Maa Lakshmi
माँ लक्ष्मी
About
Quick Facts
Iconography & Symbolism
- Standing or seated on a pink lotus symbolizing purity and beauty
- Four hands: two showering gold coins, two holding lotuses
- Red or pink saree with gold ornaments
- Flanked by elephants pouring water (Gaja Lakshmi form)
Significance
Goddess of wealth, fortune, and prosperity. Lakshmi brings abundance, wellbeing and auspiciousness to households and businesses.
Worship & Practice
Perform Lakshmi puja on auspicious days, offer flowers and sweets, and recite Lakshmi stotras for prosperity.
Prayers & Mantras
Famous Temples
Festivals
Diwali / Lakshmi Puja
The most prominent Lakshmi worship on Diwali night for prosperity and good fortune.
Sharad Purnima
The full moon night when Lakshmi is believed to visit Earth and bless devoted homes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Lakshmi worshipped on Diwali?
Diwali celebrates the return of Rama (Vishnu's avatar) to Ayodhya. Lakshmi, as Vishnu's consort, is worshipped for prosperity and to invite abundance into the new year.
What are the eight forms of Lakshmi (Ashta Lakshmi)?
The Ashta Lakshmi are eight forms of Lakshmi representing different types of prosperity: Adi Lakshmi (primordial), Dhana Lakshmi (wealth), Dhanya Lakshmi (grain/food), Gaja Lakshmi (power and royalty), Santana Lakshmi (children), Veera Lakshmi (courage), Vijaya Lakshmi (victory), and Vidya Lakshmi (knowledge).
Which day is especially auspicious for Lakshmi worship?
Friday (Shukravar) is traditionally the day of Maa Lakshmi. Devotees clean their homes, light a ghee lamp, and offer lotus flowers, kumkum, and sweets on this day in the traditional belief that she visits clean and welcoming homes.
