Hindu Goddess Lakshmi Idol – Facts, Symbolism, and Mantra

Posted by vivek choudhary on May 29th, 2021

As depicted in the Vedas, ‘Shri’ or ‘Lakshmi’ is the goddess of wealth and fortune, power and beauty. In her first incarnation, according to the Puranas, she was the daughter of the sage Bhrigu and his wife, Khyati. She was later born out of the ocean of milk at the time of its churning. She, being the consort of Vishnu, is born as his spouse whenever he incarnates. When he appeared as Vamana, Rama and Krishna, she appeared as Padma (or Kamala), Sita and Rukmani. She is inseparable from Vishnu as speech from meaning or knowledge from intellect or good deeds from righteousness. He represents all that is masculine, and she, all that is feminine.

What is the meaning of Lakshmi?

Goddess Lakshmi means Good Luck to Hindus. The word ‘Lakshmi’ is derived from the Sanskrit word “Laksya”, meaning ‘aim’ or ‘goal’, and she is the goddess of wealth and prosperity, both material and spiritual. Thus, she is the goddess of prosperity, wealth, purity, generosity, and the embodiment of beauty, grace and charm.

The worship of a mother goddess has been a part of Indian tradition since its earliest times. Lakshmi is one of the mother goddesses and is addressed as “mata” (mother) instead of just “Devi” (goddess). Goddess Lakshmi idol is worshipped by those who wish to acquire or preserve wealth. It is believed that Lakshmi (wealth) goes only to those houses which are clean and where the people are hardworking. She does not visit the places which are unclean/dirty or where the people are lazy.

She is the powerful energy of Vishnu. Her four hands signify her power to award the four Purusharthas (ends of human life), Dharma (righteousness), Artha (wealth), Kama (pleasures of the flesh), and Moksha (beatitude). Images of Lakshmi are also found in Jain monuments. In Buddhist sects of Tibet, Nepal and Southeast Asia, goddess Vasudhara mirrors the qualities and characteristics of the Hindu goddess Lakshmi, with lesser iconographic differences.

Goddess Lakshmi Iconography

Lakshmi Statue is usually described as enchantingly beautiful, sitting or standing on an open eight petaled lotus flower on a lake, and holding lotuses in her two hands. It is because of this, perhaps, that she is named Padma or Kamala. She is also adorned with a lotus garland. Elephants are often shown on either side, emptying pitchers of water over her, the pitchers being presented by celestial maidens. Her colour is variously described as dark, pink, golden yellow or white.

While in the company of Vishnu, she is shown with two hands only. When worshipped in a temple (separate temples for Laxmi idol are rare), she is shown seated on a lotus throne, with four hands holding Padma, Sankha, Amrtakalasa (pot of ambrosia) and Bilva fruit. Sometimes, another kind of fruit, the Mahaliilga (a citron), is shown instead of Bilva. The Cascades of gold coins are seen flowing from her hands, suggesting that those who worship her gain wealth. When shown with eight hands, bow and arrow, mace and discus are added. This is the MahaLakshmi, an aspect of Durga.