Goddess of Wealth, Fortune & Prosperity
The story where this form appears — one sitting, one face.
Lakshmi (लक्ष्मी) — "one who brings fortune" (from Sanskrit lakhyate janati yena) — is the goddess of prosperity, fortune, wealth, and abundance. She is the consort of Vishnu and is worshipped as the one who grants material and spiritual prosperity. Depicted as a beautiful woman with four arms, seated on a lotus (her vahana), holding gold coins (symbolizing wealth), a sheaf of grain (prosperity), and blessing posture. She is invoked at the start of all ventures — businesses, homes, ceremonies — and is especially worshipped during Diwali (Lakshmi Puja). There are also regional forms: Laxmi in North India, Mahalakshmi, Ashta Lakshmi (eight forms), and others.
The most famous story: Lakshmi emerged from the Samudra Manthan (churning of the cosmic ocean) along with other treasures. She appeared on a lotus, holding a pot of gold (nela). The gods and asuras fought for her, but Vishnu secured her as his consort. This established her as the treasure-guardian, the one who bestows prosperity.
In Vaishnava tradition, Lakshmi is the eternal consort of Vishnu — she accompanies him in all avatars (as Sita with Rama, as Rukmini with Krishna). She is not a separate entity but Vishnu's power (shakti) manifested as prosperity. However, she is also worshipped independently as the supreme goddess of fortune.
The tradition identifies eight forms of Lakshmi:
These eight forms cover all aspects of abundance.
Lakshmi teaches that true prosperity comes as divine gift (anugraha), not through merely human effort. The tradition does not reject effort but emphasizes that effort is effective only with divine blessing.
Despite being goddess of wealth, the tradition teaches non-attachment to wealth. Lakshmi herself is not attached to her treasures — she comes and goes. The teaching: we should use wealth for dharma, not become bound by it.
The tradition distinguishes:
Both are forms of Lakshmi, but spiritual prosperity is considered superior.
| Text | Description |
|---|---|
| Vishnu Purana | Lakshmi's origin from the Samudra Manthan |
| Bhagavata Purana | Lakshmi's descriptions and worship |
| Lakshmi Tantra | Dedicated text on Lakshmi worship |
| Skanda Purana | Ashtalakshmi descriptions |
Lakshmi Mantra:
Om Shri Mahalakshmiye Namah
Om Shrim Hrim Shrim Lakshmivijayaya Namah
Chant 108 times, preferably on Fridays or during the month of Vaishakha.
Lakshmi Puja (Basic):
Wealth Offering:
Diwali Lakshmi Puja:
Vaikuntha Ekadashi:
Offerings to the Poor:
Textual Study:
Symbolic Analysis:
Comparative Study:
Diwali (October-November) is when Lakshmi Puja is most prominent. On the night of Deepavali, households clean and decorate, install Lakshmi and Ganesha, and perform the full puja. This is the most important Lakshmi worship of the year.
In North India, the month of Vaishakha (April-May) is dedicated to Lakshmi. Business people especially worship her at this time, seeking prosperity for the new year.
Major Lakshmi temples:
