Lakshmi has been a central figure in Hindu tradition sincepre-Buddhist times (1500 to 500 BCE) and remains one of the most widely worshipped goddesses in theHindu pantheon. Although she does not appear in the earliestVedic literature, the personification of the termshri—auspiciousness, glory, and high rank, often associated with kingship—eventually led to the development of Sri-Lakshmi as a goddess in later Vedic texts, particularly theShri Suktam.[10] Her importance grew significantly during thelate epic period (around 400 CE), when she became particularly associated with the preserver godVishnu as his consort. In this role, Lakshmi is seen as the ideal Hindu wife, exemplifying loyalty and devotion to her husband.[10] Whenever Vishnu descended on the earth as anavatar, Lakshmi accompanied him as consort, for example, asSita andRadha orRukmini as consorts of Vishnu's avatarsRama andKrishna, respectively.[9][14][15]
Lakshmi holds a prominent place in the Vishnu-centric sect ofVaishnavism, where she is not only regarded as the consort of Vishnu, the Supreme Being, but also as his divine energy (shakti).[10] she is also the Supreme Goddess in the sect and assists Vishnu to create, protect, and transform the universe.[6][14][16][17] She is an especially prominent figure inSri Vaishnavism tradition, in which devotion to Lakshmi is deemed to be crucial to reach Vishnu.[18] Within the goddess-orientedShaktism, Lakshmi is venerated as the prosperity aspect of theSupreme goddess.[19][14] The eight prominent manifestations of Lakshmi, theAshtalakshmi, symbolise the eight sources of wealth.[20]
Lakshmi is depicted in Indian art as an elegantly dressed, prosperity-showering golden-coloured woman standing or sitting in thepadmasana position upon alotus throne, while holding a lotus in her hand, symbolising fortune, self-knowledge, and spiritual liberation.[21][22] Her iconography shows her withfour hands, which represent the four aspects of human life important to Hindu culture:dharma,kama,artha, andmoksha.[23][24] She is often accompanied by two elephants, as seen in theGaja-Lakshmi images, symbolising both fertility and royal authority. The Gupta period sculpture and coins only associate lions with Lakshmi, often flanking her on either side.
Archaeological discoveries and ancient coinage suggest a recognition and reverence for Lakshmi by the first millennium BCE.[25][26] Iconography and statues of Lakshmi have also been found in Hindu temples throughout Southeast Asia, estimated to be from the second half of the first millennium CE.[27][28] The day of Lakshmi Puja duringNavaratri, and the festivals ofDeepavali andSharad Purnima (Kojagiri Purnima) are celebrated in her honour.[29]
Lakshmi inSanskrit is derived from the root wordlakṣ (लक्ष्) andlakṣa (लक्ष), meaning 'to perceive, observe, know, understand' and 'goal, aim, objective', respectively.[30] These roots give Lakshmi the symbolism:know andunderstand your goal.[31] A related term islakṣaṇa, which means 'sign, target, aim, symbol, attribute, quality, lucky mark, auspicious opportunity'.[32]
Gaja Lakshmi, Cambodia, ca. 944-968
Lakshmi has numerous epithets and numerous ancientStotram andSutras ofHinduism recite her various names:[33][34] such asSri (Radiance, eminence, splendor, wealth), Padmā (she who is mounted upon or dwelling in a lotus or She of thelotus), Kamalā orKamalatmika (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 toNarayana 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). Shaktas also considerLalita, who is praised with 1,000 names in theLalita Sahasranama, as Lakshmi.[35]
Lakshmi Sahasranama ofSkanda Purana praises 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 (Shakti that 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).[36][37]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".[38]
Lakshmi is a member of theTridevi, thetriad of great goddesses. She represents theRajasguna, and theIccha-shakti.[41][42] 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.[31] 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).[24][43]
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.[44] 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.[45][46]
Below, behind, or on the sides, Lakshmi is very often shown with one or two elephants, known asGajalakshmi, and occasionally with an owl.[47] Elephants symbolise work, activity, and strength, as well as water, rain, and fertility for abundant prosperity.[48] 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.[49]
According to historianD. D. Kosambi, most of the Imperial Gupta kings wereVaishnavas and held the goddess Lakshmi in the highest esteem.[50] Goddess Lakshmi is Simhavahini (mount as lion) on most of the coins during their rule.[51] Coins during the rule of Prakashadiya, a Gupta ruler, contain the Garudadhvaja on the obverse and Lakshmi on the reverse.[50]
TheGupta period sculpture only used to associate lions with Lakshmi, but was later attributed toDurga or a combined form of both goddesses.[52][53][54]Lions were a 'vahana' of Lakshmi,[55] Lions are also associated withVeera Lakshmi, who is one of the Ashtalakshmi.[56] 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".[57]
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.[44] Her face and open hands are in a mudra that signifies compassion, giving ordāna ('charity').[43]
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.[44] 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.[58]
Alternatively, Lakshmi Sahasranama ofSkanda Purana,Lakshmi Tantra, andMarkandeya Purana describe 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.[59][60][61] 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.[62] In the Skanda Purana and theVenkatachala Mahatmayam, Sri, or Lakshmi, is praised as the mother ofBrahma.[63]
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.[65] 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.[65] 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.[66] 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.[65] 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.[67] 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.[65] 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 ofDhātṛ andVidhātṛ, wife of Dattatreya, one of the nine Shaktis ofViṣṇu, a manifestation ofPrakṛti as identified withDākshāyaṇī in Bharatasrama and asSita, wife ofRama.[2][68]: 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,[69] 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][68]: 108–11
Sita, the female protagonist of theRamayana and her husband, the god-kingRama are considered asavatars of Lakshmi and Vishnu, respectively. In theMahabharata,Draupadi is described as a partial incarnation of Sri (Lakshmi).[70]However, other chapter of the epic states that Lakshmi took the incarnation ofRukmini, the chief-wife of the Hindu godKrishna.[nb 2]
Upanishads
ShaktaUpanishads are dedicated to theTridevi of goddesses—Lakshmi,Saraswati andParvati.Saubhagyalakshmi Upanishad describes the qualities, characteristics, and powers of Lakshmi.[73] 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.[74][75] Saubhagya-Lakshmi Upanishad synonymously uses Sri to describe Lakshmi.[73]
Stotram and sutras
Numerous ancientStotram andSutras of Hinduism recite hymns dedicated to Lakshmi.[33] She is a major goddess inPuranas andItihasa of Hinduism. In ancient scriptures of India, all women are declared to be embodiments of Lakshmi. For example:[33]
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.[33]
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 inPuranas of Hinduism. Vishnu Purana, in particular, dedicates many sections to her and also refers to her as Sri.[76]J. A. B. van Buitenen translates passages describing Lakshmi in Vishnu Purana:[76]
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.[77] Composed in the 1st millennium BCE through the 16th century CE, they are short poems, proverbs, couplets, oraphorisms 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.[77] 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.[77]: 22
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.[78] 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,[79] and primordialPrakriti who creates the universe.[80]
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,[81] 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.
In theLakshmi Tantra and 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 asMatrikas andMahavidya,[82] are all various forms of Goddess Lakshmi.[83] InLakshmi Tantra, Lakshmi tellsIndra that she got the name Durga after killing an asura named Durgama.[84] 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".[85]
Lakshmi,Saraswati, andParvati 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.[86] In Hindu Bengali culture, Lakshmi, along with Saraswati, are seen as the daughters ofDurga. They are worshipped duringDurga Puja.[87]
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][88] According toLakshmi Tantra,Nila Devi, one of the manifestations or incarnations of Lakshmi is the third wife ofVishnu.[89][90] Each goddess of the triad is mentioned inŚrī Sūkta, Bhu Sūkta and Nila Sūkta, respectively.[91][92][93] 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.[94] In many parts of the region,Andal is considered as an incarnation of Lakshmi.[95]
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 Kovil nearChennai and many other states of India.[96]
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.[97]
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 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 thesea god since she emerged from the sea.[98]
InGaruda Purana,Linga Purana andPadma Purana, Lakshmi is said to have been born as the daughter of the divine sageBhrigu and 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, theParijat tree, theApsaras,Chandra (the moon), andDhanvantari withAmrita ('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.[76]
Worship and festivals
Festivals
Many Hindus worship Lakshmi onDeepavali (Diwali), the festival of lights.[99] It is celebrated in autumn, typically October or November every year.[100] The festival spiritually signifies the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, good over evil and hope over despair.[101]
Deepavali celebrations includepuja (prayers) to Lakshmi and Ganesha. Lakshmi is of the Vaishnavism tradition, while Ganesha of the Shaivism tradition of Hinduism.[102][103]
Before the night ofDeepavali, people clean, renovate and decorate their homes and offices.[104] 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,[105] 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.[106] 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 onChaitra 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, byHindu calendar, it is considered very auspicious.[107]Varalakshmi Vratam is celebrated by married Hindu women to pray for the well-being of their husbands.[108]
GajaLakshmi Puja is another autumn festival celebrated onSharad Purnima in many parts of India on the full-moon day in the month ofAshvin (October).[29]Sharad Purnima, also called Kojaagari Purnima or Kuanr Purnima, is aharvest festival marking the end ofmonsoon season. There is a traditional celebration of the moon called theKaumudi celebration, Kaumudi meaning moonlight.[109] On Sharad Purnima night, goddess Lakshmi is thanked and worshipped for the harvests. Vaibhav LakshmiVrata is observed on Friday for prosperity.[110]
Hymns
Numerous hymns, prayers,shlokas,stotra, songs, and legends dedicated to Lakshmi are recited during the ritual worship of the goddess.[33] These include:[111]
Sri Sukta, which is contained in the Vedas and includes the LakshmiGayatri Mantra (Om Sri Mahalakshmyai ca vidmahe Vishnu patnyai ca dhimahi tanno Lakshmi prachodayat, Om)
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
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.[25][26] An ancient sculpture of Gaja Lakshmi (from Sonkh site atMathura) dates to the pre-Kushan Empire era.[25] Atranjikhera site in modernUttar Pradesh has yieldedterracotta plaque with images of Lakshmi dating to the 2nd century BCE. Other archaeological sites with ancient Lakshmi terracotta figurines from the 3rd century BCE include Vaisali, Sravasti, Kausambi, Campa, and Candraketugadh.[26]
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-Parthian kingsAzes II andAzilises; she also appears onShunga 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.[116] Similarly, ancient Greco-Indian gems and seals with images of Lakshmi have been found, estimated to be from 1st-millennium BCE.[117]
A 1400-year-old rare granite sculpture of Lakshmi has been recovered at the Waghama village alongJehlum inAnantnag district ofJammu and Kashmir.[118]
ThePompeii Lakshmi, a statuette supposedly thought to be of Lakshmi found in Pompeii, Italy, dates to before the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 CE.[119]
Lakshmi is also an important deity inJainism and found in Jain temples.[120][121] SomeJain temples also depict Sri Lakshmi as a goddess ofartha ('wealth') andkama ('pleasure'). For example, she is exhibited with Vishnu in Parshvanatha Jain Temple at theKhajuraho Monuments of Madhya Pradesh,[122] 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.[122] This commonality is reflected in the praise of Lakshmi found in the Jain textKalpa Sūtra.[123]
InBuddhism, Lakshmi has been viewed as a goddess of abundance and fortune, and is represented on the oldest survivingstupas and cave temples of Buddhism.[124][125] In Buddhist sects ofTibet,Nepal, andSoutheast Asia,Vasudhara mirrors the characteristics and attributes of the Hindu Goddess, with minor iconographic differences.[126]
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 ofPíshāméntiān (毗沙門天), 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 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 theTen Small Mantras (Chinese: 十小咒; pinyin: Shí xiǎo zhòu), which are a collection ofdharanis that are commonly recited in Chinese Buddhist temples during morning liturgical services.[127]
In Japanese Buddhism, Lakshmi is known asKishijoten (吉祥天, 'Auspicious Heavens') and is also the goddess of fortune and prosperity.[128] Like in China, Kishijoten is considered the sister ofBishamon (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 ofGeishas.
InTibetan Buddhism, Lakshmi is an important deity, especially in theGelug School. 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.[129]
While Lakshmi and Vaiśravaṇa are found in ancient Chinese and Japanese Buddhist literature, their roots have been traced to deities in Hinduism.[128]
Lakshmi is closely linked toDewi Sri, who is worshipped inBali as the goddess of fertility and agriculture.
Incarnations
Miniature painting of Vishnu and Lakshmi
Throughout various texts and scriptures, Lakshmi incarnated as the following:
Vedavati – Vedavati is the possessor of the Vedas and is also considered the previous birth of goddess Sita.[130]
Bhumi – Bhumi is the goddess of the Earth and the consort of Vishnu's 3rd avatarVaraha.[131] She is regarded as the mother ofNarakasura,Mangala and Sita.[132]
Varahi – Varahi is the female energy and consort of Varaha. She is the commander of theMatrikas.[133]
Namagiri Thayar – Namagiri Thayar is the consort of Narasimha, 4th avatar of Vishnu.[135]
Dharani – Dharani is the wife of sageParashurama, the 6th avatar of Vishnu.[136]
Sita – Sita is the female protagonist of the Hindu epicRamayana and the consort ofRama, Vishnu's 7th avatar.[137] She is the chief goddess of theRama-centric Hindu traditions and is the goddess of beauty, devotion and ploughshare.[138]
Radha – Radha is the goddess of love, tenderness, compassion and devotion.[139] She is the eternal and chief consort of Krishna and she is also the personification ofMūlaprakriti, who is the feminine counterpart and internal potency (hladinishakti) ofKrishna, Vishnu's 8th avatar.[140]
Rukmini – Rukmini is the first and supreme queen of Krishna. She is the goddess of fortune and the queen ofDvaraka.[141][142]
Jambavati – Jambavati is the second queen of Krishna.[143]
Satyabhama – Satyabhama is the third queen of Krishna and personification of goddess Bhumi.[144]
Kalindi – Kalindi is the fourth queen of Krishna and is worshipped as river goddess Yamuna.[145]
Nagnajiti – Nagnajiti is the fifth queen of Krishna and the personification ofNiladevi.[146]
Lakshmana – Lakshmana is the seventh queen of Krishna.[148]
Bhadra – Bhadra is the eighth queen of Krishna (varies) .[149]
Madri – according to Harivamsa Madri is the eighth queen of Krishna.[150]
Gopis – Gopis are considered as the consorts and devotees of Krishna, and expansion of goddess Radha, among all the Gopi devotees ofRadha Krishna,Lalita is the most prominent.[151]
Junior wives of Krishna – They were several thousand women, Krishna married after rescuing them from the demonNarakasura,Rohini was considered the chief queen of them all.[152]
Revati – Revati is the goddess of Opulence and the wife ofBalrama, who is considered as Vishnu's avatar in some traditions.[153]
Vatikā – Vatikā is the wife of sageVyasa, who is considered as a partial incarnation of Vishnu.[154]
^This pronunciation has a closer approximation of the Hindustani pronunciation. PronouncedUK:/ˈlækʃmi/,[8]US:/ˈlɑːkʃmi/
^Some scholars propose a theory that Sri and Lakshmi may have originally been different goddesses, who merged into one figure.[71] In contrasts, other scholars state that the association of Rukmini was a later interpolation in the epic.[72]
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.ISBN978-81-7099-388-9.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.ISBN978-0-14-306766-5.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 & Goddesses. Jaico Publishing House. p. 132.ISBN978-81-8495-366-4.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.
Kaushal Kishore Sharma (1988).Rabindranath Tagore's Aesthetics. Abhinav Publications. p. 26.ISBN978-81-7017-237-6.Lakshmi, our Goddess of wealth, represents not only beauty and power but also the spirit of goodness.
^Carman, John Braisted; Vasudha Narayanan (1989).The Tamil Veda : Piḷḷān's interpretation of the Tiruvāymol̲i. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.ISBN0-226-09305-0.OCLC18624684.
^Upendra Nath Dhal (1978).Goddess Laksmi: Origin and Development. Oriental Publishers & Distributors. p. 109.Goddess Lakşmī is stated as the genetrix of the world; she maintains them as a mother ought to do . So she is often called as the Mātā.
^Rhodes, Constantina. 2011.Invoking Lakshmi: The Goddess of Wealth in Song and Ceremony. State University of New York Press,ISBN978-1-4384-3320-2. pp. 29–47, 220–52.
^abcSingh, Upinder. 2009.A History of Ancient and Early Medieval India: From the Stone Age to the 12th Century.ISBN978-81-317-1120-0, Pearson Education. p. 438
^abcVishnu, Asha. 1993.Material life of northern India: Based on an archaeological study, 3rd century B.C. to 1st century BCE.ISBN978-81-7099-410-7. pp. 194–95.
^Roveda, Vitorio. 2004. "The Archaeology of Khmer Images."Aséanie 13(13):11–46.
^abJones, Constance (2011).J. G. Melton (ed.).Religious Celebrations: An Encyclopedia of Holidays, Festivals, Solemn Observances, and Spiritual Commemorations. pp. 253–254, 798.ISBN978-1-59884-205-0.
^"lakṣaṇa."Monier-Williams Sanskrit-English Dictionary. Germany: University of Koeln.Archived 20 May 2015 at theWayback Machine.
^abcdefRhodes, Constantina. 2011.Invoking Lakshmi: The Goddess of Wealth in Song and Ceremony. State University of New York Press,ISBN978-1-4384-3320-2.
^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]
^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 - Ambikā — a composite icon combining the concepts of Śrī or Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity, and Ambikā, the mother aspect of Durga.
^D. R. Rajeswari (1989).Sakti Iconography. Intellectual Publishing House. p. 22.ISBN978-81-7076-015-3.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.
^Lochtefeld, James (2002).The Illustrated Encyclopaedia of Hinduism (2 ed.). New York, USA: The Rosen Publishing Group Inc. p. 386.ISBN0-8239-3180-3.
^D. R. Rajeswari (1989).Sakti Iconography. Intellectual Publishing House. p. 19.ISBN978-81-7076-015-3.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
^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.
^Jaitentra Prakash Jain (1951).Skand Puran(PDF). Motilal banarasidas. p. 66. Archived fromthe original(PDF) on 17 October 2022. Retrieved19 July 2022.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
^abMahadeva, A. 1950. "Saubhagya-Lakshmi Upanishad." InThe Shakta Upanishads with the Commentary of Sri Upanishad Brahma Yogin, Adyar Library Series 10. Madras.
^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, Sāma and Atharva, Puruşa Sukta of Rig Veda identifies Lord Vişņu as the Cosmic God . Sri Suktam, Bhu Suktam and Nila Suktam of Rig Veda reveals the glory of Lakşmi and her forms Sri, Bhū and Nila.
^Vera, Zak (February 2010).Invisible River: Sir Richard's Last Mission. AuthorHouse.ISBN978-1-4389-0020-9.Archived from the original on 26 December 2018. Retrieved26 October 2011.First Diwali day calledDhanteras or wealth worship. We perform Laskshmi-Puja in evening when clay diyas lighted to drive away shadows of evil spirits.
^Pramodkumar (March 2008).Meri Khoj Ek Bharat Ki. Lulu.com.ISBN978-1-4357-1240-9.Archived from the original on 4 August 2020. Retrieved26 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&S Learning Materials.ISBN978-1-55035-849-0.Archived from the original on 4 August 2020. Retrieved26 October 2011.Fireworks and firecrackers are set off to chase away evil spirits, so it is a noisy holiday too.
^Fieldhouse, Paul (2017).Food, feasts, and faith : an encyclopedia of food culture in world religions. Santa Barbara, California. p. 263.ISBN978-1-61069-411-7.OCLC959260516.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
^Upinder Singh (2009), A History of Ancient and Early Medieval India: From the Stone Age to the 12th Century,ISBN978-81-317-1120-0, Pearson Education, pages 438, 480 for image
^Vidya Dehejia (2013).The Body Adorned: Sacred and Profane in Indian Art. Columbia University Press. p. 151.ISBN978-0-231-51266-4.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
^Wangu, Madhu Bazaz (2003).Images of Indian Goddesses: Myths, Meanings, and Models. Abhinav Publications. p. 57.ISBN978-81-7017-416-5. Archived fromthe 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.
^abCharles Russell Coulter; Patricia Turner (2013).Encyclopedia of Ancient Deities. Routledge. pp. 102, 285, 439.ISBN978-1-135-96390-3. p. 102: "Kishijoten, a goddess of luck who corresponds to Lakshmi, the Indian goddess of fortune..."
^Buswell, Robert E. Jr.; Ziegler, Donald S. Lopez Jr.; with the assistance of Juhn Ahn, J. Wayne Bass, William Chu, Amanda Goodman, Hyoung Seok Ham, Seong-Uk Kim, Sumi Lee, Patrick Pranke, Andrew Quintman, Gareth Sparham, Maya Stiller, Harumi (2013). Buswell, Robert E; Lopez, Donald S. Jr. (eds.).Princeton Dictionary of Buddhism. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press. p. 267.ISBN978-0-691-15786-3.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
^Diana Dimitrova (2018).Divinizing in South Asian Traditions. Routledge.ISBN978-0-8153-5781-0.Radha is mentioned as the personification of the Mūlaprakriti, the "Root nature", that original seed from which all material forms evolved
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