12 powerful names of lakshmi

Lakshmi

Major Hindu goddess; goddess of wealth and beauty

For other uses, see Lakshmi (disambiguation).Not to be confused with Lakshmana.

Several terms redirect here. For other uses, see Bhargavi (disambiguation), Mahalakshmi (disambiguation), Dhanalakshmi (disambiguation), and Sri Lakshmi (actress).

Lakshmi (;[7][nb 1]Sanskrit: लक्ष्मी, IAST: Lakṣmī, sometimes spelled Laxmi, lit.&#;'she who leads to one's goal'), also known as Shri (Sanskrit: श्री, IAST: Śrī, lit.&#;'Noble'),[9] is one of the principal goddesses in Hinduism, revered as the goddess of wealth, fortune, prosperity, beauty, fertility, royal power, and abundance.[10][11] She along with Parvati and Sarasvati, form the trinity of goddesses called the Tridevi.[12][13]

Lakshmi has been a central figure in Hindu tradition since pre-Buddhist times ( to BCE) and remains one of the most widely worshipped goddesses in the Hindu pantheon.

Hindu goddess devi Cosmologically, Lakshmi's fertility is conceived of as Vishnu's maya , that is, the magical power that allows him to spawn the material aspect of the universe. Numerous ancient Stotram and Sutras of Hinduism recite hymns dedicated to Lakshmi. Lopez Jr. Brooks, Douglas Renfrew

Although she does not appear in the earliest Vedic literature, the personification of the term shri—auspiciousness, glory, and high rank, often associated with kingship—eventually led to the development of Sri-Lakshmi as a goddess in later Vedic texts, particularly the Shri Suktam.[10] Her importance grew significantly during the late epic period (around CE), when she became particularly associated with the preserver god Vishnu as his consort.

In this role, Lakshmi is seen as the ideal Hindu wife, exemplifying loyalty and devotion to her husband.[10] 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.[9][14][15]

Lakshmi holds a prominent place in the Vishnu-centric sect of Vaishnavism, where she is not only regarded as the consort of Vishnu, the Supreme Being, but also as his divine energy (shakti).[10] she is also the Supreme Goddess in the sect and assists Vishnu to create, protect, and transform the universe.[6][14][16] She is an especially prominent figure in Sri Vaishnavism tradition, in which devotion to Lakshmi is deemed to be crucial to reach Vishnu.[18] Within the goddess-oriented Shaktism, Lakshmi is venerated as the prosperity aspect of the Supreme goddess.[19][14] The eight prominent manifestations of Lakshmi, the Ashtalakshmi, symbolise the eight sources of wealth.[20]

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.[21][22] Her iconography shows her with four hands, which represent the four aspects of human life important to Hindu culture: dharma, kama, artha, and moksha.[23][24] She is often accompanied by two elephants, as seen in the Gaja-Lakshmi images, symbolising both fertility and royal authority.

The Gupta period sculpture and coins only associate lions with Lakshmi, often flanking her on either side.

Archaeological discoveries and ancient coinage suggest a recognition and reverence for Lakshmi by the first millennium BCE.[25][26] Iconography and statues of Lakshmi have also been found in Hindu temples throughout Southeast Asia, estimated to be from the second half of the first millennium CE.[27][28] The day of Lakshmi Puja during Navaratri, and the festivals of Deepavali and Sharad Purnima (Kojagiri Purnima) are celebrated in her honour.[29]

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.[30] These roots give Lakshmi the symbolism: know and understand your goal.[31] A related term is lakṣaṇa, which means 'sign, target, aim, symbol, attribute, quality, lucky mark, auspicious opportunity'.[32]

Lakshmi has numerous epithets and numerous ancient Stotram and Sutras of Hinduism recite her various names:[33][34] 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).

Shaktas also consider Lalita, who is praised with 1, 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 Shakta pithas).

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.

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    • 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).[36][37]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".[38]

    Her other names include:[33][39] Aishwarya, Akhila, Anagha, Anapagamini, Anumati, Apara, Aruna, Atibha, Avashya, Bala, Bhargavi, Bhudevi, Chakrika, Chanchala, Chandravadana, Chandrasahodari, Chandraroopa, Devi, Deepta, Dhruti, 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, Padmavati, 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.

    Iconography and symbolism

    Lakshmi is a member of the Tridevi, the triad of great goddesses. She represents the Rajasguna, and the Iccha-shakti.[41][42] The image, icons, and sculptures of Lakshmi are represented with symbolism.

    Her name is derived from Sanskrit root words for knowing the goal and understanding the objective.[31] Her four arms are symbolic of the four goals of humanity that are considered good in Hinduism: dharma (pursuit of ethical, moral life), artha (pursuit of wealth, means of life), kama (pursuit of love, emotional fulfillment), and moksha (pursuit of self-knowledge, liberation).[24][43]

    In Lakshmi's iconography, she is either sitting or standing on a lotus and typically carrying a lotus in one or two hands.

    The lotus carries symbolic meanings in Hinduism and other Indian traditions. It symbolizes knowledge, self-realization, and liberation in the Vedic context, and represents reality, consciousness, and karma ('work, deed') in the Tantra (Sahasrara) context.[44] The lotus, a flower that blooms in clean or dirty water, also symbolises purity regardless of the good or bad circumstances in which it grows.

    Picture of hindu goddess lakshmi Shakti: Realm of the Divine Mother. Obeisance, obeisance to the mother of Brahma. It matters not how much truth, May shine forth in the world, Illuminating the entire creation, For one cannot acquire wisdom, Unless it is experienced, Through the opening on the heart Sometimes, these elephants shower Lakshmi with water, which may serve to suggest the fertilizing power of rain.

    It is a reminder that good and prosperity can bloom and not be affected by evil in one's surroundings.[45][46]

    Below, behind, or on the sides, Lakshmi is very often shown with one or two elephants, known as Gajalakshmi, and occasionally with an owl.[47] Elephants symbolise work, activity, and strength, as well as water, rain, and fertility for abundant prosperity.[48] The owl signifies the patient striving to observe, see, and discover knowledge, particularly when surrounded by darkness.

    As a bird reputedly blinded by daylight, the owl also serves as a symbolic reminder to refrain from blindness and greed after knowledge and wealth have been acquired.[49]

    According to historian D. D. Kosambi, most of the Imperial Gupta kings were Vaishnavas and held the goddess Lakshmi in the highest esteem.[50] Goddess Lakshmi is Simhavahini (mount as lion) on most of the coins during their rule.[51] Coins during the rule of Prakashadiya, a Gupta ruler, contain the Garudadhvaja on the obverse and Lakshmi on the reverse.[50]

    The Gupta period sculpture only used to associate lions with Lakshmi, but was later attributed to Durga or a combined form of both goddesses.[53][54]Lions were a 'vahana' of Lakshmi,[55] Lions are also associated with Veera Lakshmi, who is one of the Ashtalakshmi.[56] Historian B.

    C. Bhattacharya says, "An image of Gajalakshmi is found with two lions — one on either side of her. Two elephants are also shown near her head and by this we can say that Lion is also the vahana of Lakshmi along with Garuda".[57]

    In some representations, wealth either symbolically pours out from one of her hands or she simply holds a jar of money.

    This symbolism has a dual meaning: wealth manifested through Lakshmi means both materials as well as spiritual wealth.[44] Her face and open hands are in a mudra that signifies compassion, giving or dāna ('charity').[43]

    Lakshmi typically wears a red dress embroidered with golden threads, which symbolizes fortune and wealth.

    She, goddess of wealth and prosperity, is often represented with her husband Vishnu, the god who maintains human life filled with justice and peace.

    Hindu goddess lakshmi wallpaper Wikimedia Commons Wikiquote Wikidata item. Devi: the great goddess: female divinity in South Asian art. Amrita , the divine nectar that grants immortality, could only be obtained by churning Kshira Sagara 'Ocean of Milk'. One myth tells of such a case where Vishnu insisted upon the harsh castigation of a known sinner.

    This symbolism implies wealth and prosperity are coupled with the maintenance of life, justice, and peace.[44] When Lakshmi and Vishnu appear together in images and statues, she is significantly smaller, which is often used to portray her devotional status as a wife. A frequently depicted scene of the pair illustrates Lakshmi massaging Vishnu's feet.[58]

    Alternatively, Lakshmi Sahasranama of Skanda Purana, Lakshmi Tantra, and Markandeya Purana describe Lakshmi as having eighteen hands and is described as holding rosary, axe, mace, arrow, thunderbolt, lotus, pitcher, rod, sakti, sword, shield, conch, bell, wine-cup, trident, noose, and the discus in her eighteen hands, and as sitting on Garuda, a lion, or a tiger.[59][60][61] 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.[62] In the Skanda Purana and the Venkatachala Mahatmayam, Sri, or Lakshmi, is praised as the mother of Brahma.[63]

    In Japan, where Lakshmi is known as Kisshōten, she is commonly depicted with the Nyoihōju gem (如意宝珠) in her hand.[64]

    Literature

    Vedas and Brahmanas

    The meaning and significance of Lakshmi evolved in ancient Sanskrit texts.[65] Lakshmi is mentioned once in Rigveda, in which the name is used to mean 'kindred mark, sign of auspicious fortune'.

    भद्रैषां लक्ष्मीर्निहिताधि वाचि
    bhadraiṣāṁ lakṣmīrnihitādhi vāci

    "an auspicious fortune is attached to their words"

    —Rig Veda, x —translated by John Muir[65]

    In Atharva Veda, transcribed about BCE, Lakshmi evolves into a complex concept with plural manifestations.

    Book 7, Chapter 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 are urged to leave.[65] 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.[66] In some chapters of Atharva Veda, Lakshmi connotes the good, an auspicious sign, good luck, good fortune, prosperity, success, and happiness.[2]

    Later, Lakshmi is referred to as the goddess of fortune, identified with Sri and regarded as the wife of Viṣṇu (Nārāyaṇa).[2] For example, in Shatapatha Brahmana, variously estimated to be composed between BCE and BCE, Sri (Lakshmi) is part of one of many theories, in ancient India, about the creation of the universe.

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    • 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.[65] 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.[67] 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.[65] 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.[2][68]:&#;–12&#;

    Epics

    In the Epics of Hinduism, such as in Mahabharata, Lakshmi personifies wealth, riches, happiness, loveliness, grace, charm, and splendor.[2] In another Hindu legend about the creation of the universe as described in Ramayana,[69] 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.

    Hindu goddess lakshmi biography templates Obeisance, obeisance to the mother of Brahma. Retrieved 20 February Evolution of Mother Worship in India. Archived from the original on 22 April

    She appeared with a lotus in her hand and so she is also called Padmā.[2][68]:&#;–11&#;

    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).[70] However, other chapter of the epic states that Lakshmi took the incarnation of Rukmini, the chief-wife of the Hindu god Krishna.[nb 2]

    Upanishads

    Shakta Upanishads are dedicated to the Tridevi of goddesses—Lakshmi, Saraswati and Parvati.

    Saubhagyalakshmi Upanishad describes the qualities, characteristics, and powers of Lakshmi.[73] 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.[74][75] Saubhagya-Lakshmi Upanishad synonymously uses Sri to describe Lakshmi.[73]

    Stotram and sutras

    Numerous ancient Stotram and Sutras of Hinduism recite hymns dedicated to Lakshmi.[33] She is a major goddess in Puranas and Itihasa of Hinduism.

    In ancient scriptures of India, all women are declared to be embodiments of Lakshmi. For example:[33]