Freeindia > Biographies > Gods And Goddesses > Lakshmi
Introduction
Goddess of wealth. Wife of Sri Maha Vishnu. In different incarnations of Vishnu she married Sri Rama as Sita, Sri Krishna as Rukmini and Sri Venkateshwara as Padmavati. Devotees believe that Lakshmi resides in a place where
virtue, righteous- ness, truth and compassion prevail.
Author -
N. Raganatha Sharma
Lakshmi
Lakshmi is the goddess of wealth. She is also called 'Sri' ' Money, grain, cattle, land, gold, and silver are forms of wealth. Who does not need them? Everybody worships Lakshmidevi because one gets wealth if Lakshmi grants it.
Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva are famous as Trimurtis ('The Trinity'). Of them, Brahma's wife is Saraswati, Vishnu's wife is Lakshmi, and Shiva's wife is Parvati. Saraswati is the goddess of education. Parvati is the goddess of
might. Lakshmi, however, is the goddess of wealth. Man needs all three - education, might and wealth.
Freeindia > Biographies > Gods And Goddesses > Lakshmi
Prayer to Lakshmi
There is a Vedic verse by name 'Srisukta. ' It comprises invocation and prayer to Lakshmi
devi. This is recited while worshipping. If we understand the
meaning of a few expressions in Srisukta, we will know Lakshmi's
appearance, nature and greatness.
'Hiranyavarnam': Lakshmi is of the color of gold. 'Padmavarnam': of the color of a
lotus. 'Adityavarne': Lakshmi is brilliant like the sun. 'Padmavarne': Lakshmi's face is beautiful like a
lotus. 'Padmadalayatakshi': her eyes are broad and beautiful as petals of a
lotus. 'Padmamalineem': one wearing a garland of lotus flowers. 'Sarasijanilaye': one residing on a lotus
flower. 'Sarasijahaste': one holding a lotus in her hand.
From this it is evident that Lakshmi loves a lotus flower. Therefore 'Padmapriye' (one who loves the lotus flower) is stated in
Shrisukta. She is 'Dhavalataramshuka gandhamalya shobhe': wearing clean white clothes and scented flower
garlands. What does Lakshmi's greatness consist in? She is 'Prajanam bhavani mata' (mother of all
people), 'Vishwapriye' (one who loves the universe). A devotee prays to her thus:
'Pradurbhootosmi Rashtresmin Kirtivriddhim dadatu me' (I am a citizen born in this
country. Grant me fame and wealth). 'Vasa me grihe'(Reside in my
house). Ayushmantam Karotu me' (Enable me to live long).
It is said thus of the benefit obtained by reciting Shrisukta and getting the grace of Lakshmidevi:'Na krodho na cha matsaryam na lobho na shubha matih' (they do not get
angry. Devoid of envy, not greedy, they do not think evil).
In addition those who praise Lakshmi live long. Their health is good.
They will lead a glorious life. Such and other benefits are derived,
it is stated, from praying to Lakshmi.
Freeindia > Biographies > Gods And Goddesses > Lakshmi
Goddess of Auspiciousness
Lakshmi is the goddess ofauspiciousness. She is always with her husband Lord
Narayana. She is the pinnacle of chastity. When Vishnu assumed separate
incarnations, she also took birth tobecome his wife. For example,
in the incarnation as Rama, Lakshmi became Sita; in the incarnation as
Krishna, she was born as Rukmini. According to ancient legends,
she resides in the chest of Vishnu. There fore, Vishnu is called
Srinivasa. One in whom 'Sri' (Lakshmi) resides is Srinivasa.
Lakshmi is worshipped with the names of Mahalakshmi, Varamahalakshmi,
Dhanalakshmi and Amritalakshmi during observance of religious rites. Friday is the most auspicious day
for, worshipping Lakshmi. Even among Fridays, the Fridays of the month of Ashadha are considered
best. Varamahalakshmi religious rites are observed on the Friday in the month of
Shravana. On Thursdays in the month of Margashirsha also special Lakshmi - poojas are
observed. Dhanalakshmi is worshipped on new moon day in the month of
Ashwayuja.
It is said that wherever there are kingdoms, wealth, fame and prosperity derived by the grace of
Lakshmi, their Lakshmi settles down. There are numerous tales in legends where the wealth bestowed by
Lakshmi, in appreciation of worship, is Itself considered as Lakshmi.
Although she has been staying with Vishnu from time immemorial, there are stories telling when she was born and when she
incarnated. Let us get to know some of these stories.
Freeindia > Biographies > Gods And Goddesses > Lakshmi
Bhargavi
Sage Bhrigu was Vishnu's devotee. He had married kardama's daughter Khyati.
In answer to the prayer of that couple, Lakshmi was born as their daughter.
Because she was the daughter of Bhrigu, she got the name 'Bhargavi'.
Freeindia > Biographies > Gods And Goddesses > Lakshmi
Samudratanaya
As Lakshmi was born in Ksheerasamudra she got the name Samudratanaya (Daughter of the
Sea). The story of this is as follows:
Sage Durvasa was a great ascetic. Once he was walking along holding in his hand a garland of flowers called
Santanaka. Devendra who was coming from the opposite direction riding Airavata ignored
him. He threw the garland given by Durvasa on Airavata, which threw it on the ground and trampled upon
it. Durvasa lost his temper and cursed: "The pride of wealth has entered your
head. Let Lakshmi forsake you. " Then Indra realized his folly.
He bowed to Durvasa and sought his pardon. Durvasa said, "Sri Vishnu will do you
good, " and left.
On account of Durvasa's curse, Lakshmi left Indra and went away.
Because Lakshmi the goddess of power, bravery, enthusiasm and radiance
left, Devendra's life became miserable. The demons that were waiting for such an opportunity invaded
heaven, defeated Indra and gods in war and occupied heaven. Indra lost his kingdom and hid out of sight of the
demons.
Freeindia > Biographies > Gods And Goddesses > Lakshmi
Churn the Sea
A number of years passed. Indra's teacher Brihaspati thought of finding a way out for Indra's
troubles. He went with the gods to Brahma, who went to Vishnu with all of them and put forth the appeal of the
gods. Then Vishnu said: ‘Don't fear, I will show you a way out.
The sea of milk must be churned. It is a very difficult job.
Therefore, gain the friendship of the demons and get their assistance.
Use Mandara Mountain as a churning rod and Vasuki, the king of the
serpents, as a rope. I will come to your assistance at the proper
time. When the sea is churned ambrosia will be produced. Let the gods drink it and become
immortal. They will then attain superb strength. It will then be possible for you to defeat the
demons. When the sea is churned, Lakshmi who has disappeared will appear
again. Her grace will be bestowed on you. " He consoled the gods and arranged for the churning of the
sea.
Freeindia > Biographies > Gods And Goddesses > Lakshmi
Obstacles
Brihaspati was very clever. He met the demons, managed cleverly to bring about friendship between them and the gods and arranged to make them churn the milky
sea. The demons agreed in the hope of getting ambrosia and wealth. They all
gathered, carried the Mandara Mountain and dipped it in the sea of milk.
They tied Vasuki, the king of snakes, as a rope. The demons at one end and gods at the other end held Vasuki and commenced churning the
sea. At that time the Mandara Mountain sank into the sea. Then Narayana took the body of a boar and brought to the surface the
Mountain, which was at the bottom of the sea. Mandara was hoisted on the back of the boar and was
floating. While churning Thus, first 'Kalakuta, ' a dreadful poison,
was produced. Everybody was frightened by its fierceness. Then,
as requested by the gods, Shiva was pleased to drink that poison. The black colour of the poison left a mark on Shiva's
neck. Therefore Shiva was named 'god with a black spot on the neck'.
In otherworlds Lord Shiva got an another name; ie - Neelakanta.
Freeindia > Biographies > Gods And Goddesses > Lakshmi
Lakshmi Appears
After that, due to Vishnu's encouragement, gods and demons continued churning the
sea. Then a horse by name Uchaishravas, Kalpavriksha having the power to grant what is
wished, Kamadhenu and other celestial articles took shape. When the sea continued to be churned the Apsara damsels were
born. After that a surprising spectacle appeared. In the midst of the waves of the sea of
milk, a goddess with heavenly looks came into view. She was standing on a fully blossomed
lotus. Wearing a lotus garland in the neck, she was holding a lotus in her
hand. Her appearance was most attractive. She, who was radiantly
smiling, was Lakshmidevi herself. The sages began reciting hymns in praise of
her. Gandharvas sang. Apsaras danced. The elephants on either side sprinkled sacred holy Ganga water on the goddess and bathed
her. Because the elephants sprinkled holy water on her, she acquired the name of Gaja
lakshmi. Because she was born in the sea of milk, she was called
Samudratanaya. The king of the sea appeared in his natural form and comforted Lakshmi as a
daughter. He presented her with attractive clothes and jewels. He handed to her a garland of lotus
flowers. While everybody was looking in surprise, Lakshmi put the garland around the neck of Vishnu and occupied
hischest. When she looked at Indra kindly, he acquired an extraordinary
radiance.
Thereafter Dhanvantari emerged from the sea. Dhanvantrai is the doctor of
gods. He had a sacred pot in his hand. There was ambrosia in it.
When it became known the demons ran forward and snatched the Pot. Then there was fighting between the gods and the
demons. At that time Vishnu appeared disguised as Mohini. As she was
handsome, the demons looked at her in surprise. Mohini came near them and said: "Do not quarrel for
ambrosia. If you agree, I will myself serve ambrosia. You sit in two
rows. " All agreed. The demons sat in one row and the gods in another.
By sleight- of- hand Mohini served intoxicating drinks to the demons and ambrosia to the
gods. The demons who were enamoured of her charm did not notice the trick played on
them. The gods drank ambrosia and became immortal. They became free from fear of
death. The demons came to know afterwards that they had been deceived.
They started a war. The gods who had gained strength by consuming ambrosia defeated the demons and drove them
away.
Freeindia > Biographies > Gods And Goddesses > Lakshmi
Mother of the Universe
Lakshmi's greatness has been well- expressed in books like Vishnupurana.
She, the wife of Vishnu, is herself representative of Vishnu's power.
Excellent articles and valuable things are said to be the abode of Lakshmi and
Narayana.
Devendra praised Lakshmi thus:
"O Goddess, we bow to you, Mother of the Universe. You are the means for the fulfillment of all
work. You purify the universe. Wealth and intelligence are bestowed by
you, You are also Saraswati the embodiment of all knowledge. You are the self-
education, which results in salvation. O Mahadevi, wife,
children, house, friend, money and corn are all acquired by disciples by a glance from
you. O Mother, you and your husband Narayana have encompassed the
world. People have health of body and happiness by your kindness. You are the mother of the
universe, Vishnu is the father. O goddess, bereft of your
kindness, people will lose strength, cleanliness, virtue and the good
characteristics. All these are obtained by your grace. Mother,
never abandon us. "
Then Lakshmi said: "Indra, I am pleased at your devotion. Seek any boon you
desire. " Said Indra: "Goddess, if I have deserved your kindness,
do not go away abandoning me. Apart from that, bless those who recite devotedly every day the prayer I just
recited. " Lakshmidevi said, "Be it so, " and disappeared.
The prayer recited by Indra is contained in the sea-churning story of
Vishnupurana.
Lakshmi's influence covers many branches of knowledge. Speech,
morality, wisdom, satisfaction, music, religious
offering, brilliance, wealth, strength, creation,
river, cattle - all these have their source in Lakshmi. The legends state that all women of the world are forms of
Lakshmi. At the time of marriage, our people honor the bride and the bridegroom as having the appearance of
Lakshmi-Narayana.
Freeindia > Biographies > Gods And Goddesses > Lakshmi
Lakshminrisimha
What is the reason for linking Lakshmi with Nrisimha or Narasimha? There is a story behind
it.
The story of Prahlada is well known. Prahlada was the son of Hiranyakashipu was wicked and
cruel. He hated Vishnu. He was proudly proclaiming that he himself was the
God. Prahlada was of a peaceful disposition and a devotee of Vishnu.
On observing Prahlada's devotion to Vishnu, Hiranyakashipu was intolerant and tried to punish him
severely. Then, to save Prahlada, Vishnu emerged from a pillar,
assumed the body of terrible Narasimha, stepped out and killed
Hiranyakashipu. Because Hiranyakashipu had put Prahlada to countless
difficulties, Narasimha was angry. Even after killing Hiranyakashipu his anger did not
subside. Gods were help- less. They sang in praise of him to pacify
him. Vishnu was unmoved. The gods prayed to Lakshmi: "Mother,
you yourself pacify this terrible anger of Narasimha. "
Lakshmi stood before Narasimha and prayed: "Honorable sir, why are you so angry? Hiranyakashipu has been
killed. Your devotee Prahlada is now safe. Please calm down. "
Narasimha became calm. He looked handsome with Lakshmi. When terrible Narasimha became
Lakshminarasimha, his appearance became gentle. Thus, to represent a gentle-mannered
Nrisimha, the name Lakshminarasimha is used in practice.
Freeindia > Biographies > Gods And Goddesses > Lakshmi
Lakshmi is Symbolic of Virtue
Righteousness and Truth Prahlada was a
virtuous, righteous boy. Virtue means good character and good
behavior. With the help of virtue the three worlds fell into his hands.
Indra became sad, went to his teacher Brihaspati and narrated his
difficulty. Said Brihaspati: Indra, Rajyalakshmi will reside in a place of
virtue. You did not maintain your virtue. Prahlada is a virtuous man.
Therefore he secured heaven. " "Then tell me the nature of virtue, " requested
Indra. Brihaspati told him a few precepts and asked him to go to Shukra- charya if he wanted to know
more.
Indra went to Shukracharya and requested him to explain virtue. Shukracharya briefly described virtue and said: "Prahlada knows well the real nature of
virtue. He knows it and practises it. Please ask him. "Indra disguised himself as a
Brahmin, went to Prahlada and requested him to expound the nature of
virtue. Accepting him as a teacher, he was rendering service to
Prahlada. After sometime Prahlada was pleased and explained fully the nature of
virtue. Prahlada had full control over his body, conquered anger and maintained good
behavior. Indra was convinced that it was only due to virtue that Prahlada got the kingdom of
heaven. Indra then decided that he could not hope to get the kingdom of heaven unless Prahlada was diverted from the path of
virtue.
One day Prahlada, pleased about Indra's enthusiasm and devotion, said: "Dear
Brahmin, I admire your devotion. What do you want? Make a request and I will grant
it. " Indra who was waiting for such an opportunity and he said: ' Will you give whatever I ask for?" Said Prahlada: "Sure as
anything, I will give it. I have never uttered a lie. " Then Indra sought a boon:
"Maharaja, make me a gift of your virtue. " Bound by his promise,
Prahlada said: "All right. I hereby gift to you my virtue. "
The question here arises: How to give away virtue? What is meant by saying that Prahlada made a gift of virtue is - Teacher Prahlada blessing Indra always to be
virtuous, and Prahlada agreeing not to be always bound by righteousness and further that he is prepared to tread
the unrighteous way if necessity arises; on the whole, losing his firm resolve regarding
virtue.
Indra gladly walked away. On the other side Prahlada was sorry and afraid.
"For a long time I have led a virtuous and righteous life. I have now been unfaithful to
it, " he grieved. Suddenly, a super-brilliance came out of his body and formed a separate
body. Asked Prahlada: "Who are you?" In answer the man of the super- brilliance
said, "I am the god of virtue. You forsook me. You have given me as a gift to that
Brahmin. In future I will stay with that Brahmin, " and vanished.
Likewise, righteousness and truth appeared in the form of a man and left
him.
Then a heap of brilliance appeared to flow out of Prahlada's body. A goddess was seen in front of
him. When Prahlada asked 'Who are you?" That goddess said: "Prahlada,
I am Lakshmidevi. I am to be found where there are virtue, righteousness and
truth. " Then Prahlada asked: "Goddess, you are Lakshmi the goddess of the
world. Why do you want to go away from me? Who was that Brahmin who was serving me?" Then Lakshmi informed him that Indra himself had come in the guise of a
Brahmin, and walked away.
Within a few days, Indra was against Prahlada in a war. Prahlada looted the kingdom of
heaven. By the grace of Lakshmi, Indra again became the king of
heaven.
From these stories we learn the moral: Lakshmi resides in those who uphold
virtue, righteousness and truth. Lakshmi forsakes those who give up good
conduct.
There is another such story.
Prahlada' son was Virochana. His son was emperor Bali. Being a very powerful
man, he defeated Devendra and took possession of heaven. As stated
earlier, gods became strong by drinking the ambrosia produced during the churning of the
sea. Then Indra defeated emperor Bali -and took possession of heaven again.
Bali went into hiding.
Once when Devendra had come to the banks of the Ganga, he saw sage Narada also
there. Indra went near and saluted Narada. When both had enquired about the welfare of each
other, as it was morning, they observed religious rites of the
morning. By that time the sun's orb appeared brightly in the east. Both Indra and Narada were looking at the sun's orb and were offering
prayer. At that time a radiant goddess was seen in the sky. She was adorned with a pearl necklace and holding a lotus in her
hand. While Indra and Narada were looking in wonder, that goddess came down from the sky and approached
them. Devendra and Narada saluted her and eulogised her. Indra addressed her:
"O Goddess, who are you? What is the reason for your coming here?" Said she:
Indra, I am Dhanalakshmi. Everybody in this world tries to seek my
favor. I reside in righteous people. The demons were so far righteous; their king Bali was
virtuous. I was residing in him. Now, as all of them are unrighteous and devoid of
virtue, I have abandoned them and come here to live with you. " Indra devotedly saluted her and requested:
"O Mother, kindly tell me the places in which you wish to stay.
"
Then Lakshmi said: "I admire the brave and those who show determination to do any work undertaken by them
satisfactorily. I stay in the houses of person that pursue education
devotedly, those who serve their teacher, and devotees of God.
I bless those who have conquered anger, people who are not envious, those who take pity on others in difficulties and help
them. I do not approach lazy, short-tempered and ambitious people.
I stay away from people whose houses are not clean, and who are lazy.
I love people who are clean, virtuous and hard-working. "
There are some stories connected with incarnations of Lakshmi.
Freeindia > Biographies > Gods And Goddesses > Lakshmi
Vedavati
A long time ago there was a king by name Rathadhwaja. In his family,
worship of Lakshmi had a long tradition. The king gave up the worship of Lakshmi due to in
difference. Consequently he lost the grace of Lakshmi. The enemies invaded with an
army. Rathadhwaja was defeated in war and lost the kingdom. He had two sons Kushadhwaja and
Dharmadhwaja. They felt sorry for their father's mistake. They observed rigorous
penance, meditating for Lakshmi. When she appeared theyprayed: "Bless us so that we get back
ourkingdom. Grant us a favor by being born as our daughter. " Lakshmi granted the
boons. They bravely fought, won the kingdom again and were living
happily.
Malavati was the name of Kushadhwaja's wife. Goddess Lakshmi, in fulfillment of the boon granted by
her, Entered the womb of Malavati in subtle form and was born as a
daughter. It is said that even at the time of birth she was Reciting Vedic verses
clearly. Therefore, the parents named her 'Vedavati'. Kushadhwaja looked after her and brought her up with great
affection. Vedavati grew up to be a beautiful, virtuous girl. She came of
age. Both gods and demons came forward to wed her. She did not accept
anybody. She went away to Pushkara, a place of pilgrimage and under ' took a rigorous penance praying for Vishnu's becoming her
husband. The penance dragged on for a long time. One day a voice from heaven was heard:
"Vedavati, you have to be born again. In your next birth,
Vishnu will also be- born and he will become your husband. " Even then,
Vedavati continued her penance without losing heart.
Ravana was in an aeroplane and in course of travel came there. Thinking that a guest had come to the
hermitage, Vedavati was hospitable to him. Then Ravana asked her about her
life. Vedavati said: "I am the daughter of king Kushadhwaja. My name is
Vedavati. I have undertaken a penancewith a view to getting Sriman Narayana himself to become my
husband. " On hearing this Ravana laughed derisively and said: "You,
beautiful woman, should you, a young woman, observe penance? You talk about Narayana! Who is he? Has he as much wealth as I have? So strong? I am
Ravana, king of Lanka. Marry me and be happy. " Replied
Vadavati: "Ravana, don't talk so. Narayana means the king of the
universe, Vishnu. Should you abuse him? A big fool you are. " Realizing that she was not amenable to
persuasion, Ravana caught her head and dragged her by hair. Enraged Vedavati immediately sheared her hair with her
hand. Due to the influence of penance her hand itself cut her hair like a
sword. She turned to Ravana and said: "You scoundrel, are you compelling me? By your touch my body became
tainted. Be looking on, now itself I will give up my body. I will take birth as the daughter of another righteous person and will myself be the cause for your
death. " Immediately she jumped into a burning fire in the hermitage and gave up her
life. Ravana returned to Lanka grief stricken.
Freeindia > Biographies > Gods And Goddesses > Lakshmi
Sita
Vedavati was later born as a daughter of king Janaka. King Janaka named her
Sita. At that time Dasharatha was ruling over Ayodhya. To his wife
Kousalya, Vishnu was born and became famous as Sri Rama. He came with sage Vishwamitra to Janaka's capital and broke the bow given by
Shiva. Then King Janaka, having admired Sri Rama's valour, gave Sitadevi in marriage to Sri
Rama. When sometime passed, Sri Rama, as desired by his father,
had to go to Dandakaranya with Sita and Lakshmana. While living there,
Ravana decitfully took Sita to Lanka. Sri Rama went to Lanka with Sugreeva,
Hanumanta and other monkey-warriors and invaded Lanka. In the terrible war that
followed, Sri Rama killed Ravana. Thereafter, Sitadevi came to Ayodhya with Sri Rama and lived a happy
life. This story is told in great detail in the Ramayana.
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Tulasi
On the other side, Lakshmi was born to Dharmadhwaja's wife Madhavi. Her parents named her
Tulasi. The child was very beautiful. She grew up to be virtuous.
Later she married Vishnu. Vishnu told her: "You leave this body and stay with
me. Let your body become a river by name Gandaki. I will became a Saligrama stone and will reside in Gandaki
River. Let your hair grow into a plant, become famous as Tulasi and be worshipped by
people. I love a garland of Tulasi petals. "
Tulasi's body flowed after becoming river Gandaki. Narayana became a stone and was residing in
it. Tulasi plant was born from the hair of Tulasi and became sacred.
Freeindia > Biographies > Gods And Goddesses > Lakshmi
Rukmini
There was a king by name Bhishmaka in the kingdom of Vidharbha. He had five sons by name
Rukmi, Rukmaratha, Rukmabahu, Rukmakesha and Rukmamali. Sriman Narayana was born for killing Kamsa and with a view to establishing
righteousness. When he was thus born as Krishna, Lakshmi was born as
Rukmini, daughter of Bhismaka. She was beautiful and virtuous.
Father Bhishmaka was not only god-fearing but had also great respect for Sri
Krishna. He thought of giving Rukmini in marriage to Sri Krishna.
But Bhishmaks’s first son Rukmi did not agree to it. He had joined a gang of wicked men formed by Shishupala and
others. He brought pressure on his father to give sister Rukmini in marriage to
Shishupala. As Rukmi was hating Sri Krishna he did not agree to have the
relationship. Bhishmaka was not bold enough to ignore his advice.
Rukmini's marriage with Shishupala was fixed. But Rukmini, having heard of Sri Krishna's good character and
greatness, had mentally accepted him as her husband. She sent a messenger to Dwaraka with the message that she would marry Krishna; and if that is not
possible, she would give her life.
Sri Krishna had already heared ofRukmin's character, virtue and beauty.
He wished to marry her. Therefore, he immediately boarded a chariot and came to Bhishmaka's
town. Balarama came to know that Sri Krishna went alone. Instantly he followed with a large army to help his
brother.
In the capital of Vidarbha all arrangements were being made for Rukmini's
marriage. Shishupala had arrived with his friends Jarasandha, Salva,
Paundraka and others. Balarama and Krishna also joined. Balarama had stationed his army far away outside the
city. After sometime the marriage rituals commenced. Rukmini went with her entourage to the temple to worship
Gowri. She worshipped Gowri and prayed: "Let only Sri Krishna become my
husband. " She was not aware of Sri Krishna's having come to the town.
She was worried about what would happen. Rukmini completed worship of Gowri and came out of the
temple. Instantly Sri Krishna brought his chariot, made her mount it and drove away towards
Dwaraka. Jarasandha and others, when they came to know of this incident became angry and went after Sri
Krishna. A terrible war was fought. Krishna and Balarama defeated all and set out to
Dwaraka.
Thereafter the marriage of Sri Krishna and Rukmini was celebrated grandly at
Dwaraka. Rukmini was the senior queen. Pradyumna is Rukmini's son.
Freeindia > Biographies > Gods And Goddesses > Lakshmi
Padmavati
Once the great sage Bhrigu went to heaven. Their Vishnu was sleeping on
Adisesha. The sage became angry and kicked at Vishnu's chest. Then Vishnu got up and said:
"O sage, welcome to you! Excuse me. I do not know how much your foot should have been hurt because it touched my hard
chest. " He massaged his leg and comforted him. Sage Bhrigu was
pleased. Saying, "You have comforted me without losing your temper even when
kicked. You possess good nature, you are the best, " he left.
However, Narayana's wife Lakshmi was dissatisfied. "The sage kicked at the chest in which I reside! It means dishonoring
me. Without punishing him my husband comforts him!" So thinking, she became
angry. I cannot reside in this chest any more, she decided, and in disgust went to Kolhapur and
settled. Even now the temple of Mahalakshmi at Kolhapur is famous.
As Lakshmi left, Vishnu became sad. He went from Vaikuntha to Tirupati and settled in Venkatadri under the name of
Venkatesha.
Akasharaja, the king of Chola country, had no children. His teacher told him toperform a religious function to get
children.
The king agreed to it and he himself was ploughing the earth to level the ground.
When the plough split the ground, a lotus with many petals came into view.
A female child was lying in it. A voice was heard from heaven saying,
"O King, this girl is very fortunate. Bring her up considering her as your
daughter. " With pleasure the king gave the child to his queen Dharanidevi.
The child was named 'Padmavati'. She was brought up with great affection.
She grew up into a woman bright as the moon in the first phase of the month.
One day when Padmavati was enjoying herself in the garden with her friends,
Narada came there. Looking at Padmavati he said, "O Mother,
I know who you are. You are truly Lakshmi. As you could not bear the separation from
Vishnu, you have been born thus and come here. He, in the form of
Venkatesha, is suffering due to separation from you and living there.
Within a few days you two will be married, " and went away.
Padmavati was attracted by Venkatesha one day when she was amusing herself in the
garden. Venkatesha came there and saw her. They became acquainted and love grew between
them. When Akasharaja came to know of this, he gladly agreed to their
marriage. As desired by Vekatesha, Brahma and other gods attended the
wedding. The marriage was celebrated magnificently.
Because 'Sri' (Lakshmi) permanently settled down in Tirupati on Venkatesha's
chest, he got the name 'Srinivasa. '
Thus there are numerous stories about Lakshmi. Lakshmi has been worshipped by our ancestors as the goddess of
wealth. By worshipping her our brilliance, liveliness and wealth
increase.
O lotus-seated Goddess!
Shining in the midst of lotus flowers,
Delighted in lotus flowers! Having eyes wide and beautiful like lotus petals,
Beloved of the entire universe, favorable to every mind,
May you place those lotus feet of yours on me!
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