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Divine
Idols >
Goddess Lakshmi
 Lakshmi
is the Goddess of wealth and prosperity, both material and spiritual.
The word ''Lakshmi'' is derived from the Sanskrit word Laksme, meaning
"goal." Lakshmi, therefore, represents the goal of life, which includes
worldly as well as spiritual prosperity. In Hindu mythology, Goddess
Lakshmi, also called Shri, is the divine spouse of Lord Vishnu and
the Goddess of wealth and fortune. In the vedas, she called Sri. Goddes
Lakshmi indicates prosperity. Worhip of Lakshmi indicates an appreciation
of prosperity and a sense of responsibility towards it. Depicted an
extremely beautiful woman, Lakshmi stands on a lotus. She
has lotuses in various stages of bloom in her
two hands. And even wears a lotus garland.
Lakshmi normally appears on one of three vehicles.
In her enlightened aspect, sattvic  guna,
she accompanies Vishnu on Garuda. In her materialistic
aspect, raja guna, she appears with two elephants on either side of
her. The owl depicts the pernicious aspect of wealth. Though its considered
a bird of ill omen and a symbol of darkness, the owl also symbolizes
wisdom and intelligence because of its ability to presage events.
The four arms represent the four directions in space and thus symbolize
omnipresence and omnipotence of the Goddess. The red color syinbolizes
activity. The golden lining (embroidery) on Her red dress denotes
prosperity. The idea conveyed here is that the Goddess is always busy
distributing wealth and prosperity to the devotees.
The lotus seat, which Lakshmi is standing upon, signifies
that while living in this world, one should enjoy its wealth, but
not become obsessed with it. Such a living is analogous to a lotus
that grows in water but is not
wetted by water.
 Since
the right side of the body symbolizes activity, a lotus in the back
right hand conveys the idea that one must perform all duties in
the world in accordance with dharma. This leads to moksha (liberation),
which is symbolized by a lotus in the back left hand of Lakshmi.
The golden coins falling on the ground from the front left hand
of Lakshmi
illustrate that She provides wealth
and prosperity to Her devotees. Her front right hand is shown bestowing
blessings upon the devotees. To go hand in hand with Lord Vishnu's
act of maintenance and protection, Goddesses Lakshmi is the possessor
of every form of wealth.
She is the possessor of great beauty
and is depicted in standing as well as in the seated postures. She
is however always seen on a lotus. In her hands she holds two lotuses.
 In
the avatarams of Lord Vishnu, Lakshmi
also took varous forms to accompany him - Sita
with Rama , Rukminiwith Krishna.
Ashta Lakshmi are her eight forms which are the commonly worshipped
aspects. In each form, she bestows one form of wealth to her devotees.
There are numerous poojas and festivals which are performed to invoke
her blessings.
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