Narayan Ravi - Mumbai

Navarathri Shakti Series

Shakti series part 4: Lakshmi, the auspicious

Lakshmi is the goddess of wealth & prosperity (both material & spiritual) - the harbinger of good fortune & embodiment of beauty. She is also called 'Sri' since she is endowed with all auspicious qualities. One of the earliest Sanskrit hymns in praise of Lakshmi is the 'Sri Suktam', from the Rig Veda. This, along with the Purusha Suktam, which is in praise of Her consort Narayana, is one of the most powerful hymns from Vedic literature.

Lakshmi is said to have emerged along with all other precious things (lost by the Gods as a result of Durvasa's curse, when he angrily said that they would lose all the good things they had, when Indra's elephant Airavata trampled on a flower garland gifted by Durvasa, thus disrespecting him) from the foam of the milky ocean when the Gods & demons churned it to obtain Amrita or nectar. Since she sits on a lotus flower & also holds it in Her hand, She is called 'Padma', 'Padmini' or 'Kamala'. As Vishnu's/Madhava's wife she is called 'Vaishnavi' or 'Madhavi'. Since she emerged from the ocean (Sindhu), she is called 'Sindhuja' (ja means to be born). Since she emerged from the ocean along with 'Chandra' or the moon, She is also called 'Chandrasahodari' (sister of the moon). The word Lakshmi is derived from the Sanskrit root words 'Laksh' which means to observe/understand, & 'Laksha' which means 'goal/obective'.

Ashta Lakshmi is a group of 8 manifestations representing Her 8 powers: Adi Lakshmi (the First), Dhanya Lakshmi (wealth of grains), Dhairya Lakshmi (wealth of courage), Gaja Lakshmi (flanked by 2 elephants on either side, spraying water & wealth of food, fertility), Santana Lakshmi (wealth of children), Vijaya Lakshmi (wealth of victory), Vidya Lakshmi (wealth of knowledge & wisdom), Dhana Lakshmi (monetary wealth). The festival of Diwali or Lakshmi Puja is celebrated in Her honour, signifying victory of light over darkness & hope over despair.

May Mahalakshmi bless one and all. Jai Mata Di