Lakshmi is both the consort and the divine energy of the Hindu god Vishnu, the Supreme Being of Vaishnavism; she is the Supreme Goddess in the sect and assists Vishnu to create, protect, and transform the universe.
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Lakshmi's is an especially prominent figure in Sri Vaishnavism, in which devotion to Lakshmi is deemed to be crucial to reach Vishnu.
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Lakshmi is depicted in Indian art as an elegantly dressed, prosperity-showering golden-coloured woman standing or siting in the padmasana position upon a lotus throne, while holding a lotus in her hand, symbolising fortune, self-knowledge, and spiritual liberation.
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Lakshmi's is praised as Mahalakshmi, Mahakali (she who is great Kali) and Mahasaraswati (she who is great Saraswati) who are the primary deities in Devi Mahatmya.
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Lakshmi is a member of the Tridevi, the triad of great goddesses.
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Below, behind, or on the sides, Lakshmi is very often shown with one or two elephants, known as Gajalakshmi, and occasionally with an owl.
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The Gupta period sculpture only used to associate lions with Lakshmi but was later attributed to Durga or a combined form of both goddesses.
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Lakshmi typically wears a red dress embroidered with golden threads, which symbolizes fortune and wealth.
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In Japan, where Lakshmi is known as Kisshoten, she is commonly depicted with the Nyoihoju gem in her hand.
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Lakshmi is mentioned once in Rigveda, in which the name is used to mean 'kindred mark, sign of auspicious fortune'.
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In some chapters of Atharva Veda, Lakshmi connotes the good, an auspicious sign, good luck, good fortune, prosperity, success, and happiness.
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Lakshmi's appeared with a lotus in her hand and so she is called Padma.
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Ancient prayers dedicated to Lakshmi seek both material and spiritual wealth in prayers.
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Lakshmi is the embodiment of the creative energy of Vishnu, and primordial Prakriti who creates the universe.
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In South India, Lakshmi is seen in two forms, Sridevi and Bhudevi, both at the sides of Venkateshwara, a form of Vishnu.
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The Ashta Lakshmi presides over eight sources of wealth and thus represents the eight powers of Shri Lakshmi.
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Temples dedicated to Ashta Lakshmi are found in Tamil Nadu, such as Ashtalakshmi Kovil near Chennai and many other states of India.
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In Garuda Purana, Linga Purana and Padma Purana, Lakshmi is said to have been born as the daughter of the divine sage Bhrigu and his wife Khyati and was named Bhargavi.
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Lakshmi came out of the ocean bearing lotus, along with divine cow Kamadhenu, Varuni, Parijat tree, Apsaras, Chandra, and Dhanvantari with Amrita ('nectar of immortality').
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Lakshmi's chose Devas' side and among thirty deities, she chose to be with Vishnu.
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Gaja Lakshmi Puja is another autumn festival celebrated on Sharad Purnima in many parts of India on the full-moon day in the month of Ashvin.
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Goddess Lakshmi is frequently found in ancient coins of various Hindu kingdoms from Afghanistan to India.
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Gaja Lakshmi has been found on coins of Scytho-Parthian kings Azes II and Azilises; she appears on Shunga Empire king Jyesthamitra era coins, both dating to 1st millennium BCE.
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Similarly, ancient Greco-Indian gems and seals with images of Lakshmi have been found, estimated to be from 1st-millennium BCE.
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In Chinese Buddhism, Lakshmi is referred to as either Gongdetian or Jixiang Tiannu (????, lit "Auspicious goddess") and is the goddess of fortune and prosperity.
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Lakshmi's is regarded as the sister of Pishamentian, or Vaisravana, one of the Four Heavenly Kings.
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In Japanese Buddhism, Lakshmi is known as Kishijoten and is the goddess of fortune and prosperity.
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In Tibetan Buddhism, Lakshmi is an important deity, especially in the Gelug School.
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Lakshmi's has both peaceful and wrathful forms; the latter form is known as Palden Lhamo, Shri Devi Dudsol Dokam, or Kamadhatvishvari, and is the principal female protector of Tibetan Buddhism and of Lhasa, Tibet.
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Lakshmi is closely linked to Dewi Sri, who is worshipped in Bali as the goddess of fertility and agriculture.
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