Goddess Ashta Lakshmi: The Eight Forms of Wealth and Prosperity
Ashta Lakshmi (अष्टलक्ष्मी) means “Eight Lakshmis.” She is a group of eight different forms of Goddess Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of prosperity and wealth. Each form of Ashta Lakshmi Devi blesses us with a special kind of wealth, not just money, but also knowledge, courage, food, victory, and more. Together, these eight goddesses help people live happy, successful, and balanced lives.
What Does Ashta Lakshmi Mean?
Lakshmi = Goddess of Wealth and Prosperity
So, Ashta Lakshmi refers to the eight goddesses who together bring all-round prosperity. She is the wife of Lord Vishnu, the protector of the universe. By worshipping her, people believe they can receive blessings for every important part of life.
The Eight Forms of Ashta Lakshmi (Ashta Lakshmi Names)
Each form of Ashta Lakshmi has her own special blessings, symbols, and appearance. Here are the ashta lakshmi names and what they represent:
1. Adi Lakshmi (Primeval Lakshmi)
Goddess Adi Lakshmi - A Form of Ashta Lakshmi |
Blesses with: Spiritual wealth, peace, and well-being.
Symbol: Lotus, red flag, blessing and fearlessness hand gestures.
About: She helps seekers find spiritual happiness and inner peace.
2. Dhana Lakshmi (Wealth Lakshmi)
Superfine Goddess Dhana Lakshmi on Lotus |
Blesses with: Money, gold, and material wealth
Symbol: Gold coins, pot of wealth, chakra, shankha (conch), bow, arrow
About: She is the goddess who brings financial prosperity.
3. Dhanya Lakshmi (Grain Lakshmi)
Ashtalakshmi with Vishnu Lakshmi Tanjore Painting |
About: She provides food and resources for a healthy life.
4. Gaja Lakshmi (Giver of Animal Wealth and Royalty)
Brass Gaja Lakshmi Idol with Kirtimukha Atop |
Blesses with: Animal wealth, royal power, and status
Symbol: Elephants, lotuses, water pots
About: She is worshipped for royal splendor and animal prosperity.
5. Santana Lakshmi (Giver of Children and Family)
Blesses with: Children, family happiness, and growthSymbol: Child on her lap, sword, shield, water pots
6. Veera (Dhairya) Lakshmi (Giver of Courage and Strength)
Veera Lakshmi - Goddess Who Bestows Valour During Battles |
Blesses with: Courage, strength, and bravery
Symbol: Weapons, scriptures, lion as her mount
About: She gives strength and confidence to face challenges.
7. Vijaya Lakshmi (Giver of Victory and Success)
Vijaya Lakshmi - Goddess Who Bestows Victory |
Blesses with: Success, victory, and achievement
Symbol: Sword, shield, lotus, conch, blessing hand
About: She helps devotees win in life and overcome obstacles
Vidya Lakshmi (Giver of Knowledge and Wisdom)
Vidya Lakshmi - Goddess of Knowledge and Arts |
Blesses with: Education, wisdom, and learning
Symbol: Book, pen, white sari
About: She is the bestower of knowledge and arts, similar to Saraswati.
Why Do People Worship Ashta Lakshmi?
People pray to Ashta Lakshmi because she covers every kind of wealth we need in life-not just money. If you want good health, a happy family, success at work, knowledge, or courage, you can pray to her. She is believed to bring balance and happiness to families and homes.
How is Ashta Lakshmi Worshipped?
Ashta Lakshmi Images and Idols: Many people keep pictures or idols of Ashta Lakshmi in their homes, especially in the prayer room. These images show all eight forms together, often sitting on lotuses.
Special Prayers: The “Ashta Lakshmi Stotra” is a famous prayer chanted to please the goddess.
Festivals: During Diwali, Varalakshmi Vratam, and other festivals, people decorate their homes and offer sweets, fruits, and flowers to Ashta Lakshmi Devi.
Symbols: Common Ashta Lakshmi symbols are the lotus (purity), elephants (royalty and power), gold coins (wealth), and books (knowledge).
How is Ashta Lakshmi Worshipped?
Temples: There are famous Ashta Lakshmi temples in Chennai, Hyderabad, and even in the USA and Australia.
Prayers: The Ashta Lakshmi Stotra is a popular hymn chanted to please all eight forms.
Festivals: Special worship is done during Diwali, Varalakshmi Vratam, and other festivals.
Home Worship: Many families keep ashta lakshmi images or silver idols at home for daily prayers.
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