Maa Lakshmi

Goddess of Wealth

Maa Lakshmi is the Hindu goddess of wealth, fortune, power, beauty, fertility, and prosperity. She is the consort and active energy of Lord Vishnu, bestowing both material and spiritual abundance.

Divine image of Maa Maa Lakshmi

Core Attributes

Shaktism
Vaishnavism

Consort: Lord Vishnu (the Preserver)

Alternative Names

Shri
Padma
Kamala
Chanchala
Indira
Mahadevi

Key Mantras

ॐ महालक्ष्म्यै च विद्महे विष्णुपत्नी च धीमहि। तन्नो लक्ष्मीः प्रचोदयात्॥Shri Lakshmi Gayatri Mantra
Shri Suktam
Primary Attributes

Gender: Female

Nature: Goddess of Wealth, Fortune, Prosperity, Beauty, and Abundance

Energy Type: Shakti (Divine Energy of Vishnu)

Planet: Venus (Shukra)

Affiliation:
Shaktism
Vaishnavism
Origins & Mythology
Origin Story: Maa Lakshmi emerged from the cosmic ocean during the Samudra Manthan (Churning of the Ocean) seated on a lotus, carrying nectar and divine prosperity. She chose Vishnu as her eternal consort.
Eternal Consort: Lord Vishnu (the Preserver)
Symbolic Role: Goddess of material and spiritual wealth, beauty, and auspiciousness. Presides over Dharma, Artha, Kama, and Moksha.
Texts Mentioning Her:
Rigveda (as Shri)
Lakshmi Tantra
Vishnu Purana
Padma Purana
Devi Bhagavata Purana
Bhagavad Gita (Chapter 10: vibhūti)
Iconography

Skin Color: Golden, Pink, White

Number of Arms: 4

Mount: Owl (Uluka)

Posture: Usually standing or seated on a fully bloomed pink or white lotus

Expressions: Graceful, Peaceful, Benevolent

Common Attributes:
Lotus flowers
Gold coins pouring from her hand
Abhaya (protection) mudra
Gada (mace) or Pot of Amrita
Symbolism Deep Dive
  • Owl: Spiritual wisdom, watchfulness in darkness
  • Lotus: Spiritual purity and detachment
  • Four Hands: Dharma (righteousness), Artha (wealth), Kama (desires), Moksha (liberation)
  • Gold Coins: Continuous flow of material and spiritual wealth
  • Abhaya Mudra: Fearlessness and protection
Notable Forms
Ashtalakshmi
Rajyalakshmi
Vaibhava Lakshmi
Bhudevi
Sridevi
Major Festivals

Prominent Temples

Mahalakshmi Temple

Kolhapur, Maharashtra

One of the 18 Maha Shakti Peethas

Mahalakshmi Temple

Mumbai, Maharashtra

Famous seashore temple dedicated to Lakshmi, Saraswati, and Kali

Srivilliputhur Andal Temple

Tamil Nadu

Dedicated to Goddess Andal (Lakshmi avatar)

Padmavathi Temple

Tiruchanur, Andhra Pradesh

Padmavathi is Lakshmi, consort of Lord Venkateshwara

Mantras & Stotras

Shakti Peethas Connection

Lakshmi is associated with the nurturing aspects of Shakti. Her temples are sometimes included in the Shakti Peetha lists where she is worshipped as the heart or womb of Devi.

Total Number (General): 51

Important Associated Peethas/Sites:
Kolhapur (Mahalakshmi Peeth)
Kamarupa (Kamakhya - Fertility and Prosperity)
Jwalaji (Flame of abundance)
Philosophical Insights

Spiritual Meaning: True wealth is spiritual insight, inner peace, and generosity. Lakshmi grants both material and divine riches.

Balance Message: She favors cleanliness, honesty, compassion, and detachment. She leaves homes of greed, chaos, and violence.

Worship Guidelines: Worship with clean surroundings, gratitude, charity, and humility invites her grace.

Cultural Influence
Literature: Shri Suktam (Rigveda), Lakshmi Tantra (Pancharatra text), Padma Purana, Skanda Purana.
Dance Forms: Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, Mohiniyattam during Lakshmi Puja.
Art & Sculpture: Depicted in jewelry, murals, sculptures holding lotuses with elephants flanking her.
Movies & Media: TV serials on Mahalakshmi, Lakshmi-themed devotional songs in many Indian languages.
Related Deities & Animals

Related Deities: Vishnu (Consort), Ganesha (invoked with Lakshmi), Saraswati (Goddess of Knowledge, often worshipped together), Kubera (Wealth Deity, Treasurer of Gods).

Associated Animals: Owl, Elephant, Cow.

Modern Relevance

Women Empowerment: Symbol of feminine prosperity and self-sufficiency; revered as the ideal of grace, beauty, and abundance.

Spiritual Balance: Represents balance between material and spiritual prosperity.

Festivals & Unity: Diwali and other festivals unite communities in her worship.

Household Worship: Lakshmi is worshipped in almost every Hindu home for daily prosperity and health.

Business & Finance: Lakshmi’s blessings are sought for new ventures, business growth, and financial decisions.

The Ashta Lakshmi

Image of Ashta Lakshmi form: Adi Lakshmi
Adi Lakshmi

The primal mother goddess, the original form of Lakshmi.

Blessings: Source of all existence, spiritual wealth.

Image of Ashta Lakshmi form: Dhana Lakshmi
Dhana Lakshmi

Goddess of wealth in money and gold.

Blessings: Monetary prosperity and financial stability.

Image of Ashta Lakshmi form: Dhanya Lakshmi
Dhanya Lakshmi

Goddess of agricultural wealth and grain.

Blessings: Abundance of food and nourishment.

Image of Ashta Lakshmi form: Gaja Lakshmi
Gaja Lakshmi

Goddess of royal power and animal wealth, often depicted with elephants.

Blessings: Power, authority, and prosperity from livestock.

Image of Ashta Lakshmi form: Santana Lakshmi
Santana Lakshmi

Goddess of progeny and family welfare.

Blessings: Healthy children and family happiness.

Image of Ashta Lakshmi form: Veera Lakshmi
Veera Lakshmi

Goddess of courage, strength, and valor.

Blessings: Victory over obstacles and enemies, inner strength.

Image of Ashta Lakshmi form: Vijaya Lakshmi
Vijaya Lakshmi

Goddess of victory in all endeavors.

Blessings: Success and triumph in all aspects of life.

Image of Ashta Lakshmi form: Vidya Lakshmi
Vidya Lakshmi

Goddess of knowledge, arts, and wisdom.

Blessings: Success in education and artistic pursuits.

Path to Divine Understanding

The essence of Maa Lakshmi reveals profound truths about the cosmos and the divine feminine. May your exploration be enlightening.