Menu
Login

Lakshmi

लक्ष्मी • Lakṣmī

"Goal, Aim; She who leads to the goal; from 'laksh' (to perceive/observe)"

Tridevi Goddess of Wealth, Fortune, and Prosperity Vaishnavism; Universal worship
Shri Kamala Padma Mahalakshmi Ramaa Indira Bhargavi
Epithets
Padmavati (Lotus-dweller) Kamala (Lotus goddess) Shrinivasa Priya (Beloved of Vishnu) Lokamata (Mother of the World)

Category & Classification

Type
Tridevi
Position
Goddess of Wealth, Fortune, and Prosperity
Tradition
Vaishnavism; Universal worship

Iconography

Form
Beautiful goddess standing or seated on lotus, with elephants pouring water
Complexion
Golden or pink (radiant like gold and lotus)
Faces
1
Arms
Usually 4; sometimes 2
Posture
Seated on lotus; standing on lotus; with Vishnu
Dress
Red or pink sari with gold borders
Vahana
Uluka (Owl)
Attributes & Weapons
  • Lotus (Padma) (Two hands) - Purity rising from mud; spiritual liberation; beauty
  • Gold coins (One hand pouring) - Material wealth flowing to devotees
  • Abhaya/Varada mudra (One hand) - Blessing and protection
Uluka (Owl) — Wisdom in darkness; patience; vigilance in wealth management
Mudras
  • Abhaya mudra
  • Varada mudra
Ornaments
Heavy gold jewelry Lotus garlands Crown

Family & Relations

Origin Emerged from Samudra Manthan (Ocean Churning) standing on a lotus; eternal consort of Vishnu
Consort Vishnu (accompanies him in all avatars)
Children Kama (god of love); symbolic mother of all prosperity
Abode Vaikuntha with Vishnu; Kshira Sagara; wherever Vishnu resides

Mythology & Stories

Emerged from Samudra Manthan (Ocean Churning) standing on a lotus; eternal consort of Vishnu

Samudra Manthan

Lakshmi emerged from the cosmic ocean during its churning, radiant and beautiful. She chose Vishnu as her eternal consort, rejecting all others.

Source: Vishnu Purana, Bhagavata Purana

Lakshmi's Vow

Lakshmi vowed to always accompany Vishnu in his incarnations - as Sita with Rama, as Rukmini/Radha with Krishna, etc.

Source: Puranic tradition

Lakshmi's Restlessness

Lakshmi is described as 'Chanchala' (restless), never staying in one place - wealth comes and goes. Only through dharma and devotion is she retained.

Source: Vishnu Purana

Bhrigu's Kick

When sage Bhrigu kicked Vishnu's chest (where Lakshmi resides), Lakshmi was angered and left, causing great distress until she was appeased.

Source: Bhagavata Purana

Worship & Mantras

Mantras

Beej Mantra

Om Shreem

Mool Mantra

Om Shreem Mahalakshmyai Namah

Gayatri Mantra

Om Mahalakshmyai Cha Vidmahe Vishnu Patnyai Cha Dhimahi Tanno Lakshmi Prachodayat

Stotras & Hymns
Shri Suktam (Vedic) Lakshmi Ashtottara Mahalakshmi Ashtakam Kanakadhara Stotram
Auspicious Days
Friday Purnima
Offerings
  • Lotus flowers
  • Rice
  • Coins
  • Sweets
  • Red flowers
  • Turmeric

Temples

Mahalakshmi Temple

Kolhapur, Maharashtra

One of major Shakti Peethas; Mahalakshmi's primary seat

Padmavathi Temple

Tiruchanur, Andhra Pradesh

Consort temple of Tirupati Venkateswara

Ashtalakshmi Temple

Chennai, Tamil Nadu

Dedicated to eight forms of Lakshmi

Associated Festivals

Diwali (Lakshmi Puja) Sharad Purnima (Kojagari) Navratri Dhanteras

Astrological Connection

Planet
Venus (Shukra) - planet of wealth, beauty, and luxury
Nakshatra
Purva Phalguni, Purva Ashadha (Venus-ruled)
Day
Friday (Shukravar)
Remedial For
Venus afflictions Financial difficulties Relationship issues Lack of beauty/luxury

Symbolism & Philosophy

Cosmic Role: Bestower of wealth, fortune, beauty, and prosperity in all forms

Generosity Abundance Beauty Grace Fortune Fertility

Represents the divine feminine as the power that sustains and enriches; Vishnu's Shakti; the grace that rewards dharmic living