Lakshmi

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Lakshmi
Mother Goddess
Goddess of Prosperity, Fortune, Wealth, Power, Abundance, Beauty[1][2] and Maya

Supreme Goddess in Vaishnavism[3]

Adi Shakti
  • Ashta Lakshmi
  • AbodeVaikuntha, Manidvipa
    Mantra
    Personal information
    SiblingsAlakshmi
    ConsortVishnu[8]
    Children• Bala and Utsaha (Vayu Purana)[6]

    • Kardama, Chiklita, and 16 other sons (according to

    better source needed
    ]

    Valli (daughters, according to South Indian tradition)[citation needed
    ]
    Translations of
    लक्ष्मी (Lakṣmī)
    Bhojpuri
    𑂪𑂍𑂹𑂭𑂹𑂧𑂲 (Lakṣmī)
    Hindiलक्ष्मी (Lakṣmī)
    Kannadaಲಕ್ಷ್ಮೀ (Lakṣmī)
    Marathiलक्ष्मी (Lakṣmī)
    Odiaଲକ୍ଷ୍ମୀ (Lakṣmī)
    Tamilலக்ஷ்மீ (Lakṣmī)
    Teluguలక్ష్మీ (Lakṣmī)
    Gujaratiલક્ષ્મી (Lakṣmī)
    Glossary of Hinduism terms

    Lakshmi (

    IAST: Śrī, lit.'Noble'),[11] is one of the principal goddesses in Hinduism. She is the goddess of wealth, fortune, power, beauty, fertility and prosperity,[12] and associated with Maya ("Illusion"). Along with Parvati and Saraswati, she forms the Tridevi of Hindu goddesses.[13]

    Within the goddess-oriented

    Ashtalakshmi, symbolise the eight sources of wealth.[20]

    Lakshmi is depicted in Indian art as an elegantly dressed, prosperity-showering golden-coloured woman standing or sitting in the

    kāma, artha, and moksha.[23][24] The Lakshmi Sahasranama of the Skanda Purana, Lakshmi Tantra, Markandeya Purana, Devi Mahatmya, and Vedic scriptures describe Lakshmi as having eight or eighteen hands, and as sitting on Garuda, a lion, or a tiger.[25][26][27] According to the Lakshmi Tantra, the goddess Lakshmi, in her ultimate form of Mahasri, has four arms of a golden complexion, and holds a citron, a club, a shield, and a vessel containing amrita.[28] In the Skanda Purana and the Venkatachala Mahatmayam, Sri, or Lakshmi, is praised as the mother of Brahma.[29]

    Archaeological discoveries and ancient coins suggest the recognition and reverence for Lakshmi existing by the 1st millennium BCE.[30][31] Lakshmi's iconography and statues have also been found in Hindu temples throughout Southeast Asia, estimated to be from the second half of the 1st millennium CE.[32][33] The day of Lakshmi Puja during Navaratri, and the festivals of Deepavali and Sharad Purnima (Kojagiri Purnima) are celebrated in her honour.[34]

    Etymology and epithets

    Tanjore Big temple
    .

    Lakshmi in Sanskrit is derived from the root word lakṣ (लक्ष्) and lakṣa (लक्ष), meaning 'to perceive, observe, know, understand' and 'goal, aim, objective', respectively.[35] These roots give Lakshmi the symbolism: know and understand your goal.[36] A related term is lakṣaṇa, which means 'sign, target, aim, symbol, attribute, quality, lucky mark, auspicious opportunity'.[37]

    Gaja Lakshmi, Cambodia, ca. 944-968

    Lakshmi has numerous epithets and numerous ancient

    Vaishnavi (worshipper of Vishnu or the power of Vishnu), Viṣṇupriyā (who is the beloved of Vishnu), Nandika (the one who gives pleasure). Shaktas also consider Lalita, who is praised with 1,000 names in the Lalita Sahasranama, as Lakshmi.[40]

    Lakshmi Sahasranama of

    chakras).[41][42] Dutch author Dirk van der Plas says, "In Lakshmi Tantra, a text of Visnuite signature, the name Mahamaya is connected with third or destructive of Goddess' three partial functions, while in supreme form she is identified with Lakshmi".[43]

    Her other names include:[38][44] Aishwarya, Akhila, Anagha, Anapagamini, Anumati, Apara, Aruna, Atibha, Avashya, Bala, Bhargavi, Bhudevi, Chakrika, Chanchala, Chandravadana, Chandrasahodari, Chandraroopa, Devi, Deepta, Dhruti, Haripriya, Harini, Harivallabha, Hemamalini, Hiranyavarna, Indira, Jalaja, Jambhavati, Janaki, Janamodini, Jyoti, Jyotsna, Kalyani, Kamalika, Ketaki, Kriyalakshmi, Kshirsha, Kuhu, Lalima, Madhavi, Madhu, Malti, Manushri, Nandika, Nandini, Nikhila, Nila Devi, Nimeshika, Padmavati, Parama, Prachi, Purnima, Radha, Ramaa, Rukmini, Samruddhi, Samudra Tanaya, Satyabhama, Shraddha, Shreeya, Sita, Smriti, Sridevi, Sudha, Sujata, Swarna Kamala, Taruni, Tilottama, Tulasi, Vasuda, Vasudhara, Vasundhara, Varada, Varalakshmi, Vedavati, Vidya, Vimala, and Viroopa.

    Symbolism and iconography

    Buddhist Sanchi Stupa, Stupa I, North gateway, Satavahana dynasty sculpture, 1st century CE.[45]

    Lakshmi is a member of the Tridevi, the triad of great goddesses. She represents the Rajas guna, and the Iccha-shakti.[46][47] The image, icons, and sculptures of Lakshmi are represented with symbolism. Her name is derived from Sanskrit root words for knowing the goal and understanding the objective.[36] Her four arms are symbolic of the four goals of humanity that are considered good in Hinduism: dharma (pursuit of ethical, moral life), artha (pursuit of wealth, means of life), kama (pursuit of love, emotional fulfillment), and moksha (pursuit of self-knowledge, liberation).[24][48]

    In Lakshmi's iconography, she is either sitting or standing on a lotus and typically carrying a lotus in one or two hands. The lotus carries symbolic meanings in Hinduism and other Indian traditions. It symbolizes knowledge, self-realization, and liberation in the Vedic context, and represents reality, consciousness, and karma ('work, deed') in the Tantra (Sahasrara) context.[49] The lotus, a flower that blooms in clean or dirty water, also symbolises purity regardless of the good or bad circumstances in which it grows. It is a reminder that good and prosperity can bloom and not be affected by evil in one's surroundings.[50][51]

    Lakshmi Sahasranama of Skanda Purana, Lakshmi Tantra, Markandeya Purana, Devi Mahatmya and Vedic scriptures describes Lakshmi as having eighteen hands and is described as holding rosary, axe, mace, arrow, thunderbolt, lotus, pitcher, rod, sakti, sword, shield, conch, bell, wine-cup, trident, noose and the discus in her eighteen hands.[25][26][27]

    Below, behind, or on the sides, Lakshmi is very often shown with one or two elephants, known as

    Gupta period sculpture only used to associate lions with Lakshmi but was later attributed to Durga or a combined form of both goddesses.[57][58][59][60] Lions are also associated with Veera Lakshmi, who is one of the Ashtalakshmi.[61] Historian B. C. Bhattacharya says, "An image of Gajalakshmi is found with two lions — one on either side of her. Two elephants are also shown near her head and by this we can say that Lion is also the vahana of Lakshmi along with Garuda".[62]

    In some representations, wealth either symbolically pours out from one of her hands or she simply holds a jar of money. This symbolism has a dual meaning: wealth manifested through Lakshmi means both materials as well as spiritual wealth.[49] Her face and open hands are in a mudra that signifies compassion, giving or dāna ('charity').[48]

    Lord Vishnu with his head on the lap of the Goddess Andal

    Lakshmi typically wears a red dress embroidered with golden threads, which symbolizes fortune and wealth. She, goddess of wealth and prosperity, is often represented with her husband Vishnu, the god who maintains human life filled with justice and peace. This symbolism implies wealth and prosperity are coupled with the maintenance of life, justice, and peace.[49] When Lakshmi and Vishnu appear together in images and statues, she is significantly smaller, which is often used to portray her devotional status as a wife. A frequently depicted scene of the pair illustrates Lakshmi massaging Vishnu's feet.[63]

    In Japan, where Lakshmi is known as Kisshōten, she is commonly depicted with the Nyoihōju gem (如意宝珠) in her hand.[citation needed]

    Literature

    Goddess Lakshmi
    Bharhut Stupa, circa 110 BCE
    Coins of Gandhara, 1st century BCE
    Coinage of Gupta Empire
    Cambodia
    Vietnam, 10th century
    Malaysia
    Lakshmi is one of the tridevi of Hindu goddesses. Her iconography is found in ancient and modern Hindu and Buddhist temples.

    Vedas and Brahmanas

    The meaning and significance of Lakshmi evolved in ancient Sanskrit texts.[64] Lakshmi is mentioned once in Rigveda, in which the name is used to mean 'kindred mark, sign of auspicious fortune'.

    In Atharva Veda, transcribed about 1000 BCE, Lakshmi evolves into a complex concept with plural manifestations. Book 7, Chapter 115 of Atharva Veda describes the plurality, asserting that a hundred Lakshmis are born with the body of a mortal at birth, some good, Punya ('virtuous') and auspicious, while others bad, paapi ('evil') and unfortunate. The good are welcomed, while the bad urged to leave.[64] The concept and spirit of Lakshmi and her association with fortune and the good is significant enough that Atharva Veda mentions it in multiple books: for example, in Book 12, Chapter 5 as Punya Lakshmi.[65] In some chapters of Atharva Veda, Lakshmi connotes the good, an auspicious sign, good luck, good fortune, prosperity, success, and happiness.[2]

    Later, Lakshmi is referred to as the goddess of fortune, identified with Sri and regarded as the wife of Viṣṇu (Nārāyaṇa).

    Brihaspati gets priestly authority, Savitri acquires dominion, Pushan gets splendour, Saraswati takes nourishment and Tvashtri gets forms.[64]
    The hymns of Shatapatha Brahmana thus describe Sri as a goddess born with and personifying a diverse range of talents and powers.

    According to another legend, she emerges during the creation of universe, floating over the water on the expanded petals of a lotus flower; she is also variously regarded as wife of

    Kāma, sister or mother of Dhātṛ and Vidhātṛ, wife of Dattatreya, one of the nine Shaktis of Viṣṇu, a manifestation of Prakṛti as identified with Dākshāyaṇī in Bharatasrama and as Sita, wife of Rama.[2][67]
    : 103–12 

    Epics

    In the Epics of Hinduism, such as in Mahabharata, Lakshmi personifies wealth, riches, happiness, loveliness, grace, charm, and splendor.[2] In another Hindu legend about the creation of the universe as described in Ramayana,[68] Lakshmi springs with other precious things from the foam of the ocean of milk when it is churned by the gods and demons for the recovery of Amṛta. She appeared with a lotus in her hand and so she is also called Padmā.[2][67]: 108–11 

    Sita, the female protagonist of the Ramayana and her husband, the god-king Rama are considered as avatars of Lakshmi and Vishnu, respectively. In the Mahabharata, Draupadi is described as a partial incarnation of Sri (Lakshmi).[69] However, other chapter of the epic states that Lakshmi took the incarnation of Rukmini, the chief-wife of the Hindu god Krishna.[nb 2]

    Upanishads

    Shakta

    Upanishads are dedicated to the Tridevi of goddesses—Lakshmi, Saraswati and Parvati. Saubhagyalakshmi Upanishad describes the qualities, characteristics, and powers of Lakshmi.[72] In the second part of the Upanishad, the emphasis shifts to the use of yoga and transcendence from material craving to achieve spiritual knowledge and self-realization, the true wealth.[73][74] Saubhagya-Lakshmi Upanishad synonymously uses Sri to describe Lakshmi.[72]

    Stotram and sutras

    Numerous ancient

    Puranas and Itihasa of Hinduism. In ancient scriptures of India, all women are declared to be embodiments of Lakshmi. For example:[38]

    Every woman is an embodiment of you.
    You exist as little girls in their childhood,
    As young women in their youth
    And as elderly women in their old age.

    — Sri Kamala Stotram

    Every woman is an emanation of you.

    — Sri Daivakrta Laksmi Stotram

    Ancient prayers dedicated to Lakshmi seek both material and spiritual wealth in prayers.[38]

    Through illusion,
    A person can become disconnected,
    From his higher self,
    Wandering about from place to place,
    Bereft of clear thought,
    Lost in destructive behavior.
    It matters not how much truth,
    May shine forth in the world,
    Illuminating the entire creation,
    For one cannot acquire wisdom,
    Unless it is experienced,
    Through the opening on the heart....

    Puranas

    Lakshmi features prominently in

    Puranas of Hinduism. Vishnu Purana, in particular, dedicates many sections to her and also refers to her as Sri.[75] J. A. B. van Buitenen translates passages describing Lakshmi in Vishnu Purana:[75]

    Sri, loyal to Vishnu, is the mother of the world. Vishnu is the meaning, Sri is the speech. She is the conduct, he the behavior. Vishnu is knowledge, she the insight. He is dharma, she the virtuous action. She is the earth, the earth's upholder. She is contentment, he the satisfaction. She wishes, he is the desire. Sri is the sky, Vishnu the Self of everything. He is the Sun, she the light of the Sun. He is the ocean, she is the shore.

    Subhasita, genomic and didactic literature

    Lakshmi, along with Parvati and Saraswati, is a subject of extensive Subhashita, genomic and didactic literature of India.[76] Composed in the 1st millennium BCE through the 16th century CE, they are short poems, proverbs, couplets, or aphorisms in Sanskrit written in a precise meter. They sometimes take the form of a dialogue between Lakshmi and Vishnu or highlight the spiritual message in Vedas and ethical maxims from Hindu Epics through Lakshmi.[76] An example Subhashita is Puranartha Samgraha, compiled by Vekataraya in South India, where Lakshmi and Vishnu discuss niti ('right, moral conduct') and rajaniti ('statesmanship' or 'right governance')—covering in 30 chapters and ethical and moral questions about personal, social and political life.[76]: 22 

    Manifestations and aspects

    Sculpture of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi at Hoysaleswara Temple at Halebidu

    Inside temples, Lakshmi is often shown together with

    Prakriti who creates the universe.[79]

    Ananta-Shesha
    , with Lakshmi massaging his feet.

    According to

    Satva ('goodness'),[2] rajas, and tamas ('darkness') gunas,[80] and assists Vishnu (Purusha) in creation, preservation and destruction of the entire universe. Durga
    form represents the power to fight, conquer and punish the demons and anti-gods.

    In the

    Narada Purana describes the powerful forms of Lakshmi as Durga, Mahakali, Bhadrakali, Chandi, Maheshwari, Mahalakshmi, Vaishnavi and Andreye".[84]

    Lakshmi, Saraswati, and Parvati are typically conceptualized as distinct in most of India, but in states such as West Bengal and Odisha, they are regionally believed to be forms of Durga.[85] In Hindu Bengali culture, Lakshmi, along with Saraswati, are seen as the daughters of Durga. They are worshipped during Durga Puja.[86]

    In South India, Lakshmi is seen in two forms, Sridevi and

    Nila Devi, one of the manifestations or incarnations of Lakshmi is the third wife of Vishnu.[88][89] Each goddess of the triad is mentioned in Śrī Sūkta, Bhu Sūkta and Nila Sūkta, respectively.[90][91][92] This threefold goddess can be found, for example, in Sri Bhu Neela Sahita Temple near Dwaraka Tirumala, Andhra Pradesh, and in Adinath Swami Temple in Tamil Nadu.[93] In many parts of the region, Andal is considered as an incarnation of Lakshmi.[94]

    Ashtalakshmi - Eight forms of Lakshmi

    Ashtalakshmi Kovil near Chennai and many other states of India.[95]

    Ashta Lakshmi
    Adi Lakshmi The First manifestation of Lakshmi
    Dhanya Lakshmi Granary Wealth
    Veera Lakshmi Wealth of Courage
    Gaja Lakshmi Elephants spraying water, the wealth of fertility, rains, and food.[96]
    Santana Lakshmi Wealth of Continuity, Progeny
    Vidya Lakshmi Wealth of Knowledge and Wisdom
    Vijaya Lakshmi Wealth of Victory
    Dhana / Aishwarya Lakshmi Wealth of prosperity and fortune

    Creation and legends

    A painting depicting Samudra Manthana, with Lakshmi emerging with the lotus in her hands.

    Vasuki, the great venom-spewing serpent-god, was wrapped around the mountain and used to churn the ocean. A host of divine celestial objects came up during the churning. Along with them emerged the goddess Lakshmi. In some versions, she is said to be the daughter of the sea god since she emerged from the sea.[97]

    In

    Apsaras, Chandra (the moon), and Dhanvantari with Amrita ('nectar of immortality'). When she appeared, she had a choice to go to Devas or Asuras. She chose Devas' side and among thirty deities, she chose to be with Vishnu. Thereafter, in all three worlds, the lotus-bearing goddess was celebrated.[75]

    Worship

    Many Hindus worship Lakshmi on Deepavali (Diwali), the festival of lights.[98] It is celebrated in autumn, typically October or November every year.[99] The festival spiritually signifies the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, good over evil and hope over despair.[100]

    Deepavali celebrations include puja (prayers) to Lakshmi and Ganesha. Lakshmi is of the Vaishnavism tradition, while Ganesha of the Shaivism tradition of Hinduism.[101][102]

    Before

    mithai (sweets), and an exchange of gifts between family members and close friends. Deepavali also marks a major shopping period, since Lakshmi connotes auspiciousness, wealth and prosperity.[105]
    This festival dedicated to Lakshmi is considered by Hindus to be one of the most important and joyous festivals of the year.

    A very sacred day for the worship of Goddess Lakshmi falls on Chaitra Shukla Panchami, also called, Lakshmi Panchami, Shri Panchami, Kalpadi and Shri Vrata. As this worship is in the first week of the Hindu new year, by Hindu calendar, it is considered very auspicious.[106] Varalakshmi Vratam is celebrated by married Hindu women to pray for the well-being of their husbands.[107]

    Ashvin (October).[34] Sharad Purnima, also called Kojaagari Purnima or Kuanr Purnima, is a harvest festival marking the end of monsoon season. There is a traditional celebration of the moon called the Kaumudi celebration, Kaumudi meaning moonlight.[108] On Sharad Purnima night, goddess Lakshmi is thanked and worshipped for the harvests. Vaibhav Lakshmi Vrata is observed on Friday for prosperity.[109]

    Temples

    .
    Self emerged idol of goddess Lakshmi with Srinivasa in Kallur Mahalakshmi temple [Second Kolhapur]
    Mahalaxmi temple Sulebhavi., Local form of goddess lakshmi

    Some temples dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi are:

    * [[Narasimhaswamy Temple, Namakkal]] [As Nammagiri Thayar] Lakshmi lustrated by elephants, Uttar Pradesh, Kausambi, 1st century BCE.

    Numerous hymns, prayers,

    shlokas, stotra, songs, and legends dedicated to Lakshmi are recited during the ritual worship of the goddess.[38] These include:[112]

    Archaeology

    Greek-influenced statue of Gaja Lakshmi, holding lotus and cornucopia, flanked by two elephants and two lions. From Kashmir, 6th century CE.

    A representation of the goddess as Gaja Lakshmi or Lakshmi flanked by two elephants spraying her with water, is one of the most frequently found in archaeological sites.[30][31] An ancient sculpture of Gaja Lakshmi (from Sonkh site at Mathura) dates to the pre-Kushan Empire era.[30] Atranjikhera site in modern Uttar Pradesh has yielded terracotta plaque with images of Lakshmi dating to the 2nd century BCE. Other archaeological sites with ancient Lakshmi terracotta figurines from the 1st millennium BCE include Vaisali, Sravasti, Kausambi, Campa, and Candraketugadh.[31]

    The goddess Lakshmi is frequently found in ancient coins of various Hindu kingdoms from Afghanistan to India. Gaja Lakshmi has been found on coins of Scytho-Parthian kings Azes II and Azilises; she also appears on Shunga Empire king Jyesthamitra era coins, both dating to 1st millennium BCE. Coins from 1st through 4th century CE found in various locations in India such as Ayodhya, Mathura, Ujjain, Sanchi, Bodh Gaya, Kanauj, all feature Lakshmi.[115] Similarly, ancient Greco-Indian gems and seals with images of Lakshmi have been found, estimated to be from 1st-millennium BCE.[116]

    A 1400-year-old rare granite sculpture of Lakshmi has been recovered at the Waghama village along

    Jehlum in Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir.[117]

    The Pompeii Lakshmi, a statuette supposedly thought to be of Lakshmi found in Pompeii, Italy, dates to before the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 CE.[118]

    Outside Hinduism

    Jainism

    Gaja Lakshmi at Shravanabelagola Temple, Karnataka.

    Lakshmi is also an important deity in

    Jain temples also depict Sri Lakshmi as a goddess of artha ('wealth') and kama ('pleasure'). For example, she is exhibited with Vishnu in Parshvanatha Jain Temple at the Khajuraho Monuments of Madhya Pradesh,[121] where she is shown pressed against Vishnu's chest, while Vishnu cups a breast in his palm. The presence of Vishnu-Lakshmi iconography in a Jain temple built near the Hindu temples of Khajuraho, suggests the sharing and acceptance of Lakshmi across a spectrum of Indian religions.[121] This commonality is reflected in the praise of Lakshmi found in the Jain text Kalpa Sūtra.[122]

    Buddhism

    The Japanese Kishijoten is adapted from Lakshmi.

    In Buddhism, Lakshmi has been viewed as a goddess of abundance and fortune, and is represented on the oldest surviving stupas and cave temples of Buddhism.[123][124] In Buddhist sects of Tibet, Nepal, and Southeast Asia, Vasudhara mirrors the characteristics and attributes of the Hindu Goddess, with minor iconographic differences.[125]

    In Chinese Buddhism, Lakshmi is referred to as either Gōngdétiān (功德天, lit "Meritorious god" ) or Jíxiáng Tiānnǚ (吉祥天女, lit "Auspicious goddess") and is the goddess of fortune and prosperity. She is regarded as the sister of Píshāméntiān (毗沙門天), or Vaiśravaṇa, one of the Four Heavenly Kings. She is also regarded as one of the twenty-four protective deities, and her image is frequently enshrined in the Mahavira Hall of most Chinese Buddhist monasteries together with the other deities. Her mantra, the Sri Devi Dharani (Chinese: 大吉祥天女咒; pinyin: Dà Jíxiáng Tiānnǚ Zhòu) is classified as one of the Ten Small Mantras (Chinese: 十小咒; pinyin: Shí xiǎo zhòu), which are a collection of dharanis that are commonly recited in Chinese Buddhist temples during morning liturgical services.[126]

    The Dharani is as follows:

    Namo buddhāya, Namo dharmāya, Namah samghāya, Namah Śrī Mahādevīye, Tadyathā Om paripūraņa cāre samanta darśane. Mahā vihāra gate samanta vidhamane. Mahā kārya pratişţhāpane, sarvārtha sādhane, supratipūri ayatna dharmatā. Mahā vikurvite, mahā maitrī upasamhite, mahārşi susamgŗhīte samantārtha anupālane svāhā.

    In Japanese Buddhism, Lakshmi is known as Kishijoten (吉祥天, 'Auspicious Heavens') and is also the goddess of fortune and prosperity.[127] Like in China, Kishijoten is considered the sister of Bishamon (毘沙門, also known as Tamon or Bishamon-ten), who protects human life, fights evil, and brings good fortune. In ancient and medieval Japan, Kishijoten was the goddess worshiped for luck and prosperity, particularly on behalf of children. Kishijoten was also the guardian goddess of Geishas.

    In Tibetan Buddhism, Lakshmi is an important deity, especially in the Gelug School. She has both peaceful and wrathful forms; the latter form is known as Palden Lhamo, Shri Devi Dudsol Dokam, or Kamadhatvishvari, and is the principal female protector of (Gelug) Tibetan Buddhism and of Lhasa, Tibet.[citation needed]

    While Lakshmi and Vaiśravaṇa are found in ancient Chinese and Japanese Buddhist literature, their roots have been traced to deities in Hinduism.[127]

    Lakshmi is closely linked to Dewi Sri, who is worshipped in Bali as the goddess of fertility and agriculture.

    Incarnations

    Lakshmi is attributed with various incarnations, including the following:

    Notes

    1. ^ This pronunciation has a closer approximation of the Hindustani pronunciation. Pronounced UK: /ˈlækʃmi/,[10] US: /ˈlɑːkʃmi/
    2. ^ Some scholars propose a theory that Sri and Lakshmi may have originally been different goddesses, who merged into one figure.[70] In contrasts, other scholars state that the association of Rukmini was a later interpolation in the epic.[71]

    See also

    References

    1. ^
      1. Journal of Historical Research, Volumes 28-30. Department of History, Ranchi University. 1991. p. 3. Lord Visnu is the refuge of the world and Goddess Lakshmi is the energy behind the Universe.
      2. Amulya Mohapatra; Bijaya Mohapatra (1 January 1993). Hinduism: Analytical Study. Mittal Publications. p. 26. . Sri or Laxmi is the goddess of wealth and fortune , power and beauty.
      3. Bulbul Sharma (2010). The Book of Devi. Penguin Books India. p. 47. . Sri or Lakshmi, as depicted in the sacred texts, is the goddess of wealth and fortune, royal power and beauty.
      4. Stephen Knapp (2012). Hindu Gods & Goddesses. Jaico Publishing House. p. 132. . Goddess Lakshmi is the consort and shakti, or potency, of Lord Vishnu. Lakshmi, or Sri when she is especially known as the goddess of beauty (though sometimes considered to be separate entities), is the goddess of fortune, wealth, power, and loveliness.
      5. David Kinsley (1 January 1989). The Goddesses' Mirror: Visions of the Divine from East and West. SUNY Press. p. 55. .
      6. David Monaghan; Ariane Hudelet; John Wiltshire (10 January 2014). The Cinematic Jane Austen: Essays on the Filmic Sensibility of the Novels. McFarland & Company. p. 153. . In Hindu mythology, Lakshmi is the goddess of wealth, power and beauty.
      7. Kaushal Kishore Sharma (1988). Rabindranath Tagore's Aesthetics. Abhinav Publications. p. 26. . Lakshmi, our Goddess of wealth, represents not only beauty and power but also the spirit of goodness.
    2. ^ a b c d e f g lakṣmī Archived 20 May 2015 at the Wayback Machine, Monier-Williams' Sanskrit–English Dictionary, University of Washington Archives
    3. .
    4. ^ Mahalakshmi Ashtakam. Padmaasanasthite Devi Parabrahma Svaroopini Paramesi Jaganmaata, Mahalakshmi Namostu Te.O Devi, You are seated on the lotus, You are the Supreme Brahman, You are the great Lord and Mother of the universe, O Mahaalakshmi, obeisance to Thee.
    5. ^ "Translating the secrets of Makara Sankranti". Times of India. 14 January 2021.
    6. ^ "CHAPTER TWENTYEIGHT". doc-08-9g-docs.googleusercontent.com.
    7. ^ "Prayers to Goddess Lakshmi".
    8. ^ from the original on 26 December 2018. Retrieved 22 September 2016.
    9. ^ "Lakshmi". Lexico UK English Dictionary. Oxford University Press. Archived from the original on 16 November 2021.
    10. ^ "Lakshmi". Oxford English Dictionary (Online ed.). Oxford University Press. (Subscription or participating institution membership required.)
    11. ^ .
    12. .
    13. .
    14. ^ Upendra Nath Dhal (1978). Goddess Laksmi: Origin and Development. Oriental Publishers & Distributors. p. 109. Goddess Lakşmī is stated as the genetrix of the world; she maintains them as a mother ought to do . So she is often called as the Mātā.
    15. ^ .
    16. .
    17. ^ Isaeva 1993, p. 252.
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    19. .
    20. .
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    60. . In some places Gazalakshmi also has been given Lion as her Vahana. In South India Veera Lakshmi, one of the forms of eight Lakshmis is having Lion as her Vahana. In Rameshwaram also for Veera Lakshmi Lion is Vahana. She carries Trisula, Sphere, Sankha, Chakra, and Abhaya and Varada mudras.
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    Bibliography

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