The Sanskrit word Lakshmi actually means "aim" or "goal". This Hindu goddess symbolizes wealth, beauty, spiritual and worldly prosperity. Legend has it that Lakshmi arose from the churning ocean of milk, or the primordial cosmic ocean. She is the consort of Vishnu, the Hindu god who represents the preserving principle. In this regard, Lakshmi also represents the divine mother, bringing love and grace.
Lakshmi is represented as a youthful goddess and beautiful woman, either standing or sitting on an open lotus flower. The lotus symbolizes spiritual purity or perfection, indicating that the wealth Lakshmi represents can be enjoyed in the proper framework, but is not to be life's only goal or to become an obsession.
Lakshmi is most often depicted with four arms, symbolizing the four ends of life: righteousness, desires, wealth and liberation from the cycles of birth and death. She is shown holding gold coins or with gold coins flowing from her hands, indicating a continual flow of riches. She is also usually adorned in red and gold, also representing the continual activity of prosperity.
In addition, Lakshmi is often accompanied by two elephants spraying water. Elephants represent the royal power of the goddess and the spraying of water indicating the ceaseless effort, which leads to material and spiritual wealth.
It is said that Lakshmi incarnated to serve the Hindu God Vishnu and took form to serve him in numerous incarnations, including Sita, wife of his incarnation as Rama, and Radha, beloved of Vishnu's incarnation as Krishna. In this regard, Lakshmi has also come to represent immortality, the essence of life and omnipotence.
Because of her reputation for providing wealth and prosperity, Lakshmi is often worshipped in the Hindu home and is a favorite of women. It is believed that Lakshmi not only bestows riches and blessings, but also removes the qualities of poverty, laziness, anger and stagnation, obstacles to wealth.
Business men and women also apply to the Goddess Lakshmi for their success and prosperity. Lakshmi is worshipped on the full moon in the month of October, when it is believed she will visit homes and replenish their wealth. The mantra for this Hindu goddess is OM SRIM LAKSHMYE NAMAHA.
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