Goddess Lakshmi is the Hindu goddess of wealth, abundance, and virtues, revered as the eternal consort of Vishnu. Beyond her popular Diwali worship, she manifests in many divine forms Mahalakshmi, Padmavati, Kamala, Radha, Rukmini, Sita, and Vaikuntha-Lakshmi each symbolizing prosperity, devotion, and spiritual guidance. Her stories, from the Samudra Manthan to incarnations alongside Vishnu and Krishna, teach ethical living, dharma, and devotion. Worshipping Lakshmi is believed to bring material fortune, spiritual growth, and the fulfillment of life’s four aims: Dharma, Artha, Kama, and Moksha.
Goddess Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth, abundance, and virtues, is celebrated during Diwali and revered year-round for her blessings of prosperity, success, and spiritual growth. Families gather in front of the idols of goddess Lakshmi, and pray for auspiciousness, wealth, luxuries, money, success, and other boons.
The benevolent Hindu mother goddess, as her name suggests, guides the devotees to their goal or “Lakshya”, which is why she is devoutly remembered for the fulfillment of Dharma (righteousness), Artha (wealth), Kama (desires), and Moksha (liberation) the four primary goals of an ideal Hindu life.
In this article, we explore lesser-known stories of Lakshmi, her many divine forms, and her role in guiding devotees toward ethical living, spiritual fulfillment, and worldly prosperity.
Many of us are aware of the story of the churning of the cosmic sea- Samudra manthan, as a result of which various jewels, Amrita, Halahala poison, Kamadhenu, Kalpavriksha, and Lakshmi were bestowed upon the world. But what led to Samdura-Manthan? Why did the gods need to churn the ocean?
The story of this goes back to a time in Indra’s heaven when he was touring the realm seated on his Airavata. Suddenly Rishi Durvasa, known for his seething anger, came there and seeing the Lord of Gods, offered his beautiful floral garland to Indra. However, lost in his thoughts, Indra did not respond correctly to the show of respect by the sage.
Durvasa was furious and cursed Devaraja Indra. His pride over his kingdom and wealth made him ignore a pious Rishi, so all the luxuries that made heaven what it is, or Swarga-Lakshmi (the Lakshmi of heaven), would disappear. By the time Indra could understand the situation, he had been cursed, and his opulence abandoned him. He prayed to Durvasa to show him a way out, and out of kindness, the sage told him to visit Vishnu and pray for his kindness.
Vishnu was restfully residing in the Kshirsagar, lying on the bed of Shesha, accompanied by Lakshmi, who glowed with a divine radiance. Indra and the gods asked Vishnu to bring the goddess of wealth back to the realm of gods. Sri Vishnu smiled and told them to organize a churning of the ocean, which would bring the hidden treasures of the sea along with Lakshmi to them. Following his instructions, the Samudra-Manthan took place, where Vishnu supported the mount Mandarachala as Kurma (tortoise), and distributed the Amrita among gods as Mohini.
From the chruning, emerged the most beautiful and radiant Lakshmi, seated on a lotus, consecrated by the divine rivers, Ganga and Yamuna. During the churning, Lakshmi emerged on a lotus, radiant and consecrated by sacred rivers. She received:
🔸A garland from Varuna
🔸A golden necklace from Saraswati
🔸A lotus from Brahma
🔸Earrings from the Nagas
Sri Lakshmi chose Vishnu as her eternal consort, becoming “Haripriya” (beloved of Hari), while Vishnu became “Sridhara” (holder of Lakshmi). Together, Lakshmi-Narayana symbolize the foundation of the creation, prosperity, and divine order.
Goddess Lakshmi appears in countless forms across Hindu scriptures, each representing unique blessings and virtues. According to the Bhagavata Purana, the 16000 queens of Sri Krishna are no other than the many aspects and extensions of Sri Lakshmi. Among her most celebrated forms are the “Ashtalakshmi”, eight goddesses granting different kinds of wealth.
As the incarnation of Adi Shakti, the primordial mother, Lakshmi, and her forms are innumerable, but there are a few which are mentioned below as an example of the multitude of forms that goddess Lakshmi takes, underlining her powers that are transcendental and supreme. Below are some key aspects of Lakshmi:
Known as “Great Lakshmi”, Mahalakshmi embodies courage, strength, and righteousness, adorned with red, wearing regal ornaments and carrying mighty weapons in her hands, she defeated the demon Mahishasura, freeing the gods and the world. Her 18-armed form symbolizes the achievement of maha (great) lakshya (goals) through divine power.
The Padma Purana narrates the story of the avatar of Devi Padmavati. Sage Bhrigu once approached Vishnu during his yoganidra in the Kshirasagara. When God did not get up immediately on his arrival, Bhrigu in anger kicked his chest, which suddenly woke him up. Seeing the Rishi, Vishnu graciously offered him sweet words, welcoming him into his abode.
This, however, was unacceptable to Lakshmi, who resides in the heart (chest) of Vishnu and was thus hurt by the kick of Bhrigu. Seeing her husband’s kindness toward the sage she angrily left Vaikuntha and went to earth. There, she was birth as Padmavati, the lotus-like beautiful woman, in the family of a king.
Akasha Raja, the king looked for the perfect groom for her daughter when she reached youth and found Srinivasa (Vishnu as forest dweller), who saw Padmavati and vowed to marry her. With help from Kubera, Srinivasa arranged for a grand wedding and Vishnu and Lakshmi were reunited. In the sacred Tirupati Balaji temple, Srinivasa and Padmavati reside, as the heavenly guardians and nourishers of the Universe.
In both Shakta and Vaishnava traditions of Hinduism, Vaishnavi is described as a “Matrika” or mother-goddess. She is part of Devi’s army, where she appears mounted of the Garuda, along with the other Saptamatrikas. There are sources that consider her a separate deity, incarnation of Shakti who is not Lakshmi but only the female energy of Vishnu. Others suggest that the Narayani, who is the preserver of the Universe, is Lakshmi herself, carrying the conch and discus of Vishnu, as a blue-skinned mother-goddess.
The Shakta tantra is mainly centered around the Dashamahavidya or ten great wisdom, goddesses of supreme powers who are worshipped through special rituals, learned from teachers of Tantra. Kamala is among the Dashamahavidyas, an aspect of the Lakshmi who resides in the lotus or Kamala, is born from the flower, holds the lotuses in her hands, and is as beautiful as a freshly bloomed lout.
Kamala is the bestower of supreme wealth, power, fame, beauty, and royalty but turns away from greedy and sinning people. Represented as a four-armed divine female, enthroned on a lotus, she is the sole source of all that one desires in life.
The Alahadini-shakti of Sri Krishna, Sri Radha for her devotees is Lakshmi herself. In the Brahmavaivarta Purana, when Lakshmi emerged from the body of Vishnu, from his second half, Radha was born. In beauty, virtue, and devotion she is unparalleled and heavenly, with no other woman like her, which is why, Radha is seen as Lakshmi, who always follows Vishnu, empowering his Lilas. Worshipped with Krishna throughout India, Radha is the bestower of Bhakti and Krishna-Prema, and it is through her that the devotees can find the benevolence of the fluting Lord.
The embodiment of womanly and wifely virtues, Rukmini is the chief queen of Krishna, his companion in all his divine acts, and the protector of his devotees. In parts of Maharashtra, she is Rakhumai (mother Rukmini), while in Western and Southern Indian temples, she is worshipped alongside Krishna as his Shakti in his aspect as Vitthal.
Often seen with Satyabhama (the incarnation of Bhudevi, earth goddess), Rukmini recreates Vaikuntha on earth with Krishna, by supporting and serving him as Lakshmi. The festival of Rukmini-Kalyanam (marriage of Rukmini with Krishna) is celebrated with joy by her devotees, who with gratefulness become a witness to Lakshmi-Narayana’s divine union on earth.
Daughter of Raja Janak and wife of Sri Rama, Sita is revered as the incarnation of Lakshmi, who descended to accompany Vishnu in his Lilas in Ramavatara. The story of Ramayana has its roots in the love and separation of Sita-Rama, a memory that inspired Valmiki to write the grand epic.
Devi Sita in Hindu culture is the pinnacle of womanliness, patience, devotion, and strength. As a dutiful wife and mother, and the embodiment of supreme feminine energy, Sita represents the gentle side of Lakshmi who played a key role in the fulfillment of the aim behind Vishnu’s incarnation as the king of Ayodhya.
Vaikuntha Kamalaja, Podar Haveli Museum, Rajasthan (Source: Wikimedia Commons)
A rare aspect of the divine preserver duo, Vaikuntha-Lakshmi is similar to the more popular Ardhanarishwara roopa, an androgynous form, a fusion of male and female principles. This awe-inspiring aspect is depicted occasionally in sculptures and paintings. A temple of Vaikunta-Lakshmi, also known as Vaikuntha-Kamalaja, is located in Patan and made popular by the theft and return of the sanctum idol. The deity is also popular in small areas in Kashmir.
Lakshmi is the embodiment of everything that gives meaning to life. Food, wealth, progeny, familial bonds, fame, and fulfillment everything is governed by the beloved of Vishnu. For those who disrespect Lakshmi or do not follow a righteous path, she appears as Alakshmi or Jyeshtha, a shadow goddess, often revered as the elder sister of the goddess, who is the manifestation of misery, poverty, and darkness.
🔸Prahalad’s Virtue: The Asura king Prahalad was devoted to Lord Vishnu, gaining immense wealth and power.
🔸Indra’s Lesson: Conflicted by Prahalad’s fortune, Indra became his disciple and asked for all that Prahalad possessed.
🔸Lakshmi’s Departure: As Prahalad granted the boon, Lakshmi left, symbolizing that prosperity resides with ethical, righteous people.
🔸Moral Insight: Wealth and blessings follow virtue, dharma, and devotion, not greed or entitlement.
🔸Alakshmi, often called Jyeshtha, is Lakshmi’s elder sister and represents misery, poverty, and discord.
🔸Appears when greed, dishonesty, or adharma dominate human actions.
🔸Her presence reinforces that ethical living attracts Lakshmi, while immorality invites Alakshmi.
🔸Lakshmi embodies abundance and virtue: Wealth, spiritual growth, and dharma go hand-in-hand.
🔸Material prosperity follows ethical living: Stories like Prahalad demonstrate virtue attracts divine favor.
🔸Alakshmi warns against greed: Immorality and disrespect push away prosperity.
🔸Multiple divine forms: Mahalakshmi, Padmavati, Kamala, Radha, Rukmini, Sita, Vaikuntha-Lakshmi highlight diverse blessings.
🔸Devotion strengthens bond: Worshipping Lakshmi nurtures spiritual and worldly fulfillment.
🔸Lakshmi-Narayana as cosmic foundation: Vishnu-Lakshmi union symbolizes creation, prosperity, and harmony.
🔸Cultural relevance: Her stories are celebrated in Diwali, Tirupati, and across Hindu festivals.
Goddess Lakshmi is the Hindu goddess of wealth, abundance, and virtue, revered as Vishnu’s consort.
Her key forms include Mahalakshmi, Padmavati, Kamala, Radha, Rukmini, Sita, and Vaikuntha-Lakshmi.
During the cosmic ocean churning, Lakshmi emerged on a lotus, bringing wealth and divine blessings to the gods.
Alakshmi is the shadow goddess, representing poverty, misfortune, and the absence of virtue.
By practicing dharma, devotion, ethical living, and performing proper worship rituals.
Diwali celebrates Lakshmi’s blessings for prosperity, spiritual growth, and household well-being.
Key temples include Tirupati Balaji (Padmavati), Vaikunta-Kamalaja in Patan, and regional shrines across India.
Sources
1. Bhagavata Purana
2. Padma Purana
3. Shiva Purana
4. Beauty, Power, and Grace: The Many Faces of the Goddess by Krishna Dharma
5. A Concise Encyclopedia of Hinduism by Swami Harshananda
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