Unique Attributes : Wealth, success, fortune, compassion, fertility, valor, beauty, generosity Other Names : Aishwarya, Padma, Sridevi,

Narayana, Mangala, Jaya, Chandravadana, Kamakshi, Aditi, Surabhi, Vidya Primary Scriptures : Vishnu Purana Consort : Lord Vishnu Vahan (Vehicle) : Owl Abode : Vaikuntha Mula Mantra : Om Sri Maha Lakshmyai Namah Goddess Lakshmi is the consort of Sri Hari Vishnu and is the deity of wealth, prosperity and beauty. Perhaps it is goddess Lakshmi who is the most popular household deity and is worshipped across the country in every Hindu household. As the consort of Sri Vishnu the goddess has incarnated as Sita and Rukmini to perform the rites of a wife whenever the Lord has incarnated in human form. In Vaishnavism Ma Lakshmi is considered the supreme goddess and not merely the goddess of wealth. Goddess Lakshmi is in Hindu scriptures referred to as an avatar of Devi Shakti. In the Vishnu Purana she is known as the daughter of Sage Bhrigu.

Ma Lakshmi is known as the goddess of wealth, but is notable to never stay with those people who are lazy and desire excessive wealth and do not connect with her on a spiritual plane. If the goddess is pleased by her believers then she brings immense fortune and auspiciousness to his house. She halts only in those houses where righteousness and morality prevails; in due course she is bound to leave the houses of ill minded. In many of the scriptures she is believed to be a pre-Vedic deity associated with fertility. The Goddess's name is mostly on top of any important document or business deals to ensure that the divine goddess blesses the work with her presence. Goddess Lakshmi as the consort of Sri Hari Vishnu resides in Vaikuntha and is often depicted as a dedicated wife to him. As an individual the goddess is shown as standing on a Lotus flower, having four arms. In her three arms she is shown holding lotus flowers and the third one raised in blessing, showering wealth from it. Her beautiful physical form bedecked with jewellery is thus in harmony with her role of a goddess of wealth and grace and beauty. The goddess is shown in hues of pink, white and gold enhancing her beautiful form. There are several shrines dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi but she is often prayed to, together with her husband Lord Vishnu. Some of the famous shrines in India dedicated to her are Mahalaxmi temple in Mumbai and Kohlapur, Laxmi-Narayan temple in Jaipur, Padmavati temple Tirupati. Ma Laxmi is revered widely across India and often appears in daily prayers. But the holy day associated with Lakshmi Puja is Diwali, which is the biggest festival of the Hindus. On this day the goddess is invoked with full dedication by singing praises to her and making beautiful rangolis to invite the goddess. People leave there houses open in the night expecting that the goddess might halt at their houses. Ma Lakshmi despite being the goddess of wealth and fortune never promotes materialism and as a consort of Vishnu merely aids him in sustaining mankind on earth. Lakshmi is the Hindu goddess of wealth, light, wisdom, the lotus flower and fortune, and secondarily of luck, beauty, courage and fertility. Representations of Lakshmi (or Shri) are found in Jain and Buddhist monuments, in addition to Hindu temples. She is also kind to children and gives presents. Due to Her Motherly feelings and being the consort of Narayan (Supreme Being), She is believed as the Mother of the Universe. She is the consort of Vishnu and married his incarnations Rama (in her incarnation as Sita), Krishna (as Rukmini) and Venkateshwara (as Alamelu). In Vaishnava traditions, She is believed to be the Mother Goddess and the Shakti of Narayan. Legends The appearance of goddess Lakshmi is related to an ancient story. Durvasa the shorttempered sage once presented Indra, the king of the gods (devas) with a garland of flowers which would never wilt. Indra gave this garland to his elephant Airavata. Sage Durvasa saw the elephant trampling the divine garland and cursed Indra, for he had shown disrespect to the sage. The sage cursed Indra that he and all the gods would lose their power because it had made them so proud and vain. Due to the curse, the demons vanquished the gods out

of the heavens. The defeated gods then went to seek refuge to the Creator Lord Brahma who asked them to churn the ocean of milk, Ksheersagar, to obtain the nectar of immortality. The gods then went to Lord Vishnu, to seek his assistance. Lord Vishnu took the Avatar Kurma (Tortoise) and supported the Manthara Parvata (mountain) as a churning rod, while the king of the serpents, Vasuki, became the churning rope. The gods and the demons (under the leadership of the pious and wise King Bali Chakravarti) both helped each other in churning the ocean of milk. Amongst the host of divine gifts which appeared from the ocean, goddess Lakshmi appeared and then chose Shri Vishnu as her consort, as only He had the power to control Maya (illusion). Because of this, Lakshmi is also called the daughter of the sea; since the moon also appeared from the ocean during the churning, the moon is called her brother. Alakshmi, the goddess of misfortune, is Lakshmi's older sister. She is said to have also arisen from the sea of milk.[1] [2] According to the Vishnu Purana, Lakshmi is the daughter of Bhrigu and Khyaati and resided in Swarga but due to the curse of Durvasa, she left Swarga and made Ksheersagara her home. The reappearance of Lakshmi after Samudra manthan and her marriage to Vishnu thereafter, remain the same. Laxmi is the power and Maya of Lord Vishnu. In some places She is seen in two forms, Bhudevi and Sridevi, both either side of Vishnu. Bhudevi is the fertility form in which She is Mother Earth. Sridevi is the wealth and knowledge of Her which is seen with Narayan. Most people are mistaken that they are separate beings although they are one, Laxmi. More Information About 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. Lakshmi is the household goddess of most Hindu families, and a favorite of women. Although she is worshipped daily, the festive month of October is Lakshmi's special month. Lakshmi Puja is celebrated on the full moon night of Kojagari Purnima. The Lakshmi Form Lakshmi is depicted as a beautiful woman of golden complexion, with four hands, sitting or standing on a full-bloomed lotus and holding a lotus bud, which stands for beauty, purity and fertility. Her four hands represent the four ends of human life: dharma or righteousness, kama or desires, artha or wealth, and moksha or liberation from the cycle of birth and death.

Cascades of gold coins are seen flowing from her hands, suggesting that those who worship her gain wealth. She always wears gold embroidered red clothes. Red symbolizes activity and the golden lining indicates prosperity. Lakshmi is the active energy of Vishnu, and also appears as Lakshmi-Narayan - Lakshmi accompanying Vishnu. Two elephants are often shown standing next to the goddess and spraying water. This denotes that ceaseless effort, in accordance with one's dharma and governed by wisdom and purity, leads to both material and spiritual prosperity. A Mother Goddess 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). As a female counterpart of Lord Vishnu, Mata Lakshmi is also called 'Shri', the female energy of the Supreme Being. She is the goddess of prosperity, wealth, purity, generosity, and the embodiment of beauty, grace and charm. A Domestic Deity The importance attached to the presence of Lakshmi in every household makes her an essentially domestic deity. Householders worship Lakshmi for the well being and prosperity of the family. Businessmen and women also regard her equally and offer her daily prayers. On the full moon night following Dusshera or Durga Puja, Hindus worship Lakshmi ceremonially at home, pray for her blessings, and invite neighbors to attend the puja. It is believed that on this full moon night the goddess herself visits the homes and replenishes the inhabitants with wealth. A special worship is also offered to Lakshmi on the auspicious Diwali night. "Lakshmi governs all forms of wealth and success and the paths, means and results of all forms of prosperity.... As the the consort of Lord Vishnu (Narayana), who is the God of Preservation, Lakshmi Devi is the goddess of health and beauty. Sri Lakshmi, the Mother of the Universe, embodies sublime beauty, siddhi (supernatural powers), peace, strength, balance, auspiciousness, opulence and wisdom. Because Lakshmi possesses all of these good and noble qualities, she embodies infinite wealth~ symbolizing that good and noble qualities are the only wealth we can keep.

Ashthalakshmi or Star of Lakshmi. The Star of Lakshmi is a complex {8/2} star figure (i.e. two squares with the same centre at 45 angles), and figures in Hinduism, where it represents Ashtalakshmi, the eight forms, or "kinds of wealth", of the goddess Lakshmi.

Ashta Lakshmi, also spelled as Ashtalakshmi (Sanskrit: , Aalakm, lit. "eight Lakshmis"), are a group of eight Hindu goddesses, secondary manifestations of ShriLakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth, who preside over eight sources of wealth:"Wealth" in the context of Ashta-Lakshmi means prosperity, good health, knowledge, strength, progeny, and power.The Ashta Lakshmi are always depicted and worshipped in a group in temples. The Ashta Lakshmi are all depicted seated on a lotus.

Adi Lakshmi : Four-armed, carries a lotus and a white flag, other two arms in Abhaya mudra and varada mudra. Aishwarya Lakshmi : Four-armed, in white garments, carries two lotuses, other two arms in abhaya mudra and varada mudra. Dhana Lakshmi : Six-armed, in red garments, carries chakra (discus), shankha (conch), kalasha (water pitcher with mango leaves and a coconut on it) or Amrita kumbha (a pitcher containing Amrita - elixir of life), bow-arrow, a lotus and an arm in abhaya mudra with gold coins falling from it. Dhanya Lakshmi : Eight-armed, in green garments, carries two lotuses, gada (mace), paddy crop, sugarcane, bananas, other two hands in abhaya mudra and varada mudra. Gaja Lakshmi : Four-armed, in red garments, carries two lotuses, other two arms in abhaya mudra and varada mudra, surrounded by two elephants bathing her with water pots. Santana Lakshmi : Six-armed, carries two kalashas (water pitcher with mango leaves and a coconut on it), sword, shield, a child on her lap, a hand in abhaya mudra and the other holding the child. The child holds a lotus. Veera Lakshmi : Eight-armed, in red garments, carries chakra, shankh, bow, arrow, trishul (or sword), gold bar or book ?, other two hands in abhaya mudra and varada mudra. Vijaya Lakshmi : Eight-armed, in red garments, carries chakra, shankh, sword, shield, lotus, pasha, other two hands in abhaya mudra and varada mudra. Adi Lakshmi (Sanskrit: , di Lakm, "Primeval Lakshmi") or Maha Lakshmi (Sanskrit: , Mah Lakm, "Great Lakshmi") : an ancient form of Lakshmi and incarnation of Lakshmi as daughter of the sage Bhrigu. Dhana Lakshmi (Sanskrit: , Dhana Lakm, "Money Lakshmi"): for money and gold Dhanya Lakshmi (Sanskrit: , Dhnya Lakm, "Lakshmi as goddess of grain"): Giver of agricultural wealth. Gaja Lakshmi (Sanskrit: , Gaja Lakm, "Elephant Lakshmi"): Giver of animal wealth, like cattle and elephants. Swami Chidananda interprets Gaja Lakshmi as giver of power of royalty. According to Hindu mythology, Gaja Lakshmi brought back the wealth lost by Indra (king of demi-gods) from the ocean. Vasudha Narayanan intrepret the name as "one who is worshipped by elephants". Santana Lakshmi (Sanskrit: , Santna Lakm, "Progeny Lakshmi"): Bestower of offspring Veera Lakshmi (Sanskrit: ,vra lakm, "Valourous Lakshmi") or Dhairya Lakshmi (Sanskrit: , Dhairya Lakm, "Courage Lakshmi"): Bestower of valour in battles and courage and strength for overcoming difficulties in life. Vijaya Lakshmi (Sanskrit: , Vijaya Lakm, "Victorious Lakshmi") or Jaya Lakshmi (Sanskrit: , Jaya Lakm, "Victorious Lakshmi"): Giver of victory, not only in battles but also in conquering hurdles in order to beget success.

The prayer Shri Ashta Lakshmi Stotram lists the Ashta Lakshmi as follows

Vidya Lakshmi (Sanskrit: , Vidy Lakm, "Knowledge Lakshmi"): the bestower of knowledge of arts and sciences Aishwarya Lakshmi (Sanskrit: , "Prosperity Lakshmi") : Goddess of riches Saubhagya (Sanskrit: , "Giver of good Fortune") : Giver of prosperity in general. Rajya Lakshmi (Sanskrit: , Rjya Lakm, "Royal Lakshmi"): "She who blesses rulers (with secular power)" Vara Lakshmi (Sanskrit: , Vara Lakm, "Boon Lakshmi"): "The lady who bestows Beautiful Boons".

In some Ashta Lakshmi lists, other forms of Lakshmi are included:

Temples for Lakshami

Ashtalakshmi Kovil, Besant Nagar, Chennai, Tamilnadu, India: The Ashta Lakshmi Kovil, built in 1974, is the first shrine dedicated exclusively to the Ashta Lakshmi where Lakshmi is given greater importance than Vishnu. It has eight small shrines arranged in clockwise direction, dedicated to the Ashta Lakshmi and then a ninth shrine dedicated to Vishnu and Shri-Lakshmi together, unlike the traditional separate shrines. Ashtalakshmi Temple, Vasavi Colony, Dilsukh Nagar, Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India Ashtalakshmi Temple, Sugar Land, Houston, Texas, USA
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At the entrance - leading from Vittavasal Street to Meenakshi Temple, Madhurai, a mandapam (Hall) called Ashta Lakshmi Mandapam is dedicated to the Ashta Lakshmi, the statues of which support the roof on either side. Parashakthi Temple, Pontiac, Michigan has the deities installed there.

Diwali
LAKSHAMIS FESTIVAL

Diwali is regarded as one of the most important festival of the Hindu calendar. It is celebrated across the nation with great pomp and excitement. The festival is mainly associated with lights as it is called the festival of light. On the day of the festival diyas (small clay lamps) are lit in everybody's home irrespective of their social status. The name Diwali signifies 'rows of lighted lamps'. Diwali is a five-day festival, beginning on the 15th day of the Hindu calendar month of Kartika (Ashwin). By the Gregorian calendar, Diwali falls in October or November. Diwali marks the beginning of the Hindu and Gujarati New Year and is celebrated with the lighting of lamps and candles, and lots of fireworks. People decorate their home with beautiful diyas and making rangoli pattern in the courtyard and in front of the gate. They put flowers and mango leaves on their doors and windows. Diyas and candles are placed on rooftops, rooms, and kitchen and even in the bathrooms. On this day, people worship Lord Ganesha, the foremost of all Hindu Gods and Goddess Lakshmi, the Goddess of Wealth and Prosperity. It is time to exchange gifts and sweets with friends, relatives and neighbors. Due to India's varied cultural diversity there are many manifestations of the Diwali festival. The festival begins with Dhanteras, a day set aside to worship the goddess of prosperity, Goddess Lakshmi. On this day, homes are cleaned and paintings are done. There are various legends associated with the celebration of Diwali. But people mostly associate the celebration with the legend of Lord Ram returning to his kingdom of Ayodhya after fourteen years of exile and defeating Ravana, the demon king. In Bengal, the celebration is marked with the worship of Goddess Kali. People celebrate Kali puja with great fervor and enthusiasm. Joy and festivity reins every corner of the nation during the Diwali season. Diwali festival is the one Hindu festival that unites the whole of India. The exchange of sweets and the explosion of fireworks customarily accompany the celebration of the festival. Diwali is an occasion for cheerfulness and togetherness. This is that time of the year when people of all age and all class take part in its celebration.

MANTRA FOR GODDESS LAKSHAMI

Lakshmi Mantra( )
This Laksmi Mantra is to be recited 1.25 lacs times within 72 days and do Havan after this. During this recitation worship goddess Laksmi with Shodashopachar vidhi. 72

 Om Shring Hring Kling Tribhuvan Mahalakshmyai Asmaakam Daaridray Naashay Prachur Dhan Dehi Dehi Kling Hring Shring Om

Lakshmi Mantra( )
This Lakshmi Mantra is to be recited (21x on your mala beads) on the day of Diwali. 21

Om Shring Hring Kling Aing Saung Om Hring Ka A Ee La Hring Ha Sa Ka Ha La Hring Sakal Hring Saung Aing Kling Hring Shring Om

Lakshmi Mantra( )
Chant this Lakshmi Mantra daily before going to your office.

Om Hring Shring Kreeng Shring Kreeng Kling Shring Mahaalakshmi Mam Grihe Dhanam Pooray Pooray Chintaayai Dooray Dooray Swaha

Mahalakshmi Mantra( )
Mahalakshmi Mantra is recited for getting the blessings from goddess Mahalakshmi for the gain of wealth and prosperity.

, Om Sarvabaadhaa Vinirmukto, Dhan Dhaanyah Sutaanvitah | Manushyo Matprasaaden Bhavishyati Na Sanshayah Om ||

Lakshmi Gayatri Mantra

By reciting Lakshmi(Laxmi) Gayatri Mantra one can get prosperity and success.

Om Shree Mahalakshmyai Cha Vidraahe Vishnu Patrayai Cha Dheemahi Tanno Lakshmi Prachodayat Om || Om Aing Hring Kleeng Chaamundaayai Vichche Om ||