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GODDESS LAKSHMI
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Goddess Lakshmi means Good Luck to
Hindus. The word 'Lakshmi' is derived from the Sanskrit
word Laksya, meaning 'aim' or 'goal', and she is the
goddess of wealth and prosperity, both material and
spiritual. Lakshmi is the household goddess of most Hindu
families, and a favorite of women. Although she is
worshipped daily, the festive month of October is Lakshmi's special month. Lakshmi Puja is celebrated on the
full moon night of Kojagari Purnima.
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The Lakshmi Form
Lakshmi is depicted as a beautiful
woman of golden complexion, with four hands, sitting or
standing on a full-bloomed lotus and holding a lotus bud,
which stands for beauty, purity and fertility. Her four
hands represent the four ends of human life: dharma or
righteousness, kama or desires, artha or wealth, and
moksha or liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
Cascades of gold coins are seen
flowing from her hands, suggesting that those who worship
her gain wealth. She always wears gold embroidered red
clothes. Red symbolizes activity and the golden lining
indicates prosperity. Lakshmi is the active energy of
Vishnu, and also appears as Lakshmi-Narayan - Lakshmi
accompanying Vishnu.
Two elephants are often shown standing next to the goddess
and spraying water. This denotes that ceaseless effort, in
accordance with one's dharma and governed by wisdom and
purity, leads to both material and spiritual prosperity.
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A Mother Goddess
Worship of a mother goddess has
been a part of Indian tradition since its earliest times.
Lakshmi is one of the mother goddesses and is addressed as
mother instead of just Devi (goddess).
As a female counterpart of Lord Vishnu, Mata Lakshmi is
also called 'Shri', the female energy of the Supreme
Being. She is the goddess of prosperity, wealth, purity,
generosity, and the embodiment of beauty, grace and charm.
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A Domestic Deity
The importance attached to the
presence of Lakshmi in every household makes her an
essentially domestic deity. Householders worship Lakshmi
for the well being and prosperity of the family.
Businessmen and women also regard her equally and offer
her daily prayers.
On the full moon night following
Dusshera or Durga Puja, Hindus worship Lakshmi
ceremonially at home, pray for her blessings, and invite
neighbors to attend the Puja. It is believed that on this
full moon night the goddess herself visits the homes and
replenishes the inhabitants with wealth. A special worship
is also offered to Lakshmi on the auspicious Diwali night.
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