Lakshmi–the Goddess of Abundance
WHO IS LAKSHMI?
One of the most important deities of the Hindu religion as well as considered to be the Supreme Being by some believers, Lakshmi is the god of wealth, fortune, and prosperity. Lakshmi is the counterpart of the god Vishnu and herself is the protector and giver of wealth and other material desires. Those who follow her and revere her are destined to have material abundance as she bestows according to the deeds, past lives, and commitment of the devotee.
LAKSHMI'S APPEARANCE
Lakshmi tends to have a stereotypical appearance of a beautiful woman as a goddess: a fair skinned golden lady who is dressed elegantly in a lavish traditional dress and is standing upon a blooming lotus with pouring out of her hands.
Lakshmi is said to have originated from the ocean and chosen Vishnu to be her spouse. The marriage and unity of these two is the ideal relationship and is an example for all couples to follow in terms of love, respect, and mutual support.
THE HIDDEN SYMBOLISM BEHIND LAKSHMI
The pictograph and form of Lakshmi are hiding many secrets that can be studied as symbolism, some of which are listed and explained as follows:
Lotus
The lotus is a symbol of purity, light, and goodness despite one’s surroundings or situation. It is also a symbol for knowledge and self realization. Lakshmi is seen either sitting on a blossoming lotus or she is seen holding two lotus flowers in her hands.
Elephants
Some icons of Lakshmi show two elephant heads or whole elephants behind her in the background, often showering water out of their trunks. They represent strength, wisdom, and power to do everything. They also represent water, referring to her origin, and fertility.
Owl
The owl is the animal on which the goddess Lakshmi rides. The owl is known to be wise and careful, blinded by the daylight and venturing out in the dark. It represents being patient, not giving in to the greeds of the world, and seeking for knowledge regardless of the situation you are in.
Money
Lakshmi may either be shown with wealth pouring out of her hands or her holding a jar of wealth. This is to symbolise her very obvious role as a wealth giver and bestower. Not only does this refer to the material wealth, but also spiritual wealth in terms of knowledge, realization, and self fulfilment.
Dress
Lakshmi is typically shown wearing a red saree. This red color symbolises fiery activity, encouraging us to do work for the better. The red dress is generally emblazoned and embroidered with golden thread that signifies wealth and lavishness while emphasizing her beauty. It also ties in the importance of life and the world along with wealth and prosperity.
Arms and Hands
The four arms of Lakshmi have been said to represent a multitude of things, including the four directions, the four goals of human life, and the four ends of life. The front of her hands shows the activity in the world and the back of her hands represents that in the spiritual world.
