Hindu texts describe that water represents the procreative aspect of the Absolute, and the cosmic lotus, the generative. Thus, lotus is the first product of the creative principle. In order to create the universe, He used the different parts of the lotus plant.
Goddess Lakshmi , patron of wealth and good fortune, sits on a fully bloomed pink lotus as Her divine seat and holds a lotus in Her right hand. It is also mentioned in the Mahabharata that Lakshmi emerged from a lotus flower which grew from the forehead of Lord Vishnu, and a garland of lotus seeds is today used for the worship of Lakshmi. The Goddess of Power, Durga , was created by Lord Siva to fight demons and was adorned with a garland of lotus flowers by Varuna. Goddess of Wisdom, Saraswati is associated with the white Lotus.
The lotus which serves thus as the seat of the Deity, signifying their divinity and purity, is called padmasana or kamalasana. Hindu scriptures say that the Atman dwells in the lotus within the heart. Visualize within yourself a lotus, centered right within your heart. Try to mentally feel and see the heart as a lotus flower right within you. Apart from this, she has associations with fortune, power, luxury, purity, beauty, and fertility.
Although she is known as Lakshmi, her sacred name is Shri also Sri , which has different uses in India. Lakshmi is a mother goddess of Hinduism, and together with Parvati and Saraswati, she forms the Tridevi, the trinity of Hindu goddesses. In most of her depictions, Lakshmi appears as a beautiful woman with four arms, sitting on a lotus flower and flanked by white elephants. Her portrayals show her wearing a red dress and gold ornaments, which symbolize wealth. Images of Lakshmi are present in most Hindu homes and businesses for her to offer her providence.
Since she was the goddess of material fulfillment, people prayed and invoked her to receive her favor. The words Lakshmi and Shri stand for the traits that the goddess represents. Lakshmi is also known by many other epithets, including Padma She of the lotus , Kamala She of the lotus , Sri radiance, wealth and splendor and Nandika She who gives pleasure.
Her first hymn, the Shri Shukta, appeared in the Rig Veda. This scripture is one of the oldest and most adored in Hinduism. From then onwards, her worship acquired strength in different religious branches of Hinduism.
Some sources claim that her adoration might have even preceded her role in Vedic, Buddhist, and Jain worship. In this period, the Vedic deities gained popularity and were introduced in common worship. The Churning of the Ocean of Milk is a significant event in Hinduism since it is part of the ever-lasting struggle between the gods and the evil forces.
The gods churned the ocean of milk for years until treasures started emerging from it. Some sources state that Lakshmi originated in this event, being born from a lotus flower.
With the presence of Lakshmi, the gods of Hinduism had good fortune and could defeat the demons that were ravaging the land. Since he was the god of creation and destruction, Lakshmi had different associations in connection with her husband.
Every time Vishnu descended to earth, he had a new avatar or representation. In this sense, Lakshmi also had a myriad of forms to accompany her husband on earth. According to some sources, Lakshmi helps Vishnu to create, maintain, and destroy the universe. Hinduism believes that Lakshmi has to do with a broad spectrum of fields. However, in most of them, she represents well-being, material goods, and also material success on earth.
It is said that Lakshmi resides in places of hard work, virtue and bravery, but leaves whenever these qualities are not apparent any more. Lakshmi is particularly worshipped during the festival of Diwali. This festival commemorates the epic story, Ramayana.
Ramayana is the legend of Lord Rama's battle with the demon Ravana, in which Lakshmi features. In the story of Ramayana, Sita is married to Lord Rama. Hindus believe Sita is an incarnation of Lakshmi. The story tells us that Rama had been cast out of his rightful kingdom, and had gone to live in a forest with his wife and brother. The battle between Rama and the demon Ravana begins when Ravana abducts Sita from the forest.
The epic follows the story of Rama defeating the demon, and his eventual return to his kingdom. As the three heroes, Rama, his brother Lakshman and Sita, returned home, people lit candles to guide their way in the dark. In honour of this, on the second day of Diwali people light candles in their homes to guide Lakshmi, in the hope that she will bestow good fortune on their home for the coming year. After worshipping Lakshmi on Diwali, many Hindus gamble and spend profusely, believing that Lakshmi has bestowed good fortune upon them.
In addition to this, two days before Diwali, a festival called Dhantares is celebrated to seek more blessings from her.
During this time Hindus buy gold and silver and start new business ventures. Hindus worship Lakshmi at home as well as in the temple. Friday is believed to be the most auspicious day for her worship. Search term:. Read more. This page is best viewed in an up-to-date web browser with style sheets CSS enabled.
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