SANTANA LAKSHMI AND GODDESS OF FERTILITY
(Compiled for a Discourse at Sri Ganesha Temple, Nashville by N.R. Srinivasan,March15, 2022)
Shakti, or the creative and energetic
force of the Divine, is described in Hindu traditions as being inherently
feminine, manifesting in a variety of forms, with each displaying unique
qualities.
Being one of these manifestations, the Goddess Lakshmi is the consort of Lord Vishnu (the sustainer of the universe), and is worshipped by Hindus as the Goddess of wealth and prosperity. As prosperity exists in a variety of ways, so too does Lakshmi, who bestows specific types of wealth through eight unique forms, known collectively as Ashta Lakshmi.
1) Adi Lakshmi
With a name derived from the Sanskrit root laksh,
which means “to understand and know,” as well as “goal,” “aim,” or “objective,”
Lakshmi helps people realize their goals by providing them the wealth they need
in order to do so. And as adi means “first,” Adi Lakshmi is
said to be her primordial form, through which she helps a person attain life’s
foremost aim — freedom from the cycle of death and rebirth. She is thus
known also as Moksha Pradayani, or “one who bestows
liberation.”
Wearing gold jewelry and seated on a pink lotus, Adi Lakshmi is
depicted with four hands — one displaying the Abhaya mudra (fingers held
upwards with the palm facing outward in a gesture of fearlessness), one
displaying the Varada mudra (fingers pointed downwards with the palm facing
outward in a gesture of offering boons), one holding a lotus (symbolizing
enlightenment and one’s duty to maintain righteousness even in unjust
environs), and one holding a flag (symbolizing surrender to the Divine).
Adi Lakshmi is the embodiment of compassion and is always ready to
aid those who sincerely endeavor to live every moment striving towards the
ultimate spiritual aim of life.
2) Dhana Lakshmi
While the literal translation of dhana is
“wealth” in terms of money, gold, property, or any other sort of tangible
monetary utility, dhana also refers to qualities like
willpower, strength, courage, determination, and perseverance. As such, Dhana
Lakshmi is believed to show favor to those who work hard by providing the
wealth and prosperity required for them to become the best versions of
themselves.
Draped with jewelry and seated on a pink lotus, Dhana Lakshmi is
depicted with six hands — one wielding a discus (symbolizing time, purity of
mind, and protection), one with a conch (symbolizing creation), one with a bow
and arrow, one with a water pitcher (symbolizing elixir of life), one with a
lotus, and one in Abhaya mudra with gold coins flowing from the palm.
Dhana Lakshmi is a storehouse of all the universe’s wealth,
helping to fulfill the potential of those who resolve to conquer the mind and
persevere despite all difficulties.
3) Dhanya Lakshmi
Dhanya means “blessed,” and as life
would be impossible without food, Dhanya Lakshmi blesses devotees with the
great fortune of agricultural wealth. Devotees, in turn, show their gratitude
by honoring her before partaking meals, and by selflessly offering food to
others who are in need.
Portrayed in green garments that represent growth, renewal, and
agricultural greenery, Dhanya Lakshmi sits on a pink lotus and is depicted with
eight hands — one in Abhaya mudra, one in Varada mudra, one holding a mace
(symbolizing strength), two holding lotuses, and three holding various
agricultural products.
Indiscriminately providing nourishment to all, Dhanya Lakshmi
highlights the importance of showing gratitude for Mother Nature’s miracles,
for whether rich or poor, no one can possibly live without them.
4) Gaja Lakshmi
Worshipped as the “giver of animal wealth,” Gaja Lakshmi was
traditionally of deep importance to farmers whose cows and bulls would provide
dairy and till the land. Gaja, which means “elephant,” also
signifies power and royalty, as elephants were regularly used by rulers of
ancient India in warfare.
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Flanked on either side by a white male and female elephant, Gaja
Lakshmi sits on a pink lotus and is depicted with four hands — one in Abhaya
mudra, one in Varada mudra, and the other two holding lotuses.
Satisfying the needs of those who earn their livelihood through
the use of animals, Gaja Lakshmi’s blessings remind one of the great value such
animals add to society, and how they should, therefore, not be tortured and
exploited, but instead treated with love, care, and respect.
5) Santana Lakshmi
Traditionally prayed to by couples desiring children, Santana
Lakshmi (santana meaning “progeny,” or “children”) symbolizes
fertility.
Arrayed in gold jewelry, wearing a garland of flowers, and seated
on a pink lotus, she is typically depicted with six hands — two holding
pitchers of water, one holding a shield, one holding a sword, one holding a
baby, and one in Abhaya mudra to dispel negativity and offer the boon of a
child. Bestowing the warmth and care necessary for raising healthy and happy
children, Santana Lakshmi also signifies the ferocity of a protective
mother.
Fulfilling the desire for vibrant and long-living offspring, Santana
Lakshmi especially blesses those who honor parenthood as a sacred duty, and who
view children as being the greatest treasures of family life.
6) Veera Lakshmi
A symbol of bravery and valor, Veera Lakshmi blesses worshippers
with the strength required to overcome obstacles on the path of one’s material
and spiritual life.
Covered in flowers and gold ornaments, and seated on a pink lotus,
she is depicted with eight hands — one with a discus, one with a bow, one with
an arrow, one with a sword or trident, one with palm leaf scriptures, one with
a conch, one in Varada mudra, and one in Abhaya mudra.
Wielding a medley of weapons, Veera Lakshmi is known also as
Dhairya Lakshmi (dhairya meaning “courage”), who grants one the
fearlessness needed to persevere through life’s ups and downs, thus favoring
those who resolve to remain determined and optimistic in all circumstances.
7) Vidya Lakshmi
As vidya means “knowledge,” this is the form of
Lakshmi that helps guide one’s intellectual development. Cultivating the
inherent qualities residing in one’s psyche, she helps to unlock a person’s
potential, allowing them to achieve both material and spiritual success.
Adorned in jewelry, Vidya Lakshmi is usually depicted with four
hands — two holding lotuses, one in Abhaya mudra, and one in Varada mudra.
For those who are troubled by self-doubt and insecurity, Vidya
Lakshmi brings knowledge to foster mental resilience, fortitude, and strong
will. More importantly, however, she also provides divine wisdom to those who
are sincerely looking to spiritually transform their lives.
8) Vijaya Lakshmi
Vijaya Lakshmi, whose first name means “victory,” is a
significator of success, instilling devotees with hope and
inspiration.
Clothed in red, bedecked with flowers, and seated on a lotus,
Vijaya Lakshmi is depicted with eight hands — one with a discus, one with a
sword, one with a shield, one with a noose, one with a conch, one with a lotus,
one in Abhaya mudra, and one in Varada mudra.
Manifesting for the purpose of helping people conquer life’s
impediments with tenacity and grit, Vijaya Lakshmi favors those who maintain a
positive attitude in the face of all difficulties. While she can be prayed to
for success in any endeavor, devotees are especially encouraged to invoke her
guidance on the path of spirituality.
Though Lakshmi’s forms are
distinct, her encompassing nature is that of a nurturing and protective mother
whose wealth is considered to be boundless. She gives to devotees what they
need, while at the same time encouraging them to work hard and persevere. Her
presence can be invoked by maintaining cleanliness, offering flowers, and
lighting lamps. But the best way to reach out to any Ashta Lakshmi form is
simply to pray with fervent sincerity.
--By Syama Allard
Goddess of Fertility Day
Goddess of Fertility Day is observed
next on Friday, March 18th, 2022, an auspicious day in Hinduism this year! It is most auspicious this year for it falls
on Friday this year. Goddess of All Round Fertility (Ashta Lakshmi) is Lakshmi
in Hinduism. Goddess of Fertility Day is celebrated on March 18 every year.
This is an occasion to celebrate Aphrodite and other fertility gods and
goddesses. Aphrodite is a goddess of love, beauty, pleasure, and fertility. It
is said that the ancient Greeks always calls Aphrodite, the goddess of
fertility when they would like to pregnant. They will pray and make sacrifices
in the hope of fixing their fertility problems. While at present we look
for other means to improve our fertility, we should think back about this Greek.
In ancient times, Aphrodite was considered enchanting, sensual, and
wonderfully, feminine. Her beauty has inspired poetry, music and art. The ancient Greeks sought help from the gods
to bring them children. The Greek gods
such as Zeus, Venus, Celtic, Esotery and Ishtar were considered all powerful
forces worshiped by their subjects as Goddess Norse and Goddess of Fertility. The
purpose of Goddess of Fertility Day is to honor fertility, life, and rebirth,
and occurs a few days before the annual spring equinox. Fertility is the
ability of reproduction!
Goddess of Fertility Day is observed
next on Friday, March 18th, 2022, an auspicious day in Hinduism this year! It is most auspicious this year for it falls
on Friday this year. Goddess of All Round Fertility (Ashta Lakshmi) is Lakshmi
in Hinduism. Goddess of Fertility Day is celebrated on March 18 every year. March 18 is very important day to me to celebrate reaching 92 year. This is an occasion to celebrate Aphrodite and other fertility gods and
goddesses. Aphrodite is a goddess of love, beauty, pleasure, and fertility. It
is said that the ancient Greeks always calls Aphrodite, the goddess of
fertility when they would like to pregnant. They will pray and make sacrifices
in the hope of fixing their fertility problems. While at present we look
for other means to improve our fertility, we should think back about this
Greek. In ancient times, Aphrodite was considered enchanting, sensual, and
wonderfully, feminine. Her beauty has inspired poetry, music and art. The ancient Greeks sought help from the gods
to bring them children. The Greek gods
such as Zeus, Venus, Celtic, Esotery and Ishtar were considered all powerful
forces worshiped by their subjects as Goddess Norse and Goddess of Fertility. The
purpose of Goddess of Fertility Day is to honor fertility, life, and rebirth,
and occurs a few days before the annual spring equinox. Fertility is the
ability of reproducing, and sexual behavior, it depends on several factors such
as nutrition, culture and economy. There are many goddesses of fertility.
Perhaps the most famous goddess is Aphrodite, who is associated with love,
beauty, pleasure, and fertility. Before the spring equinox in ancient times,
people prayed and made offerings to Aphrodite, in the hope of starting a
family. Some have called the day Ostara, which is the name of another fertility
goddess. However, Ostara has a day of its own, occurring for only a few days on
the vernal equinox. If you're considering starting a family or having more
children, Goddess of Fertility Day is the day to focus on that. It's a day for a
little sex. However, to be successful, sex really needs to be done at the right
time of the menstrual cycle. A healthy
body makes a healthy baby. If you are a woman hoping to conceive and get
pregnant, you should eat healthy foods and cut out processed foods. If you
smoke, drink alcohol or take drugs, it is time to quit. These can negatively
affect pregnancy, and make it harder or harder to get pregnant. Being
comfortable is also important when trying to conceive. A relaxed body will help
increase the production of luteinizing hormone, which helps trigger ovulation.
This hormone also maintains the embryo after it is implanted in the body.
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