Lakshmi – the Goddess of Wealth

As per Hindu mythology, the name ‘Lakshmi’ is synonymous with wealth and abundance, mainly gold jewellery and gold coins. An image of a beautiful goddess draped in a red sari, bejewelled with gold ornaments and showering gold coins – this is Goddess Lakshmi, regarded as the Goddess of wealth, fortune and beauty.

Hindus, Jains and Buddhists extensively worship the sacred Goddess in their houses as well as at workplaces, as it is believed that the divine presence of Goddess Lakshmi enriches her devotees with gold, money, and brings -prosperity.

The Goddess Lakshmi has the power to fill your life with gold and wealth. So, before you rush to pray, we bring you some interesting facts and beliefs about the Goddess of Gold.

• Lakshmi name originated from the word ‘Laks’ meaning ‘to observe, understand and aim.’ Goddess guides her devotees to observe and understand the life changing opportunities and target them efficaciously.
• The Goddess is draped in red saree with golden border that symbolises positive energy and prosperity.
• Lakshmi’s golden complexion exudes grace and prosperity.
• The cascade of gold coins flowing from her hand represents her role as the ‘Bestower of Gold'.
• According to Hinduism, the four hands of Goddess Lakshmi exhibit the four goals of human life - Dharma (ethical life), Kama (fulfilment), Artha (wealth) and Moksha (liberation).
• Ashta (eight) Lakshmi are the eight manifestations of the Goddess which represent the eight forms of wealth.
• Goddess Lakshmi’s marriage with Lord Vishnu is the paradigm for traditional Hindu weddings.
• Lakshmi is sometimes shown with one or two elephants and occasionally with an owl. Elephants symbolise work, activity and strength, as well as water, rain and fertility for abundant prosperity. The owl signifies the patient striving to observe, see and discover knowledge particularly when surrounded by darkness. As a bird reputedly blinded by daylight, the owl also serves as a symbolic reminder to refrain from blindness and greed after knowledge and wealth has been acquired.

Prayer rituals for Goddess Lakshami:

• A belief states that Goddess Lakshmi visits clean houses, so one must keep his / her house and surroundings clean.
• Friday is believed to be the best day to worship Goddess Lakshmi.
• Devotees adorn their beloved Goddess with vermilion, sandalwood, gold ornaments, and lotus flowers, along with offerings of betel leaves and nuts.
• To appease Lakshmi, fruits and various sweets using jaggery, coconuts and rice are prepared as ‘prasad’ to be distributed among people.
• Besides the idol, devotees also worship Shri Lakshmi Yantra, the auspicious yantra that signifies wealth and prosperity.
• Devotees praise Goddess Lakshmi by enchanting her 108 names e.g. Lakshmi Sutam, Lakshmi Beej Mantra etc.

With the divine presence of Goddess Lakshmi, you can shape your dreams into reality. Light a ghee-lamp and pray to her every evening for abundant wealth and prosperity.