Lakshmi is the Hindu goddess of wealth and prosperity- the bestower of power, wealth, and sovereignty
For ages, each god and goddesses have a profound significance, especially in the Hindu Dharma. Largely the feminine power (aspects of Adi Shakti) holds great importance. They represent the supreme power of the universe and play a central role in the creation, protection, and destruction of the universe. Among them, Devi Lakshmi is the most popular Hindu goddess known as the goddess of wealth and prosperity.
The appearance of Goddess Lakshmi and its meaning
Adorned in a red saree, bedecked with gold ornaments, seated on a lotus, pot in hand, flanked by white elephants, the image of Lakshmi adorns most Hindu homes and business establishments. Lakshmi is considered to be the goddess of wealth, fortune, power, luxury, beauty, fertility, and auspiciousness. She symbolizes material fulfillment and contentment. She is described as restless, whimsical yet maternal, with her arms raised to bless and grant each desire to the fullest.
Goddess Laxmi is the divine consort of Lord Vishnu, the protector of the universe. The word Lakshmi is derived from the Sanskrit word Laksya, meaning aim, goal, objectives, etc. It means knowing one’s own goal and understanding life’s objective towards attaining both material prosperity and spiritual Enlightenment. When pleased with the purity and devotion of her worshippers, Goddess Lakshmi imparts upon them both material and spiritual prosperity.
The popularity of Lakshmi can be gauged by the fact that her sacred name—is Shri. Shri is written atop most documents and spoken before addressing a god, a teacher, a holy man, or any revered individual. The word evokes amongst other things: grace, affluence, abundance, auspiciousness, and authority. Whenever the word is spoken or written, an aura of holiness is established. Whatever follows the word is imbued with divine blessing. Just as the word ‘aum’ is associated with the mystical side of life, the word ‘Shri’ is associated with the material side of existence.
Why worshipping goddess Lakshmi is auspicious?
Devi Lakshmi is the popular goddess of wealth, abundance, and fertility. She is worshiped on the occasion of Deepawali by offering puja and chanting Lakshmi Mantras. It is believed that Lakshmi will choose the cleanest and most beautiful house on the night of the festival. Thus, devotees clean and decorate their houses with lights and garlands of flowers during the festival.
Lakshmi is the divine power that transforms dreams into reality. She is Prakriti, the perfect creation: self-sustaining, self-contained Nature. She is Maya, the delightful delusion, the dream-like expression of divinity that makes life comprehensible, hence worth living. She is Shakti, energy, boundless and bountiful.
Festival celebration and fasting for Goddess Laxmi’s blessings
Although Goddesses Lakshmi is worshipped each day, the festive month of October is observed by the Hindus as goddess Lakshmi’s special month. The festivals of Diwali and Sharad Purnima (Kojagiri Purnima) are celebrated in her honor. Diwali spiritually signifies the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, good over evil, and hope over despair.
Gaja Lakshmi Puja is another autumn festival celebrated on Sharad Purnima, in many parts of India, on the full-moon day in the month of Ashvin (September–October). The Sharad Purnima also called Kojaagari Purnima or Kumar Purnima is a harvest festival celebrated on the full moon day of the Hindu lunar month of Asvin. It marks the end of the monsoon. There is a traditional celebration of the moon and is also called the ‘Kaumudi celebration’, Kaumudi meaning moonlight. On Sharad Purnima night, goddess Lakshmi is thanked and worshipped for the harvests.
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