subject: Lakshmi, The Hindu Deity Of Beauty And Wealth [print this page] Did you know that Lakshmi taken from "Laksya" which is a Sanskrit word that means goal or aim? This makes her the representation of the goals of every human being. She is also known to be the Hindu goddess of prosperity and wealth that is both spiritual and material. This goddess is the favorite among women and Hindu families. According to famous Hindu mythology, she goes by another name, Shri, who is the consort of Vishnu. She is a "Mother Goddess" and would be addressed as "mata" and is responsible in providing wealth to Vishnu in order to maintain and preserve the universe.
This goddess is portrayed as a beautiful and golden - skinned woman who has four hands and is either standing or sitting on a lotus in full bloom. This depicts her purity, fertility and beauty. It is said that her arms symbolize four ends of the human life. These are dharma, kama, artha and moksha which means righteousness, desire, wealth and liberation from life. There is also a flow of golden coins from her front left hand, which implies that those who will worship her will gain wealth. She is always dressed in red clothes that are embroidered with gold. The red color means activity while its golden lining is an indication of prosperity.
Two or sometimes four elephants would be standing next to Lakshmi as they spray water. This means that continuous effort together with dharma, wisdom and purity will lead to spiritual and material prosperity. These two elephants symbolize popularity and fame that comes from worldly wealth. The main idea that it wants to spread to everyone is the fact that wealth gain in an unrighteous ways in order to make a name or be famous and simply to satisfy material desires is not favorable. It should be shared with others so that happiness will be brought forth not just to him but also to others. The four elephants also represent the four ends of human life.
What more, Lakshmi bestows golden coins as a sign of prosperity and the elephants would denote royal power. There are also other texts that show her vahana or mount as an owl. She is always portrayed as calm and loving at all times. The lotus, which she holds, said to symbolize fertile growth of life. The Hindus believe that the world continuously gets reborn on the lotus that grows out of the navel of Vishnu.
by: Jay B Jacob
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