Lakshmi

This goddess of luck has had a somewhat unlucky existence, due to being imprisoned several times within paintings during her lifetime. When not being trapped by demons, Lakshmi hands out good fortunes to her worshipers, healing to those under her domains as well as embracing those who are on death’s door. She aids any who would fight against demons or tricksters.

Lakshmi appears in the form of a beautiful woman, draped in a single blue cloth that covers little of her body, though sometimes adorns a more modest blue dress. Aside from her normal form she often changes her dress to varying colors, though is mostly seen in a reclined position. There have been rare occasions where she is seen with several arms.

Gamblers, travelers and small villages often follow Lakshmi, that she would bless them with an easy life devoid of strife.

Divine Domains

• Good [Agathion, Redemption]
• Healing [Restoration, Resurrection]
• Luck [Fate]
• Sun [Light, Revelation]
• Trickery [Deception, Innuendo]

Favored Weapon

Light Flail

Divine Symbols & Sigils

Symbols of wealth and royal power commonly associated with Lakshmi are auspicious. These include: the pot, a pile of gems, a throne, a flywhisk, a conch, a fish, a parasol, nagas, yakshas, a footstool, a horse, an elephant, a cow, and the wish-fulfilling tree.

Holidays

Many worship Lakshmi on Diwali, the festival of lights. It is celebrated in autumn every year. The festival spiritually signifies the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, good over evil and hope over despair. Diwali celebrations include puja (prayers) to Lakshmi and Ganesha. Lakshmi is of the Vaishnavism tradition, while Ganesha of the Shaivism tradition.

Before Diwali night, people clean, renovate and decorate their homes and offices. On Diwali night, Hindus dress up in new clothes or their best outfits, light up diyas (lamps and candles) inside and outside their home, and participate in family puja (prayers) typically to Lakshmi. After puja, fireworks follow, then a family feast including mithai (sweets), and an exchange of gifts between family members and close friends. Diwali also marks a major shopping period, since Lakshmi connotes auspiciousness, wealth and prosperity. This festival dedicated to Lakshmi is considered to be one of the most important and joyous festivals of the year.

Divine Classification

Deity

Realm

Mahāmeru