Goddess Lakshmi means Good Luck to Hindus. The word 'Lakshmi' is
derived from the Sanskrit word "Laksya", meaning 'aim' or 'goal',
and she is the goddess of wealth and prosperity, both material and
spiritual.
Lakshmi is the household goddess of most Hindu families, and a
favorite of women. Although she is worshipped daily, the festive
month of October is Lakshmi's special month. Lakshmi Puja is
celebrated on the full moon night of Kojagari Purnima.
Lakshmi is depicted as a beautiful woman of golden complexion,
with four hands, sitting or standing on a full-bloomed lotus and
holding a lotus bud, which stands for beauty, purity and fertility.
Her four hands represent the four ends of human life: dharma or righteousness, "kama"
or desires, "artha" or wealth, and "moksha" or liberation from the
cycle of birth and death.Cascades of gold coins are seen flowing
from her hands, suggesting that those who worship her gain wealth.
She always wears gold embroidered red clothes. Red symbolizes
activity and the golden lining indicates prosperity. Lakshmi is the
active energy of Vishnu, and also appears as
Lakshmi-Narayan - Lakshmi accompanying Vishnu.
Two elephants are often shown standing next to the goddess and
spraying water. This denotes that ceaseless effort, in accordance
with one's dharma and governed by wisdom and purity, leads to both
material and spiritual prosperity.
Worship of a mother goddess has been a part of Indian tradition
since its earliest times. Lakshmi is one of the mother goddesses
and is addressed as "mata" (mother) instead of just "devi"
(goddess).
As a female counterpart of Lord Vishnu, Mata Lakshmi is also
called 'Shri', the female energy of the Supreme Being. She is the
goddess of prosperity, wealth, purity, generosity, and the
embodiment of beauty, grace and charm.
The importance attached to the presence of Lakshmi in every
household makes her an essentially domestic deity. Householders
worship Lakshmi for the well being and prosperity of the family.
Businessmen and women also regard her equally and offer her daily
prayers.On the full moon night following Dusshera or Durga Puja, Hindus
worship Lakshmi ceremonially at home, pray for her blessings, and
invite neighbors to attend the puja. It is believed that on this
full moon night the goddess herself visits the homes and
replenishes the inhabitants with wealth. A special worship is also
offered to Lakshmi on the auspicious Diwali night.