Goddess Sri Mahalakshmi
Specialties:
She is the supreme goddess of wealth, prosperity, auspiciousness, and fortune. We worship her in the forms of "Ashtalakshmi" (the eight forms of Lakshmi). Gold coins are seen falling from one of her hands, symbolizing the wealth and abundance she bestows upon her devotees. To grant eight types of wealth to the world, Goddess Lakshmi assumed eight distinct forms. These are known as the Ashtalakshmi.
1). Adi Lakshmi: The Primeval Goddess (The eternal source).
2). Dhana Lakshmi: The Goddess of Wealth/Finances.
3). Dhanya Lakshmi: The Goddess of Agricultural Wealth/Grain.
4). Gaja Lakshmi: The Goddess of Power and Royalty.
5). Santana Lakshmi: The Goddess of Offspring and Family.
6). Dhairya Lakshmi: The Goddess of Courage and Valour.
7). Vijaya Lakshmi: The Goddess of Victory.
8). Vidya Lakshmi: The Goddess of Knowledge and Wisdom.
Famous Temples:
1). In the Kolhapur Shakti Peetha (Maharashtra), the Goddess is worshipped as Mahalakshmi (Ambabai).
2). Goddess Padmavathi Devi of Tiruchanur (Andhra Pradesh) manifested in the Padma Sarovaram (lotus pond) on the day of Panchami Theertham during the holy month of Kartika.
Father: She first manifested as the daughter of Sage Bhrigu, and later emerged again from the Churning of the Ocean (Samudra Mathanam) for the welfare of the world.
Mother: Khyaati
Divine Consort: Lord Vishnu
Children:
Sons: Aanandudu, Kardhamudu, Chiklitudu, Sripadu, Manmadudu
Daughters: In the form of Santana Lakshmi, all the children she bestows upon her devotees are considered manifestations of her own divine self.
Siblings: Chandra
Abode: Vaikuntham: The Goddess resides eternally in the heart of Sri Maha Vishnu (in the form of the symbol known as Srivatsam).
Vehicle: Owl
Birth Secret: Mahalakshmi emerged during the churning of the Milk Ocean (Kshira Sagara Mathanam) for the nectar of immortality (Amrutam). This is why she is also known as "Kshira Sagara Tanaya" (the daughter of the Ocean of Milk).
Festivals of Sri Mahalakshmi: Varalakshmi Vratam, Diwali, Dhana Trayodashi, and Sharad Purnima.
Death: No, she is the 'Embodiment of Nectar' (Amrutha Swarupini) and the 'Eternal One' (Nityuralu).
Goddess Mahalakshmi is the consort of Sri Maha Vishnu. Inseparable The inseparable and eternal Shakti (Power/Energy).
Biography: In the past, due to a curse given by Sage Durvasa, the Devas (gods) lost their powers and wealth. To reclaim their lost glory and obtain the nectar of immortality (Amrita), the Devas and Asuras (demons) together churned the Ocean of Milk, using the serpent Vasuki as a rope and Mount Mandara as the churning rod.
During this process, Sri Mahalakshmi emerged as a radiant and youthful goddess, holding a lotus in her hand. It is said that she manifested on the full moon day (Purnima) of the Phalguna month; therefore, that day holds great significance for Lakshmi Puja.
Immediately upon her birth, the Gandharvas sang in her honor, and the Diggajas (celestial elephants) performed an abhishekam (sacred bath) for her using golden kalashas (pots). This is why she is also called 'Gaja Lakshmi.' Observing the virtuous and all-pervading Lord Sri Maha Vishnu, she chose him as her husband to reside eternally upon his chest (heart). From that day, she became 'Anapayini'—the one who never leaves Vishnu.
Wherever Lord Sri Maha Vishnu is present, Goddess Lakshmi is surely there. When he incarnated as Rama, she followed as Sita; when he was Krishna, she was Rukmini. In every incarnation, she remains by his side without fail. For this reason, she is known as 'Vishnuvanapayini.'