|  Lakshmi
was the daughter of the sage Bhrigu and took refuge in the ocean of milk when
the gods were sent into exile. Lakshmi was reborn during the Churning
of the Ocean.
As soon as the gods saw Lakshmi, they all fell in love with her
beauty. Shiva claimed Lakshmi as his wife, but since he
had already taken the Moon,
her hand was given to Vishnu, whom Lakshmi herself preferred.
Lakshmi was reborn as his consort each time
when Vishnu incarnated. For example, Lakshmi was Sita
to Rama, Radha and later Rukmini to Krishna.
Lakshmi is the goddess of light, beauty, good fortune and wealth.
Being the consort of Vishnu, the preserving principle, Lakshmi also signifies
love and grace. Lakshmi often expresses her devotion to Vishnu by massaging his
feet as he lies on the coils of the snake Shesha. While Lakshmi is generally worshipped
to achieve success, she does not reside long with anyone who is lazy or desires
her only as wealth.
Click here to hear the Maha-lakshmi
mantra online.
All
Lakshmi pictures of paintings
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