Indian mythology is full of divine and charismatic figures, each with its own history and symbolism. Among them, the goddess Lakshmi occupies an important place in Indian culture as the goddess of wealth, prosperity, fortune and beauty. In this article, we'll discover the different origins and myths of Lakshmi, her symbols, the celebrations and prayers dedicated to her, and the influence of this goddess on everyday life in India.
Origins and myths
According to various mythologies, Lakshmi has several origins, but the most well-known is that she is the daughter of the sage Bhrigu and his wife Khyati. In another version, she is the wife of the god Vishnu and appears after the god defeats the demons to free the gods from their grip.
The myth of Lakshmi's birth tells that she was born from the ocean of milk, also known as Kshir Sagar. When the gods and demons cooperated to obtain amrita, the elixir of immortality, they had to churn the ocean of milk. It was at this point that Lakshmi appeared, carrying a lotus in her right hand and an urn filled with coins in her left.
The various aspects of Lakshmi represent her varied expressions, such as wisdom, knowledge, patience and compassion.
Symbolism of Lakshmi
As mentioned previously, Lakshmi is considered the goddess of wealth and prosperity. Symbols associated with this goddess include the lotus, a symbol of purity, beauty and fertility, the white elephant, a symbol of stability and strength, and the urn filled with gold coins, representing wealth and prosperity.
Each of these symbols has a particular meaning, the lotus symbolizing a pure and fulfilling life, the elephant bringing strength, stability and endurance and the urn filled with gold coins bringing financial wealth.
Lakshmi celebrations
The festival of Diwali is the most important celebration in India and is dedicated to Lakshmi. It takes place in October or November and marks the victory of good over evil, light over darkness. People celebrate by lighting up their homes and setting off fireworks. We also take this opportunity to clean up, wear traditional clothes and prepare traditional sweet and savory dishes.
In addition to Diwali, there are other festivals dedicated to Lakshmi, such as Navratri and Varalakshmi Vratam.
Rituals and prayers
To attract financial prosperity, people perform various rituals and prayers dedicated to Lakshmi. One such ritual involves offering lotus flowers to Lakshmi in a bowl filled with water, accompanied by fruit offerings and sweets. This ritual is considered one of the most powerful for attracting wealth and blessings from Lakshmi.
Prayers to Lakshmi are numerous and vary according to the region of India. But in general, these prayers seek the goddess' blessing for financial prosperity, business and wisdom.
Lakshmi and everyday life
Lakshmi's teachings can be applied to everyday life in different ways. Symbols and rituals associated with this deity are used to attract wealth and prosperity to homes and businesses.
Lakshmi's wisdom and teachings can also help people to be more patient, tolerant and generous. They can also learn to be more respectful of the environment by living a more sustainable and ethical life.
Conclusion
In summary, Lakshmi is an important goddess in Indian culture, representing wealth, prosperity, patience, wisdom and compassion. The lotus symbols, the urn filled with gold coins and the white elephant are associated with this deity and are used in rituals and prayers to invoke financial prosperity. Festivals such as Diwali and rites such as the offering of lotus flowers are auspicious times to celebrate Lakshmi and her influence in daily life. By living according to Lakshmi's teachings, we can learn to be more patient, tolerant and respectful of the environment, as well as attracting abundance and prosperity in both spiritual and material life.