Lakshmi

Mythology

According to the most popular myth, Lakshmi was born during the cosmic churning of the milk ocean (Samudra Manthan): the gods and demons combined efforts to churn the cosmic ocean using the mountain Mandara as churning rod and the snake Vasuki as rope, seeking the elixir of immortality. From the depths of the agitated ocean emerged multiple precious things — and finally Lakshmi herself, of unparalleled beauty, sitting on a lotus flower, throwing showers of golden coins. Vishnu chose her immediately as wife and consort.

Lakshmi accompanies Vishnu in his avatars (terrestrial incarnations): when Vishnu incarnates as Rama, Lakshmi is born as Sita (his wife in the famous epic Ramayana); when he incarnates as Krishna, Lakshmi is born as Rukmini (his main wife, although Krishna also had relationship with Radha, divine reflection of Lakshmi). Lakshmi is therefore the eternal consort of the manifest divine — wherever Vishnu is, Lakshmi is.

Symbolism and worship

Iconography: seated or standing on pink lotus flower, four arms (in two hands holds lotus flowers, in others throws golden coins or makes mudra of granting wishes), gold-coloured rich royal dress, two elephants at her sides showering her with water (purifying blessing), owl as her vehicle (in some traditions). Sacred colours: gold, red, pink lotus. Sacred symbols: lotus, full water vessel, gold coins, sheaves of wheat (agricultural abundance).

Diwali: the festival of lights celebrated in autumn (October-November) is the great pan-Hindu celebration of Lakshmi. Hindu families: 1) deeply clean their home (Lakshmi only enters clean and tidy homes). 2) Light hundreds of small clay diyas (oil lamps) on doors, windows, gardens, roofs (the lights guide Lakshmi to enter the home). 3) Decorate with rangolis (geometric designs of coloured powders on the floor). 4) Offer specific worship to Lakshmi (Lakshmi puja). 5) Offer gold gifts and money. 6) Celebrate communally with sweets and feast. The festival is simultaneously religious and brings spiritual elevation and material abundance — for Hindus, both go together.

Working with Lakshmi today

Without being Hindu, you can connect with Lakshmi respectfully: 1) Place a Lakshmi figure on your altar of work or business. 2) Recite her mantra "Om Shrim Mahalakshmiyei Namaha" (or its simpler variant "Om Shrim Namaha") for prosperity. 3) Offerings: pink or red lotus flowers (or red roses if you do not have lotus), coins of gold colour, sweet rice, ghee (clarified butter). 4) Fridays are her preferred days for worship (this is where her name connects her with Aphrodite/Venus — the same Venusian energy of love-beauty-abundance in Friday). 5) Cleanse your physical space (Lakshmi only resides in clean homes). 6) Cultivate gratitude for what you already have (Lakshmi multiplies what you appreciate, not what you take for granted).