LakshmiAdi Shakti,[1] The Mother

Goddess,[2] Goddess of Fortune,Wealth, Love, Prosperity, Joy,Beauty, Fertility and Maya[3]

Member of Tridevi

Raja Ravi Varma's Gaja Lakshmi

Othernames

Sri, Narayani,Bhagavati, Māyā,[4]

Padmā, Kamalā,Hemā, Vaishnavi

Devanagari ल�मी

Affiliation Devi, Tridevi, AshtaLakshmi, Durga

Abode Vaikuntha

Mantra ।।ॐ �� ��य� नमः ।।

Symbols Padma, gold, coins,elephants, etc.

Mount Owl, Elephant orLion[5][6][7][8]

Festivals Diwali (Lakshmi Puja),Navratri, Sharad

Lakshmi

Lakshmi (/ˈlʌkʃmi/; Sanskrit: ल�मी, IAST: Lakṣhmī; or Lakṣmī; (lit.'goddess who leads to one's lakshya or goal'), also known as Sri (lit.'Noble goddess')[10] and Akshara (lit. 'Imperishable'),[11][12][13] isone of the principle goddesses in Hinduism. She is the goddess ofwealth, fortune, love, beauty, Māyā (Yogamaya,[14] Mahamaya,[15]

Vishnumaya[16]), joy and prosperity. Lakshmi is considered as prakritiand Vishnu as purusha within Vaishnavism, one of the majortraditions within contemporary Hinduism. She is the Mother goddessin Hinduism, and has many attributes and aspects.[17][18] Along withParvati and Saraswati, she forms the trinity of Hindu goddesses(Tridevi).[19]

Lakshmi is both the wife and divine energy (shakti) of the Hindu godVishnu, who according to Vaishnavism is the protector, the destroyerand regenerator of the universe and all life.[9] Lakshmi as prakriti(Mahalakshmi) is identified with three forms, Sri, Bhu and Durga andassist Lord Vishnu (purusha) during the creation, sustenance, anddestruction of the entire universe.[20] There are eight prominentmanifestations of Lakshmi which symbolizes the eight sources ofwealth which governs the life of all human beings known as theAshta Lakshmi. In each manifestation she fulfills certain necessitiesand desires of human beings.[21][22]

Whenever Vishnu descended on the earth as an avatar, Lakshmiaccompanied him as wife, assuming forms appropriate to theseavatars. Dashavatara are the ten primary avataras (incarnations) ofVishnu. According to Vishnu Purana, in Vishnu's most importantavatars Rama and Krishna, Lakshmi descended as Sita andRukmini.[23]

Lakshmi is depicted in Indian art as an elegantly dressed, prosperity-showering golden-coloured woman with an owl as her vehicle,signifying the importance of economic activity in maintenance of life,her ability to move, work and prevail in confusing darkness.[24] Shetypically stands or sits like a yogini on a lotus pedestal, while holdinga lotus in her hand, symbolizing fortune, self-knowledge, and spiritualliberation.[25][26] Her iconography shows her with four hands, whichrepresent the four aspects of human life important to Hindu culture:dharma, kāma, artha, and moksha.[27][28]

Archaeological discoveries and ancient coins suggest the recognitionand reverence for Lakshmi existing by the 1st millenniumBCE.[29][30] Lakshmi's iconography and statues have also been foundin Hindu temples throughout Southeast Asia, estimated to be from the

Purnima, VaralakshmiVratam

Personal information

Siblings Jyestha or Alakshmi

Consort Vishnu[9]

Children Kamadeva (accordingto some texts)

Equivalents

Manipuriequivalent

Emoinu

second half of the 1st millennium CE.[31][32] The festivals of Diwaliand Sharad Purnima (Kojagiri Purnima) are celebrated in herhonor.[33]

EtymologyIn Hindu text

Symbolism and iconographyNamesAncient literature on Lakshmi

UpanishadsStotram and sutrasPuranasSubhasita, Genomic and Didactic Literature

Manifestations and aspectsPrimary ManifestationsSecondary manifestationsJain tradition

Creation and legendsCelebration in Hindu societyHymnsArchaeologyIn other culturesRelated goddesses

ChinaJapanTibet and NepalBali (Indonesia)

See alsoReferences

Bibliography

Further readingExternal links

Lakshmi in Sanskrit is derived from the root word lakṣ (ल�्) and lakṣa (ल�), meaning 'to perceive, observe,know, understand' and 'goal, aim, objective', respectively.[34] These roots give Lakshmi the symbolism: knowand understand your goal.[35] A related term is lakṣaṇa, which means 'sign, target, aim, symbol, attribute,quality, lucky mark, auspicious opportunity'.[36]

Contents

Etymology

Shri Lakshmi lustrated by elephants,Uttar Pradesh, Kausambi, 1stcentury B.C.

A painting of Lakshmi on the inner walls ofthe Tanjore Big temple.

Goddess Lakshmi

Bharhut Stupa, circa110 BCE

Coins of Gandhara,1st century BCE

Coinage of GuptaEmpire

Cambodia

Lakshmi (Lakṣmī) is one of many Hindu deities whose meaning andsignificance evolved in ancient Sanskrit texts.[37] Lakshmi ismentioned once in Rigveda, in which the name is used to mean'kindred mark, sign of auspicious fortune'.

भ�ैषां ल�मी�न��हता�ध वा�चbhadraiṣāṁlakṣmīrnihitādhi vāci

"an auspicious fortune isattached to their words"

—Rig Veda, x.71.2 —translated by John Muir[37]

In Atharva Veda, transcribed about 1000 BCE, Lakshmi evolves into a complex concept with pluralmanifestations. Book 7, Chapter 115 of Atharva Veda describes the plurality, asserting that a hundredLakshmis are born with the body of a mortal at birth, some good, punya ('virtuous') and auspicious, whileothers bad, paapi ('evil') and unfortunate. The good are welcomed, while the bad urged to leave.[37] Theconcept and spirit of Lakshmi and her association with fortune and the good is significant enough that AtharvaVeda mentions it in multiple books: for example, in Book 12, Chapter 5 as punya Lakshmi.[38] In somechapters of Atharva Veda, Lakshmi connotes the good, an auspicious sign, good luck, good fortune,prosperity, success and happiness.[3]

Later, Lakshmi is referred to as the goddess of fortune, identifiedwith Sri and regarded as wife of Viṣṇu (Nārāyaṇa).[3] Forexample, in Shatapatha Brahmana, variously estimated to becomposed between 800 BCE and 300 BCE, Sri (Lakshmi) is partof one of many theories, in ancient India, about the creation ofuniverse. In Book 9 of Shatapatha Brahmana, Sri emerges fromPrajapati, after his intense meditation on creation of life and natureof universe. Sri is described as a resplendent and trembling womanat her birth with immense energy and powers.[37] The gods arebewitched, desire her and immediately become covetous of her.The gods approach Prajapati and request permission to kill her andthen take her powers, talents and gifts. Prajapati refuses, tells thegods that males should not kill females and that they can seek hergifts without violence.[39] The gods then approach Lakshmi, deityAgni gets food, Soma gets kingly authority, Varuna gets imperialauthority, Mitra acquires martial energy, Indra gets force,Brihaspati gets priestly authority, Savitri acquires dominion,Pushan gets splendour, Saraswati takes nourishment and Tvashtri

In Hindu text

Vietnam, 10th centuryMalaysia

Lakshmi is one of the trinity of Hindugoddesses. Her iconography is foundin ancient and modern Hindu temples.

Bas relief of GajaLakshmi at the BuddhistSanchi Stupa, Stupa I, North gateway,Satavahana dynasty sculpture, 1stcentury CE.[42]

gets forms.[37] The hymns of Shatapatha Brahmana thus describeSri as a goddess born with and personifying a diverse range oftalents and powers.

According to another legend, she emerges during the creation ofuniverse, floating over the water on the expanded petals of a lotusflower; she is also variously regarded as wife of Dharma, motherof Kāma, sister or mother of Dhātṛ and Vidhātṛ, wife ofDattatreya, one of the nine Shaktis of Viṣṇu, a manifestation ofPrakṛti as identified with Dākshāyaṇī in Bharatasrama and asSita, wife of Rama.[3][40]:103–12

In the Epics of Hinduism, such as in Mahabharata, Lakshmi personifies wealth, riches, happiness, loveliness,grace, charm and splendour.[3] In another Hindu legend, about the creation of universe as described inRamayana,[41] Lakshmi springs with other precious things from the foam of the ocean of milk when it ischurned by the gods and demons for the recovery of Amṛta. She appeared with a lotus in her hand and so sheis also called Padmā.[3][40]:108–11

Lakshmi is a member of the Tridevi, the triad of great goddesses.She represents the Rajas guna, and the Iccha-shakti.[43][44]

The image, icons, and sculptures of Lakshmi are representedwith symbolism. Her name is derived from Sanskrit root wordsfor knowing the goal and understanding the objective.[35] Herfour arms are symbolic of the four goals of humanity that areconsidered good in Hinduism: dharma (pursuit of ethical, morallife), artha (pursuit of wealth, means of life), kama (pursuit oflove, emotional fulfillment), and moksha (pursuit of self-knowledge, liberation).[28][45]

In Lakshmi's iconography, she is either sitting or standing on alotus and typically carrying a lotus in one or two hands. The lotuscarries symbolic meanings in Hinduism and other Indian

traditions. It symbolises knowledge, self-realisation, and liberation in Vedic context, and represents reality,consciousness and karma ('work, deed') in the Tantra (Sahasrara) context.[46] The lotus, a flower that bloomsin clean or dirty water, also symbolises purity regardless of the good or bad circumstances in which it grows. Itis a reminder that good and prosperity can bloom and not be affected by evil in one's surrounding.[47][48] TheGupta period sculpture used to associated lion with Lakshmi but was later attributed to Durga or a combinedform of both goddesses.[49][8]

Below, behind, or on the sides, Lakshmi is very often shown with one or two elephants, known asGajalakshmi, and occasionally with an owl.[24] Elephants symbolise work, activity and strength, as well aswater, rain and fertility for abundant prosperity.[50] The owl signifies the patient striving to observe, see anddiscover knowledge particularly when surrounded by darkness. As a bird reputedly blinded by daylight, theowl also serves as a symbolic reminder to refrain from blindness and greed after knowledge and wealth hasbeen acquired.[51]

In some representations, wealth either symbolically pours out from one of her hands or she simply holds a jarof money. This symbolism has a dual meaning: wealth manifested through Lakshmi means both materials aswell as spiritual wealth.[46] Her face and open hands are in a mudra that signifies compassion, giving or dāna

Symbolism and iconography

Manuscript painting of Gaja-Lakshmi, ca1780 AD.

Gaja Lakshmi, Cambodia, ca. 944-968

('charity').[45]

Lakshmi typically wears a red dress embroidered with goldenthreads, symbolizes fortune and wealth. She, goddess of wealthand prosperity, is often represented with her husband Vishnu, thegod who maintains human life filled with justice and peace. Thissymbolism implies wealth and prosperity is coupled withmaintenance of life, justice, and peace.[46]

In Japan, where Lakshmi is known as Kisshōten, she iscommonly depicted with the Nyoihōju gem (如意宝珠) in herhand.

Lakshmi has numerous names and numerous ancient Stotram andSutras of Hinduism recite her various names:[52][53]

Padmā: She of the lotus (she who is mounted upon ordwelling in a lotus)Kamalā or Kamalatmika: She of the lotusPadmapriyā: Lotus-loverPadmamālādhāra Devī: Goddess bearing a garland oflotusesPadmamukhī: Lotus-faced (she whose face is as likeas a lotus)Padmākṣī: Lotus-eyed (she whose eyes are asbeautiful as a lotus)Padmahasta: Lotus-hand (she whose hand is holding [a] lotus[es])Padmasundarī: She who is as beautiful as a lotusSri: Radiance, eminence, splendor, wealthŚrījā: Jatika of SriViṣṇupriyā: Lover of Vishnu (she who is the beloved of Vishnu)Ulūkavāhinī: Owl-mounted (she who is riding an owl)Nandika: The one who gives pleasure, vessel made up of clay and Vishnupriya (she who is thebeloved of Vishnu)

Her other names include:[52] Aishwarya, Akhila, Anagha, Anumati, Apara, Aruna, Atibha, Avashya, Bala,Bhargavi, Bhudevi, Chakrika, Chanchala, Devi, Haripriya, Indira, Jalaja, Jambhavati, Janamodini, Jyoti,Jyotsna, Kalyani, Kamalika, Ketki, Kriyalakshmi, Kuhu, Lalima, Madhavi, Madhu, Malti, Manushri,Nandika, Nandini, Nila Devi, Nimeshika, Parama, Prachi, Purnima, Ramaa, Rukmini, Samruddhi,Satyabhama, Shreeya, Sita, Smriti, Sridevi, Sujata, Swarna Kamala, Taruni, Tilottama, Tulasi, Vaishnavi,Vasuda, Vedavati, Vidya, and Viroopa.

Names

Ancient literature on Lakshmi

Upanishads

Hindu Goddess Lakshmi

Shakta Upanishads are dedicated to the Trinity (Tridevi) of goddesses—Lakshmi, Saraswati and Parvati.Saubhagyalakshmi Upanishad describes the qualities, characteristics and powers of Lakshmi.[54] In the secondpart of the Upanishad, the emphasis shifts to the use of yoga and transcendence from material craving in orderto achieve spiritual knowledge and self-realisation, the true wealth.[55][56] Saubhagya-Lakshmi Upanishadsynonymously uses Sri to describe Lakshmi.[54]

Numerous ancient Stotram and Sutras of Hinduism recite hymns dedicated to Lakshmi.[52] She is a majorgoddess in Puranas and Itihasa of Hinduism. In ancient scriptures of India, all women are declared to beembodiments of Lakshmi. For example:[52]

Every woman is an embodiment of you. You exist as little girls in their childhood, As young women in their youth And as elderly women in their old age.

— Sri Kamala Stotram

Every woman is an emanation of you.

— Sri Daivakrta Laksmi Stotram

Ancient prayers dedicated to Lakshmi seek both material andspiritual wealth in prayers.[52]

Through illusion,A person can become disconnected,From his higher self,Wandering about from place to place,Bereft of clear thought,Lost in destructive behaviour.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....

Lakshmi features prominently in Puranas of Hinduism. Vishnu Purana, in particular, dedicates many sectionsto her and also refers to her as Sri.[57] J. A. B. van Buitenen translates passages describing Lakshmi in VishnuPurana:[57]

Stotram and sutras

Puranas

Sculpture of Lord Vishnu & GoddessLakshmi at Hoysaleswara Temple atHalebidu

Vishnu resting on the ocean accompaniedby Lakshmi

Sri, loyal to Vishnu, is the mother of the world. Vishnu isthe meaning, Sri is the speech. She is the conduct, he thebehavior. Vishnu is knowledge, she the insight. He isdharma, she the virtuous action. She is the earth, heearth's upholder. She is contentment, he the satisfaction.She wishes, he is the desire. Sri is the sky, Vishnu theSelf of everything. He is the moon, she the light of moon.He is the ocean, she is the shore.

Lakshmi, along with Parvati and Saraswati, is a subject of extensiveSubhashita, genomic and didactic literature of India.[58] Composed inthe 1st millennium BC through the 16th century AD, they are shortpoems, proverbs, couplets, or aphorisms in Sanskrit written in aprecise meter. They sometimes take the form of dialogue betweenLakshmi and Vishnu or highlight the spiritual message in Vedas andethical maxims from Hindu Epics through Lakshmi.[58] An exampleSubhashita is Puranartha Samgraha, compiled by Vekataraya inSouth India, where Lakshmi and Vishnu discuss niti ('right, moralconduct') and rajaniti ('statesmanship' or 'right governance')—covering in 30 chapters and ethical and moral questions about

personal, social and political life.[58]:22

Devi Lakshmi is worshipped as:

Ambabai in the Kolhapur Shakti peetha,Mookambika in Kollur (Karnataka),Bhagavathi in Chottanikkara Temple (Kerala),Sri Kanaka Maha Lakshmi in Vishakhapatnam.

In eastern India, Lakshmi is seen as a Devi. Lakshmi, Saraswati,and Parvati are typically conceptualised as distinct in most ofIndia, but in states such as West Bengal and Odisha, they areregionally believed to be forms of Durga.[59]

In Vaishnava tradition, Lakshmi is considered as Prakriti(Mahalakshmi) and is identified with three form — Sri, Bhu andDurga. The three forms consists of Satva ('goodness'),[3] rajas,and tamas ('darkness') gunas,[60] and assists Vishnu (Purusha) increation, preservation and destruction of the entire universe. InVedas, the Śrī Sūkta, Bhu Sūkta and Ratri Sūkta are dedicated tothese three forms of Lakshmi respectively.[21][61][62]

Subhasita, Genomic and Didactic Literature

Manifestations and aspects

Primary Manifestations

Murti of Sri Lakshmi and her owl Vahana,Uluka.

Ashta Lakshmi murti worshipped in a Goludisplay during Dusshera.

In South India, Lakshmi is seen in two forms, Sridevi and Bhudevi, both at the sides of Sri Venkateshwara orVishnu. Bhudevi is the representation and totality of the material world or energy, called the Apara Prakriti, orMother Earth; Sridevi is the spiritual world or energy called the Prakriti.[9][63] According to Lakshmi Tantra,Nila Devi, one of the manifestations or incarnations of Lakshmi is the third wife of Vishnu.[64][65] In Durgaform she represents the power to fight, conquer and punish the demons and anti-gods. Lakshmi killedMahishasura in her incarnation form of durga and hence she is known by the name MahishasuraMardhini.[66][67]

Inside temples, Lakshmi is often shown together with Krishna. In certain parts of India, Lakshmi plays aspecial role as the mediator between her husband Vishnu and his worldly devotees. When asking Vishnu forgrace or forgiveness, the devotees often approach Him through the intermediary presence of Lakshmi.[68] Sheis also the personification of spiritual fulfillment.[69] Lakshmi embodies the spiritual world, also known asVaikunta, the abode of Lakshmi-Narayana or what would be considered heaven in Vaishnavism. Lakshmi isthe embodiment of the creative energy of Vishnu,[70] and primordial Prakriti who creates the universe.[71]

In South India, she is also worshipped as Andal, an incarnation of Lakshmi.[72]

Ashta Lakshmi (Sanskrit: अ�ल�मी, Aṣṭalakṣmī, 'eight Lakshmis') is a group of eight secondary manifestationsof Lakshmi. The Ashta Lakshmi preside over eight sources of wealth and thus represent the eight powers ofShri Lakshmi. Temples dedicated to Ashta Lakshmi are found in Tamil Nadu, such as Ashtalakshmi Kovilnear Chennai and in many other states of India.[73]

Ashta Lakshmi

Adi Lakshmi The First manifestation of Lakshmi

Dhanya Lakshmi Granary Wealth

Veera Lakshmi Wealth of Courage

Gaja Lakshmi Elephants spraying water, wealth of fertility,rains and food.[74]

Santana Lakshmi Wealth of Continuity, Progeny

Vidya Lakshmi Wealth of Knowledge and Wisdom

Vijaya Lakshmi Wealth of Victory

Dhana / AishwaryaLakshmi Wealth of prosperity and fortune

Other secondary representations of the goddess include Lakshmimanifesting in three forms: Sri Devi, Bhudevi and Nila Devi.This threefold goddess can be found, for example, in Sri BhuNeela Sahita Temple near Dwaraka Tirumala, Andhra Pradesh,and in Adinath Swami Temple in Tamil Nadu.[75]

In Nepal, Mahalakshmi is shown with 18 hands, each holding asacred emblem, expressing a sacred gesture, or forming a mudra(lotus, pot, mudra of blessing, book, rosary, bell, shield, bow,arrow, sword, trident, mudra of admonition, noose, skull cap and kettledrum.)[76] In this representation,Mahalakshmi manifests as a kind, compassionate, tranquil deity sitting not on a lotus, but on a lion.[76]

Secondary manifestations

Gaja Lakshmi at ShravanabelagolaTemple, Karnataka.

A manuscript depicting SamudraManthan, with Lakshmi emerging with thelotus in her hands.

Some Jain temples also depict Sri Lakshmi as a goddess of artha('wealth') and kama ('pleasure'). For example, she is exhibitedwith Vishnu in Parshvanatha Jain Temple at the KhajurahoMonuments of Madhya Pradesh,[77] where she is shown pressedagainst Vishnu's chest, while Vishnu cups a breast in his palm.The presence of Vishnu-Lakshmi iconography in a Jain templebuilt near the Hindu temples of Khajuraho, suggests the sharingand acceptance of Lakshmi across a spectrum of Indianreligions.[77] This commonality is reflected in the praise ofLakshmi found in the Jain text Kalpa Sūtra.[78]

Devas (gods) and asuras (demons) were both mortal at one timein Hinduism. Amrita, the divine nectar that grants immortality,could only be obtained by churning Kshirasagar ('Ocean ofMilk'). The devas and asuras both sought immortality anddecided to churn the Kshirasagar with Mount Mandhara. Thesamudra manthan commenced with the devas on one side and theasuras on the other. Vishnu incarnated as Kurma, the tortoise anda mountain was placed on the tortoise as a churning pole. Vasuki,the great venom-spewing serpent-god, was wrapped around themountain and used to churn the ocean. A host of divine celestialobjects came up during the churning. Along with them emergedthe goddess Lakshmi. In some versions, she is said to bedaughter of the sea god since she emerged from the sea.[79]

In Garuda Purana, Linga Purana and Padma Purana, Lakshmi issaid to have been born as daughter of the divine sage Bhrigu andhis wife Khyati and was named Bhargavi. According to VishnuPurana, the universe was created when the devas and asuraschurn the cosmic Kshirasagar. Lakshmi came out of the oceanbearing lotus, along with divine cow Kamadhenu, Varuni, Parijattree, Apsaras, Chandra (the moon), and Dhanvantari with Amrita('nectar of immortality'). When she appeared, she had a choice togo to Devas or Asuras. She chose Devas' side and among thirtydeities, she chose to be with Vishnu. Thereafter, in all three worlds, the lotus-bearing goddess wascelebrated.[57]

Many Hindus worship Lakshmi on Diwali, the festival of lights.[82] It is celebrated in autumn, typicallyOctober or November every year.[83] The festival spiritually signifies the victory of light over darkness,knowledge over ignorance, good over evil and hope over despair.[84]

Before Diwali night, people clean, renovate and decorate their homes and offices.[85] On Diwali night, Hindusdress up in new clothes or their best outfits, light up diyas (lamps and candles) inside and outside their home,and participate in family puja (prayers) typically to Lakshmi. After puja, fireworks follow,[86] then a family

Jain tradition

Creation and legends

Celebration in Hindu society

Diwali celebrations include puja(prayers) to Lakshmi and Ganesha.Lakshmi is of the Vaishnavismtradition, while Ganesha of theShaivism tradition ofHinduism.[80][81]

feast including mithai (sweets), and an exchange of gifts betweenfamily members and close friends. Diwali also marks a majorshopping period, since Lakshmi connotes auspiciousness, wealth andprosperity.[87] This festival dedicated to Lakshmi is considered byHindus to be one of the most important and joyous festivals of theyear.

Gaja Lakshmi Puja is another autumn festival celebrated on SharadPurnima in many parts of India on the full-moon day in the month ofAshvin (October).[33] Sharad Purnima, also called Kojaagari Purnimaor Kuanr Purnima, is a harvest festival marking the end of monsoonseason. There is a traditional celebration of the moon called theKaumudi celebration, Kaumudi meaning moonlight.[88] On SharadPurnima night, goddess Lakshmi is thanked and worshipped for theharvests. Vaibhav Lakshmi Vrata is observed on Friday forprosperity.[89]

Countless hymns, prayers, shlokas, stotra, songs, and legends dedicated to Mahalakshmi are recited during theritual worship of Lakshmi.[52] These include:[90]

Sri Lalitha Sahasranamam,Sri Mahalakshmi Ashtakam,Sri Lakshmi Sahasaranama Stotra (by Sanath kumara),Sri Stuti (by Sri Vedantha Desikar),Sri Lakshmi Stuti (by Indra),Sri Kanakadhāra Stotram (by Sri Adi Shankara),Sri Chatussloki (by Sri Yamunacharya),Narayani Stuti,Devi Mahatmyam Middle episode,Argala Stotra,Sri Lakshmi Sloka (by Bhagavan Sri Hari Swamiji), andSri Sukta, which is contained in the Vedas and includes Lakshmi Gayatri Mantra ("Om ShreeMahalakshmyai ca vidmahe Vishnu patnyai ca dheemahi tanno Lakshmi prachodayat Om").

A representation of the goddess as Gaja Lakshmi or Lakshmi flanked by two elephants spraying her withwater, is one of the most frequently found in archaeological sites.[29][30] An ancient sculpture of Gaja Lakshmi(from Sonkh site at Mathura) dates to the pre-Kushan Empire era.[29] Atranjikhera site in modern UttarPradesh has yielded terracotta plaque with images of Lakshmi dating to 2nd century BCE. Otherarchaeological sites with ancient Lakshmi terracotta figurines from the 1st millennium BCE include Vaisali,Sravasti, Kausambi, Campa, and Candraketugadh.[30]

The goddess Lakshmi is frequently found in ancient coins of various Hindu kingdoms from Afghanistan toIndia. Gaja Lakshmi has been found on coins of Scytho-Parthian kings Azes II and Azilises; she also appearson Shunga Empire king Jyesthamitra era coins, both dating to 1st millennium BCE. Coins from 1st through4th century CE found in various locations in India such as Ayodhya, Mathura, Ujjain, Sanchi, Bodh Gaya,

Hymns

Archaeology

Greek-influenced statue of GajaLakshmi, holding lotus andcornucopia, flanked by twoelephants and two lions. FromKashmir, 6th century AD.

Kanauj, all feature Lakshmi.[91] Similarly, ancient Greco-Indian gemsand seals with images of Lakshmi have been found, estimated to be from1st millennium BCE.[92]

A 1400-year-old rare granite sculpture of Lakshmi has been recovered atthe Waghama village along Jehlum in Anantnag district of Jammu andKashmir.[93]

The Pompeii Lakshmi, a statuette supposedly thought to be of Lakshmifound in Pompeii, Italy, dates to before the eruption of Vesuvius in 79CE.[94]

She is also an important deity in Jainism and found in Jaintemples.[95][96] Additionally, in Buddhism, she has been viewed as aGoddess of abundance and fortune, and is represented on the oldestsurviving stupas and cave temples of Buddhism.[97][98] In Buddhist sectsof Tibet, Nepal, and Southeast Asia, Lakshmi Goddess Vasudharamirrors the characteristics and attributes of the Hindu Goddess, withminor iconographic differences.[99]

In China, Lakshmi's name is written as Lāhākxīmǐ (�克希⽶; 'competed-gain hope rice').

The Japanese goddess of fortune and prosperity, Kishijoten (吉祥天 , 'Auspicious Heavens'), corresponds toLakshmi.[100] Kishijoten is considered the sister of Bishamon (毘沙⾨, also known as Tamon or Bishamon-ten), who protects human life, fights evil, and brings good fortune. In ancient and medieval Japan, Kishijotenwas the goddess worshiped for luck and prosperity, particularly on behalf of children. Kishijoten was also theguardian goddess of Geishas.

While Bishamon and Kishijoten are found in ancient Chinese and Japanese Buddhist literature, their rootshave been traced to deities in Hinduism.[100]

In Tibetan Buddhism, Lakshmi is an important deity, especially in the Gelug School. She has both peacefuland wrathful forms; the latter form is known as Palden Lhamo, Shri Devi Dudsol Dokam, orKamadhatvishvari, and is the principal female protector of (Gelug) Tibetan Buddhism and of Lhasa, Tibet.

Goddess Vasudhara in Tibetan and Nepalese culture is closely analogous to goddess Lakshmi as well.[99]

In other cultures

Related goddesses

China

Japan

Tibet and Nepal

Bali (Indonesia)

Goddess Lakshmi is closely linked to Dewi Sri, who is worshipped in Bali as the goddess of fertility andagriculture.

Ashta LakshmiDeepalakshmiDoddagaddavalliMahalakshmi Temple, KolhapurHindu goddessLakshmi NarayanStar of LakshmiTridevi

1. Vanamali (21 July 2008). Shakti: Realm of the Divine Mother (https://books.google.com/books?id=3FwoDwAAQBA). Simon and Schuster. ISBN 978-1594777851.

2. Dave Symmons (1998). This is Hinduism (https://books.google.com/books?id=A9xl-aKH7EgC). Nelson Thornes Publishing. p. 20. ISBN 978-0748730933.

3. lakṣmī (http://faculty.washington.edu/prem/mw/l.html) Archived (https://web.archive.org/web/20150520235132/http://faculty.washington.edu/prem/mw/l.html) 20 May 2015 at the WaybackMachine, Monier-Williams' Sanskrit–English Dictionary, University of Washington Archives

4. Lochtefeld, James G. (2002). The illustrated encyclopedia of Hinduism (http://archive.org/details/illustratedencyc0000loch). Internet Archive. New York : Rosen. ISBN 978-0-8239-2287-1.

5. Jackie Menzies (2006). Goddess: Divine Energy (https://books.google.com/books?id=pzLqAAAAMAAJ). Art Gallery of New South Wales. p. 113.

6. Mihindukalasūrya Ār. Pī. Susantā Pranāndu (2005). Rituals, Folk Beliefs, and Magical Arts ofSri Lanka (https://books.google.com/books?id=h94SAQAAIAAJ). Susan International. p. 228.ISBN 9789559631835. "Lion: It was a 'vahana' of Lakshmi, the Goddess of Prosperity, and ofParvati, the wife of Siva."

7. D. R. Rajeswari (1989). Sakti Iconography (https://books.google.com/books?id=wK-fAAAAMAAJ). Intellectual Publishing House. p. 22. ISBN 9788170760153. "In some places Gazalakshmialso has been given Lion as her Vahana. In South India Vara Lakshmi, one of the forms of eightLakshmis is having Lion as her Vahana. In Rameshwaram also for Veera Lakshmi Lion isVahana. She carries Trisula, Sphere, Sankha, Chakr, and abhaya and Varada mudras."

8. Journal, Volumes 6-7 (https://books.google.com/books?id=Adk7AQAAIAAJ). Asiatic Society(Kolkata, India). 1964. p. 96. "From the occurrence of cornucopiae, lotus flower and lion mountthe goddess has been described as Lakshmi - Ambikā — a composite icon combining theconcepts of Śrī or Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity, and Ambikā, the mother aspect ofDurga."

9. Anand Rao (2004). Soteriologies of India (https://books.google.com/books?id=UxGEy6m4N9kC&pg=PA167). LIT Verlag Münster. p. 167. ISBN 978-3-8258-7205-2. Archived (https://web.archive.org/web/20181226035521/https://books.google.com/books?id=UxGEy6m4N9kC&pg=PA167) from the original on 26 December 2018. Retrieved 22 September 2016.

10. Coulter, Charles Russell; Turner, Patricia (4 July 2013). Encyclopedia of Ancient Deities (https://books.google.com/books?id=sEIngqiKOugC&q=lakshmi+also+known+as+sri&pg=PA285).ISBN 9781135963903.

See also

References

11. The Vedanta Kesari, Volume 70 (https://books.google.com/books?id=5MXWAAAAMAAJ). SriRamakrishna Math. 1983. p. 437. "The word akshara refers to Lakshmi . She has aprakrtabody, there is no destruction for it hence she is named akshara."

12. Vishvesha Tirtha (1983). Gita Saroddhara (https://books.google.com/books?id=PiUqAAAAYAAJ). Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan. p. 151.

13. Epigraphia Indica, Volume 40, Part 1 (https://books.google.com/books?id=PiUqAAAAYAAJ).Manager of Publications. 1986. "The akshara was originally engraved as Lakshmi."

14. Princess Gouri Lakshmi Bayi (1998). Thulasi Garland (https://books.google.com/books?id=5lcvAAAAYAAJ). Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan. p. 286. ISBN 9788172761103. "Here the Lord isinvoked to the night ' s sleep which is Yoga Nidra itself along with Sree Lakshmi Devi as YogaMaya."

15. Yoganand Sinha (1996). Mahamaya-- Womb of the Universe (https://books.google.com/books?id=PQx_lKBZcDQC). Michigan State University. p. 238.

16. V. R. Parthasarathy; Indu Parthasarathy (2009). Devi: Goddesses in Indian Art and Literature (https://books.google.com/books?id=EyAoAQAAIAAJ). Bharatiya Kala Prakashan. p. 73.ISBN 9788180902031. "Lakshmi was perceived as the shakti of Vishnu who was essential forcreation and destruction . The two epithets of the goddess, namely Vishnumaya and Yoganidrarefer to these two aspects of shakti – namely the creative and the latent."

17. Upendra Nath Dhal (1978). Goddess Laksmi: Origin and Development (https://books.google.com/books?id=pSQKAQAAIAAJ). Oriental Publishers & Distributors. p. 109. "Goddess Lakşmī isstated as the genetrix of the world; she maintains them as a mother ought to do . So she is oftencalled as the Mātā."

18. Sashi Bhusan Dasgupta (2004). Evolution of Mother Worship in India (https://books.google.com/books?id=NbtiDwAAQBAJ&pg=PT20). Advaita Ashrama (A Publication House ofRamakrishna Math, Belur Math). p. 20. ISBN 9788175058866.

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the 12th Century (https://books.google.com/books?id=Pq2iCwAAQBAJ&pg=PA438). PearsonEducation India. p. 438. ISBN 978-81-317-1677-9. Archived (https://web.archive.org/web/20200113185415/https://books.google.com/books?id=Pq2iCwAAQBAJ&pg=PA438) from theoriginal on 13 January 2020. Retrieved 15 December 2019.

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95. Vidya Dehejia (2013). The Body Adorned: Sacred and Profane in Indian Art (https://books.google.com/books?id=tkDk5QllVRoC&pg=PA151). Columbia University Press. p. 151. ISBN 978-0-231-51266-4. "The Vishnu-Lakshmi imagery on the Jain temple speaks of the close linksbetween various Indian belief systems and the overall acceptance by each of the valuesadopted by the other"

96. Robert S. Ellwood; Gregory D. Alles (2007). The Encyclopedia of World Religions (https://books.google.com/books?id=1pGbdI4L0qsC&pg=PA262). Infobase Publishing. p. 262. ISBN 978-1-4381-1038-7. Archived (https://web.archive.org/web/20170706014649/https://books.google.com/books?id=1pGbdI4L0qsC&pg=PA262) from the original on 6 July 2017. Retrieved15 October 2016.

97. Wangu, Madhu Bazaz (2003). Images of Indian Goddesses: Myths, Meanings, and Models (https://web.archive.org/web/20190422103556/https://books.google.com/books?id=k8y-vKtqCmIC&pg=PA57). p. 57. ISBN 9788170174165. Archived from the original (https://books.google.com/books?id=k8y-vKtqCmIC&pg=PA57) on 22 April 2019. "The Goddess Lakshmi in Buddhist Art:The goddess of abundance and good fortune, Lakshmi, reflected the accumulated wealth andfinancial independence of the Buddhist monasteries. Her image became one of the popularvisual themes carved on their monuments."

98. Heinrich Robert Zimmer (2015). Myths and Symbols in Indian Art and Civilization (https://books.google.com/books?id=5IYVBgAAQBAJ). Princeton University Press. p. 92. ISBN 978-1-4008-6684-7. Archived (https://web.archive.org/web/20170906092006/https://books.google.com/books?id=5IYVBgAAQBAJ) from the original on 6 September 2017. Retrieved 15 October2016.

99. Shaw, Miranda. 2006. "Chapter 13." Pp. 258–62 in Buddhist Goddesses of India. PrincetonUniversity Press. ISBN 978-0691127583.

00. Charles Russell Coulter; Patricia Turner (2013). Encyclopedia of Ancient Deities (https://books.google.com/books?id=sEIngqiKOugC). Routledge. pp. 102, 285, 439. ISBN 978-1-135-96390-3. p. 102: "Kishijoten, a goddess of luck who corresponds to Lakshmi, the Indian goddess offortune..."

Bibliography

Further reading

External links

Kashmiri Overseas Association, Inc – Goddess Lakshmi (http://www.koausa.org/Gods/God6.html)

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