Aadi Lakshmi - The Primal Mother Goddess
Adi Lakshmi is depicted with four hands, each holding symbolic objects:
- The first-hand displays the Abhaya mudra, a gesture of fearlessness, offering protection to her devotees.
- The second-hand displays the Varada mudra, a gesture of granting boons and blessings.
- The third-hand holds a lotus flower, symbolizing enlightenment and purity.
- The fourth hand holds a flag, symbolizing surrender to the Divine.
She is often depicted wearing gold jewelry, symbolizing prosperity and wealth, and seated on a pink lotus, representing purity and spiritual liberation.
Adi Lakshmi is revered for her compassion and willingness to help those who strive towards spiritual enlightenment. It is believed that by worshipping Adi Lakshmi, one can attain liberation and freedom from worldly suffering.
Dhana Lakshmi - Goddess of Good Harvest and Grains
Dhana Lakshmi is depicted with six hands, each holding symbolic objects:
- A discus (chakra) symbolizing time, purity of mind, and protection.
- A conch (shankha) symbolizing creation and the origin of existence.
- A bow and arrow representing the tools needed to overcome obstacles and achieve goals.
- A water pitcher (kalasha) symbolizing the elixir of life and sustenance.
- A lotus flower symbolizing purity and spiritual enlightenment.
- A hand showering gold coins, symbolizing abundance and prosperity.
She is often depicted draped in jewelry and seated on a pink lotus, symbolizing her association with wealth and prosperity.
Dhana Lakshmi is believed to favor those who work hard and persevere in their endeavors. One can seek her blessings for financial stability, success in business, and overall prosperity in life.
Dhanya Lakshmi - Goddess of Material Wealth
Dhanya-Lakshmi is the form of Goddess Lakshmi that represents agricultural wealth and the abundance of food grains. In Hindu culture, food grains are considered essential for sustenance and are symbolic of prosperity. Dhanya-Lakshmi is depicted as a goddess adorned in green garments, symbolizing fertility and growth.
She is often depicted with eight arms, each carrying a symbol of abundance, such as two lotuses, a mace, a sheaf of paddy, sugarcane, and bananas. The other two hands are in abhaya mudra (gesture of fearlessness) and varada mudra (gesture of granting boons), symbolizing her blessings and protection.
Worshiping Dhanya-Lakshmi is believed to bring prosperity and abundance in agricultural endeavors, ensuring a bountiful harvest and a continuous supply of food grains throughout the year.
Gaja Lakshmi - Goddess of Power and Strength
Gaja Lakshmi is the form of Goddess Laxmi idol associated with wealth, prosperity, and royalty. According to Hindu mythology, Gaja-Lakshmi emerged from the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan) and is considered the daughter of the ocean. She is often depicted sitting on a lotus, flanked by two elephants bathing her with water pots, symbolizing purification and prosperity.
Gaja Lakshmi is depicted as a beautiful goddess with four arms, wearing red garments. She holds two lotuses in two of her arms, symbolizing beauty and purity. The other two arms are in abhaya mudra (for protection) and varada mudra (for granting boons), symbolizing her blessings and protection.
Devotees worship Gaja-Lakshmi to seek wealth, prosperity, and abundance in their lives. She is believed to bestow blessings of material and spiritual wealth, ensuring prosperity and success in all endeavors.
Also Read: Learn About the 8 Avatars of Maa Laxmi & their Significance
Santana Lakshmi - Goddess of Progeny and Off-Springs
Santana Lakshmi is revered as the Goddess of Progeny and Family Wealth, embodying the blessings of children and prosperity within the family. The term Santana in Sanskrit translates to offspring or descendants, symbolizing the continuity and growth of the family lineage. Many devotees worship Santana-Lakshmi to seek happiness, health, and longevity for their children and future generations.
Also Read Your Guide for Placing Ganesh Laxmi Murti at Home
Santana Lakshmi is depicted as a six-armed goddess, symbolizing her multifaceted nature. She is often portrayed holding two pitchers, representing the abundance of nourishment and sustenance necessary for a thriving family life. Additionally, she carries a sword and shield, signifying protection and strength, essential for safeguarding the family's well-being. One of her arms cradles a child holding a lotus flower, symbolizing fertility and prosperity. Her worship is particularly significant for couples seeking fertility or blessings for their children's well-being.
Veera Lakshmi - Goddess of Courage and Strength
Veera Lakshmi is revered as the Goddess of Valor and Courage, embodying the qualities of bravery and strength. The term "Veera" in Sanskrit signifies courage and heroism, attributes that Veera-Lakshmi bestows upon her devotees. Worshipping Veera-Lakshmi is believed to provide the strength and courage needed to overcome obstacles and challenges in life.
Veera Lakshmi is often depicted as an eight-armed goddess, symbolizing her immense power. She is often portrayed wearing red garments, symbolizing her association with strength and determination. Her eight arms carry various weapons and symbols, including a discus, a conch, a bow, an arrow, a trident or sword, and a gold bar or book. Two of her hands are in abhaya mudra, offering protection, and varada mudra, giving blessings.
Devotees worship Veera Lakshmi to seek courage and strength in times of adversity. She is believed to grant victory over enemies and challenges, ensuring success in all endeavors.
Vidya Lakshmi
Vidya Lakshmi represents the divine source of wisdom and enlightenment. The word "Vidya" in Sanskrit refers to both knowledge and education, encompassing not just academic learning but also spiritual enlightenment.
Vidya Lakshmi is often depicted seated gracefully on a lotus, symbolizing purity and transcendence. She is adorned in a beautiful white sari, with two arms, holding two lotuses, representing the blossoming of knowledge and the purity of the mind. And the other two hands are in the abhaya mudra, signifying protection, and the varada mudra, symbolizing blessings and goodwill.
Devotees often seek her blessings to excel in their studies, gain proficiency in various arts and sciences, and attain spiritual enlightenment.
Vijaya Lakshmi
Vijaya Lakshmi symbolizes triumph and victory in all aspects of life, embodying the divine power to overcome obstacles, challenges, and adversities. The word "Vijaya" in Sanskrit means victory, signifying success, accomplishment, and fulfillment in one's endeavors.
Also Read - Do’s and Don’ts for laxmi ganesh murti position
Vijaya Lakshmi is depicted seated gracefully on a lotus, wearing a resplendent red sari, symbolizing strength, vitality, and dynamism. With eight arms, she holds various weapons and symbols of victory, including a discus, a conch, a sword, a shield, a noose, and a lotus. Her other two hands are in the abhaya mudra, offering protection, and the varada mudra, bestowing blessings and boons upon her devotees.
Vijaya Lakshmi is worshipped as the embodiment of victory and success in all endeavors, whether in battles, competitions, or life's challenges. She is revered as the ultimate source of strength, courage, and resilience, encouraging her devotees to face life's trials with determination.
Takeaway
Each of the eight forms of Goddess Laxmi holds its own spiritual significance. These forms represent the eight sources of wealth that Goddess Lakshmi presides over, which include spirituality, material wealth, agriculture, royalty, knowledge, courage, progeny, and success or victory.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q. Who is avatar of Lakshmi - Radha or Rukmini?
A. Both Radha and Rukmini were the avatar of Goddess Laxmi.
Q. Who is the sister of Lakshmi?
A. Alaksmi was the sister of Goddess Lakshmi
Q. Who is Lakshmi to Ganesh?
A. Lakshmi-Ganesh shares a mother-son relationship.
Q. Who created Lakshmi?
A. According to the Garuda Purana, Linga Purana, and Padma Purana, Lakshmi was born to the divine sage Bhrigu and his wife Khyati. However, in some legends, Lakshmi is said to have emerged from the sea during the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan).
Q. What makes Lakshmi happy?
A. keeping your house/space clutter-free, decorating it with rangolis, and lights, performing Lakshmi pooja regularly, reciting Lakshmi mantra, behaving with kindness and humility with everyone, etc are a few things that make Goddess Lakshmi happy.
