
Lakshmi
Goddess of wealth, fortune, power, beauty, fertility, and prosperity (both material and spiritual).
Lakshmi is one of the most revered goddesses in Hinduism, widely worshipped as the goddess of wealth, fortune, power, beauty, fertility, and prosperity. She is the consort of Lord Vishnu, the Preserver of the Universe. Lakshmi is typically depicted as a beautiful, golden-skinned woman, seated or standing on a lotus flower, holding a lotus bud in her right hand, and usually having four hands, symbolizing the four goals of human life: dharma (righteousness), kama (desires), artha (wealth), and moksha (liberation). Gold coins often flow from her lower left hand, signifying material prosperity. Two elephants are frequently shown on either side, showering her with water from their trunks, representing wisdom, purity, and the constant flow of wealth. Devotees worship Lakshmi to gain material prosperity and spiritual well-being, especially during the festival of Diwali.
Alternate Names:
Symbols:
Vahana (Vehicle):
Owl (Ulooka) in some traditions, though she is most commonly depicted seated on a lotus or standing with elephants.
Genealogy:
Daughter of the divine sage Bhrigu and Khyati (or born from the Samudra Manthan - the churning of the cosmic ocean); wife of Vishnu; mother of Kama (God of Love) in some traditions; sister of Dhata and Vidhata.