Lakshmi

LAKSHMI - GODDESS OF WEALTH

Goddess Lakshmi in the Hindu pantheon of gods and goddesses is personified as the goddess of fortune and also as the embodiment of loveliness, grace and charm.

There is a Vedic verse by name 'SRISUKTA'. It comprises invocation and prayer to Lakshmi. This is recited while worshipping. If we understand the meaning of a few expressions in Srisukta, we will know Lakshmi's appearance, nature and greatness.

'HIRANYAVARNAM' - Lakshmi is of the color of gold
'PADMAVARNAM' - of the color of a lotus
'ADITYAVARNE' - Lakshmi is brilliant like the sun
'PADMAVARNE' - face is beautiful like a lotus.
'PADMADALAYATAKSHI' - her eyes are broad and beautiful as petals of a lotus
'PADMAMALINEEM' - one wearing a garland of lotus flowers
'SARASIJANILAYE' - one residing on a lotus flower
'SARASIJAHASTE' - one holding a lotus in her hand

LAKSHMI - GODDESS OF WEALTH

It is evident that Lakshmi loves a lotus flower. Therefore 'PADMAPRIYE' (one who loves the lotus flower) is stated in Srisukta.

She is depicted seated on a lotus flower though sometimes she is also seen as standing on a lotus. In her pictures gold coins are seen dropping down from the palms of this goddess of prosperity. The story of the birth of goddess presents an interesting reading.

Her emergence in the world is connected with a famous Hindu myth called SAMUDRA MANTHAN - CHURNING OF THE OCEAN.

This relates to the legend how with great efforts, the ocean, by churning was made to give up all its treasures and benefits to the world. The churning was a colossal affair and only by the efforts of Vishnu could this enterprise be successfully concluded. As one churns the milk to produce butter out of it, the following most precious articles were received from the ocean by this process:

THE ARTICLES THAT AROSE WITH THE CHURNING OF THE OCEAN

The articles that arose with the churning of the ocean
Surabhi, the cow of abundance, which was given to seven lower-status gods

Varuni or Sura, the goddess of wine

The celestial tree, called Parijata, which fulfils every desire, this was planted by god Indra in his garden

Rambha, the apsara (the heavenly dancer), who became the progenitor of all Apsaras

Chandra (the moon), which was taken by Shiva and adorned on his head

Dhanwantri, the celestial physician with his vessels containing medicines

A container holding Amrita (ambrosia)

Kaustubha, the most precious stone, which came to the lot of Vishnu