LAKSHMI JI GODESS OF FORTUNE & WIFE OF VISHNU JI

Typically all the gods & goddesses acquire a certain exalted status because of one or more legends in support their supernatural powers. However, it is an exception in case of Lakshmi Ji. She only accompanies her spouse Vishnu Ji during his several incarnations and other occasions. Lakshmi Ji symbolizes availability of material resources, hence it is logical for the god, responsible for maintaining order and propriety in the world, to have her as constant companion.

ORIGIN

Lakshmi Ji emerged from ocean at the end of a series of precious gems etc. during samudra manthan. She was hiding there in the ocean out of fear of the curse of sage Bhrigu who had passed a curse on all celestial beings. She was gifted to Vishnu Ji as his wife, a reward from gods for Vishnu Ji’s efforts in diverting demons away from Partaking amrit. She is held to be the Goddess of all riches and affluence.

Whenever Vishnu Ji incarnates himself on the earth, in order to be with him and assist him Like Vishnu Ji, She is also eternal and omnipresent.

According to one interpretation in mythology, Maa Shakti or Maha Maya, representing Sat, Chitt & Anand, is the mother goddess and the real power behind each one of the Trinity of Vishnu Ji, Brahma Ji and Shiv ji. She takes the form of their wives, namely Lakshmi Ji, Saraswati Ji and Parvati Ji respectively, Without her support, they may not be complete. However her most popular manifestation is that of Durga Ji.

ABODE

Always by the side of Vishnu Ji

IMPORTANCE

Ahe is the Goddess of wealth & fortune. Newly wed bride is often called Lakshmi in the hope that she brings prosperity to the family.

SOME OTHER NAMES / EPITHETS

1.       Shridevi

2.       Bhudevi

3.       Padma/Padmaja

4.       Jaladhija

5.       Chanchala

6.       Lok Mata

7.       Gajalakshmi

8.       Rajjya Laksmi

9.       Jayalakshmi

10.   Grah Lakshmi

11.   Bhagya Lakshmi

12.   Yasholakshmi

13.   Varalakshmi

TYPICAL DEPICTION

·         On the left side of Vishnu Ji (See under depiction of Vishnu Ji)

·         Standing or seated on lotus, flanked by an elephant on either side, holding garland on their raised trunks.

·         She is decorated with jewellery and regal clothes, holding a white lotus in her hand and gold coins dropping from her hand.

SOME TEMPLES

·         Appears alongside Vishnu Ji in all temples dedicated to Vishnu Ji

RELATED FESTIVALS/CEREMONIES

·         Diwali, the festival of lights, is a time to especially worship Lakshmi Ji.

·         Lakshmi Pooja is performed by traders at the beginning of their financial year as well as daily at the time of opening their shops/offices.

·         Varalakshmi Pooja is performed by women in the South for blessings of long life for their husbands.

SOME INTERSETING INFORMATION

·         Her Vehicle is owl (Ulooka) used when travelling separately.

·         Some scholars feel that it was only near the end of Puranic Period (600 BC-200 AD) that Lakshmi Ji or associated as Vishnu Ji’s wife.

·         Businessman/traders worhip her along with Ganesh Ji for unhindered financial prosperity. Imagesaf both of them are kept in the premises and worshipped first thing when starting the day.

·         Lakshmi Ji is known to have appeared as river Padmavati and also as sacred plant Tulsi.