Lakshmi

Sri · Padma · Kamala

Goddess of wealth, fortune, beauty, and abundance; consort of Vishnu.

Abode: Vaikuntha, at Vishnu's side
Consort: Vishnu
Vahana: Owl (ulooka); also the lotus
Colour: Golden
Arms: 4

Lakshmi is the goddess of prosperity, fortune, and inner abundance, and the consort of Vishnu. Seated or standing upon a lotus and showering gold, she represents not only material wealth but the grace and beauty that sustain life. She is especially worshipped at Diwali, when households invite her blessings for the year.

Mantra

ॐ श्रीं महालक्ष्म्यै नमः

Om Shreem Mahalakshmiyei Namaha

Salutations to Mahalakshmi, with her seed syllable Shreem: a prayer for abundance and grace.

रूप और प्रतीक

How Lakshmi is shown

A gracious goddess seated or standing on a pink lotus, in a red sari, gold coins flowing from one palm, two elephants pouring water over her.

Two lotuses: Beauty and purity that rise unstained from muddy water.
Gold coins from her palm: Prosperity given freely.
Abhaya and varada mudras: Fearlessness and the granting of boons.
Elephants pouring water (Gaja Lakshmi): Rain, fertility and royal abundance.

कथाएँ

Stories

Born from the ocean

When the cosmic ocean was churned, Lakshmi rose from it seated on a lotus, holding a garland. Gods and asuras alike longed for her; she chose Vishnu and placed the garland on him.

Related forms

विष्णु
Vishnu