Symbols of Goddess Lakshmi | Goddess Lakshmi Pratika | Symbolism of Goddess Lakshmi

Goddess Lakshmi Pratika | Symbolism of Goddess Lakshmi

Goddess Lakshmi is the goddess of wealth, prosperity and good health. In Hinduism certain symbols, materialistic objects, flowers, plants, leaves, eatables, birds and animals are assigned to each deity.

This association of worldly objects to deities is considered very significant. The worldly objects which are associated to the deity become pious and sacred. Some of these objects are included in Puja material and offered to deity during the worship. Such offering pleases the deity and helps to fulfil the Puja.

Lotus Flower

Goddess Lakshmi likes lotus flowers. She holds them in two of her arms and sits over a blossomed lotus flower. Goddess Lakshmi also adorns a garland made of lotus buds. Hence, lotus flower is considered sacred and it is offered to Goddess Lakshmi. Nothing pleases Goddess Lakshmi more than the offering of lotus flowers.

Elephant

It is believed that Goddess Lakshmi prefers white elephants for riding. Hence elephants are given the honor of Her favorite mount. As Goddess Kamala, She is portrayed with four elephants who give Her nectar Abhishekam with golden pitchers.

Shri

Symbol Shri is one of the sacred symbols in Hinduism and it is used for Goddess Lakshmi. Shri is synonym of Goddess Lakshmi. During Lakshmi Puja, Shri is drawn on the wall or on the floor as a representation of Goddess Lakshmi herself.

Gold

We can confidently say that the gold was the currency of Vedic time. Being the goddess of wealth and prosperity, Goddess Lakshmi is associated with the gold. Usually, She is portrayed with golden pot overflowing with golden coins. Goddess Lakshmi also makes boon-giving gesture with one of the hands which continuously showers golden coins.

Owl

One of the names of Goddess Lakshmi is Ulkavahini, the one who rides an owl. Owl, who is despised in modern era, has been a revered bird in religious texts. As Vahana of Goddess Lakshmi, owl represents royalties, penetrating sight and intelligence.

Earthen Lamp

Goddess Lakshmi dwells in light and avoids dark places. The earthen lamps which are used to remove darkness since Vedic time are symbol of Goddess Lakshmi herself. During Lakshmi Puja she is welcomed by lighting as many as possible earthen lamps.

Swastika

The Swastika symbol pleases Goddess Lakshmi. On the eve of Diwali, Swastika symbol is drawn in front of the gate to welcome Goddess Lakshmi. It is customary to draw Swastika at Puja altar before starting Lakshmi Puja.

Om

Om is very favorite symbol of Goddess Lakshmi. All Lakshmi Mantra(s) begins with the sound of Om. Om is Vedic sound and it is omnipresent. As Om is absolute truth, it is liked very much by Goddess Lakshmi.

Cowrie (कौड़ी)

Yellow Cowrie is very much loved by Goddess Lakshmi. Yellow Cowrie is very cheap and easily available to the poor as well as the rich. Yellow Cowrie is offered to Goddess Lakshmi during Puja to please Her.

Ekakshi Nariyal

Most Nariyals (coconuts) when peeled have three big dots where those were attached with the branch. However, Ekakshi Nariyal has only single dot which makes it very rare coconut. Such Nariyal is believed to be the representation of Goddess Lakshmi herself. Such coconuts are not broken and consumed but used for Lakshmi Sadhana.

Dhanya

The Dhanya (i.e. various cereals) is considered the greatest wealth for the living beings. Abundance of Dhanya is sign of wealth and prosperity. Hence wherever Goddess Lakshmi visits there is abundance of Dhan and Dhanya. One of the forms of Goddess Lakshmi is known as Dhanya Lakshmi who is one of the Ashta Lakshmi.

Shri Yantra

Shri Yantra is the greatest among all Yantra(s). It is the manifestation of Tripura Sundari Shri Mahalakshmi herself. Mahalakshmi herself resides in it and it is the embodiment of all of Her energy and power.