Table of content
- Iconography
- References ofLakshmi
- Different manifestations of Lakshmi
- The celebration of Lakshmi
In ages past, a great event known as Samudramanthan, the churning of Kshir Sagar, the Ocean of Milk occurred. Mount Meru served as the churning rod, and Vasuki, the serpent resting on Shiva’s throat, acted as the rope. The Devas (celestial beings) and the Asuras (demons) undertook this churning. To support the mount, Vishnu incarnated in the form of a tortoise or Kurma. Their tireless efforts spanned twelve days, which equaled 12 years in mortal lives.
This divine process led to the emergence of a multitude of treasures, including ratnas (precious gems), divine nymphs, Airavat (the heavenly elephant) to name a few. One of the most notable beings that emerged from the vast clarified butter was a Goddess draped in white, radiating youth and beauty. She was none other than the ultimate bestower of fortune and worldly pleasures, she was Lakshmi. It is due to this origin that Lakshmi is sometimes also referred to as, Kṣīrābdhitanayā, or “daughter of the sea of milk”.
Iconography
The most iconic representation of Lakshmi is when she is depicted seated or standing on a blooming lotus, hence she is also known as Padmavati (lotus-like). In this form, she possesses four hands: two gracefully holding lotuses, one either cradling a pot overflowing with gold or in Varada Mudra and the other is extended in Vardamudra, blessing her devotees. As a goddess of affluence, she is adorned in a jewelled crown and lavish ornaments, including intricate necklaces, bangles, earrings, a waistband and more. She is often flanked by elephants, or accompanied by her vahana, the owl representing wisdom and perception.
Goddess Lakshmi in Mysore by Raghavendra B B
Whether on the windscreen of auto rickshaws and buses or on the entrance doors of urban homes, a sticker depicting a serene lady seated on a grand pink lotus, holding a pot of gold and flanked by gorgeous white elephants, is a familiar and cherished sight in India. As a consort of Rama, she is Sita, as beloved of Krishna, she is Rukmini. She is Padma, the perpetual partner of Hari and is seen massaging his feet in many paintings and temples. Lakshmi is quintessential to fortune, prosperity, well-being, knowledge and all the material wealth one needs. In today’s world, where people are relentlessly pursuing ambition and fame, her significance is all the more pronounced.
References of Lakshmi
The earliest description of Lakshm is found in the Sri-Sukta, an appendix to the Rig Veda (not part of the original Rig Veda), Atharva Veda, Yajur Veda. The Atharva Veda alludes to her as possessing an abundance of milk. Descriptions of her manifestations are also seen in Buddhist and Jain pantheons.
The entire country recognises Lakshmi, Sarasvati and Parvati as separate entities, but the Eastern mainland India worships them as manifestations of Durga. While in Bengali culture, Lakshmi and Sarasvati are worshipped as her daughters. According to the Devi-Mahatmya text, Lakshmi is referred to as “Mahalakshmi”, she is also presented as a wrathful four-armed Goddess on the battlefield, equipped with weapons, ready to defeat the demon Mahishasur. As time passed, the nature of Goddess Lakshmi in rural India and folk traditions transformed. Her wrathful manifestation was replaced by a gentler, enlightening, and nurturing form.
With every human incarnation of Vishnu, there is an incarnation of Lakshmi. With Vamana avatar, she was known as Kamala; with Parshurama, she was his wife, Dharani; with Rama, she was Sita; with Krishna she was Rukmani and Radha.
Inside the sanctum sanctorum of Lakshmi-Narayan temple of Harnahalli, Karnataka, one can find an interesting idol of the divine duo. Goddess Lakshmi is gracefully seated on the lap of Narasimha, the fourth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Lord Narsimha wields his iconographic discus, lotus, mace, and conch. On the pedestal is an intricate carving of Garuda, the mount of Lord Vishnu, in Anjali mudra, a hand pose suggesting submission or reverence. The temple’s iconographic features are a testament to the strong influence of Vaishnavism on the temple’s artistic and religious heritage. While Lakshmi did not incarnate during the Narasimha avatar, her appearance was crucial to pacify the deity.
Goddess Lakshmi Oleograph by Raja Ravi Varma (embellished)
In the 1930s, the Lakshmi paintings with Western influence, produced in Raja Ravi Varma’s Press, quickly won the hearts of many. In the later prints, the Goddess is illustrated showering gold and silver coins upon her devotees, a feature absent in the earlier depiction.
The production of “cheap” oleographic and lithographic prints greatly expanded the access to religious imagery, especially Goddess Lakshmi, allowing representation of the goddess to be owned by even the modest individuals. Many powerful brands emerged, and they incorporated these images, not just to sell their products but also to build trust by fostering deeper connections and engaging in dialogues, not just with the viewer but with the devotees.
Different Manifestations of Lakshmi
The Goddess of beauty, wealth and fertility takes many forms just like other deities of the Hindu pantheon. These eight forms of her are identified as “Ashtalakshmti”, each resonating with different facets of affluence.
Ashta Lakshmi: Kalamkari Painting by Harinath.N
Adi Lakshmi
Sumanasa Vandhitha, Sundhari, Madhavi Chandhrasahoodhari, Hemamaye, Munigana Vandhitha, Mookshapradhayini Manjula Bhaashini, Vedhamathe, Pankajavaasini, Dhevasupoojitha Sadhguna Varshini, Shanthiyuthe, Jaya Jaya He, Madhusoodhana Kaamini Aadhilakshmi, Jaya, Paalayamaam
Adi Lakshmi is the primaeval form of Lakshmi, in this form, she is also known as “Maha Lakshmi” or “The Great Lakshmi”. She is regarded as the daughter of Lord Bhrigu, and is often depicted with Lord Vishnu in the Vaikuntha, the eternal heavenly realm. Adi Lakshmi is described as a beautiful maiden, with four arms. She holds a lotus and a white flag in two hands and her other two hands are in Abhaya Mudra and Varada Mudra. As Moksha Pradyani, she bestows liberation from the cycle of birth and rebirth to her devotees. Adi Lakshmi is also known as Ramaa, the bestower of happiness and Indira, representing the supreme sense of purity.
Dhana Lakshmi
Dimidhimi Dhimdhimi, Dhimdhimi Dhimdhimi Dhumdhubhinaadha Supoornamaye, Ghumaghuma Gumghuma, Gunghuma Gunghuma Shankhaninaadha Suvaadhyamathe, Vividha Puraanyithihaasa Supoojitha Vaidhika Maarga Pradharshayuthe, Jaya Jaya He, Madhusoodhana Kaamini Shri Dhanalakshmi, Paalayamaam
In Sanskrit, the word Dhana means wealth, not necessarily in the form of money. Dhana Lakshmi is also the giver of willpower, strength and virtues apart from the earthly, tangible wealth. Embellished with ornaments, Dhana Lakshmi is portrayed seated on an enormous lotus with six arms, each hand holding different attributes. These include a discus (representing time, and protection), a conch (symbolising creation), a holy pitcher (containing elixir of life), a bow and arrow, a lotus and another hand shown in Abhaya Mudra, symbolising protection and fearlessness.
Dhanya Lakshami
Dhanya is associated with food grains, agricultural abundance and nourishment. She is portrayed in green garments, which vividly denotes Mother Nature's green growth and vegetation. Dhanya Lakshmi sits on a pink lotus. She is depicted with 8 hands, one is in Abhaya Mudra (gesturing protection), one in Varada Mudra (a gesture of granting boons), one holding a mace (indicating strength), two holding lotuses, and the other three carrying agricultural products such as a sheaf of paddy, sugarcane and a banana. In this role of a nurturing mother, she indiscriminately provides sustenance to all her devotees.
Maa Lakshmi in Tanjore
Gaja Lakshmi
Gaja Lakshmi offers her devotees an abundance of animal wealth. Gaja Lakshmi or “the elephant Lakshmi” is also considered to be the one born out of the fabled Samudra Manthan. Legend has it that Gaja Lakshmi helped Indra regain his lost wealth. Seen in a bright red garment with four arms, Gaja Lakshmi stands as an embodiment of power and royalty. She sits on a lotus with 4 arms, two holding lotuses, one in Abhaya Mudra (granting protection), and one in Varada Mudra (granting boons). She is always depicted with elephants beside her.
Maa Lakshmi Tanjore Painting by Sanjay Tandekar
Santana Lakshmi
Ayi, Gaja Vaahini, Moohini, Chakrini, Raagavivardhaini, Jnanamaye Gunagavaaridhi, Lokayithai Shini Sapthaswara Maya Gaanamathe, Sakala Suraasura Dheva Muneeshvara Maanavavandhitha Paadhayuthe, Jaya Jaya He, Madhusoodhana Kaamini Santhaanalakshmi, Paalayamaam
Garlanded and bedecked in jewels, Santana Lakshmi is the “Goddess of Progeny”. She possesses 6 arms, in her 5 arms she holds two pitchers of water, a shield, a lotus flower and a child, while with the sixth arm depicts Abhaya Mudra. This form of Goddess is an embodiment of creation or procreation and is for those couples who desire to have children.
Veera Lakshami or Dhariya Lakshami
Jayavaravarshini, Vaishnavi, Bhaargavi Mandhrasvaroopini, Manthramaye, Suraganapoojitha, Sreeghraphalapradha Jnaanavikaasini, Shaastramathe, Bhavabhayahaarini, Paapavimoochani Saadhujanaasritha Paadhayuthe, Jaya Jaya He, Madhusoodhana Kaamini Dhairyalakshmi, Jaya, Paalayamaam
Veera Lakshmi is the epitome of strength and valour, she blesses her worshipper with fortitude and courage. She is bedecked with ornaments and armed with weapons. In her eight arms, she carries a discus, a conch, a bow, an arrow, a trident or sword, and a scripture made of palm leaf, the remaining two hands gesture Abhaya and Varda Mudra.
Vidya Lakshmi
The word Vidya is synonymous with the right knowledge, education, skill and even wisdom. Vidya Lakshmi is akin to Goddess Saraswati, she confers wisdom upon her devotees thereby removing the darkness of ignorance. She is shown sitting on a lotus, wearing a white saree, with her four hands in which she holds, two lotuses, and the other two in Abhaya and Varda mudra.
Vijaya Lakshmi
She is revered as the Goddess who grants Vijaya or triumph in all her endeavours. She grants victory not just in wars but in every struggle, whether those are personal challenges or professional pursuits. Clothed in red, and seated on a lotus, Vijaya Lakshmi is depicted with eight hands, each hand featuring a different sign- discus, sword, shield, noose, conch, lotus, and two featuring Abhaya and Vardan Mudra.
The Tradition of Celebrating Lakshmi in India
Goddess Lakshmi in Miniature Kadam Wood Carving by Gramin Arts
According to legends, upon meeting the rain god, Lord Indra, Sage Durvasa offered him a garland. out of reverence, and Lord Indra without paying homage, took the flowers and casually placed them on the head of Airavat, his mount. The elephant threw the garland on the ground, enraging the sage. Angered by Indra’s arrogance, the sage cursed him and his kingdom, dooming it to decay.
Consequently, the Devas began to lose their vitality, their minds became corrupted, and indulgence in sensory pleasures overshadowed rightful conduct. Weakened, they were soon overpowered by the Asuras. Lord Vishnu proposed the idea of Samudra Manthan, the churning of the Milky Ocean to restore their lost power, vigour and wisdom. From this cosmic event, they received immortal nectar, Amrit, and the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi, who helped in the revival of prosperity and balance.
When Goddess Lakhsmi surfaced from the Kshir Sagar on a full bloomed lotus, she chose Lord Vishnu as her partner. The deities regained their power and Amrit, while the Asuras lost. Lakshmi is synonymous with wealth indeed, but she is not just about the attainment of wealth, but also about the intention behind the wealth. She is Chanchala, one who is fluid and ever-moving, much like the fleeting and transitory nature of money and other worldly wealth.
Vishnu, Lakshmi, Ganesha and Saraswati In Pattachitra by Purusottam Swain
In India, Lakshmi is typically celebrated during Diwali, when people worship her alongside Saraswati and Ganesha. Mantras are chanted, lamps are lit, sweets are exchanged, and people play games of chance, believing that this will invite prosperity and fortune into their homes for the coming year. Houses and premises are particularly cleaned and symbols of Lakshmi are created, as she is believed to reside in a clean environment.
Lord Vishnu with Shri Devi and Bhu Devi, Oleograph by Raja Ravi Varma (Embellished)
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