Also known as: Sri, Padma, Kamala
Goddess of wealth, fortune and prosperity, worshipped especially during Diwali.
Lakshmi is the goddess of wealth, fortune, prosperity and abundance β both material and spiritual β and the consort of Vishnu. She is worshipped in homes and businesses across India, especially during Diwali, when she is believed to visit clean, well-lit households. Lakshmi is closely associated with the lotus flower, and appears alongside Vishnu in many of his temple forms, including as Padmavathi at Tirumala.
The Sanskrit word Lakshmi is derived from the root Laksh, meaning "goal," "aim," "fortune," or "auspicious sign."
Lakshmi represents:
She is also known by many sacred names:
The most celebrated account of Lakshmi's appearance is found in the Bhagavata Purana, Vishnu Purana, and Mahabharata.
During the Samudra Manthana (Churning of the Ocean of Milk), the Devas and Asuras churned the cosmic ocean in search of Amrita (the nectar of immortality).
Among the fourteen divine treasures that emerged was Goddess Lakshmi, radiant and seated upon a lotus.
The gods praised her, and she chose Lord Vishnu as her eternal consort. Since then, Lakshmi has been inseparable from Vishnu and accompanies him in his incarnations.
As Vishnu incarnates to restore Dharma, Lakshmi also appears in corresponding forms:
Vishnu Avatar | Lakshmi's Form |
|---|---|
Rama | Sita |
Krishna | Rukmini (and revered alongside Radha in many devotional traditions) |
Venkateswara | Padmavati |
Narayana | Mahalakshmi |
These manifestations symbolize the inseparable unity of preservation and prosperity.
The Ashta Lakshmi represent eight dimensions of prosperity:
Together they represent prosperity in every aspect of life.
Goddess Lakshmi is praised in many Hindu scriptures, including:
Lakshmi represents:
Symbol | Meaning |
|---|---|
Lotus | Purity, spiritual growth, and detachment |
Gold Coins | Prosperity earned through righteous means |
Elephants | Royal authority, strength, and abundance |
Four Hands | Dharma, Artha, Kama, and Moksha (the four aims of life) |
Red Saree | Activity, compassion, and divine energy |
White Lotus | Purity and enlightenment |
Owl (Uluka) | Discernment and wise use of wealth in many traditions |
A traditional Lakshmi Puja includes:
Cleanliness, gratitude, and charity are considered important aspects of Lakshmi worship.
Traditional offerings include:
Om Shreem Mahalakshmyai Namah
Meaning: Salutations to Goddess Mahalakshmi, the bestower of prosperity and auspiciousness.
Om Mahalakshmyai Cha Vidmahe
Vishnu Patnyai Cha Dhimahi
Tanno Lakshmi Prachodayat
This mantra seeks Lakshmi's blessings for prosperity, wisdom, and well-being.
The Sri Sukta is one of the most revered Vedic hymns dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi and is widely recited during Lakshmi Puja.
Typically depicted seated or standing on a lotus, with four arms, gold coins flowing from one hand, often flanked by elephants pouring water over her β a symbol of royal abundance and purification.
The most important festival dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi. Homes and businesses are illuminated with lamps, and devotees perform Lakshmi Puja seeking prosperity, harmony, and auspicious beginnings.
Celebrated mainly in South India, especially by married women, who pray for the well-being, prosperity, and longevity of their families.
Observed on the full moon following Durga Puja, particularly in eastern India, with prayers for abundance and blessings.
Lakshmi is worshipped during Navratri, especially in traditions where the festival honors the Divine Mother in her various forms.
The first day of the Deepavali celebrations, associated with prosperity, auspicious purchases, and prayers for wealth and well-being.
Day / Occasion | Significance |
|---|---|
Friday | Most auspicious weekly day for Lakshmi worship |
Thursday | Also observed by many VishnuβLakshmi devotees |
Diwali (Lakshmi Puja) | Most important annual festival |
Varalakshmi Vratham | Special prayers for family prosperity |
Kojagari Purnima | Auspicious full moon dedicated to Lakshmi |
Dhanteras | Beginning of Deepavali festivities |
Sharad Purnima | Considered auspicious in many traditions |
According to Hindu scriptures and traditional belief, sincere worship of Goddess Lakshmi may bestow:
The Sri Sukta praises Lakshmi as the divine source of abundance, beauty, nourishment, and auspiciousness. The Vishnu Purana presents her as the eternal consort of Lord Vishnu, sustaining the universe through compassion and prosperity. The Kanakadhara Stotram, traditionally attributed to Adi Shankaracharya, celebrates her boundless grace and generosity toward sincere devotees.
Goddess Lakshmi's worship teaches that true prosperity is more than material wealthβit includes righteous living (Dharma), wisdom, generosity, good health, loving relationships, inner peace, and spiritual fulfillment. Wealth gained and used with integrity, compassion, and gratitude is considered the highest blessing of Mahalakshmi.
