The Story of Lakshmi

Lakshmi is the goddess of all that is auspicious: wealth and prosperity, beauty and grace, the consort of Lord Vishnu who stands ever at his side. She is said to have arisen radiant from the churning of the ocean of milk, choosing Vishnu as her eternal Lord.

Seated upon a blooming lotus, gold flowing from her hand, attended by elephants who shower her with the waters of life, she blesses her devotees with abundance of every kind, outer and inner.

Yet Lakshmi turns away from pride and greed; she abides only where there is dharma, devotion, cleanliness and gratitude. Worshipped above all at Diwali, she brings light, plenty and well-being into the home.

The Meaning

Lakshmi teaches that true wealth is not gold alone but the abundance that flows from righteousness, generosity and grace. She reminds the devotee that prosperity and devotion go hand in hand, and that what is shared and held with gratitude only grows. She is the very fortune of the worlds.