Lakshmi

Lakshmi (Sanskrit: लक्ष्मी, IAST: Lakṣmī), also called Shri (Sanskrit: श्री, IAST: Śrī), is a major goddess in Hinduism, honored as the deity of fortune, wealth, prosperity, beauty, fertility, sovereignty, and abundance. Along with Parvati and Sarasvati, she completes the Tridevi, the trio of principal goddesses.

Her presence in Hindu tradition stretches back to pre-Buddhist times, between 1500 and 500 BCE, and she remains one of the most venerated figures in the pantheon. Though absent from the earliest Vedic writings, the concept of *shri*—meaning auspiciousness, glory, and high rank, often tied to kingship—gradually gave rise to the goddess Sri-Lakshmi in later Vedic texts, notably the Shri Suktam. Her significance grew markedly around 400 CE, during the late epic period, when she became closely linked with the preserver god Vishnu as his consort. In this role, she is viewed as the ideal Hindu wife, embodying loyalty and devotion. Whenever Vishnu took an earthly avatar, Lakshmi joined him as his partner—appearing as Sita alongside Rama, and as Radha or Rukmini with Krishna.

Within Vaishnavism, the sect centered on Vishnu, Lakshmi holds a key position. She is not only Vishnu’s consort but also his divine energy, or *shakti*, and is considered the supreme goddess in that tradition, helping him create, protect, and transform the universe. In Sri Vaishnavism, devotion to her is seen as essential for reaching Vishnu. In Shaktism, which focuses on the goddess, Lakshmi is revered as the aspect of the supreme goddess that governs prosperity. Her eight main forms, the Ashtalakshmi, represent eight different kinds of wealth.

In Indian art, Lakshmi appears as a golden-complexioned woman, elegantly dressed and bestowing prosperity. She is shown standing or seated in the *padmasana* posture on a lotus throne, holding a lotus flower that symbolizes fortune, self-knowledge, and spiritual liberation. Her four hands represent the four aims of human life in Hindu culture: *dharma* (righteousness), *kama* (desire), *artha* (prosperity), and *moksha* (liberation). Two elephants often accompany her in Gaja-Lakshmi images, signifying fertility and royal authority. Earlier, during the Gupta period, sculptures and coins depicted lions flanking her instead.

Archaeological finds and ancient coins show that Lakshmi was recognized and revered by the first millennium BCE. Statues and iconography of her have also been uncovered in Hindu temples across Southeast Asia, dating from the second half of the first millennium CE. Festivals honoring her include Lakshmi Puja during Navaratri, as well as Deepavali and Sharad Purnima (Kojagiri Purnima).

**Etymology and epithets**

The Sanskrit name Lakshmi comes from the root *lakṣ* (लक्ष्) and *lakṣa* (लक्ष), meaning "to perceive, observe, know, understand" and "goal, aim, objective." These roots convey the idea of knowing and understanding one’s goal. A related term, *lakṣaṇa*, means "sign, target, aim, symbol, attribute, quality, lucky mark, auspicious opportunity." The meaning of Lakshmi evolved over time in ancient texts; the Rigveda mentions her once, using the name to mean "kindred mark" or "sign of auspicious fortune."

Another key name for Lakshmi is Shri (Śrī), and the connection between the two is significant in Hindu sacred literature. Shri appears throughout Vedic texts, including the Rigveda, where it is mentioned about 130 times in various hymns, consistently denoting prosperity, fertility, success, and auspiciousness. Lakshmi, in contrast, becomes more prominent in later Puranic works. Both names refer to the same goddess, though some linguists note subtle differences: "Śrī" often implies general prosperity and auspiciousness, while "Lakṣmī" more specifically points to material wealth. In Tamil-speaking regions, Lakṣmī is called Ilakkumi or Tiru, the latter being the local equivalent of "Śrī," reflecting her continuity across languages and cultures.

Lakshmi has many epithets, recorded in numerous ancient *Stotram* and *Sutras*. These include Sri (radiance, eminence, splendor, wealth), Padmā (she who dwells on or in a lotus), Kamalā or Kamalatmika (she of the lotus), Padmapriyā (lotus-lover), Padmamālādhara Devī (goddess wearing a garland of lotuses), Padmamukhī (lotus-faced), Padmākṣī (lotus-eyed), Padmahasta (lotus-hand), Padmasundarī (beautiful as a lotus), Padmavati (born from a lotus), Śrījā (born of Sri), Narayani (belonging to Narayana), Vaishnavi (worshipper of Vishnu or his power), Viṣṇupriyā (beloved of Vishnu), and Nandika (giver of pleasure). In Shaktism, Lalita—praised with 1,000 names in the Lalita Sahasranama—is also identified as Lakshmi.

The Lakshmi Sahasranama, from the Skanda Purana, honors her as Mahadevi (the great goddess), Mahamaya (the great illusion), Karaveera Nivasini (goddess dwelling in Karaveera or Kolhapur), and Maha Astha Dasa Pithagne (she who has 18 great Shakta pithas). She is also praised as Mahalakshmi (great Lakshmi), Mahakali (great Kali), and Mahasaraswati (great Saraswati).