Mother Lakshmi is the presiding goddess of wealth, fortune, prosperity, and abundance. She is considered the consort of Lord Vishnu and the embodiment of Shri. Lakshmi's form is endowed with gentleness and divine radiance—four-armed, holding lotus, golden pot, blessing mudra, and sometimes conch. Her vehicle is an owl, which symbolizes wisdom and guidance in darkness.
According to mythological stories, Lakshmi emerged from the churning of the ocean. She chose Vishnu as her husband from among the gods and became the presiding deity of Vaikuntha Lok. She is not only the presiding deity of wealth but also a symbol of dharma-based wealth acquisition, fortune, and balance in life.
The night of Diwali is the main festival of Lakshmi worship, in which homes, shops, and temples light lamps to welcome her. On this day, merchants start their accounts and family members pray for wealth and prosperity. Kojagari Purnima is also a special occasion for Lakshmi worship.
In addition to India, Lakshmi is also worshipped in Nepal, Bali (Indonesia), and Thailand. Her glory is extensively described in Vedic mantras, Puranas, and stotras. Devotees believe that without Lakshmi's grace, happiness and prosperity in life are incomplete.
Consort
Vishnu
Parents
Father: Ocean (mythological), Mother: Unknown
Abode
Vaikuntha Lok • Kshirsagar
Major Festivals (Detailed)
Diwali (Lakshmi Puja)
Kartik • Amavasya •
Oct/Nov • India, Nepal
ProsperityWorshipFestival of Lights
Kojagari Lakshmi Puja
Ashwin • Shukla • Purnima
Sep/Oct • Eastern India (especially Bengal, Odisha)
According to mythological story, during the churning of the ocean when gods and demons were churning the ocean to obtain nectar, Lakshmi ji appeared along with fourteen gems. She herself became established in Vishnu's chest as Shri form and became his consort.
Why is Lakshmi worship performed on Diwali?
Diwali is celebrated on the night of Kartik Amavasya. It is believed that on this night, Lakshmi ji visits house to house and enters clean, illuminated, and devotion-filled homes to grant prosperity. Merchants also start their new accounts and business on this day.
Why is Lakshmi's vehicle considered to be an owl?
Lakshmi's vehicle is an owl. An owl can see even at night—therefore it is a symbol of wisdom, foresight, and guidance in darkness. This teaches that wealth should be used wisely, otherwise it can also be destructive.
What should be offered in Lakshmi ji's worship?
In Lakshmi worship, clean lamp, red/yellow flowers, incense, sweets, and especially coins or currency are offered. Offering lotus flower and conch water is also considered auspicious. But the greatest offering is—true hard work and dharma-based wealth acquisition.
What is Kojagari Purnima and what is its relationship with Lakshmi?
Kojagari Purnima is celebrated on the night of Ashwin Shukla Purnima. On this day, special worship of Lakshmi ji takes place. People stay awake all night because it is believed that Lakshmi asks at night—'Ko Jagarti?' (Who is awake?). Devotees who stay awake receive special blessings.
What is Lakshmi's spiritual significance?
Lakshmi is not only the presiding deity of material wealth but also a symbol of dharma-based wealth and balance. She teaches that wealth should be used properly in dharma, charity, and social welfare. Her form gives the message of contentment and balance along with prosperity.
What remedies are told for obtaining Lakshmi's grace?
Cleanliness of home and heart, observance of truth-dharma, charity, guest service, and hard work—these are the main remedies told for obtaining Lakshmi's grace. Not just wealth accumulation, but its dharma-appropriate use is the real Lakshmi attainment.
What are the major temples of Lakshmi ji in India?
Kolhapur Mahalakshmi Temple (Maharashtra), Padmavati Temple (Tirupati), Lakshmi Narayan Temple (Delhi), and Lakshmi Devi Temple (Karnataka) are prominent. Millions of devotees visit here for darshan on Diwali and special occasions.
Why is Lakshmi ji's name 'Shri'?
Lakshmi is called 'Shri' because she is the presiding deity of prosperity, abundance, and auspiciousness. In Sanskrit, the word 'Shri' indicates prosperity and auspiciousness. Therefore, uttering 'Shri' in every auspicious work is considered essential.
