Lakshmi

## ラクシュミ (Rakushumi)

**Lakshmi** (ˈlʌkʃmi; लक्ष्मी *Lakṣmī*, sometimes spelled **Laxmi**, "*she who leads to one's goal*"), also known as **Shri** (श्री *Śrī*, "*noble*"), is one of the principal goddesses in Hinduism. She is the goddess of wealth, fortune, power, beauty, fertility and prosperity, and associated with *Maya* ("Illusion"). Along with Parvati and Saraswati, she forms the Tridevi of Hindu goddesses.

Within the goddess-oriented Shaktism, Lakshmi is venerated as the prosperity aspect of the Mother goddess. Lakshmi is both the consort and the divine energy (*shakti*) of the Hindu god Vishnu, the Supreme Being of Vaishnavism; she is also the Supreme Goddess in the sect and assists Vishnu to create, protect, and transform the universe. She is an especially prominent figure in Sri Vaishnavism, in which devotion to Lakshmi is deemed to be crucial to reach Vishnu. Whenever Vishnu descended on the earth as an avatar, Lakshmi accompanied him as consort, for example, as Sita and Radha or Rukmini as consorts of Vishnu's avatars Rama and Krishna, respectively. The eight prominent manifestations of Lakshmi, the Ashtalakshmi, symbolise the eight sources of wealth.

Lakshmi is depicted in Indian art as an elegantly dressed, prosperity-showering golden-coloured woman standing or sitting in the padmasana position upon a lotus throne, while holding a lotus in her hand, symbolising fortune, self-knowledge, and spiritual liberation. Her iconography shows her with four hands, which represent the four aspects of human life important to Hindu culture: *dharma*, *kāma*, *artha*, and *moksha*. 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. 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. In the Skanda Purana and the *Venkatachala Mahatmayam*, Sri, or Lakshmi, is praised as the mother of Brahma.

Archaeological discoveries and ancient coins suggest the recognition and reverence for Lakshmi existing by the 1st millennium BCE. 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. The day of Lakshmi Puja during Navaratri, and the festivals of Deepavali and Sharad Purnima (Kojagiri Purnima) are celebrated in her honour.

## Etymology and epithets

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. These roots give Lakshmi the symbolism: *know* and *understand* your goal. A related term is *lakṣaṇa*, which means 'sign, target, aim, symbol, attribute, quality, lucky mark, auspicious opportunity'*.*

Lakshmi has numerous epithets and numerous ancient Stotram and Sutras of Hinduism recite her various names: such as *Sri* (Radiance, eminence, splendor, wealth),  *Padmā* (she who is mounted upon or dwelling in a lotus or She of the lotus),  *Kamalā* or Kamalatmika (She of the lotus), *Padmapriyā* (Lotus-lover), *Padmamālādhāra Devī* (Goddess bearing a garland of lotuses),  *Padmamukhī* (Lotus-faced-she whose face is as like as a lotus),  *Padmākṣī*: (Lotus-eyed - she whose eyes are as beautiful as a lotus), *Padmahasta*: (Lotus-hand - she whose hand is holding [a] lotus[es]),  *Padmasundarī* (She who is as beautiful as a lotus), *Padmavati* (She who was born from a lotus), *Śrījā* (Jatika of Sri), *Narayani* (belonging to Narayana or the wife of Narayana), *Vaishnavi* (worshipper of Vishnu or the power of Vishnu),  *Viṣṇupriyā* (who is the beloved of Vishnu), *Nandika* (the one who gives pleasure). Vaishnavas also consider Lalita, who is praised with 1,000 names in the Lalita Sahasranama, as Lakshmi.

Lakshmi Sahasranama of Skanda Purana praises Lakshmi as *Mahadevi* (she who is the great goddess), *Mahamaya* (she who is a great illusion), *Karaveera Nivasini* (The Goddess Who lives in Karaveera/Kolhapur) and *Maha Astha Dasa Pithagne* (she who has 18 great Shakti Peethas). She is also praised as *Mahalakshmi* (she who is great Lakshmi), *Mahakali* (she who is great Kali) and *Mahasaraswati* (she who is great Saraswati) who are the primary deities in Devi Mahatmya. The other prominent names included in this text are, *Bhuvaneshvari (she who is the Queen or ruler of the Universe),* Katyayani *(she who is the daughter of sage Katyayana),* Kaushiki *(Shakti that came out of the sheath (or Kosha) of Parvati),* Brahmani *(She who is the power of Brahma),* Kamakshi *(she who fulfils desires by her eyes),* Chandi *(she who killed Mahishasura),* Chamunda *(She who killed Chanda and Munda),* Madhu Kaidabha Bhanjini *(she who killed Madhu and Kaidabha),* Durga *(she who killed Durgamasura),* Maheshvari *(she who is the power of Maheshvara),* Varahi *(she who is the power of Varaha, a form of Vishnu),* Narasimhi *(she who is the power of Narasimha, a form of Vishnu),* Srividyaa *(she who is Sri Vidya),* Sri Manthra Raja Rajini *(the queen of Sri Vidya),* Shadadharadhi devata *(she who is the goddess of the six chakras).* 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"*.*

Her other names include: Aishwarya, Akhila, Anagha, Anapagamini, Anumati, Apara, Aruna, Atibha, Avashya, Bala, Bhargavi, Bhudevi, Chakrika, Chanchala, Chandravadana, Chandrasahodari, Chandraroopa, Devi, Deepta, 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, 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.

## Literature

### Vedas and Brahmanas

The meaning and significance of Lakshmi evolved in ancient Sanskrit texts. 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. 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*. In some chapters of Atharva Veda, Lakshmi connotes the good, an auspicious sign, good luck, good fortune, prosperity, success, and happiness.

Later, Lakshmi is referred to as the goddess of fortune, identified with Sri and regarded as the wife of *Viṣṇu* (*Nārāyaṇa*). For example, in Shatapatha Brahmana, variously estimated to be composed between 800 BCE and 300 BCE, Sri (Lakshmi) is part of one of many theories, in ancient India, about the creation of the universe. In Book 9 of Shatapatha Brahmana, Sri emerges from Prajapati, after his intense meditation on the creation of life and nature of the universe. Sri is described as a resplendent and trembling woman at her birth with immense energy and powers. The gods are bewitched, desire her, and immediately become covetous of her. The gods approach Prajapati and request permission to kill her and then take her powers, talents, and gifts. Prajapati refuses, tells the gods that men should not kill women and that they can seek her gifts without violence. The gods then approach Lakshmi. Agni gets food, Soma gets kingly authority, Varuna gets imperial authority, Mitra acquires martial energy, Indra gets force, Brihaspati gets priestly authority, Savitri acquires dominion, Pushan gets splendour, Saraswati takes nourishment and Tvashtri gets forms. 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 Dharma, mother 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.

### Epics

In the Epics of Hinduism, such as in Mahabharata, Lakshmi personifies wealth, riches, happiness, loveliness, grace, charm, and splendor. In another Hindu legend about the creation of the universe as described in Ramayana, 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.

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). However, other chapter of the epic states that Lakshmi took the incarnation of Rukmini, the chief-wife of the Hindu god Krishna.

### Upanishads

Shakta Upanishads are dedicated to the Tridevi of goddesses—Lakshmi, Saraswati and Parvati. Saubhagyalakshmi Upanishad describes the qualities, characteristics, and powers of Lakshmi. 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. Saubhagya-Lakshmi Upanishad synonymously uses Sri to describe Lakshmi.

### Puranas

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

> 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. 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. 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.

## Worship

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

Before Deepavali night, people clean, renovate and decorate their homes and offices. On Deepavali night, Hindus dress up in new clothes or their best outfits, light up diyas (lamps and candles) inside and outside their home, and participate in family *puja* (prayers) typically to Lakshmi. After the Lakshmi Puja, fireworks follow, then a family feast including *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. 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. Varalakshmi Vratam is celebrated by married Hindu women to pray for the well-being of their husbands.

Gaja Lakshmi Puja is another autumn festival celebrated on Sharad Purnima in many parts of India on the full-moon day in the month of Ashvin (October). 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. On Sharad Purnima night, goddess Lakshmi is thanked and worshipped for the harvests. Vaibhav Lakshmi Vrata is observed on Friday for prosperity.

## Appearance

Lakshmi takes the appearance of a slim and beautiful woman with jet black hair, a fair complexion, and four arms. Lakshmi's hair, being jet-black in color, centrally falls down her upper back and drops down on her back, with long straight bangs partially covering her face and mostly covering her eyes. As for her eyes, Lakshmi's eyes are a bright blue in color. As for clothing, Lakshmi wears a blood-red robe with two sleeves covering her two front arms, with individual black sleeves covering her two other arms. She wears this with a golden necklace with a jade inlaid into its middle and golden bracelets around each of her wrists. Lakshmi is tattooed with many red markings representing creation and rebirth, all scattered around her body except for her head and legs.