Lakshmi: Wealth and Prosperity

Goddess Lakshmi means Good Luck to Hindus. The word ‘Lakshmi’ is derived from the Sanskrit word “Laksya”, meaning ‘aim’ or ‘goal.’ 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 worshiped daily, the festive month of October is Lakshmi’s special month. Lakshmi Puja is celebrated on the full moon night of Kojagari Purnima.

Lakshmi is often depicted as a beautiful woman of golden complexion, with four hands. She either sits or stands on a full-bloomed lotus holding a lotus bud in hand. This stands for beauty, purity and fertility. She always wears gold embroidered red clothes.

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 often seen flowing from her hands, suggesting that those who worship her will gain wealth.

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.

Healing with Lakshmi.

Many worship and prey to Lakshmi for a myriad of reasons. She is thought to bring wealth and prosperity to those who ask, and has even been said to have offered healing to those in need.  Lakshmi also represents beauty, love and fertility and can be called upon to aid in pregnancy and relationships. She offers her motherly vibrations to aid in these issues, giving advice and guidance. It is quite common in India for women to have altars to Lakshmi for these purposes.