Lakshmi is the Hindu Goddess of many concepts, such as properity and wealth. This site will explore her and how she is portrayed.

Beginning with her origin, her story is popularly stated to have began from the "Samudra Manthana", that she came from the churning ocean of milk. As the Hindu American blog retells the story, it was "churned by both the devas (Gods) and the rākshasās (demons) in a quest to obtain amrita, the nectar of immortality." In a different story, she's said to be the daughter of sage Bhrigu and is named Bhargavi. She's mentioned in various scriptures; the Vedas, Lakshmi Tantra, and Puranas.

Her name "Lakshmi" comes from the Sanskrit roots of "laksh" (goal), and "laksha" (to precieve). It's very fitting, as people often pray to her to fufill their goals of wealth/precieve their wish coming true. Her other names are often in reference to lotuses; like Kamala or Padma. It is said that without her, the other Gods lack the blessings of success or fortune. She is worshipped for success, and lives in the traits of hard work and virtue, but leaves when these qualities fade. She's also particularly worshipped during Fridays, and prayed towards especially during Diwali due to her incarnation (Sita) being kiddnapped by Ravana (until Rama fights and wins). Hindus light up candles to guide her (and success) to their homes for the coming year. Additionally, Lakshmi is also known as Vishnu's wife and is part of the Tridevi alongside Saraswati, and Parvati.

• Her golden coins symbolize her role as the Goddess of fortune and wealth. Her hands dropping the coins show how she gives material abundance.


• The lotuses around her symbolize how one is able to go through mud and rise about the surface of water untouched by the mud. (i.e rising through challenges in the material and spiritual world, and choosing goodness.) They also symbolize beauy, and purity.


• Elephants are said to be her favourite ride, and they are seen in the background of her imaging. They also happen to represent things such as fertility, power, and hard work.


• Her four arms are associated with the four Vedas (Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda, and Atharvaveda), and also the goals of Kama (desires), Artha (wealth), Dharma (righteousness), and Moksha (liberation).

Reflection

Prayer and connection towards Lakshmi is very important to many Hindus. Young Hindus can pray to Lakshmi anytime in a temple or at home, but during Diwali prayers are extra special. Lakshmi Puja is performed during Diwali, for blessings of abundance in the coming year. Some other, more general prayers that can be given are by working hard and reciting mantras whilst using a mala (rosary), and giving different offerings. (Such as flowers (lotuses), sweets and fruits.) They can also pray using a personal prayer towards her. She’s prayed towards for: wealth, prosperity and financial stability, so she helps by granting them fortune and also spiritual prosperity. I think that the way she gives can cause Hindus to be very grateful and remember blessings they have more, as they recognise their prayers being heard. Her generosity may also inspire more generosity, as when one has enough abundance in money, they can help others by means of charity. Overall, connecting and praying to Lakshmi is important to be able to accomplish one’s goals for many Hindus.

My sources!
Hindu American Blog
Britannica
Lakshmi Symbols
BBC
Lovenspire Blog