindus dress up in new clothes or their best outfits, light updiyas(lamps and candles) inside and outside their home, and participate in familypuja(prayers) typically to Lakshmi. After theLakshmi Puja,fireworks follow,[104]then a family feast includingmithai(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 onChaitraShukla Panchami, also called,Lakshmi Panchami,Shri Panchami, Kalpadi and Shri Vrata. As this worship is in the first week of the Hindu new year, byHindu calendar,it is considered very auspicious.[106]Varalakshmi Vratamis celebrated by married Hindu women to pray for the well-being of their husbands.[107]

GajaLakshmi Pujais another autumn festival celebrated onSharad Purnimain many parts of India on the full-moon day in the month ofAshvin(October).[28]Sharad Purnima,also called Kojaagari Purnima or Kuanr Purnima, is aharvest festival markingthe end ofmonsoonseason. There is a traditional celebration of the moon called theKaumudi celebration,Kaumudi meaning moonlight.[108]On Sharad Purnima night, goddess Lakshmi is thanked and worshipped for the harvests. Vaibhav LakshmiVratais observed on Friday for prosperity.[109]

Hymns

Numerous hymns, prayers,shlokas,stotra,songs, and legends dedicated to Lakshmi are recited during the ritual worship of the goddess.[32]These include:[110]

Temples

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

Some temples dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi are:

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.[24][25]An ancient sculpture of Gaja Lakshmi (from Sonkh site atMathura) dates to the pre-Kushan Empireera.[24]Atranjikhera site in modernUttar Pradeshhas yieldedterracottaplaque with images of Lakshmi dating to the 2nd century BCE. Other archaeological sites with ancient Lakshmi terracotta figurines from the 1st millennium BCE include Vaisali, Sravasti, Kausambi, Campa, and Candraketugadh.[25]

The goddess Lakshmi is frequently found in ancient coins of various Hindu kingdoms from Afghanistan to India. Gaja Lakshmi has been found on coins ofScytho-ParthiankingsAzes IIandAzilises;she also appears onShunga Empireking 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.[115]Similarly, ancient Greco-Indian gems and seals with images of Lakshmi have been found, estimated to be from 1st-millennium BCE.[116]

A 1400-year-old rare granite sculpture of Lakshmi has been recovered at the Waghama village alongJehluminAnantnagdistrict ofJammu and Kashmir.[117]

ThePompeii Lakshmi,a statuette supposedly thought to be of Lakshmi found in Pompeii, Italy, dates to before the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 CE.[118]

Outside Hinduism

Jainism

Gaja LakshmiatShravanabelagolaTemple,Karnataka.

Lakshmi is also an important deity inJainismand found in Jain temples.[119][120]SomeJaintemples also depict Sri Lakshmi as a goddess ofartha('wealth') andkama('pleasure'). For example, she is exhibited with Vishnu in Parshvanatha Jain Temple at theKhajuraho Monumentsof Madhya Pradesh,[121]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.[121]This commonality is reflected in the praise of Lakshmi found in the Jain textKalpa Sūtra.[122]

Buddhism

The JapaneseKishijotenis adapted from Lakshmi.

InBuddhism,Lakshmi has been viewed as a goddess of abundance and fortune, and is represented on the oldest survivingstupasand cave temples of Buddhism.[123][124]In Buddhist sects ofTibet,Nepal,andSoutheast Asia,Vasudharamirrors the characteristics and attributes of the Hindu Goddess, with minor iconographic differences.[125]

In Chinese Buddhism, Lakshmi is referred to as either Gōngdétiān ( công đức thiên, lit "Meritorious god" ) or Jíxiáng Tiānnǚ ( cát tường thiên nữ, lit "Auspicious goddess" ) and is the goddess of fortune and prosperity. She is regarded as the sister ofPíshāméntiān( bì sa môn thiên ), or Vaiśravaṇa, one of theFour Heavenly Kings.She is also regarded as one of thetwenty-four protective deities,and her image is frequently enshrined in theMahavira Hallof most Chinese Buddhist monasteries together with the other deities. Her mantra, the Sri Devi Dharani (Chinese: Đại cát tường thiên nữ chú; pinyin: Dà Jíxiáng Tiānnǚ Zhòu) is classified as one of theTen Small Mantras(Chinese: Thập tiểu chú; pinyin: Shí xiǎo zhòu), which are a collection ofdharanisthat are commonly recited in Chinese Buddhist temples during morning liturgical services.[126]

The Dharani is as follows:

Namo buddhāya, Namo dharmāya, Namah samghāya, Namah Śrī Mahādevīye, Tadyathā Om paripūraņa cāre samanta darśane. Mahā vihāra gate samanta vidhamane. Mahā kārya pratişţhāpane, sarvārtha sādhane, supratipūri ayatna dharmatā. Mahā vikurvite, mahā maitrī upasamhite, mahārşi susamgŗhīte samantārtha anupālane svāhā.

In Japanese Buddhism, Lakshmi is known asKishijoten(Cát tường thiên,'Auspicious Heavens') and is also the goddess of fortune and prosperity.[127]Like in China, Kishijoten is considered the sister ofBishamon(Bì sa môn,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 ofGeishas.

InTibetan Buddhism,Lakshmi is an important deity, especially in theGelugSchool. She has both peaceful and wrathful forms; the latter form is known asPalden Lhamo,Shri Devi Dudsol Dokam, or Kamadhatvishvari, and is the principal female protector of (Gelug) Tibetan Buddhism and ofLhasa, Tibet.[128]

While Lakshmi and Vaiśravaṇa are found in ancient Chinese and Japanese Buddhist literature, their roots have been traced to deities in Hinduism.[127]

Lakshmi is closely linked toDewi Sri,who is worshipped inBalias the goddess of fertility and agriculture.

Incarnations

Miniature painting of Vishnu and Lakshmi

Throughout various texts and scriptures, Lakshmi incarnated as the following:

See also

Notes

  1. ^This pronunciation has a closer approximation of the Hindustani pronunciation. PronouncedUK:/ˈlækʃmi/,[8]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]

References

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    1. 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.
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    3. Bulbul Sharma (2010).The Book of Devi.Penguin Books India. p. 47.ISBN9780143067665.Sri or Lakshmi, as depicted in the sacred texts, is the goddess of wealth and fortune, royal power and beauty.
    4. Stephen Knapp (2012).Hindu Gods & Goddesses.Jaico Publishing House. p. 132.ISBN9788184953664.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.
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    6. David Monaghan; Ariane Hudelet; John Wiltshire (10 January 2014).The Cinematic Jane Austen: Essays on the Filmic Sensibility of the Novels.McFarland & Company. p. 153.ISBN9780786453221.In Hindu mythology, Lakshmi is the goddess of wealth, power and beauty.
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  123. ^Wangu, Madhu Bazaz (2003).Images of Indian Goddesses: Myths, Meanings, and Models.Abhinav Publications. p. 57.ISBN9788170174165.Archived fromthe originalon 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.
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Bibliography

Further reading


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