Diwali among many other things, is the occasion of worshipping Lakshmi. Families gather in front of the idols of goddess Lakshmi, and pray for auspiciousness, wealth, luxuries, money, success, and other boons. The benevolent Hindu mother goddess, as her name suggests, guides the devotees to their goal or “Lakshya”, which is why she is devoutly remembered for the fulfillment of Dharma, Artha, Kama, and Moksha- the four primary goals of an ideal Hindu life. But the beautiful and opulent goddess is much more than her popularly revered form.
In this article, we will turn the pages of Hindu sacred books, to learn about some of the lesser-known stories and aspects of Sri Lakshmi, the divinity who is at the center of all life-affirming activities.
Many of us are aware of the story of the churning of the cosmic sea- Samudra manthan, as a result of which various jewels, Amrita, Halahala poison, Kamadhenu, Kalpavriksha, and Lakshmi were bestowed upon the world. But what led to Samdura-Manthan? Why did the gods need to churn the ocean?
The story of this goes back to a time in Indra’s heaven when he was touring the realm seated on his Airavata. Suddenly Rishi Durvasa, known for his seething anger, came there and seeing the Lord of Gods, offered his beautiful floral garland to Indra. However, lost in his thoughts, Indra did not respond correctly to the show of respect by the sage.
Durvasa was furious and cursed Devaraja Indra. His pride over his kingdom and wealth made him ignore a pious Rishi, so all the luxuries that made heaven what it is, or Swarga-Lakshmi (the Lakshmi of heaven), would disappear. By the time Indra could understand the situation, he had been cursed, and his opulence abandoned him. He prayed to Durvasa to show him a way out, and out of kindness, the sage told him to visit Vishnu and pray for his kindness.
Vishnu was restfully residing in the Kshirsagar, lying on the bed of Shesha, accompanied by Lakshmi, who glowed with a divine radiance. Indra and the gods asked Vishnu to bring the goddess of wealth back to the realm of gods. Sri Vishnu smiled and told them to organize a churning of the ocean, which would bring the hidden treasures of the sea along with Lakshmi to them. Following his instructions, the Samudra-Manthan took place, where Vishnu supported the mount Mandarachala as Kurma (tortoise), and distributed the Amrita among gods as Mohini.
From the chruning, emerged the most beautiful and radiant Lakshmi, seated on a lotus, consecrated by the divine rivers, Ganga and Yamuna. She was offered a garland by Varuna, a golden necklace by Saraswati, a lotus by Brahma, and earrings by Nagas. All was well once again for the gods, as their fortune had returned in the form of Lakshmi and the universe rejoiced, welcoming the goddess.
In search of a worthy consort, Sri Lakshmi found only Narayana to be the ideal being who could possess her and accompany her eternally. Choosing Vishnu as his divine husband, Lakshmi became “Haripriya” (beloved of Hari) and Vishnu became “Sridhara” (he who holds Sri). Together, Lakshmi-Narayana is the aadhara or foundation of the creation.
According to the Bhagavata Purana, the 16000 queens of Sri Krishna are no other than the many aspects and extensions of Sri Lakshmi. Her forms as “Ashtalakshmi” or eight Lakshmis are protectors and givers of 8 kinds of wealth. As the incarnation of Adi Shakti, the primordial mother, Lakshmi, and her forms are innumerable, but there are a few which are mentioned below as an example of the multitude of forms that goddess Lakshmi takes, underlining her powers that are transcendental and supreme.
Though Durga is revered as the destroyer of the buffalo demon, according to the Shakta tradition, the Adi Shakti appeared as “Mahalakshmi” or the great Lakshmi, adorned with red, wearing regal ornaments and carrying mighty weapons in her hands. The scene of her battle with Mahishasura is rather powerful and a reminder of the potency of Mahalakshmi.
As the demon enraged by facing a woman, who he considered weak, attacked the goddess, she stood, laughing at his foolishness. The eighteen-armed Mahalakshmi (she who reaches maha or great, lakshya or goal), easily severed the head of the demon, freeing the gods and the world from his evil control.
The Padma Purana narrates the story of the avatar of Devi Padmavati. Sage Bhrigu once approached Vishnu during his yoganidra in the Kshirasagara. When God did not get up immediately on his arrival, Bhrigu in anger kicked his chest, which suddenly woke him up. Seeing the Rishi, Vishnu graciously offered him sweet words, welcoming him into his abode.
This, however, was unacceptable to Lakshmi, who resides in the heart (chest) of Vishnu and was thus hurt by the kick of Bhrigu. Seeing her husband’s kindness toward the sage she angrily left Vaikuntha and went to earth. There, she was birth as Padmavati, the lotus-like beautiful woman, in the family of a king.
Akasha Raja, the king looked for the perfect groom for her daughter when she reached youth and found Srinivasa (Vishnu as forest dweller), who saw Padmavati and vowed to marry her. With help from Kubera, Srinivasa arranged for a grand wedding and Vishnu and Lakshmi were reunited. In the sacred Tirupati Balaji temple, Srinivasa and Padmavati reside, as the heavenly guardians and nourishers of the Universe.
In both Shakta and Vaishnava traditions of Hinduism, Vaishnavi is described as a “Matrika” or mother-goddess. She is part of Devi’s army, where she appears mounted of the Garuda, along with the other Saptamatrikas. There are sources that consider her a separate deity, incarnation of Shakti who is not Lakshmi but only the female energy of Vishnu. Others suggest that the Narayani, who is the preserver of the Universe, is Lakshmi herself, carrying the conch and discus of Vishnu, as a blue-skinned mother-goddess.
The Shakta tantra is mainly centered around the Dashamahavidya or ten great wisdom, goddesses of supreme powers who are worshipped through special rituals, learned from teachers of Tantra. Kamala is among the Dashamahavidyas, an aspect of the Lakshmi who resides in the lotus or Kamala, is born from the flower, holds the lotuses in her hands, and is as beautiful as a freshly bloomed lout.
Kamala is the bestower of supreme wealth, power, fame, beauty, and royalty but turns away from greedy and sinning people. Represented as a four-armed divine female, enthroned on a lotus, she is the sole source of all that one desires in life.
The Alahadini-shakti of Sri Krishna, Sri Radha for her devotees is Lakshmi herself. In the Brahmavaivarta Purana, when Lakshmi emerged from the body of Vishnu, from his second half, Radha was born. In beauty, virtue, and devotion she is unparalleled and heavenly, with no other woman like her, which is why, Radha is seen as Lakshmi, who always follows Vishnu, empowering his Lilas. Worshipped with Krishna throughout India, Radha is the bestower of Bhakti and Krishna-Prema, and it is through her that the devotees can find the benevolence of the fluting Lord.
The embodiment of womanly and wifely virtues, Rukmini is the chief queen of Krishna, his companion in all his divine acts, and the protector of his devotees. In parts of Maharashtra, she is Rakhumai (mother Rukmini), while in Western and Southern Indian temples, she is worshipped alongside Krishna as his Shakti in his aspect as Vitthal.
Often seen with Satyabhama (the incarnation of Bhudevi, earth goddess), Rukmini recreates Vaikuntha on earth with Krishna, by supporting and serving him as Lakshmi. The festival of Rukmini-Kalyanam (marriage of Rukmini with Krishna) is celebrated with joy by her devotees, who with gratefulness become a witness to Lakshmi-Narayana’s divine union on earth.
Daughter of Raja Janak and wife of Sri Rama, Sita is revered as the incarnation of Lakshmi, who descended to accompany Vishnu in his Lilas in Ramavatara. The story of Ramayana has its roots in the love and separation of Sita-Rama, a memory that inspired Valmiki to write the grand epic.
Devi Sita in Hindu culture is the pinnacle of womanliness, patience, devotion, and strength. As a dutiful wife and mother, and the embodiment of supreme feminine energy, Sita represents the gentle side of Lakshmi who played a key role in the fulfillment of the aim behind Vishnu’s incarnation as the king of Ayodhya.
Vaikuntha Kamalaja, Podar Haveli Museum, Rajasthan (Source: Wikimedia Commons)
A rare aspect of the divine preserver duo, Vaikuntha-Lakshmi is similar to the more popular Ardhanarishwara roopa, an androgynous form, a fusion of male and female principles. This awe-inspiring aspect is depicted occasionally in sculptures and paintings. A temple of Vaikunta-Lakshmi, also known as Vaikuntha-Kamalaja, is located in Patan and made popular by the theft and return of the sanctum idol. The deity is also popular in small areas in Kashmir.
Lakshmi is the embodiment of everything that gives meaning to life. Food, wealth, progeny, familial bonds, fame, and fulfillment everything is governed by the beloved of Vishnu. For those who disrespect Lakshmi or do not follow a righteous path, she appears as Alakshmi or Jyeshtha, a shadow goddess, often revered as the elder sister of the goddess, who is the manifestation of misery, poverty, and darkness.
When Duryodhana asked his father, Dhritarashtra, why the Pandavas always seemed to have riches and success, he was told the story of Prahalad, the Asura king, who had won Indra’s heaven and all its luxuries as a result of his virtues. To regain his position, Indra became the disciple of Prahalad, and served him well. Happy with his dedication, Prahalad asked, what do you want in return? And Indra replied I want all that you possess! Conflicted because this meant he would be left with nothing, Prahald finally gave the boon to Indra.
From Prahalad’s body came awe-inspiring beings. They were virtue, righteousness, truth, and power. The last to leave was the divine Lakshmi. As she was leaving Prahald, she told him- “I reside with people who live an ethical life, and with me come righteousness, truth, and power.” Thus, living life the right way is the only way to be blessed by the louts-feet of Padmasana Lakshmi.
Sources
1. Bhagavata Purana
2. Padma Purana
3. Shiva Purana
4. Beauty, Power, and Grace: The Many Faces of the Goddess by Krishna Dharma
5. A Concise Encyclopedia of Hinduism by Swami Harshananda
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