Vishnu-Lord of the Universe-Chapter#4

8 forms of Laksmi

Lakshmi

Lakshmi is the consort of Lord Maha Vishnu and is the Goddess of beauty, wealth and fertility. She resides in Vishnu’s chest. Often the deity of Vishnu bears a medal in the chest to signify the presence of Maha Lakshmi. When the devas and asuras churned the milk ocean, Lakshmi emerged from the ocean along with Dhanvantri, jewels, precious stones, amurtham. She and Vishnu are inseparables. During Ram incarnation, she takes avatar of Sita. And when Vishnu comes as Krishna she takes birth as Rukmini and Radha and serves the Almighty Lord. Lakshmi is the power and strength of Lord Vishnu. In some places She is seen in two forms, Bhudevi and Sridevi, both on either side of Vishnu's idol. Bhudevi is the fertility form in which She is Mother Earth. Sridevi is the wealth.

Different Names of Lakshmi

Padma: lotus dweller.
Kamala: lotus dweller.
Padmapriya: One who likes lotuses
Padmamaladhara devi: One who wears a garland of lotuses
Padmamukhi: One whose face is as beautiful as a lotus
Padmakshi: One whose eyes are as beautiful as a lotus
Padmahasta: One who holds a lotus Padmasundari: One who is as beautiful as a lotus


Goddess Lakshmi-Goddess of Beauty, wealth and prosperity.

Her other names include:
Bhargavi: One who is the incarnation of the daughter of Sage Bhrigu
Sridevi: Goddess of wealth
Bhumi Devii: Earth goddess
Jalaja: Born from sea.





Lakshmi often accompanied by Goddess Saraswati and Vinayagar.


Iconography:

Physically, goddess Lakshmi is described as a fair lady, with four arms, seated on a lotus, dressed in fine garments and precious jewels. Her expression is always calm and loving. The most striking feature of the iconography of Lakshmi is her persistent association with the lotus. The meaning of the lotus in relation to Shri-Lakshmi refers to purity and spiritual power. Rooted in the mud but blossoming above the water, completely uncontaminated by the mud, the lotus represents spiritual perfection and authority. Goddess Lakshmi's traditionally accepted vehicle, is the owl.





Popular painting of Ravi Verma depicting Goddess Lakshmi.


8 forms of Lakshmi’s:

Veera Lakshmi- Goddess of courage.
Gaja Lakshmi- Portrayed along with elephants symbolizing supremacy.
Santhana Lakshmi- Seen with a child.
Vijaya Lakshmi- Goddess of power.
Dhanya Lakshmi- Goddess of food.
Adhi Lakshmi- Supreme power.
Dhana Lakshmi- Goddess of wealth.
Aishwarya Lakshmi- Goddess of prosperity.




Lord Vishnu with His consorts Sridevi and Bhudevi.

Lakshmi is often accompanied by Lord Ganesha and Goddess Saraswati. This combination is said to overcome any difficulty in life and the devotee will be blessed with wealth, knowledge and will be free of all obstacles in life. Lakshmi resides in the chest of Vishnu. This is often depicted by a dollar near the chest of Lord Vishnu.


Next Chapter#5: True Devotees of Vishnu

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