Image
from Moor.
Basic Description: Lakshmi
is the wife and shakti of Vishnu and is known as the goddess of good fortune,
wealth, and prosperity.
Alternate Names: Padmam, Sri,
Ada Maya, Locki. Also, she has a different incarnation for many of Vishnu's
avatars.
History/Practices:
Lakshmi
has no temples
but is worshiped in every home on all important occasions. Divali, the day dedicated
to her worship, is observed all over India. A specific practice associated
with Lakshmi is a special bath Hindu women take with particular ceremonies occurring
on certain days that are auspicious to female beauty.
Iconography:
When
pictured with Vishnu, Lakshmi is seen sitting at his feet or flying with him
on his riding animal, Garuda. Alone, she is pictured with a lotus.
Mythology:
It
is said that Lakshmi rose from the milk-ocean when it was churned for ambrosia.
When she appeared, she captivated all the gods with her beauty. Shiva asked
for her hand, but he had already captured the moon which had come from the sea.
This being the case, Vishnu pressed his claim for Lakshmi, who
preferred Vishnu as opposed to Shiva anyhow. Shiva, in despair, drank poison
that was prevented from reaching his bowels by Parvati.
Riding Animal: She
rides with Vishnu on Garuda.
Consort:
Lakshmi
is the consort of Vishnu and appears with him in every many of his avatars.
Other References on the Karma-to-Grace website: Ready
for Death by E.M.S.
Sources:
Danliélou, Alain. The Myths
and Gods of India. Rochester, Vermont: Inner Traditions International, 1991.
Knipe, David M. Hinduism:
Experiments in the Sacred. Prospect Heights, IL: Waveland Press, Inc., 1998.
Moor, Edward. The Hindu
Pantheon. Los Angeles, CA: The Philosophical Research Society, Inc., 1976.
Thomas, P. Epics, Myths
and Legends of India. Bombay: D. B. Taraporevala Sons & Co. Private Ltd.,
1957.
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