Lakshmi is the Goddess of wealth in every aspect. She resides where there is truth, charity and dharma. The Sri Suktam in the Vedas is dedicated to her and she is one of manifestations of Adya Shakti.
Lakshmi is addressed by many names: Vriddhi (growth), Matri Rupa (like mother), Vasudha (Earth) and as Aditi, mother of all the gods.
Lakshmi is Vishnu’s beloved. She is called Madhavapriya, Vishnupriya and Madhavi. She was Sita for Ram and Rukmini for Krishna. It is believed that when Vishnu incarnates as Kalki, she will appear as Kali.
The origin of Lakshmi is associated with many stories. She is described as the daughter of Bhrigu and Khyati in Vishnupurana. In the Ramayana she arises from the froth of the ocean. In Devi Bhagwate she is born from Kshirasagar (the ocean of milk). In the Shatpatha Brahman, she emerges from the very being of Prajapati and gives gifts to all the Gods. Agni was given food, kingdoms to Soma, Varuna and Mitra, power to Indra, glory to Brihaspati, prosperity to Pusha and beauty to Tvashta.
Lakshmis rose
Lakshmi has eight forms as described in the Brahmavaivarta Purana. Each form is more extraordinary than the other. Mahalakshmi rose from Vaikunth, Vishnu’s heaven. She rose from Svarg (heaven), Indira’s paradise. Radha Lakshmi and Saurabh Lakshmi rose from the Goloka (cow’s world). Rajya Lakshmi rose from the earth and nether world. Griha Lakshmi rose from the home. Dakshin Lakshmi rose from a Yajna and Chandra Laksmi rose from the moon.
Lakshmi’s earth representation is in the form of a lotus in the heart. She is a symbol of detachment and beauty. She is seated on a lotus and bedecked with lotus jewelry.
Her Bija mantra is Shrim and Shaktas regard the Sri Yantra as her form.
Lakshmi is pleased by Deep Aradhana, worship with lamps and visits illuminated homes.
Lakshmi is the mother and she cherishes devotion and compassion. Her favorite form, loved by her devotees is where elephants with raised trunks pour nectar on her from amrit kalash (a pot of nectar), and she has four arms. She is known as Gajalakshmi.
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