Sri
Lakshmi
Lakshmi or Sri Devi is the consort of Vishnu. She is the Goddess of wealth and
prosperity. Wealth includes nobler values of life, power of mind and intellect,
moral, and ethical qualities which constitutes the spiritual wealth. The eight
forms of Lakshmi, called Ashta-Lakshmi are: Santhanalakshmi (wealth of progeny),
Gajalakshmi (wealth of animals), Dhanalakshmi (wealth of gold and other material
wealth), Dhaanyalakshmi (wealth of food grains), Veeralakshmi (wealth of valor),
Vijayalaksmi (wealth of victories and success), Mahalakshmi (wealth of
greatness) and Aadhilakshmi.
SLOKA/PRAYER
Namastesthu Mahaamaaye Sreepeete
Surapujithe
Sankha Chakra Gadhaa Hasthe Mahaalakshmi
Namosthuthe.
MEANING
Salutations to you, Oh Goddess Lakshmi. You are the divine mother,
the seat of all prosperity, and worshipped even by the Gods. You hold the conch,
the divine wheel and the mace in your hands.
LAKSHMI AT SSVT
In Sri Siva Vishnu Temple, Lakshmi is housed in a shrine built in Chola style
architecture. She is seated on a red lotus and holds a lotus flower in her hand.
This symbolizes that the realization of the Self is the Supreme Goal of mankind.
AUSPICIOUS DAYS AND FESTIVALS
Fridays are considered auspicious for
Lakshmi Puja. The Friday before the full moon in the Hindu month of Sraavan is
considered specially sacred and Varalakshmi puja (puja for boons and longevity)
is performed on that day by ladies in the temples and in the homes. Diwaali, the
festival of lights, is also an occasion for Lakshmi Puja. Three days during
Navarathri are also celebrated for Lakshmi.
SPECIAL OFFERINGS
Paayasam and sweets such as Ladu, fruits and milk, are
made as alankara to Lakshmi. Special abishekams and offerings with beads and
coins, and homams are also performed to Lakshmi.
GAYATHRI
Mahaa Dhevyai Cha Vidhmahe Vishnu Pathnai
Cha
Dheemahi
Thanno Lakshmi Prachodyaath.
MEANING
We worship the great Goddess and all Hail to the spouse of Vishnu.
May that Lakshmi stimulate us and make us flourish.
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