CRYSTAL LAKSHMI

Lakshmi is the Goddess of wealth and prosperity, both material and spiritual. The word ''Lakshmi'' is derived from the Sanskrit word Laksme, meaning "goal." Lakshmi, therefore, represents the goal of life, which includes worldly as well as spiritual prosperity. In Hindu mythology, Goddess Lakshmi, also called Shri, is the divine spouse of Lord Vishnu and the Goddess of wealth and fortune. In the vedas, she called Sri. Goddes Lakshmi indicates prosperity. Worhip of Lakshmi indicates an appreciation of prosperity and a sense of responsibility towards it. Depicted an extremely beautiful woman, Lakshmi stands on a lotus.She has lotuses in various stages of bloom in her two hands. And even wears a lotus garland.

Lakshmi normally appears on one of three vehicles. In her enlightened aspect, sattvic guna, she accompanies Vishnu on Garuda. In her materialistic aspect, raja guna, she appears with two elephants on either side of her. The owl depicts the pernicious aspect of wealth. Though its considered a bird of ill omen and a symbol of darkness, the owl also symbolizes wisdom and intelligence because of its ability to presage events.

The four arms represent the four directions in space and thus symbolize omnipresence and omnipotence of the Goddess. The red color syinbolizes activity. The golden lining (embroidery) on Her red dress denotes prosperity. The idea conveyed here is that the Goddess is always busy distributing wealth and prosperity to the devotees. The lotus seat, which Lakshmi is standing upon, signifies that while living in this world, one should enjoy its wealth, but not become obsessed with it. Such a living is analogous to a lotus that grows in water but is not wetted by water.

Since the right side of the body symbolizes activity, a lotus in the back right hand conveys the idea that one must perform all duties in the world in accordance with dharma. This leads to moksha (liberation), which is symbolized by a lotus in the back left hand of Lakshmi.

The golden coins falling on the ground from the front left hand of Lakshmi illustrate that She provides wealth and prosperity to Her devotees. Her front right hand is shown bestowing blessings upon the devotees. To go hand in hand with Lord Vishnu's act of maintenance and protection, Goddesses Lakshmi is the possessor of every form of wealth.

She is the possessor of great beauty and is depicted in standing as well as in the seated postures. She is however always seen on a lotus. In her hands she holds two lotuses.

In the avatarams of Lord Vishnu, Lakshmi also took varous forms to accompany him - Sita with Rama , Rukmini with Krishna. Ashta Lakshmi are her eight forms which are the commonly worshipped aspects. In each form, she bestows one form of wealth to her devotees. There are numerous poojas and festivals which are performed to invoke her blessings.

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