Have you ever heard of the goddess Lakshmi? She is one of the most important deities in Hinduism, the predominant religion in India. Lakshmi is the personification of wealth, prosperity, beauty and generosity. It is also related to luck, health, fertility and wisdom. In this article, we will learn a little more about the origin, mythology, history and cult of this fascinating goddess.
Origin
The name Lakshmi comes from the Sanskrit Laksya, which means objective or target. It represents the new beginnings, desires and goals that people seek in life. Lakshmi is a primordial goddess, who emerged from the ocean of milk when the gods and demons stirred it in search of the nectar of immortality. She emerged on a lotus flower, carrying a pitcher of gold coins. She chose the god Vishnu, the preserver of the universe, as her consort, and began to accompany him in his various incarnations.
Mythology
Lakshmi has many myths and legends associated with her. One of them tells about her rebirth, when the god Indra, the lord of war and thunder, offended her by throwing sacred flowers on the ground. Lakshmi felt disrespected and abandoned the heavens, leaving the gods without her protection and grace. The demons took the opportunity to invade the world and spread chaos. The gods turned to Vishnu, who told them that they must win back Lakshmi with humility and devotion. They then performed a ritual called Samudra Manthan, which consisted of beating the ocean of milk with a mountain and a giant serpent. From this process, several treasures and divine beings emerged, including Lakshmi, who returned to the arms of Vishnu and restored order and harmony.
Another myth talks about the manifestations of Lakshmi in the different wives of Vishnu in his earthly incarnations. One of them was Sita, the wife of Prince Rama, who was kidnapped by the demon Ravana and taken to his kingdom in Lanka. Rama managed to rescue her with the help of the monkey Hanuman and an army of monkeys and bears. However, he doubted Sita's fidelity and subjected her to a trial by fire. Sita entered the flames and emerged unharmed, proving her purity. Lakshmi then appeared before Rama and reprimanded him for his distrust. She said that Sita was his incarnation and that he should treat her with respect and love.
History
Lakshmi is a very ancient goddess, who was already worshiped in the Indus Valley civilization, which flourished between 2500 and 1500 BC. She was represented by female figures with several arms, adorned with jewelry and symbols of fertility. With the rise of Vedic Hinduism, Lakshmi was incorporated into the pantheon of gods as the wife of Vishnu and the mother of the worlds. She came to be revered as the source of all material and spiritual abundance.
Lakshmi also had an influence on other religions that originated in India, such as Buddhism and Jainism. In Buddhism, she is considered one of the bodhisattvas, enlightened beings who help others achieve liberation from suffering. In Jainism, she is seen as one of the yakshinis, supernatural entities that protect the tirthankaras, the spiritual masters. Lakshmi is also worshiped in other parts of Asia, such as Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam and Indonesia.
Cult
Lakshmi is a very popular and beloved goddess among Hindus, who invoke her to obtain prosperity, success and happiness. She is especially worshiped by women, who usually make offerings of flowers, fruits, sweets, milk and coins to please the goddess and receive her blessings.
One of the main festivals dedicated to Lakshmi is Divali, also known as the festival of lights. It occurs in the month of October or November, according to the Hindu lunar calendar. On this occasion, people light oil lamps and candles in their homes and on the streets, to light the goddess's path and invite her to enter. They also do a general cleaning of their homes and decorate them with flowers and rangolis, colorful designs made with rice powder or sand. They also wear new clothes and exchange gifts with each other. At night, they perform a ceremony called puja, in which they recite mantras, sing hymns and say prayers to Lakshmi. They also throw coins in the air and set off fireworks to express their joy and gratitude.
To connect with Lakshmi, you can also create an altar in your home or workplace. You can cover a table or shelf with a red or gold tablecloth, the colors of the goddess. Then, place a picture or statue of her in the center, surrounded by objects that symbolize her energy. For example, you can place a lotus flower or a red candle, which represent your purity and love; a pitcher or a cup with pure water, which represents its fertility and abundance; coins or banknotes, which represent your wealth and generosity; elephants or owls, which represent his wisdom and protection. You can also add incense, crystals, bells or other elements that you feel affinity with. The important thing is to create a sacred and harmonious space to receive the presence of the goddess.
To activate the altar, you can do a daily or weekly meditation, in which you sit in front of the image of Lakshmi and breathe deeply. You can then recite a mantra to invoke its energy and ask for its help. One of the most used mantras is Om Shreem Maha Lakshmiyei Namaha, which means “Greetings to the great Lakshmi, the source of all prosperity”. You can repeat this mantra 108 times, using a japamala or a finger counter to mark the repetitions. As you recite the mantra, visualize the goddess in her radiant form and feel her love and grace filling your body and mind.
You can also chat with Lakshmi as if she were a close friend. You can tell your problems, your dreams, your plans and your challenges. You can ask for advice, guidance, inspiration and solutions. You can express your gratitude, your recognition, your praise and your affection. You can offer your gifts, your talents, your services and your commitments. You can make promises, pacts, vows and oaths. You can create a personal and sincere relationship with the goddess, based on trust and surrender.
Goddess Lakshmi represents feminine strength and Hindu prosperity!
Lakshmi is a wonderful goddess who can bring many benefits to your life. It can help you attract material and spiritual wealth, achieve your goals and live with fullness and happiness.
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