Hindu Goddess Lakshmi

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Lakshmi is the Hindu Goddess of wealth, prosperity (both material and spiritual), good fortune, and the embodiment of beauty. She is the consort of the God Vishnu. She is normally shown with four arms, but only with two when shown together with her consort Vishnu.

Lakshmi is one of the most popular Hindu Goddesses. She is worshiped daily in Hindu homes and commercial establishments as the Goddess of wealth. She also enjoys worship as the consort of Vishnu in many temples. The festivals of Diwali and Kojagiri Purnima are celebrated in her honor.

Lakshmi plays a special role as the mediator between her husband Lord Vishnu and his worldly devotees. While Vishnu is often conceived of as a stern, easily perturbed patriarch, Lakshmi represents a more soothing, warm and approachable mother figure who willingly intervenes in the lives of devotees on His behalf. Often, it is Lakshmi who acts as the advocate for the request of a given mortal. When asking Vishnu for grace or the forgiveness of sins, Hindus often approach Him through the intermediary presence of Lakshmi. She is also the personification of the spiritual Fulfillment.

You can find more information on the Lakshmi page on Wikipedia.

All pictures are © Dr. Günther Eichhorn, unless otherwise noted.