Lakshmi

LAKSHMI - GODDESS OF BEAUTY AND GRACE

In mythology she, whenever associated with some part of the body of a person signifies different gifts. When she is staying at the feet, she bestows the gift of a house; when on the thigh, she gives wealth; when in the bosom, she gives a lucky child; when in the genitals, a very lucky wife; when on the heart, she gifts the fulfillment of wishes; when around the neck, the result is meeting with loved ones or with some lost relatives; and when in the face, the goddess bestows beauty and grace.

This goddess is sometimes represented with four arms but more often only with two. She has no temple exclusively set apart for her but always appears only as a consort of Vishnu. Still she is regularly worshipped in every shop and home specially on the day of Diwali festival she is worshipped along with Ganesha in almost all Hindu business houses. Many people indulge in gambling too on that night, apparently to find out how their fortunes shall work in the coming year.

In some pictures goddess Lakshmi is also shown seated with Vishnu on the divine eagle, named Garuda holding a snake in its claws. Whatever the representation, this goddess is invoked to bless the devotee with good things of life and if somebody suffers any loss in business, it is said that the goddess Lakshmi has left his house. Her figure is sometimes depicted on the doors of homes to bring good luck and to drive away evil influences. Interestingly enough bad luck is personified as ALAKSHMI, the sister of Lakshmi.

When this goddess is shown as being one with Vishnu, they are known as LAKSHMINARAYANA. This conjoined deity denotes that in his supreme state Vishnu is one with his consort, who represents his power and energy.