Dhanteras

Dhanteras

Dhanteras marks the first day of five-days-long Diwali Festival. Dhanteras Festival, also known as Dhantrayodashi or Dhanwantari Triodasi, falls on the auspicious thirteenth lunar day of Krishna Paksha in the Hindu month of Kartik (October/November). In the word Dhanteras, "Dhan" stands for wealth. On Dhanteras Goddess Laxmi is worshiped to provide prosperity and well being. Hence Dhan Teras holds a lot more significance for the business community.

Dhanteras Legends
A very interesting story about Dhanteras Festival says that once the sixteen year old son of King Hima. was doomed to die by a snake-bite on the fourth day of his marriage as per his horoscope. On that particular fourth day of his marriage his young wife did not allow him to sleep. She laid all the ornaments and lots of gold and silver coins in a big heap at the entrance of her husband's boudoir and lighted innumerable lamps all over the place. And she went on telling stories and singing songs.

When Yama, the god of Death arrived there in the guise of a Serpent his eyes got blinded by that dazzle of those brilliant lights and he could not enter the Prince's chamber. So he climbed on top of the heap of the ornaments and coins and sat there whole night listening to the melodious songs. In the morning he quietly went away. Thus the young wife saved her husband from the clutches of death. Since then this day of Dhanteras came to be known as the day of "Yamadeepdaan" and lamps are kept burning throughout the night in reverential adoration to Yam, the god of Death.

According to another popular legend, when the gods and demons churned the ocean for Amrit or nectar, Dhanavantri (the physician of the gods and an incarnation of Vishnu) emerged carrying a jar of the elixir on the day of Dhanteras.

Dhanteras Preparations
To mark the auspicious day, houses and business premises are renovated and decorated. Entrances are made colorful with lovely traditional motifs of Rangoli designs to welcome the Goddess of Wealth and Prosperity. To indicate her long-awaited arrival, small footprints are drawn with rice flour and vermilion powder all over the houses. Lamps are kept burning all through the nights.

Dhanteras Traditions
On Dhanteras Hindus consider it auspicious to purchase gold or silver articles or at least one or two new utensils. It is believed that new “Dhan” or some form of precious metal is a sign of good luck. "Laxmi-Puja" is performed in the evenings when tiny Diyas of clay are lighted to drive away the shadows of evil spirits. "Bhajans"-devotional songs- in praise of Goddess Laxmi are also sung.

Dhanteras Celebrations
Dhanteras is celebrated with gusto and enthusiasm. "Lakshmi-Puja" is performed in the evenings when tiny diyas of clay are lighted to drive away the shadows of evil spirits. Bhajans ir devotional songs- in praise of Goddess Laxmi are sung and "Naivedya" of traditional sweets is offered to the Goddess. There is a peculiar custom in Maharashtra to lightly pound dry coriander seeds with jaggery and offer as Naivedya.

In villages cattle are adorned and worshiped by farmers as they form the main source of their income. In south cows are offered special veneration as they are supposed to be the incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi and therefore they are adorned and worshiped on this day.

Source adapted from : here

Diwali - Significance

Diwali or Deepavali is amongst the most celebrated Indian festivals. The word Deepavali originates from two Sanskrit words ‘Deepa’ which means ‘light’ and ‘Avali’ which means ‘a row’. This is why Deepavali is called ‘the festival of lights’.

Deepavali is celebrated by lighting diyas (earthen lamps), drawing rangolis (multicoloured designs drawn on the ground with coloured rice flour), cleaning and decoration of homes, wearing new clothes, preparation of sweets in homes, lighting of fireworks, veneration of cows as incarnations of Goddess Lakshmi (Goddess of wealth) and Lakshmi Puja.
There are two main mythological stories that signify the importance of Deepavali. The first story is that Deepavali denotes the return of Lord Rama’s return from exile after his victorious conquest of the evil king Ravana. This story has greater significance in Northern India. In Southern India, Deepavali marks the victory of Lord Krishna over the mighty asura (demon) Narakasura. Narakasura had become a menace to the gods in heaven and had snatched the magnificent earrings of Aditi (the Mother Goddess) and imprisoned sixteen thousand daughters of the gods in his harem. In desperation, the gods led by Indra requested Lord Krishna to destroy the demon as he was wreaking havoc. Krishna readily agreed, fought a fierce battle and emerged victorious. It was after this that He accepted the sixteen thousand damsels as his wives at their request.

The meaning behind these mythological stories is that the villain of the piece represents the desire-ridden ego. In our lives, it is our egos and desires that create problems for us. In the story of Lord Krishna above, the sixteen thousand damsels represent our numerous desires. When they are controlled by our egos, they cause destruction and rob us of our joy. However, when we work selflessly, dedicating our actions to a higher goal, the desires remain in check, and most importantly, get sublimated. Each one of us has positive and negative tendencies. When we identify with the good in us, work towards something beyond our selfish interests the lower, negative tendencies fade away. Our desires get sublimated and through constant sadhana (spiritual practice) we overcome our ego and desires. The darkness of ego and desire are banished, replaced by the light of wisdom. Knowledge that we are not incomplete and limited as we think ourselves to be. But that we are that Divine Self that is free and independent of all the world has to offer.

The scented bath by pouring gingerly oil from your head until your legs and washing your hair with "shikakai" powder  before the break of dawn and the cleaning of homes during Deepavali signify the cleansing of the personality of desires and ego. The new clothes represent our newly acquired state of Realisation or at a more basic level our new spiritual orientation and commitment to self-development. This change brings sweetness in our lives which is why sweets are made and distributed in the community. It represents the fact that once we turn spiritual and begin looking within, we experience a quiet sense of peace that we cannot experience while chasing objects of the world.

Thus Deepavali or Diwali has a tremendous spiritual significance in our lives. And like all our festivals, they are reminders for us to retain and cultivate that spiritual element in our lives. Because life is more than just a journey, it is a search for meaning.

Source adapted from Here

Wishing all my friends and Readers a Happy and Prosperous and Safe Diwali

Will post soon some pics of my diwali celebrations.

Below are few diwali pics of last year and before last year :




Being in US(california ) - a small diwali Celebration at home-2009




Deepavali -2008 @ hyd


 

Deepavali

Deepavali, often shortened to Diwali, is a major Indian festival that is very significant in Hinduism, Sikhism and Jainism. Known as the "Festival of Lights," it symbolises the victory of good over evil, and lamps are lit as a sign of celebration and hope for humankind. Celebrations focus on lights and lamps, particularly traditional dīpa or deeya (earthen lamp, as illustrated). Fireworks are associated with the festival. Diwali is a colloquial name used in North India, while the festival is formally called Deepavali in South India.

Deepavali is celebrated for five consecutive days at the end of Hindu month of Ashwayuja. It usually occurs in October/November, and is one of the most popular and eagerly awaited festivals in India. Deepavali comes exactly twenty days after Dussehra. Hindus and Sikhs alike regard it as a celebration of life and use the occasion to strengthen family and social relationships. For Hindus it is one of the most important festivals, and beginning of the year in some Hindu calendars. There are several beliefs regarding the origin of the holiday. The most repeated version is that Hindus celebrate Deepavali to mark the time when Lord Rama achieved victory over Ravana. Some also view it as the day Krishna defeated the demon Narakasura or in honor of the day Bali went to rule the nether-world, obeying the order of Vishnu. It is also a significant festival for the Sikh faith. In India, Deepavali is now considered to be more of a national festival, and the aesthetic aspect of the festival is enjoyed by most Indians regardless.

Hindus all across the world celebrate the festival of diwali with great enthusiasm and joy. This five day festival brings lot of excitement, cheer and happiness in people’s life. Diwali represents the triumph of good over evil. On diwali, people decorate home in their best possible way to welcome the goddess lakshmi.

The above source is adapted from here

Few Diwali Decoration Ideas:

·         Women prepare colorful rangolis on the floor of their entrance to welcome goddess lakshmi. With vibrant colors, rice flour, turmeric, pulses, you can prepare magnificent pieces of rangoli. You would be glad to know that rangoli is considered as a luck symbol. You can place earthen diya at the center of rangoli to beautify its overall look.

·         Candles also add to the decor of your home on the occasion of diwali. You can buy aroma candles to beautify the interiors of your home. Cylindrical candles can serve the purpose for your balcony, staircase and windowsill. You can arrange assortment of diyas and candles at the entrance gate to welcome guests and goddess lakshmi.

·         Diyas are the traditional way of illuminating homes. Wide varieties of diyas are available in markets these days, so decorate your home and premise with beautiful diyas to make the interiors and exteriors attractive and appealing.

·         Torans are great way to decorate home on diwali. Always place the torans prepared from mango leaves on the main door of your home as they are considered auspicious. You should also hang ‘shubh laabh’ hanging on the door.

Safe Diwali :

We all want to have safe diwali. It is true that lot of people love to burst crackers on this holy festival, but if precautions are not taken, it can result into any mishap. So explore this article that guides you about certain precautions while bursting crackers to enjoy safe diwali!

1. Before bursting crackers, make sure they are placed in open grounds and there are no inflammatory or combustible objects nearby. Keep 2 bucket full of water handy along with first aid kit. Dump all the waste as well as the burned crackers in one bucket. In case of any fire or mishap, pour water from bucket to control the flames.
2. Always make use of incense stick or along firewood branch or candle to light up the crackers. Make sure you maintain good distance between you and crackers. In any case, avoid using lighters or match sticks for burning crackers as they have open flames and can prove dangerous.
3. Buy crackers only from license and reliable crackers seller to ensure full safety. If you plan to burn any new variety of cracker, make sure you read the instruction first written at the back of the packet.
4. When bursting crackers like rockets; avoid facing any open window, door or any open building gate. Remember if rocket zoom in the, it may cause fire accidents.
5. Always remember if crackers takes time to ignite, do not keep in trying to burst them. Move away immediately and throw some water to diffuse them.

Above source is adapted from here

Here you can Diwali Laxmi Puja Procedure or details of steps in Diwali Lakshmi Puja. Laxmi Pooja is the main ritual during the festive days of Diwali or Deepavali. Diwali 2010 Laxmi Pooja date is November 5th, 2010. The day of Lakshmi puja is devoted to the propitiation of Goddess Sri Mahalaxmi, the Goddess of wealth and prosperity. Along with the puja of Goddess Mahalakshmi, on this day Lord Ganesha, Lord Kuber and Goddess Saraswati are also worshipped.

Diwali Laxmi Puja procedure – How To observe or perform Simple Lakshmi Puja?

• Take a new cloth (sanctified cloth) and spread on a plain platform.
• Place some rice or other grains in the centre and on this place a bronze or other metallic pot (Kalash). The Kalash should be filled till its neck with water. Keep a betel nut, flowers, coins, and some grains in it.
• Place five types of leaves or mango leaves in the pot or Kalash.
• Keep a small plate on the Kalash and fill it with rice and draw a lotus or Swastik with turmeric powder (haridrika choornam or haldi) over the rice grains along with coins the idol of Goddess Laxmi is installed.
• Just near Kalash, on the right (South-West direction), install the idol of Lord Ganesha. Make sure to place pens and books and the other stuff related to your business or profession on the base.
• Light a diya (deepak / deepam / lamp) and incense sticks and begin the puja by offering haldi, kumkum and flowers and consecrated rice (Akshita) to the base on which the pot or Kalash is installed.
• Sprinkle water on all Puja Dravyas (utensils and puja items) that are in Kalash in order to sanctify them. Prepare Panchamrit with five basic ingredients – milk, ghee, curd, sugar and honey.
• Begin the puja procedure with Ganesha puja. Perfrom Ganesh puja to remove obstacles. Recite Ganesh mantras and Ganesh Aarti.
• Then invoke Goddess Lakshmi by chanting the Laxmi Stotras. Offer flowers and consecrated rice to the Goddess.
• Offer ‘Abhisheka (bath) to the idol with water and panchamrit and after that repeat the Abhishek with water containing gold ornament or a pearl.
• Then offer sandal paste, haldi and kumkum to the Goddess. Offer Naivedya (food offerings) to the Goddess such as cocnut, banana, other fruits and sweets.
• As a final step, perform the Aarti to Goddess Lakshmi
• Take theerth and prasad and distribute them to all the devotees, family members, friends and relatives.Light the diyas / deepaks / lamps / candles all over the house. Dont leave a single corner in darkness.

Few Lakshmi  Strotras:

Diwali is celebrated to invite Goddess Lakshmi to our homes. Lakshmi Puja is also observed during Diwali. To perform the puja, some devotees recite much complex mantras but some complete the puja with simple Lakshmi stotras or slokas. Here are some simple Lakshmi stotras for Diwali.

“Sarvagyay Sarvavarday Sarvadushtbhaydkree
Sarvadukhaharay Devi Mahalakshmi Namostutay”

“Siddhi Buddhipraday Devi Bhuktimuktipradayeenee
Mantramurtay Sada Devi Mahalakshmi Namostutay”

“Aadhantarhitay Devi Aadhshakti Maheshwari
Yogajay Yogasambhutay Mahalakshmi Namostutay”

“Sthulsukshmay Maharodray Mahashakti Mahodray
Mahapaapharay Devi Mahalakshmi Namostutay”

“Padnaasanstithay Devi Parbrahmaswaroopeenee
Parmashree Jaganmatra Mahalakshmi Namostutay”

Source adapted from : hindu-pad.com

Naraka Chaturdhasi - 2010(November 4th)

Narak Chaturdashi is the second day of 5-day Diwali festival. It is also called as Choti Diwali. Kali Chaudas Puja is observed on Naraka Chaturdashi. Snan is considered as the most auspicious ritual to perform on this day. Narak Chaturdasi 2010 date is 4 November. It is believed that this festival marks the ending of darkness or the period of demons and beginning of brightness or happiness in the world. Here are some stotras or slokas or mantras (prayers) to chant during Narak Chaturdashi:

The prayer to chant just before Naraka Chaturdashi Snan:

Ashwatthama bavirvyaso Hanumancha vibheeshanah

krupah Parashurashcha sapthaithe Chiranjeevinah

The above mantra is chanted by mothers before giving bath to their children. Chanting this sloka mothers shower Akshata (consecrated rice) on childrens heads.

After Narak Chaturdashi snan, this given mantra is chanted:

Bhramayeth snanamadhyethu narakasya kshayayahi

Sheetaloshta samayuktha sakantaka dalanvitha

Hara papa mapaamaarga

Bhramyamaanah punah punah

While lighting deepa or diya and remembering dead ancestors, the below given mantra is chanted in the evening:

Chaturdashyam thu Yedeepaan narakaya dadanthi cha

Thesham pitruganassarve narakath swarga maapnuyu

 Source adapted from here

Sri Mahishasura mardini - ninth day avatharam

Ninth day of Navratri is known as Maha Navami Durga Puja. Maha Navami 2010 date is October 16th, Saturday. Maha Navami is the last day of Navratri which concludes with Saraswati Visarjan or Saraswati Udyapan. It is also culminates Devi Triratra vrata (3-day or 3-night Devi vrata).

Mahishasura Mardhini Puja is observed on Mahanavami. Goddess Durga is decorated and worshipped in the form of Mahishasuramardhini alankaram. The last and ninth Navadurga Goddess Siddhidhatri Puja is performed by Navadurga Shakteya sampradaaya people.

Matangi Dasamahavidya is worshipped on Mahanavami as a part of Dasamahavidya puja in Navratri. Mukteshwari is the Goddess to worship on ninth day of Navratri as part of Saptamatrika and Ashtamatrika puja.

Suvasini Puja, Kanya Puja, Dampati Puja, etc. are observed on Mahanavami day in Navratri. In some places of Telangana region of Andhra Pradesh, Bathukamma festival is celebrated.

Source Adapted from : hindu pad.com and various internet sources.

Sri Durga Devi - Eighth Day Goddesses of Navratri Puja (Durgasthami)

 

We all celebrate Durga puja but hardly anyone knows the history or origin behind the celebration. As in case of most of the Indian festivals we have to refer to Hindu mythology to trace out the origin. The festival of Durga puja comes with its own retinue of mythological stories. There are various legends associated with its origin but the most important and prevalent among them is the legend of Lord Rama (the incarnation of Lord Vishnu). When lord Rama was fighting a battle with Ravana (the demon king) to rescue his wife Sita whom Ravana abducted and held as hostage in Lanka, his kingdom. That time a fierce battle ensued. In that battle Ravana could not be defeated. So Lord Ram decided to seek the blessings of Shakti (Goddess Durga) in order to defeat the demon. For that puja, which lord Ram was performing 108 blue lotus were needed for the worship of Goddess Durga but Rama could manage only 107. But without that one lotus his puja would be incomplete so he was on the verge of laying one of his eyes that was lotus-shaped and blue in color at the Goddess's feet when Goddess Durga appeared and satisfied with his devotion, granted her blessing and eventually he won the battle against Ravana. The time he worshipped was Spring season so from that time onwards Durga puja is celebrated.

Another legend, which is associated with the celebration of Durga puja is the story of the defeat of the demon king, Mahishasura at the hands of Goddess Durga, the incarnation of Shakti (the power). This demon was almost invincible because of a boon granted by Lord Shiva whereby no male could defeat him. So to find a solution to this all the God amalgamated their power and gave birth to Shakti (the power) in the form of Goddess Durga. She defeated the demon king and killed him. That's why she is called Mahishasuramardini (the slayer of Mahishasura). The holy battle symbolizes the victory of Good over Evil. However, according to another legend about Durga, she was a manifestation of Parvati, Shiva's wife.

Something more on Goddesses Durga :

Durga is an incarnation of Devi or the Mother Goddess, a unified symbol of all divine forces. For Shaivas Durga is the wife of Shiva. For Vaishnavas and Shaktas Durga is another form of Uma or Parvati.

The Hindu Goddess Durga manifested when evil forces threathened the very existance of the Gods. To destroy these demons, all gods offered their radiance to her creation and each formed part of Durga's body. Durga also obtained very powerful weapons, such as the chakra from Vishnu and a trident from Shiva.

The name "Durga" in Sanskrit means "invincible". The syllable "du" is synonymous with the 4 devils of poverty, sufferings, famine and evil habits. The "r" refers to diseases and the "ga" is the destroyer of sins, injustice, irreligion, cruelty and laziness.

Durga killed the powerful demon Mahish and all his great commanders. Demonic forces are self-destructive but very powerful. Divine forces are constructive but slow and efficient. When demonic forces create imbalance, all gods unite, becoming one divine force called Shakti or Durga.

Significance of Kanaka Durga Devi Temple in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh ,India

The abode of Kanaka Durga, goddess of power, riches and benevolence, is the presiding deity of the city. The temple is set on the Indrakiladri hill. The deity in the Kanaka Durga temple is regarded as Swayambhu or self-manifested, hence is considered very powerful. It is said that Adi Sankara visited this temple and installed the Sri Chakra here.

The beauty of this temple is seen to be believed. The temple is situated on a hill on the banks of the Krishna river. The origin or installation of Kanaka - durga Devi at Vijayawada is unknown. She is said to be Swayambu or selfmanifest. She also takes the aspect of Chandi or destroyer of the demon Durgama who was causing havoc among the peace - loving inhabitants of Dakshinapatha.

Mother Kanakadurgeswari seated atop the Indrakilaparvatha at Vijayawada is the supreme Goddess of Andhra Pradesh, attracting lakhs of tourists since time immemorial. This temple occupies a covetable place in the scriptures; for several of the Sivalilas and Saktimahimas were enacted on and around it, making the region a place of unparalleled spiritual eminence of everlasting significance.

Here are some of the Strotras and mantras  Of Durga Devi :

Durga ApadUdharakha Strotram :

Namasthe saranye, shive sanukampe,
Namasthe jagad vyapike viswaroope,
Namasthe jagad vandhya padaravindhe,
Namasthe jagatharini thrahi durge. //1//

Namasthe jagath chinthyamana swaroope,
Namasthe maha yogini, jnana roope,
Namasthe, namasthe sadananda roope,
Namasthe jagatharini thrahi durge. //2//

Anadhasya dheenasya thrushnathurasya,
Bhayarthasya bheethasya bhadasya jantho,
Thwameka gathir Devi nisthara karthri,
Namasthe jagatharini thrahi durge. //3//

Aranye, rane, dharune, shathru madhye,
Anale sagare pranthare raja gehe,
Thwameka gathir Devi nisthara nouka,
Namasthe jagatharini thrahi durge. //4//

Apare, maha dusthare athyantha ghore,
Vipath sagare majjatham deha bhajam,
Thwameka gather Devi, nisthara hethu,
Namasthe jagatharini thrahi durge. //5//

Namaschandige, chanda durdanda leela,
Samuth gandtha aganditha sesha sathro,
Thwameka gather Devi nisthara bheejam,
Namasthe jagatharini thrahi durge. //6//

Thwamevaghabhava dhrutha sathya vadi,
Na jathajitha krodhanath krodhanishta,
Ida pingala thwam sushumna cha nadi,
Namasthe jagatharini thrahi durge. //7//

Namo devi durge shive Bheema nadhe,
Saraswathyarundathithyamogha swaroope,
Vibhoothi sachi kala rathri sathi thwam,
Namasthe jagatharini thrahi durge. //8//

Saranamasi suranam sidha vidhyadharanaam,
Muni manuja pasoonaam, dasyubhisthasithanaam,
Nrupathi gruha gathanaam, vyadhibhi peedithanam,
Thwamasi saranameka devi durge praseeda. //9//

Sarvam vaa slokamekam vaa yah padeth bhakthiman sada,
Sa sarvam dushkrutham thyakthwa prapnodhi paramam padam. //10//

Durga DwaTrisanti Strotram

durga durgathesamani,

durga apadnivarini

durga matcheydini

durg sadhini

durg nasini

 durgothodharini

durgnihanthri

durgmapaha

durgamagnanada

durgadaithyaloka

davanala

 durgamaa

durgama loka

durga matya swarupini

durga marga prada

durgama vidya

durga masritha

 durgamagnanasamsthana

durgama dhyanabasini

durgamoha

durgamaga

durgamardha swaroopini

 

durgamasurasamhamthri

durgama ayudhadharini

durgamangi ,durga matha durgamya durgameswari

durgabhima,durga bhama, durga bha, durga dharini,

namavali meyamyasthu durgaya mama manavaha

patheysarva bayaksmrukthov bhavishyathi na samsayaha

Source Adapted from  here and here and here 

Image Source : google

Strotras from my Sister -in -law (P) and some from the Book.

Thanks Vadina for sharing the Strotras.

Wishing All of you a happy Durgashtami

 

Sri MahaLakshmi Alankaram - Seventh Day of Navratri

Source Adapted from here and here 

On the Seventh Day of Devi Navratri, People  worship Goddesses Maha Lakshmi, Lakshmi is the goddess of wealth, luxury, beauty, power, generosity and auspiciousness. Maha Lakshmi is claimed to fulfill the promises of material, wealth and contentment. Goddess Lakshmi represents fortune, purity, courage and fertility. Maha Lakshmi Mantra forms the part of prayers offered to the lord. Lakshmi Mantra / Mantras of Goddess Lakshmi are as follows:

"Sarvagyay Sarvavarday Sarvadushtbhaydkree
Sarvadukhaharay Devi Mahalakshmi Namostutay"

Meaning: O Maa Lakshmi, you know everything, you grant favors to all, you are a terror to the evil and your art removes the misery of all. O propitious goddess, I surrender to you.

"Siddhi Buddhipraday Devi Bhuktimuktipradayeenee
Mantramurtay Sada Devi Mahalakshmi Namostutay"

Meaning: O divine goddess, you are the provider of success and intelligence. You are the benefactor of both worldly pleasure and freedom. The magical sound symbols-the Mantras, verily comprise their form with your grace. Propitious Mother, I surrender to you always.

"Aadhantarhitay Devi Aadhshakti Maheshwari
Yogajay Yogasambhutay Mahalakshmi Namostutay"

Meaning: O Ultimate Mother, your art is without beginning and end. Your art is the primal power. Your art comes out of Yogic practice and your art is evident through Yoga. Promising Mother, I surrender to you.

"Sthulsukshmay Maharodray Mahashakti Mahodray
Mahapaapharay Devi Mahalakshmi Namostutay"

Meaning: Goddess Lakshmi, your art in gross and subtle, is the most awful and powerful. Mother, you contain all things and you remove even the greatest sins. Auspicious Mother, I surrender to you.

"Padnaasanstithay Devi Parbrahmaswaroopeenee
Parmashree Jaganmatra Mahalakshmi Namostutay"

Meaning: Maa Lakshmi, you reside in the hearts of devotees and prove the art of the Supreme Brahman. You are mother of the universe with your supreme art. O Great Mother, I bow to you.

For obvious reasons, Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, is more sought after than Saraswati, the goddess of learning. As the power and consort of Vishnu, the preserver, she is the power of multiciplicity and the goddess of fortune, both of which are necessary for preservation. Sri or Lakshmi, depicted in the vedas, is the goddess of wealth and fortune, power and beauty. One may suppose that Sri and Lakshmi are two separate deities. Since their descriptions are so similar, one may conclude that the two represent the same deity. Some scholars believe that Sri was a pre-vedic deity connected with fertility, water and agriculture. She was later fused with Lakshmi, the vedic goddess of beauty. 

According to the puranas, she was the incarnated daughter of the sage Bhrigu and his wife Khyati. She was later born out of Ksheer Sagar (ocean of milk) while being churned. Hence, her appellation, Ksheera Samudra Raja Tanaya. As consort of Vishnu, she is born as his spouse whenever he incarnates. When Vishnu appeared as Vamana, Parasurama, Rama, Krishna, she appeared as Padma or Kamala, Dharani, Sita and Rukmini. She is as inseparable from Vishnu as speech from meaning, or knowledge from intellect, or good deeds from righteousness. 

Vishnu represents all that is male and Lakshmi, all that is female. Lakshmi is enchantingly beautiful, and is standing on a lotus holding lotuses one in each of her hands and is called Padma, or Kamala. She is also adorned with a lotus garland. Often, elephants are shown on each side, emptying pitchers of water over her, the pitchers being presented by celestial maidens. She is variously described as dark, pink, golden, yellow or white. We attempt an explanation that is behind this highly symbolical picture. If Lakshmi is pictured as dark in complexion, it is to show that she is the consort of Vishnu, the dark god. If golden yellow, that shows her as the source fo all wealth. If white, she represents the purest form of prakriti (nature) from which the universe developed. As she is the mother of all, the pinkish complexion reflects her compassion for creatures. Temples just for Lakshmi are rare. 

In the company of Vishnu, Lakshmi is shown only with two hands. When worshipped in a temple, she is shown seated on a lotus throne, with four hands holding padma, shankha, amritha kalasha (pot of ambrosia) and bilva fruit. Amritha kalasha also signifies immortality. Sometimes, another kind of fruit, the mahalunga (citron) is shown instead of bilva. Her four hands signify her power to grant the (chatur vidha) four type of purusharthas (ends of human life), dharma (righteousness), artha (wealth), kama (bodily pleasures), moksha (beatitude). The lotuses in various stages of blooming, represent the worlds and beings in various stages of evolution. Mahalakshmi, an aspect of Durga, is shown with eight hands. The bow and arrow, mace and discus are added. The fruit denotes the fruits of our labour. Without the grace of Lakshmi, out toil is of no avail. The coconut with the shell, kernel and water connotes that she is the origin of the three levels of creation, the gross, the subtle and the extremely subtle. When the fruit is a pomegranate or a citron, it signifies that the various created worlds are under her control and she transcends them all. A bilva fruit, incidentally, not tasty or attractive, but good for health, represents moksha - the pinnacle of spiritual life. 

Some sculptures depict Lakshmi with an owl as her vaahana (carrier). This oddity can be appreciated when the symbology is unravelled. In Sanskrit, Uluka stands for an owl. Uluka is also one of the names of lndra, the king of gods, personifying the wealth, power and glory. Thus, Lakshmi, the goddess of fortune, could not have found a better person to ride on, than the king of gods. This comparison of Indra's glory to a partially blind and uncouth bird warns the seekers of secular instead of spiritual wealth. When the owl is compared to the sthitha prajna, the enlightened person described in Bhagavadgita (Ch.2.69), the symbol means that Lakshmi is the mistress of spiritual wisdom. Another interpretation is "Shut not thy eyes to the light of wisdom from the Sun of knowledge". Out of consideration for mankind, the all compassionate mother has kept this personification of ignorance under her control. 

Lakshmi pooja is performed differently in different parts of India. In the North of India, Lakshmi is worshipped on the occasion of Diwali, while in the South of India, she is worshipped on Vara Maha Lakshmi vratham day, the first Friday of the month of Shravan. 

Mahalakshmi Ashtakam 

Namastestu Mahaamaaye Shreepeete Surapoojite
Shankha Chakra Gadaa Haste Mahaalakshmi Namostu Te. 

Meaning: O Mahaamaaya, abode of fortune, worshipped by the Gods, I salute Thee. O Mahaalakshmi, one who has conch, disc and mace in Her hands, obeisance to Thee. 

Namaste Garudaroode Koalaasura Bhayankari
Sarva Paapa Hare Devi, Mahaalakshmi Namostu Te. 

Meaning: My salutations to Thee, who rides Garuda and are a terror to demon Kola; O Devi Mahaalakshmi, remover of all miseries, my obeisance to Thee. 

Sarvajne Sarva Varade Sarva Dushta Bhayankari
Sarva Duhkha Hare Devi Mahaalakshmi Namostu Te. 

Meaning: O Devi Mahaalaksmi, who is the embodiment of knowledge, giver of all boons, a terror to all the wicked, remover of all sorrows, obeisance to Thee. 

Siddhi Buddhi Prade Devi Bhukti Mukti Pradaayini
Mantra Moorthe Sadaa Devi Mahaa Lakshmi Namostu Te. 

Meaning: O Devi, You give success and intelligence and worldly enjoyment and liberation (as well). Thou hast always the mystic symbols (Mantra) as Thy form, O Mahaalakshmi, obeisance to Thee. 

Aadyantarahite Devi Aadya Shakte Maheshvari
Yogaje Yogasambhoote Mahaalakshmi Namostu Te. 

Meaning: O Devi, Maheshwari, You are without a beginning or an end , You are the Primeval energy, You are the greatest ruler, You are born of Yoga. O Mahaalakshmi, obeisance to Thee. 

Sthoola Sookshmah Mahaa Raudre Mahaa Sakthe Mahodaye
Mahaa Paapa Harey Devi Mahaalakshmi Namostu Te. 

Meaning: O Mahaalakshmi, You are both gross and subtle, most terrible (for the wicked), You are the embodiment of great power and prosperity and You are remover of all sins, obeisance to Thee. 

Padmaasanasthite Devi Parabrahma Svaroopini
Paramesi Jaganmaata, Mahalakshmi Namostu Te. 

Meaning: O Devi, You are seated on the lotus, You are the Supreme Brahman, You are the great Lord and Mother of the universe, O Mahaalakshmi, obeisance to Thee. 

Svetaambaradhare Devi Naanaalankaara Bhooshite
Jagatsthite Jaganmaatah, Mahaalakshmi Namostu Te 

Meaning: O Devi, You are dressed in white garments and decked with various kinds of ornaments, Thou art the mother of the universe and its support, O Mahaalakshmi, obeisance to Thee. 

Mahaalakshmyaastaka Stottram Yad Pated Bhaktiman Naraha.
Sarva Siddhimavaapnoti Mahaalakshmi Prasaadataha. 

Meaning: Whoever with devotion reads this hymn to Mahaalakshmi composed in eight stanzas, attains all success through the Grace of Mahaalaksmi. 

Ekakaale Patennityam Mahaapaapa Vinaashanam
Dvikaalam Yah Patennityam Dhana Dhaanya Samanvitaha 

Meaning: Whoever reads this hymn at least once a day will have all their sins destroyed; those who recite it twice will be blessed with wealth and prosperity. 

Trikaalam Yah Patennityam Mahaa Shatru Vinaashanam
Mahaalakshmir Bhavennityam Prasannaa Varadaa Shubhaa 

Meaning:Those who recite this three times in a day will have all their enemies destroyed. They will be always be blessed by the Goddess Mahalakshmi.