Laxmi Goddess: Why Hindus Worship Laxmi?

ABOUT GODDESS LAKSHMI

Goddess Lakshmi is the Vedic deity who holds a principal place in the Hindu Pantheon. She epitomises wealth, auspiciousness, fortune and prosperity. She is the divine consort of Lord Vishnu. All the auspicious elements of nature are associated with Her. The word ‘Lakshmi’ is a Sanskrit word which is obtained from its fundamental form lakS which means 'to perceive or observe'. Also, this word forms a synonym for the Sanskrit with lakṣya, which means 'aim' or 'objective'.

Goddess Lakshmi is also addressed as ‘Sri’, which is a sacred name that evokes grace, abundance, opulence, authority and auspiciousness. Just the way the mystic life is associated with word ‘aum’ similarly, the material side of existence is associated with the word ‘shri’. Also, if you have noticed, God, holy men, Guru and other Holy men, they are often referred to as ‘Shree’. The word Sri or Shree, when spoken or written, establishes a divine aura of holiness, it is believed that anything that follows this word is said to be imbued with the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi.

SIGNIFICANCE OF GODDESS LAKSHMI

It is given in the Shatapatha Brahmana (a Vedic treatise on the preparations for rites and rituals) that the original form of Lakshmi is Sri which is the auspicious energy (consort) of Lord Vishnu. It is from Sri that Gods derive their powers to execute their aims (Lakshya) in the matter of cosmic maintenance. Therefore the purpose (Lakshya) of human birth is also associated with Sri or Lakshmi. In a deeper sense, one’s ultimate aim in Life is to realise one’s own divinity, but only after one has realized that one is abundant and supported; full of talents and creativity, has power and strength; has knowledge and wisdom; has luck and success and has a role play to perform on one’s journey in Life. It is the Divine energy of Goddess Lakshmi that guides you to realise all aspects of your life that is moral duty (Dharma), desires (Kama), prosperity (Arth) and liberation (Moksha) with Sattvic qualities.

ORIGIN OF SRI LAKSHMI

Goddess Sri Lakshmi finds Her first mentions in the Rig Veda through the hymn called ‘Shri Shukta’. In the Bhagavad Purana, She is described to be born from the Churning of Milk Ocean, the Samudra Manthan.

During the era between 500 and 1500 AD, Goddess Lakshmi was renowned as one of the three prime Mother Goddesses, the other two being Goddess Saraswati and Goddess Durga. Goddess Lakshmi is often revered as an independent deity and also as Lord Vishnu’s wife.

In North India, around the third Century BC, the iconography of Goddess Lakshmi in the form of sculptures was found in Kausambi. Also, the trend of embossing Goddess Lakshmi figurines on coins started during the reign of the Gupta dynasty around the fourth century AD. With the growing popularity and knowledge, Goddess Lakshmi became the most revered and highly worshipped goddess by the kings. She was believed to bless Her worshippers with wealth, abundance, power, sovereignty and riches. During the 10th century AD, a remarkable revolution was witnessed. Separate shrines of Goddess Lakshmi were built within the confines of temples of Lord Vishnu.

GODDESS LAKSHMI- REASON FOR HER INCARNATIONS

Goddess Lakshmi has always been associated with Lord Vishnu. Whenever Maha Vishnu took birth in human form on earth, goddess Lakshmi also took birth in human form along with Him to restore Dharma. When Vishnu incarnated as Vamana, Goddess Lakshmi incarnated as Padma, When Lord Vishnu incarnated as Parasurama, Goddess Lakshmi incarnated as Dharani. Similarly, when Lord Vishnu incarnated as Krishna, goddess Lakshmi was born as Rukmini, and when Lord Vishnu incarnated as Rama, goddess Lakshmi incarnated as Sita.

BENEFITS MAA LAKSHMI OFFERS AND THE WEALTH SHE RULES OVER

In the Atharva Veda (7:155) it is mentioned that a thousand Lakshmis are born with the birth of a virtuous and auspicious being. Goddess Lakshmi when pleased with the purity and devotion of Her worshippers bestows upon them both material and spiritual prosperity.

Goddess Mahalakshmi is believed to rule over sixteen forms of material wealth namely,

• Higher Aim,
• High thought process and Elevated form of Meditation,
• Bliss,
• Fame,
• Knowledge,
• Happiness,
• Valour,
• Intelligence,
• Good Health,
• Longevity,
• Beauty,
• Courage and Strength,
• Victory,
• Obedient and wonderful offspring’s,
• Riches, Gold, Gemstones and Other Valuables,
• Food grains in abundance

SACRED ITEMS FOR LAKSHMI

• Laxmi Idols
• Puja Ingredients
• Puja vessels
• Shells and Conches
• Lakshmi Kavach
• Lotus seed malas
• Shree Yantra
• Laxmi Rudraksha
• Laxmi paduka
• Chunris

Mantras While Praying to Her:

||Om Shring Shriye Namaha
Om Shreem Maha Lakshmiyei Namaha||

As mentioned above, all the auspicious elements of nature are associated with Her. The whole gamut of creation runs on Her will. Without goddess Lakshmi, nothing on this planet would survive. As, She is the one who blesses with food grains, abundance, air, intellect, offspring and much more. Without her, there would be no life on Earth. Hence, this powerful Goddess is revered and honoured by Hindus.

RUDRA CENTRE'S POPULAR MAHALAKSHMI PRODUCTS AND PUJA SERVICES

Mahalakshmi Puja

Invite overall prosperity and happy family life by booking the Mahalakshmi puja online with us. All our pujas are performed as per Vedic rituals by our in-house learned and experienced pundits.

Lakshmi in Pure Silver

Beautifully crafted in pure silver, this elegant idol of Goddess Lakshmi seated on a lotus is a must have for every household. You can install this idol at the puja altar of your house or even place it at the puja altar of your office.

Mahalakshmi Kantha

This beautiful Kantha is made of 7 Mukhi uniform Rudraksha beads. The Rudraksha used are of Nepal origin. These Kanthas are available in two patterns.

Lakshmi necklace and earrings set in pure silver

Elegantly crafted in pure silver, this beautiful necklace is finely crafted in temple jewellery design and has an antique finish. This stylish yet traditional necklace comes with pair of earrings. It features a pendant with seated Laxmi carving in tribal style with red and white beads dangling at the bottom. This jewel set truly makes a timeless piece.