Lakshmi ("prosperity," "good
fortune") is the Goddess of Wealth and Abundance in Hindu mythology and Vishnu's consort and bride.
Lakshmi is said to be born when an ocean of milk is churned
to produce the nectar of immortality.
Lakshmi is the purified essence of the primordial ocean,
signifying all the wonderful things that come from it, much as butter is the
refined essence of milk.
Lakshmi is the goddess of money, good fortune, and
prosperity, and she is seen as the personification of all three.
Lakshmi is often shown with the lotus and elephant, both of
which are symbols of good fortune.
Many of the photos feature gold coins falling from her
hands, which represent riches.
Lakshmi is a powerful force in Hindu culture because of her
powerful ties.
Lakshmi wields her power just by being present: when she
arrives, she gives riches and good fortune, and when she departs, she takes
these blessings with her.
People are naturally eager to please Lakshmi, given her
power, particularly because she has a reputation for being capricious and
fickle in her human relationships—a reputation that represents a realistic
assessment of life's vicissitudes.
People are exceedingly cautious while dealing with Lakshmi
because of her capriciousness and reputation for being somewhat bitter.
They want to avoid offending her, even if accidentally.
Diwali is Lakshmi's main yearly celebration, during which
she is said to traverse the world.
People spend the days leading up to Diwali cleaning,
repairing, and whitewashing their houses in preparation for the goddess's
arrival.
People open all their doors and windows (to make it easier
for her to enter) and arrange lights on their windowsills and balcony ledges to
welcome her in on Diwali evening.
During Diwali, gambling is a popular pastime.
Gambling is normally thought of as a bad habit, but during
Diwali, it underlines the link between money and Lakshmi, who appears as Lady
Luck.
Despite her erratic personal interactions, Lakshmi is
regarded as the ideal wife, especially in her love and obedience to her
husband.
When Lakshmi and Vishnu appear together, she is much
smaller, indicating her status as a servant.
Another popular depiction of the couple has Lakshmi rubbing
Vishnu's feet, implying her wifely servitude.
Lakshmi is not only a role model for human spouses, but she
is also said to be present in each one.
Married ladies are said to represent the household's good
fortune.
It is widely acknowledged that families that are not
respected will never be rich.
See David R. Kinsley's Hindu Deities, 1986, for further
information about Lakshmi and all the Hindu goddesses.
You may also want to read more about Hinduism here.
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