लक्ष्मी
Lakshmi
Goddess of Wealth
Sacred Stories
Divine tales and sacred legends
Emergence from the Ocean of Milk
During Samudra Manthan (churning of the cosmic ocean), Goddess Lakshmi emerged seated on a fully bloomed lotus, radiating beauty and grace. She held lotus flowers in her hands, symbolizing purity, prosperity, and spiritual liberation. All beings—gods, demons, and celestial musicians—were captivated by her splendor. She chose Lord Vishnu as her eternal consort, and they became inseparable, representing the perfect union of preservation and prosperity.
The Story of King Bali and Lakshmi
When Lord Vishnu took the Vamana avatar and sent the virtuous demon king Bali to the underworld, Goddess Lakshmi was impressed by Bali's devotion and generosity. She tied a protective thread (rakhi) on Bali's wrist and requested Vishnu to guard Bali's kingdom. This is why Lakshmi is also worshipped during Raksha Bandhan, and Bali is allowed to visit earth during Onam festival.
Lakshmi and the Curse of Pride
Once, intoxicated by her beauty and power, Lakshmi became proud. Sage Durvasa, perceiving this pride, cursed her to leave Vaikuntha and dwell on earth. As Lakshmi departed, prosperity left the three worlds. The gods, demons, and humans all suffered. Realizing her importance, both Lakshmi and Vishnu understood that they are incomplete without each other. The curse was lifted through penance, teaching that prosperity (Lakshmi) and preservation (Vishnu) must work together in harmony.
The Four Arms of Lakshmi
Lakshmi's four arms represent the four goals of human life (purusharthas): Dharma (righteousness), Artha (wealth), Kama (desires), and Moksha (liberation). Her hands dispense gold coins representing material prosperity, lotus flowers representing spiritual purity, and display gestures of blessing (abhaya mudra) and granting wishes (varada mudra). This shows that true prosperity encompasses both material and spiritual wealth.
Lakshmi's Eight Forms (Ashtalakshmi)
Lakshmi manifests in eight forms: Adi Lakshmi (primordial goddess), Dhana Lakshmi (wealth), Dhanya Lakshmi (grain/food), Gaja Lakshmi (elephants/power), Santana Lakshmi (progeny), Veera Lakshmi (courage), Vijaya Lakshmi (victory), and Vidya Lakshmi (knowledge). Each form represents a different type of prosperity and fulfillment, showing that true abundance includes health, knowledge, courage, and spiritual wisdom.
Lakshmi and the Owl
Lakshmi's vehicle is the owl (uluka), which can see in darkness and represents wisdom to see through illusion (maya). The owl also symbolizes patience and the ability to observe and understand. While Lakshmi brings wealth, her owl reminds devotees to use wealth wisely with discrimination, not be blinded by material possessions, and maintain awareness even in times of prosperity.
The Dwelling of Lakshmi
It is said that Lakshmi dwells where there is cleanliness, hard work, discipline, and devotion. She leaves places marked by laziness, uncleanliness, discord, and dishonesty. This teaching emphasizes that prosperity comes to those who maintain purity of heart and environment, work diligently, live harmoniously, and practice dharma. Wealth is not just luck but the fruit of righteous living.
Lakshmi on Vishnu's Chest
Lakshmi resides eternally on Vishnu's chest in the form of Srivatsa, a curl of hair. This symbolizes that true wealth and prosperity come from devotion to the Divine. It also represents that Vishnu (consciousness/preservation) and Lakshmi (energy/prosperity) are two aspects of the same ultimate reality, inseparable and interdependent.
Timeline of Events
Adi Lakshmi - Primordial Goddess
Existed before creation as the primordial energy of abundance and prosperity, present with Vishnu in the cosmic ocean.
Emergence from Ocean Churning
Manifested during Samudra Manthan, emerging from the ocean of milk seated on a lotus, and chose Vishnu as her eternal consort.
Marriage with Vishnu
United with Lord Vishnu, establishing the eternal partnership of preservation and prosperity that sustains the universe.
As Sita with Rama
Incarnated as Sita, wife of Lord Rama, demonstrating ideal devotion, purity, and the strength of dharmic partnership.
As Rukmini with Krishna
Appeared as Rukmini, principal wife of Krishna, and also as Radha representing the ultimate devotion and divine love.
Eternal Giver of Prosperity
Continues to bless devotees with material and spiritual prosperity, residing in homes and hearts marked by purity, devotion, and dharma.
Sacred Iconography
Understanding the divine symbols and their meanings
Four Arms
Four arms representing four goals of life
Dharma, Artha, Kama, Moksha - complete life fulfillment
Lotus
Seated on lotus, holding lotus
Purity, spiritual enlightenment, beauty rising from mud
Gold Coins
Gold coins flowing from hand
Material and spiritual wealth, abundance, prosperity
Owl
Owl as vehicle
Wisdom in using wealth, seeing in darkness of ignorance
Worship & Rituals
Sacred practices to honor and connect with the divine
Lakshmi Puja on Diwali
The most important day for Lakshmi worship is Diwali (festival of lights), especially on the new moon night. Homes are cleaned, decorated with rangoli, and illuminated with lamps to welcome Goddess Lakshmi. Special puja is performed with gold coins, new account books are blessed (for businesses), and prayers are offered for prosperity. It is believed that Lakshmi visits clean, well-lit homes on this night.
Materials needed:
- Lakshmi idol
- Gold/silver coins
- Red flowers
- Lotus flowers
- Sweets
- Fruits
- New clothes
- Lamps and candles
- Rangoli colors
- Incense
Friday Lakshmi Puja
Friday is sacred to Goddess Lakshmi. Devotees clean their homes, wear new or clean clothes, offer white or red flowers, light ghee lamps, and recite Lakshmi mantras. Observing this weekly puja with devotion brings wealth, harmony in family, and removes financial obstacles.
Materials needed:
- Lakshmi image/idol
- Red or white flowers
- Lotus if available
- Ghee lamp
- Incense
- Sweets
- Fruits
- Kumkum
- Turmeric
Varalakshmi Vratam
Observed primarily by married women in South India on the Friday before the full moon in Shravana month (July-August). Women pray for the well-being of their families and for prosperity. A pot (kalasha) representing Lakshmi is worshipped with sacred thread, and the vratam story is narrated. This vrat is believed to grant the benefits of worshipping all eight forms of Lakshmi.
Materials needed:
- Kalasha (pot)
- Coconut
- Mango leaves
- Sacred thread
- Flowers
- Turmeric
- Kumkum
- Fruits
- Sweets
- New blouse piece (offering)
Lakshmi Ashtottara Recitation
The 108 names of Goddess Lakshmi (Lakshmi Ashtottara Shatanamavali) are recited for daily worship or during special occasions. Each name reveals a different quality of the goddess—provider of wealth, knowledge, courage, victory, and liberation. Regular recitation brings all forms of prosperity.
Materials needed:
- Lakshmi Ashtottara book
- Flowers (108 if offering with each name)
- Incense
- Lamp
- Clean worship space
Sacred Temples
Holy places of worship and pilgrimage
Mahalakshmi Temple
Kolhapur, Maharashtra
One of the Shakti Peethas dedicated to Lakshmi
Golden Temple
Vellore, Tamil Nadu
Lakshmi Narayani Temple covered in gold
Ashta Lakshmi Temple
Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Temple for eight forms of Lakshmi
Festivals & Celebrations
Diwali
October/November
Festival of lights celebrating Lakshmi
Varalakshmi Vratam
July/August
Special worship for married women
Lakshmi Panchami
Various dates
Special day for Lakshmi worship
Sacred Mantras
Powerful chants to invoke divine blessings
ॐ श्रीं महालक्ष्म्यै नमः
Om Shreem Mahalakshmyai Namah
"Salutations to Goddess Lakshmi"
Benefits: Prosperity and abundance
सर्वबाधा विनिर्मुक्तो धन धान्य सुतान्वितः
Sarva Badha Vinirmukto Dhana Dhanya Sutanvitah
"Free from all obstacles, blessed with wealth and progeny"
Benefits: Complete prosperity
Related Stories & Teachings
Diwali - Festival of Lights and Lakshmi
Celebrate Diwali, the grand festival dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi with lights, prayers, and prosperity rituals
Read MoreAshtalakshmi - Eight Forms of Lakshmi
Explore the eight manifestations of Lakshmi representing different types of prosperity and abundance
Read MoreLord Vishnu - Consort of Lakshmi
Learn about Lord Vishnu, the eternal companion of Lakshmi in preserving and sustaining the universe
Read MoreVaralakshmi Vratam - Sacred Vow
Discover the Varalakshmi Vratam observed by women for family prosperity and well-being
Read MoreSri Suktam - Hymn to Lakshmi
Read the ancient Vedic hymn praising Goddess Lakshmi and invoking her blessings
Read MoreTirupati Temple - Abode of Lakshmi-Narayana
Visit the sacred Tirupati temple where Lord Venkateswara (Vishnu) is worshipped with Lakshmi
Read MoreDivine Wisdom
Inspiring verses and timeless teachings
ॐ श्रीं ह्रीं श्रीं कमले कमलालये प्रसीद प्रसीद। श्रीं ह्रीं श्रीं ॐ महालक्ष्म्यै नमः॥
Om Shreem Hreem Shreem Kamale Kamalalaye Prasida Prasida, Shreem Hreem Shreem Om Mahalakshmyai Namah
"O Goddess Lakshmi, who dwells in the lotus, please be gracious and bless me. Salutations to Mahalakshmi. This is a powerful mantra invoking Lakshmi's blessings."
— Lakshmi Beej Mantra
सर्वमङ्गल माङ्गल्ये शिवे सर्वार्थ साधिके। शरण्ये त्र्यम्बके देवि नारायणि नमोऽस्तु ते॥
Sarva Mangala Mangalye Shive Sarvartha Sadhike, Sharanye Tryambake Devi Narayani Namostute
"O Goddess, you are the auspiciousness in all auspicious things, the consort of Shiva, the fulfiller of all objectives. Salutations to you, Narayani, the three-eyed one, the giver of refuge."
— Devi Mahatmyam
या सा पद्मासना देवी पद्मवर्णा पद्मप्रिया। पद्महस्ता पद्माक्षी सा मां प्रसीदतु॥
Ya Sa Padmasana Devi Padma Varna Padma Priya, Padma Hasta Padmakshi Sa Mam Prasidatu
"May the Goddess who sits on a lotus, whose complexion is like a lotus, who loves lotus flowers, who holds lotus in her hands, whose eyes are like lotus petals—may she bless me."
— Lakshmi Stotram
ॐ महालक्ष्म्यै च विद्महे विष्णु पत्न्यै च धीमहि। तन्नो लक्ष्मीः प्रचोदयात्॥
Om Mahalakshmyai Cha Vidmahe Vishnu Patnyai Cha Dhimahi, Tanno Lakshmih Prachodayat
"We meditate upon Mahalakshmi, the consort of Vishnu. May that Goddess Lakshmi inspire and illumine our understanding."
— Lakshmi Gayatri Mantra
Explore More Deities
Discover the divine wisdom and sacred teachings of Hindu deities
View All Deities