Lakshmi – Deity of wealth, fortune and prosperity

(Pronounced lak-shmee)

Note: Lakshmi is the wife/consort of Vishnu 

To remember the meaning of the Hindu term Lakshmi, use the following mnemonic:

She lacked the ability to shimmy (Lakshmi) like the dancers around her because if she did all the money would fall off her.

Lakshmi is often shown seated on a lotus flower, smiling kindly, and sometimes being lustrated (purified by washing) by a pair of elephants pouring water over her.

She is the wife of Vishnu and is said to have taken various forms to be with him in his different incarnations.

Lakshmi continues to be worshipped by modern Hindus, especially in the home and on regular festival days throughout the year.

Lakshmi, also called Sri or Thirumagal, is endowed with six auspicious and divine qualities, or gunas. These are wealth, happiness, loveliness, grace, charm, and splendour. In Hinduism, she is believed to have been born from the churning of the primordial (primitive or original) ocean and she chose Vishnu as her eternal consort.

She is generally regarded as the divine power that transforms dreams into reality.