Goddess Lakshmi

Worship of the mother goddesses has been a part of Indian tradition since time immemorial. Lakshmi is one of the Indian mother goddesses and is addressed as mata (mother). Lakshmi, according to Hindu mythologies, is the Goddess of beauty and fortune. The word 'Lakshmi' is derived from the Sanskrit word Laksya, meaning 'aim' or 'goal'. She is the consort of Vishnu and his wife during each of his Incarnations.

She is the daughter of the sage Bhrigu and mother of Kama, the young god of love. When the gods were sent to exile, Lakshmi took refuge in the ocean of milk. She rose once again during the Churning of the Oceans ( Samudra Manthan).

Lakshi stands for light, beauty, good fortune and wealth. Being the consort of Vishnu, The Preserver, she is also called 'Shri' and symbolises love and grace. Lakshmi is depicted as a beautiful woman of golden complexion, with four hands, sitting or standing on a full-bloomed lotus and holding a lotus bud, which stands for beauty, purity and fertility. Her four hands represent the four ends of human life: dharma or righteousness, kama or desires, artha or wealth, and moksha or liberation from the cycle of birth and death. Cascades of gold coins are seen flowing from her hands, suggesting that those who worship her Soap gain wealth. She always wears gold embroidered red clothes. Red symbolizes activity and the golden lining indicates prosperity.

As the goddess of wealth, lakshmi is at times referred to as a certain form of abundance and is said to have eight forms in all (Ashtalakshmi): Santhanalaksmi: Wealth of Progeny, Gajalaksmi: Wealth of Animals, Dhanalaksmi: Wealth of Gold and other material wealth, Dhaanyalaksmi: Wealth of Food Grains, Veeralaksmi: Wealth of Valor, Vijayalaksmi: Wealth of Victories and Success, Mahalaksmi: Wealth of Greatness, and Aadhilaksmi.

Lakshmi is the household goddess of most Hindu families, and a favorite of women. Although she is worshipped daily, the festive month of October is Lakshmi's special month.