Lakshmi

The Goddess of Prosperity

Lakshmi is the goddess of wealth, fortune, prosperity, and beauty. She is the divine consort of Vishnu and accompanies him in each of his avatars—as Sita with Rama, as Rukmini with Krishna. She embodies both material abundance and spiritual grace.

The Churning of the Ocean

Lakshmi emerged from the Samudra Manthan (churning of the cosmic ocean), rising from the waters seated on a fully-bloomed lotus. Gods and demons churned the ocean for the nectar of immortality, and she arose as one of the fourteen treasures (ratnas).

Eight Forms of Lakshmi (Ashta Lakshmi)

She manifests as eight forms representing different types of wealth: Adi Lakshmi (primeval), Dhana Lakshmi (monetary), Dhanya Lakshmi (grain), Gaja Lakshmi (elephants/power), Santana Lakshmi (progeny), Veera Lakshmi (courage), Vijaya Lakshmi (victory), and Vidya Lakshmi (knowledge).

Diwali and Worship

The festival of Diwali is dedicated to Lakshmi, when homes are lit with lamps to welcome her. Her symbols include the lotus, gold coins flowing from her hands, and elephants showering her with water.