Significance of Lakshmi
Lakshmi is a prominent goddess in Hinduism, symbolizing wealth, fortune, and prosperity. In various traditions, such as Jainism and Vaishnavism, she is associated with divine abundance and revered as a protector and nurturer of both material and spiritual wealth. Often depicted alongside Vishnu, Lakshmi embodies desirable qualities and is involved in numerous cultural and religious rituals aimed at invoking prosperity. Her presence is integral during celebrations and is central to understanding the concept of wealth in Hindu worship and mythology.
Synonyms: Goddess of wealth, Prosperity, Fortune, Abundance, Success, Goddess, Wealth, "-", Saraswati, Parvati, Durga, Annapurna, Mahalakshmi
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Lakshmi'
Lakshmi in Hinduism is interpreted as the Divine Mother and goddess of wealth, beauty, and prosperity, symbolizing auspiciousness and serving alongside Lord Vishnu, playing a vital role in maintaining cosmic balance and representing divine abundance.
From: Skanda Purana
(1) The goddess sent by Vishnu to test King Punyanidhi's devotion, representing wealth, prosperity, and the feminine divine.[1] (2) The goddess of wealth who emerged from the ocean and was associated with Padmavati.[2] (3) The goddess of wealth and prosperity, often associated with Rama and worshipped for abundance during rituals.[3] (4) The goddess of wealth and prosperity, whose worship is integral to the Dipavali festival.[4] (5) The goddess of wealth who emerged from the ocean and became the consort of Vishnu.[5]
From: Padma Purana
(1) The goddess of wealth and purity, who is dear to the god Vishnu.[6] (2) A reference made in comparing Padmavati's virtues, indicating she shone like another one born from the sea.[7] (3) The goddess of wealth and beauty, symbolizing prosperity and auspiciousness.[8] (4) The consort of Vishnu, associated with wealth and prosperity.[9] (5) The goddess associated with wealth and prosperity, whose disappearance due to the curse of Durvasas necessitated the churning of the ocean.[10]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) The goddess of wealth and fortune, identified as a divine consort who embodies auspiciousness.[11] (2) The goddess of wealth and prosperity, often portrayed as essential for Vishnu in maintaining the created world.[12] (3) A goddess who, through Sarasvati's curse, manifest in Bharata as the river Padmavati and also as the daughter Tulasi.[13] (4) The second form of Prakriti, symbolizing wealth, prosperity, and the presiding deity of all wealth.[14] (5) The Goddess of wealth, often invoked in spiritual practices to bring prosperity and stability.[15]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki
(1) The consort of Vishnu, to whom Sita is compared in terms of beauty and virtue.[16] (2) The Goddess of wealth and prosperity, depicted as beautiful and adorned, who captured Ravana's desire.[17] (3) The personification of wealth and prosperity, associated with Sita, who arose from the earth.[18]
From: Agni Purana
(1) Goddess of wealth and consort of Lord Vishnu, denoted by the letter 'I'.[19] (2) The goddess associated with wealth, depicted holding a lotus and other auspicious symbols.[20]
From: Bhagavata Purana
(1) The consort of Vishnu, representing wealth, fortune, and prosperity, who also attends to him.[21]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) The goddess of wealth and fortune, often invoked for prosperity.[22]
From: Vishnu Purana
(1) The goddess of beauty who gifts Balarama with ornaments and a dress after his encounter in the forest.[23]
From: Brihaddharma Purana (abridged)
(1) Lakshmi is Narayana's wife who is initially questioned by Siva about the decision-making and points to Parvati as the better authority.[24]
From: Matsya Purana (critical study)
(1) The consort of Lord Vishnu, also referred to in the text as Shri, and associated with the prosperity and well-being.[25]
From: Markandeya Purana
(1) The goddess of fortune, whose presence and abduction play a critical role in the conflict.[26]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) A deity in Hinduism, often associated with wealth, fortune, and prosperity, symbolically residing on the chest.[27] (2) The divine goddess associated with wealth and prosperity, present during the act described.[28] (3) The third daughter of Janaka, also mentioned in the context of Vallabhacarya's identity.[29] (4) A reference to a daughter-in-law, symbolizing prosperity and well-being.[30] (5) A divine figure who could no longer tolerate separation from the Lord.[31]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) a goddess associated with prosperity and is the playful companion when the divine is in Vaikuntha[32] (2) A goddess representing wealth, fortune, and prosperity, embodying desirable qualities of success and good luck.[33] (3) Refers to the concept of glory, associated with divine abundance and prosperity.[34] (4) is glorious[35] (5) Lakshmi is a goddess associated with wealth, fortune, and prosperity, who is described as arriving in the provided text.[36]
From: Sri Krishna-Chaitanya
(1) The daughter of Ballabha acharya, regarded as the same as Sri Lakshmi Devi of Vaikuntha, symbolizing wealth and well-being.[37]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) The Divine Mother, who is associated with the Lord and plays a role in seeking refuge and grace for devotees.[38]
From: Dasarupaka (critical study)
(1) The divine consort of Krishna, central to the main effect described in the Samudramanthana.[39] (2) The beautiful daughter of Samudra and the goddess of wealth who became the object of Vishnu's affection.[40] (3) The heroine and leading female character in the Samudramanthana, the daughter of Samudra and Ganga.[41]
From: Brihat Samhita
(1) A chaste and innocent woman who is fondly attached to her husband and known as the goddess of wealth.[42]
From: Siddhanta Sangraha of Sri Sailacharya
(1) The divine consort of the Supreme Lord, who is ever associated with Him in His manifestations.[43]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) The Goddess of Wealth, whom the women of the caste invoke by burning incense when opening their shops in the spring.[44]
Jain concept of 'Lakshmi'
In Jainism, Lakshmi is interpreted as a goddess of fortune linked to prosperity, as exemplified by Brahmadatta, and as a personification of wealth that is both elusive and requires diligent nurturing.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) A goddess of fortune that is connected with prosperity and richness experienced by Brahmadatta.[45] (2) The personification of wealth and prosperity, depicted as elusive and tricky, requiring diligent care.[46]
The concept of Lakshmi in local and regional sources
Lakshmi is the Hindu goddess of wealth and prosperity, consort of Vishnu, symbolizing material fulfillment and beauty. She embodies success and is revered for bringing wealth, health, and fortune to devotees, contrasting with her darker counterparts.
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) Vishnu’s wife and the goddess of wealth, who abides in the home of a devotee.[47] (2) The goddess of wealth, associated with Vishnu, who accompanies Chakrapani when he is pleased.[48] (3) The goddess of wealth and the wife of Vishnu.[49] (4) The goddess of wealth and consort of Vishnu, regarded as the embodiment of prosperity.[50]
From: Diaspora of Bhuta (Daiva) worshipping cult—India and Indonesia
(1) The goddess of wealth, luck, and beauty, whose opposite qualities are represented by Dhumavati and Alakshmi.[51] (2) The Goddess of material fulfillment, including wealth, health, and prosperity, and consort of Vishnu.[52]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) The goddess of wealth and prosperity in Hindu belief, often depicted on Gupta coins as symbolizing abundance and divine favor.[53] (2) A Hindu goddess commonly associated with wealth and prosperity, whose imagery appeared in Chandragupta II's coinage, symbolizing the monarch's emphasis on wealth and success.[54]