Lakshmi is the goddess of wealth. She is also called 'Sri' ' Money, grain, cattle, land, gold, and silver are forms of wealth. Who does not need them? Everybody worships Lakshmidevi because one gets wealth if Lakshmi grants it.
Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva are famous as Trimurtis ('The Trinity'). Of them, Brahma's wife is Saraswati, Vishnu's wife is Lakshmi, and Shiva's wife is Parvati. Saraswati is the goddess of education. Parvati is the goddess of might. Lakshmi, however, is the goddess of wealth. Man needs all three - education, might and wealth.

Prayer To Lakshmi

There is a Vedic verse by name 'Srisukta.' It comprises invocation and prayer to Lakshmi devi. This is recited while worshipping. If we understand themeaning of a few expressions in Srisukta, we will know Lakshmi's appearance, nature and greatness. 'Hiranyavarnam': Lakshmi is of the color of gold. 'Padmavarnam': of the color of a lotus. 'Adityavarne': Lakshmi is brilliant like the sun. 'Padmavarne': Lakshmi's face is beautiful like a lotus. 'Padmadalayatakshi': her eyes are broad and beautiful as petals of a lotus. 'Padmamalineem': one wearing a garland of lotus flowers. 'Sarasijanilaye': one residing on a lotus flower. 'Sarasijahaste': one holding a lotus in her hand. From this it is evident that Lakshmi loves a lotus flower. Therefore 'Padmapriye' (one who loves the lotus flower) is stated in Shrisukta. She is 'Dhavalataramshuka gandhamalya shobhe': wearing clean white clothes and scented flower garlands. What does Lakshmi's greatness consist in? She is 'Prajanam bhavani mata' (mother of all people), 'Vishwapriye' (one who loves the universe). A devotee prays to her thus: 'Pradurbhootosmi Rashtresmin Kirtivriddhim dadatu me' (I am a citizen born in this country. Grant me fame and wealth). 'Vasa me grihe'(Reside in my house).Ayushmantam Karotu me' (Enable me to live long). It is said thus of the benefit obtained by reciting Shrisukta and getting the grace of Lakshmidevi:'Na krodho na cha matsaryam na lobho na shubha matih' (they do not get angry. Devoid of envy, not greedy, they do not think evil). In addition those who praise Lakshmi live long. Their health is good. They will lead a glorious life. Such and other benefits are derived, it is stated, from praying to Lakshmi.

Goddess Of Auspiciousness

Lakshmi is the goddess ofauspiciousness. She is always with her husband Lord Narayana. She is the pinnacle of chastity. When Vishnu assumed separate incarnations, she also took birth tobecome his wife. For example, in the incarnation as Rama, Lakshmi became Sita; in the incarnation as Krishna, she was born as Rukmini. According to ancient legends, she resides in the chest of Vishnu. There fore, Vishnu is called Srinivasa. One in whom 'Sri' (Lakshmi) resides is Srinivasa. Lakshmi is worshipped with the names of Mahalakshmi, Varamahalakshmi, Dhanalakshmi and Amritalakshmi during observance of religious rites. Friday is the most auspicious day for, worshipping Lakshmi. Even among Fridays, the Fridays of the month of Ashadha are considered best. Varamahalakshmi religious rites are observed on the Friday in the month of Shravana. On Thursdays in the month of Margashirsha also special Lakshmi - poojas are observed. Dhanalakshmi is worshipped on new moon day in the month of Ashwayuja. It is said that wherever there arekingdoms, wealth, fame and prosperity derived by the grace of Lakshmi, their Lakshmi settles down. There are numerous tales in legends where the wealth bestowed by Lakshmi, in appreciation of worship, is Itself considered as Lakshmi. Although she has been staying with Vishnu from time immemorial, there are stories telling when she was born and when she incarnated. Let us get to know some of these stories.

Bhargavi

Sage Bhrigu was Vishnu's devotee. He had married kardama's daughter Khyati. In answer to the prayer of that couple, Lakshmi was born as their daughter. Because she was the daughter of Bhrigu, she got the name 'Bhargavi'.

'Samudratanaya'

As Lakshmi was born in Ksheerasamudra she got the name Samudratanaya (Daughter of the Sea). The story of this is as follows: Sage Durvasa was a great ascetic. Once he was walking along holding in his hand a garland of flowers called Santanaka. Devendra who was coming from the opposite direction riding Airavata ignored him. He threw the garland given by Durvasa on Airavata, which threw it on the ground and trampled upon it. Durvasa lost his temper and cursed: "The pride of wealth has entered your head. Let Lakshmi forsake you." Then Indra realized his folly. He bowed to Durvasa and sought his pardon. Durvasa said, "Sri Vishnu will do you good," and left. On account of Durvasa's curse, Lakshmi left Indra and went away. Because Lakshmi the goddess of power, bravery, enthusiasm and radiance left, Devendra's life became miserable. The demons that were waiting for such an opportunity invaded heaven, defeated Indra and gods in war and occupied heaven. Indra lost his kingdom and hid out of sight of the demons.

"Chrun The Sea"

A number of years passed. Indra's teacher Brihaspati thought of finding a way out for Indra's troubles. He went with the gods to Brahma, who went to Vishnu with all of them and put forth the appeal of the gods. Then Vishnu said- "Don't fear, I will show you a way out. The sea of milk must be churned. It is a very difficult job. Therefore, gain the friendship of the demons and get their assistance. Use Mandara Mountain as a churning rod and Vasuki, the king of the serpents, as a rope. I will come to your assistance at the proper time. When the sea is churned ambrosia will be produced. Let the gods drink it and become immortal. They will then attain superb strength. It will then be possible for you to defeat the demons. When the sea is churned, Lakshmi who has disappeared will appear again. Her grace will be bestowed on you." He consoled the gods and arranged for the churning of the sea.

Obstacles

Brihaspati was very clever. He met the demons, managed cleverly to bring about friendship between them and the gods and arranged to make them churn the milky sea. The demons agreed in the hope of getting ambrosia and wealth. They all gathered, carried the Mandara Mountain and dipped it in the sea of milk. They tied Vasuki, the king of snakes, as a rope. The demons at one end and gods at the other end held Vasuki and commenced churning the sea. At that time the Mandara Mountain sank into the sea. Then Narayana took the body of a boar and brought to the surface the Mountain, which was at the bottom of the sea. Mandara was hoisted on the back of the boar and was floating. While churning Thus, first 'Kalakuta,' a dreadful poison, was produced. Everybody was frightened by its fierceness. Then, as requested by the gods, Shiva was pleased to drink that poison. The black colour of the poison left a mark on Shiva's neck. Therefore Shiva was named 'god with a black spot on the neck'. In otherworlds Lord Shiva got an another name; ie - Neelakanta.

Lakshmi Appears

After that, due to Vishnu's encouragement, gods and demons continued churning the sea. Then a horse by name Uchaishravas, Kalpavriksha having the power to grant what is wished, Kamadhenu and other celestial articles took shape. When the sea continued to be churned the Apsara damsels were born. After that a surprising spectacle appeared. In the midst of the waves of the sea of milk, a goddess with heavenly looks came into view. She was standing on a fully blossomed lotus. Wearing a lotus garland in the neck, she was holding a lotus in her hand. Her appearance was most attractive. She, who was radiantly smiling, was Lakshmidevi herself. The sages began reciting hymns in praise of her. Gandharvas sang. Apsaras danced. The elephants on either side sprinkled sacred holy Ganga water on the goddess and bathed her.
Because the elephants sprinkled holy water on her, she acquired the name of Gaja lakshmi. Because she was born in the sea of milk, she was called Samudratanaya. The king of the sea appeared in his natural form and comforted Lakshmi as a daughter. He presented her with attractive clothes and jewels. He handed to her a garland of lotus flowers. While everybody was looking in surprise, Lakshmi put the garland around the neck of Vishnu and occupied his chest. When she looked at Indra kindly, he acquired an extraordinary radiance.
Thereafter Dhanvantari emerged from the sea. Dhanvantrai is the doctor of gods. He had a sacred pot in his hand. There was ambrosia in it. When it became known the demons ran forward and snatched the Pot. Then there was fighting between the gods and the demons. At that time Vishnu appeared disguised as Mohini. As she was handsome, the demons looked at her in surprise. Mohini came near them and said- "Do not quarrel for ambrosia. If you agree, I will myself serve ambrosia. You sit in two rows." All agreed.
The demons sat in one row and the gods in another. By sleight- of- hand Mohini served intoxicating drinks to the demons and ambrosia to the gods. The demons who were enamoured of her charm did not notice the trick played on them. The gods drank ambrosia and became immortal. They became free from fear of death. The demons came to know afterwards that they had been deceived. They started a war. The gods who had gained strength by consuming ambrosia defeated the demons and drove them away.

Mother of the Universe

Lakshmi's greatness has been well- expressed in books like Vishnupurana. She, the wife of Vishnu, is herself representative of Vishnu's power. Excellent articles and valuable things are said to be the abode of Lakshmi and Narayana. Devendra praised Lakshmi thus: "O Goddess, we bow to you, Mother of the Universe. You are the means for the fulfillment of all work. You purify the universe. Wealth and intelligence are bestowed by you, You are also Sarswati the embodiment of all knowledge. You are the self- education, which results in salvation. O Mahadevi, wife, children, house, friend, money and corn are all acquired by disciples by a glance from you. O Mother, you and your husband Narayana have encompassed the world. People have health of body and happiness by your kindness. You are the mother of the univere, Vishnu is the father. O goddess, bereft of your kindness, people will lose strength, cleanliness, virtue and the good characteristics. All these are obtained by your grace. Mother, never abandon us."
Then Lakshmi said- "Indra, I am pleased at your devotion. Seek any boon you desire."
Said Indra- "Goddess, if I have deserved your kindness, do not go away abandoning me. Apart from that, bless those who recite devotedly every day the prayer I just recited."
Lakshmidevi said, "Be it so," and disappeared.
The prayer recited by Indra is contained in the sea-churning story of Vishnupurana. Lakshmi's influence covers manybranches of knowledge. Speech, morality, wisdom, satisfaction, music, religious offering, brilliance, wealth, strength, creation, river, cattle - all these have their source inLakshmi. The legends state that all women of the world are forms of Lakshmi. At the time of marriage, our people honor the bride and the bridegroom as having the appearance of Lakshmi-Narayana.

Lakshmi- nirisimha

What is the reason for linking Lakshmi with Nrisimha or Narasimha? There is a story behind it. The story of Prahlada is well known. Prahlada was the son of Hiranyakashipu was wicked and cruel. He hated Vishnu. He was proudly proclaiming that he himself was the God. Prahlada was of a peaceful disposition and a devotee of Vishnu. On observing Prahlada's devotion to Vishnu, Hiranyakashipu was intolerant and tried to punish him severely.Then, to save Prahlada, Vishnu emerged from a pillar, assumed the body of terrible Narasimha, stepped out and killed Hiranyakashipu. Because Hiranyakashipu had put Prahlada to countless difficulties, Narasimha was angry. Even after killing Hiranyakashipu his anger did not subside. Gods were help- less. They sang in praise of him to pacify him. Vishnu was unmoved. The gods prayed to Lakshmi: "Mother, you yourself pacify this terrible anger of Narasimha."
Lakshmi stood before Narasimha and prayed: "Honorable sir, why are you so angry? Hiranyakashipu has been killed. Your devotee Prahlada is now safe. Please calm down." Narasimha became calm. He looked handsome with Lakshmi. When terrible Narasimha became Lakshminarasimha, his appearance became gentle. Thus, to represent a gentle-mannered Nrisimha, the name Lakshminarasimha is used in practice.
Prahlada was a virtuous, righteous boy. Virtue means good character and good behavior. With the help of virtue the three worlds fell into his hands. Indra became sad, went to his teacher Brihaspati and narrated his difficulty. Said Brihaspati- "Indra, Rajyalakshmi will reside in a place of virtue. You did not maintain your virtue. Prahlada is a virtuous man. Therefore he secured heaven."
"Then tell me the nature of virtue," requested Indra. Brihaspati told him a few precepts and asked him to go to Shukra- charya if he wanted to know more. Indra went to Shukracharya and requested him to explain virtue. Shukracharya briefly described virtue and said- "Prahlada knows well the real nature of virtue. He knows it and practises it. Please ask him."
Indra disguised himself as a Brahmin, went to Prahlada and requested him to expound the nature of virtue. Accepting him as a teacher, he was rendering service to Prahlada. After sometime Prahlada was pleased and explained fully the nature of virtue. Prahlada had full control over his body, conquered anger and maintained good behavior. Indra was convinced that it was only due to virtue that Prahlada got the kingdom of heaven. Indra then decided that he could not hope to get the kingdom of heaven unless Prahlada was diverted from the path of virtue.
One day Prahlada, pleased about Indra's enthusiasm and devotion, said: "Dear Brahmin, I admire your devotion. What do you want? Make a request and I will grant it." Indra who was waiting for such an opportunity and he said- "Will you give whatever I ask for?" Said Prahlada- "Sure as anything, I will give it. I have never uttered a lie." Then Indra sought a boon: "Maharaja, make me a gift of your virtue." Bound by his promise, Prahlada said: "All right. I hereby gift to you my virtue." The question here arises- "How to give away virtue? What is meant by saying that Prahlada made a gift of virtue is - Teacher Prahlada blessing Indra always to be virtuous, and Prahlada agreeing not to be always bound by righteousness and further that he is prepared to tread theunrighteous way if necessity arises; on the whole, losing his firm resolve regarding virtue. Indra gladly walked away.
On the other side Prahlada was sorry and afraid. "For a long time I have led a virtuous and righteous life. I have now been unfaithful to it," he grieved. Suddenly, a super-brilliance came out of his body and formed a separate body. Asked Prahlada: "Who are you?" In answer the man of the super- brilliance said, "I am the god of virtue. You forsook me. You have given me as a gift to that Brahmin. In future I will stay with that Brahmin," and vanished. Likewise, righteousness and truth appeared in the form of a man and left him. Then a heap of brilliance appeared to flow out of Prahlada's body. A goddess was seen in front of him. When Prahlada asked 'Who are you?" That goddess said: "Prahlada, I am Lakshmidevi. I am to be found where there are virtue,righteousness and truth." Then Prahlada asked: "Goddess, you are Lakshmi the goddess of the world. Why do you want to go away from me? Who was that Brahmin who was serving me?" Then Lakshmi informed him that Indra himself had come in the guise of a Brahmin, and walked away.
Within a few days, Indra was against Prahlada in a war. Prahlada looted the kingdom of heaven. By the grace of Lakshmi, Indra again became the king of heaven. From these stories we learn the moral- Lakshmi resides in those who uphold virtue, righteousness and truth. Lakshmi forsakes those who give up good conduct. There is another such story.
Prahlada' son was Virochana. His son was emperor Bali. Being a very powerful man, he defeated Devendra and took possession of heaven. As stated earlier, gods became strong by drinking the ambrosia produced during the churning of the sea. Then Indra defeated emperor Bali -and took possession of heaven again. Bali went into hiding. Once when
Devendra had come to the banks of the Ganga, he saw sage Narada also there. Indra went near and saluted Narada. When both had enquired about the welfare of each other, as it was morning, they observed religious rites of the morning. By that time the sun's orb appeared brightly in the east. Both Indra and Narada were looking at the sun's orb and were offering prayer. At that time a radiant goddess was seen in the sky. She was adorned with a pearl necklace and holding a lotus in her hand. While Indra and Narada were looking in wonder, that goddess came down from the sky and approached them.
Devendra and Narada saluted her and eulogised her. Indra addressed her: "O Goddess, who are you? What is the reason for your coming here?" Said she: Indra, I am Dhanalakshmi. Everybody in this world tries to seek my favor. I reside in righteous people. The demons were so far righteous, their king Bali was virtuous. I was residing in him. Now, as all of them are unrighteous and devoid of virtue, I have abandoned them and come here to live with you." Indra devotedly saluted her and requested: "O Mother, kindly tell me the places in which you wish to stay." Then Lakshmi said- "I admire the brave and those who show determination to do any work undertaken by them satisfactorily. I stay in the houses of person that pursue education devotedly, those who serve their teacher, and devotees of God. I bless those who have conquered anger, people who are not envious, those who take pity on others in difficulties and help them. I do not approach lazy, short-tempered and ambitious people. I stay away from people whose houses are not clean, and who are lazy. I love people who are clean, virtuous and hard-working."
Lakshmi Is Symbolic Of Virtue, Righteousness And Truth. There are some stories connected with incarnations of Lakshmi.