Goddess Lakshmi is one of the most popular deities in the Hindu tradition. In Sanskrit "Lakshmi" comes from the word "laks," meaning "aim" and she is believed to have the aim of uplifting mankind. Lakshmi is usually depicted as a beautiful woman standing on a lotus flower, surrounded by elephants. As the consort of Vishnu; she is often pictured massaging his feet as the perfect, obedient wife.
The Churning of the Ocean and Lakshmi
Lakshmi has been associated with beauty, abundance, prosperity, royal power and glory. The churning of the ocean of milk describes how the devas (gods) and asuras (demons) worked together to churn the ocean with the aim of getting amrit - the nectar of immortality. They churned for many years, and among the treasures that arose, Lakshmi, was reborn. With her presence, the demons were defeated and the gods chased them out of the world.
According to David Kinsley the churning of the ocean illustrates "the process of distilling the essence of the primordial waters." Lakshmi was immediately attracted to Lord Vishnu and selects him as her consort.
Lakshmi and the Lotus Flower
In the book Hindu Goddesses David Kinsley states that two meanings come from the association of Lakshmi and the lotus flower. The first meaning points to the lotus as a symbol of fertility, and as such the goddess also represents "the fully developed blossoming of organic life." The second meaning relates to spiritual power and purity - the lotus is rooted in mud yet is uncontaminated, blossoming above the water. Therefore she is believed to transcend the material world and has a spiritual authority.
Lakshmi has many names linked to the lotus such as Padma - meaning lotus dweller, Kamala and Padmasundari.
Worship of the Goddess of Fortune - Prayers for Health, Abundance and Prosperity
There are considerable prayers to Lakshmi from the Sri Mahalakshmi Ashtakam, Sri Lakshmi Sahasaranama Sthothra by Sanathkumara, Sri Lakshmi Stuti by Indra, Sri Kanakadhara Sthothra by Sri Aadhi Shankaracharya, and Sri Sukta in the Vedas. When she is worshipped with Narayana (in the form of Lakshmi Narayana, Lakshmi Narasimha, Sita Rama or Radha Krishna) the worshipper is blessed with peace and prosperity. Friday is considered to be the most auspicious day for Lakshmi's worship.
The goddess is often the object of "vratas" where devotees make a religious vow to undertake some devotion or austerity for a particular boon. The most common blessings sought after by worshippers are material progress, marital fidelity and the longevity of one's spouse.
Lakshmi is famously worshipped during the festival of Diwali and on Dhantares - during this auspicious time Hindus buy gold and silver and start new ventures. On Diwali, Hindus light candles in their homes to guide Lakshmi, hoping she will bestow good fortune. After the worship on Diwali, some Hindus gamble and spend money, believing that they have been blessed by Lakshmi with prosperity.
Sources:
Kingsley, David Hindu Goddesses University of California Press, 1988.
BBC.co.uk. Religions - Hinduism - Lakshmi (Accessed December 29, 2011).
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