Goddess Lakshmi
लक्ष्मी — Goddess of Wealth, Fortune, and Prosperity
Iconography & Symbolism
Seated or standing on a lotus flower. Four arms representing the 4 purushartha (dharma, artha, kama, moksha). Gold coins flowing from one hand (blessing of wealth). Holding lotus flowers. Red/gold saree. Two elephants showering her with water (royal consecration). Radiant and beautiful.
Story & Mythology
Lakshmi emerged from the Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean of milk) standing on a lotus. All the gods and demons desired her, but she chose Vishnu as her consort. She is fickle by nature — she leaves homes that are dirty, where there is laziness, or where she is disrespected. That is why Hindus clean their homes before Diwali and keep lights burning — to attract and retain Lakshmi's blessings.
Sacred Mantras
Major Temples
- 🛕Mahalakshmi Temple, Kolhapur (Maharashtra)
- 🛕Ashtalakshmi Temple, Chennai (Tamil Nadu)
- 🛕Lakshmi Narayani Golden Temple, Vellore (Tamil Nadu)
- 🛕Padmavathi Temple, Tiruchanoor (Andhra Pradesh)