The Skanda Purana
by G. V. Tagare | 1950 | 2,545,880 words
This page describes Greatness of Mahalakshmi which is chapter 85 of the English translation of the Skanda Purana, the largest of the eighteen Mahapuranas, preserving the ancient Indian society and Hindu traditions in an encyclopedic format, detailling on topics such as dharma (virtous lifestyle), cosmogony (creation of the universe), mythology (itihasa), genealogy (vamsha) etc.
Chapter 85 - Greatness of Mahālakṣmī
[Sanskrit text for this chapter is available]
Note: This is not the deity Mahālakṣmī of Kolhapur. Here the adj. ‘Mahā-’ is applied to glorify Lakṣmī (see v.12).
The sages said:
1-2. Everything connected with the sequence and result of the curse uttered by Padmā in the case of Mādhavī has been heard by us today.
Kamalā was cursed by that noble-souled Brāhmaṇa. How did she become elephant-faced and then get transformed into one of splendid countenance?
Sūta said:
3. By the curse of that Brāhmaṇa, O Brāhmaṇas, she (Lakṣmī) became instantly an elephant-faced one, causing great wonder.
4-5. She was told by Hari: “O splendid daughter of the Ocean, stay in this very form for some time till the close of the Dvāpara Yuga. Then I shall incarnate on the earth. By the power of my penance I shall make you splendid-faced once again.”
6. She ignored those words of the wielder of Śārṅga bow. She joyously performed a very severe penance for the sake of a splendid face.
7. She came to this holy spot and took the holy bath thrice a day. She was active and alert day and night and propitiated Brahmā.
8. Becoming pleased with her at the close of a year Brahmā said to her: “O beloved of Keśava, I am pleased with you. Request for a boon.”
Lakṣmī said:
9-10. For some reason, O Lord, I have been transformed into an elephant-faced woman by an extremely furious Brāhmaṇa by uttering a terrible curse. Hence, O Pitāmaha, if you are pleased, change me back again into the old form. I do not choose anything else.
Brahmā said:
11. O fair lady, with my favour, your face will undoubtedly become splendid all the more. So go home.
12. O splendid lady, Mahattva (greatness) has been granted to you by me from today. Hence your name here will be Mahālakṣmī.
13. A man who devoutly worships you as elephant-faced, shall become a king on the earth and Lord of elephants.
14-15. On the second lunar day, O goddess, one who calls you Mahālakṣmī and devoutly worships you through Śrīsūkta will never become poor during seven successive births.
After saying this the Four-faced God ceased (to speak).
16. That goddess joyously went to the place where Keśava was staying.