No. 049Hinduism

Lakshmi

लक्ष्मी

Goddess of fortune and well-being, lotus-seated consort of Vishnu

Lakshmi (लक्ष्मी) is the Hindu goddess of fortune, prosperity, well-being and auspiciousness, and the consort of Vishnu. Her roots reach back to the Vedic goddess Shri, and images of her bathed by elephants are known from at least the 6th century.

Devotees turn to her for more than money. Her blessing is understood as health, harmony and a full household. On the new-moon night of Diwali, homes are cleaned and lit with lamps to welcome her in. Traditions differ by region: Ashta-Lakshmi, her eight forms, in the South; the owl and Kojagara in the East; and Varalakshmi Vratam among Telugu, Kannada and Tamil women.

Shop LakshmiSee the gallery
Lakshmi

How to recognise Lakshmi

  1. LotusShe sits or stands on an open lotus and holds lotus flowers, usually in her upper hands; the lotus is her key attribute.
  2. Four armsShe usually has four arms, which stand for the four aims of life.
  3. Gold coinsGold coins pour from one lower hand, or from a pot (kalash) of coins, showing the prosperity she gives.
  4. Blessing handHer other lower hand is raised in blessing (abhaya) or open in giving (varada).
  5. ElephantsIn the Gaja-Lakshmi form, one or two elephants, often a symmetrical pair, raise their trunks to bathe her with water from pots.
  6. Red and gold dressShe wears a red sari embroidered with gold, a crown and gold jewelry, always fully and modestly dressed.
  7. OwlThe owl (Uluka) is her vahana, or vehicle, especially in eastern India, and is sometimes shown beside her.

Names and titles

  • She of the LotusKamala or Padma; the lotus stands for purity, knowledge and liberation
  • As Beautiful as a LotusPadmasundari, she who is as beautiful as a lotus
  • Beloved of VishnuVishnupriya or Haripriya, the devoted consort of Vishnu
  • Born of the Ocean of MilkShe rose from the churning of the cosmic milk ocean and chose Vishnu
  • Bathed by ElephantsGaja-Lakshmi: two elephants pour water over her from upturned pots

Feast days

  • Kojagara Lakshmi Puja25 October 2026
  • Diwali Lakshmi Puja8 November 2026
  • Varalakshmi Vratam13 August 2027

Lakshmi in the shop

See all 9 Lakshmi designs

Sources

  1. Wikipedia: Lakshmi
  2. Los Angeles County Museum of Art: collection object 33594
  3. Metropolitan Museum of Art: collection object 38601
  4. Hindu American Foundation: article on Lakshmi
  5. The Toy Insider: Mode Toys Laxmi Devi launch
  6. WBUR: Peabody Essex Museum Hindu plush toys (2022)
  7. HuffPost India: Lisa Blue Lakshmi swimsuit; PhillyVoice: Urban Outfitters pulls third item
  8. Deccan Herald: Ganesha and Lakshmi on currency notes
  9. Drik Panchang: Lakshmi Puja timings 2027
  10. Drik Panchang: Kojagara Puja date and time 2027
  11. Drik Panchang: Varalakshmi Vratam date and time 2027
  12. David Kinsley, Hindu Goddesses (University of California Press, 1986)
  13. Wikipedia: Samudra manthan

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