
A further indication of Lakshmi’s longstanding presence and influence within the Hindu faith was the archaeological discovery of ancient coins that signify reverence of Lakshmi. However, not only is Lakshmi one of the most important goddesses in Hinduism, but she is also one of the deities that have been revered for the longest time.Įvidence of Lakshmi’s long history is proven by the presence of her first hymn, the Shri Shukta in the Rig Veda, which is not only the most revered sacred scripture but it is also the oldest, originating between 1000 and 500 B.C. She is actually one of the three goddesses that make up the Hindu Trivedi, along with Parvati and Saraswati.

Lakshmi, the Goddess of Wealth and FortuneĪmong the primary goddesses in the Hindu faith is Lakshmi. Aside from the name Parvati, the goddess of love is called by many other appellations, including Uma, Shailaja, Girirajaputri, Haimavathi, Lalitha, Gowri, Aparna, and Shivakamini, just to name a few. Himavat is considered to be the very embodiment of the Himalayan mountains and his wife Mena is said to originate from the asparas, which is a group of female cloud and mountain spirits. A fitting name for Parvati who is, in fact, the daughter of Himavat. The name Parvati comes from Sanskrit and means “daughter of the mountains” or “she of the mountains”. Her contrasting natures show Parvati as a figure who is able and willing to adapt to Pratima or reality and what the circumstances call for or require from her as the mother goddess. However, there are also aspects of her that are destructive, violent, fierce and ferocious. She is considered to be a voice of reason, freedom, strength and encouragement. She is likewise revered as the Mother goddess in Hinduism, who is known to be kind, gentle, nurturing, and loving. As the goddess of love, she’s known to be an especially benevolent figure. Given all that she represents, it is certainly no surprise. Parvati, the Hindu goddess of love, devotion, beauty, marriage, and fertility, is of course, among the most important and revered deities in the Hindu faith.

Parvati, Shiva’s Wife and A Goddess in Nine Forms When we take the time to do this, Lakshmi acts as a portal to riches both material and immaterial, gold of the earth and of the soul. And we must come to appreciate and recognize what is, perhaps, the founding archetype of all human spirituality. To understand Lakshmi in all her infinite variety, we must take a tour through many of the most powerful strains of Hindu thought. But it is the Hindu version of Lakshmi that has made the most lasting and important impression on the spiritual development of humanity. Her influence has spread to religions across the continent, beginning in Hinduism and entering Jainism and Buddhism. The colorful stories of her deeds and the exquisite art reflecting her image are a phantasmagoria of endless pleasure. The goddess (or devi) is one of the most frequently depicted and worshiped of all the Hindu deities.

She is the master and commander of fortune, wealth, beauty, prosperity, abundance, and Maya (or illusion, the force that keeps incarnated beings from seeing the true nature of reality).
