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On this Wonderful Diwali,
May the Grace of Lakshmi bring you and your loved ones Peace, Health and Prosperity! Happy Diwali! |
Notes are excerpted from my book, Prarthana: A Book of Hindu Psalms;
© Arun Shanbhag
Mahalakshmi
As Goddess of Good Fortune and Wealth, Lakshmi embodies abundance and prosperity. She is eternally benevolent and adored as the shakti or power of Vishnu.
Lakshmi’s genesis is associated with the legend of the Churning of the Ocean (Samudra mantham). According to scriptures, Gods and demons teamed to churn the ocean, seeking the nectar of immortality. From the churn rose numerous gifts and a terrible poison. Shiva seized the poison before it could spill and destroy the earth, and held it in his throat, earning him the epithet Neelkanth – Blue-throated One. Thereafter, Lakshmi emerged from the frothing ocean, seated on a lotus blossom. The demure maiden enraptured the Gods and sages present. Robed in white and decked in jewels, she dazzled with brilliance. Gandharvas (heavenly musicians) sang, while apsaras (heavenly nymphs) danced and celebrated her auspicious arrival.Most images commemorate Lakshmi’s appearance and depict her seated or standing on a lotus, holding a lotus blossom in one hand, and gold coins cascading from an open palm. The fragrant lotus rising above ponded water, yet unsoiled by it, symbolizes purity and fertility.
As Goddess of Affluence, Lakshmi is particularly worshipped during Deepavali, the festival of lights. Lakshmi puja marks the beginning of the New Year for traders, businessmen and shopkeepers. Fresh ledgers and accounts are opened, and bonuses are distributed to employees. New business ventures are initiated with the blessings of Lakshmi. Homes are cleaned spotless, bursting crackers singe the air and lamps are lit to welcome the Goddess. Crackers and bright lights are also believed to chase away alakshmi or misfortune.
An image of Lakshmi is often carved above temple doors and home shrines, assuring her grace to all who enter. Lakshmi is also the benevolent protector of married woman, safeguarding the sanctity of their marriage and ensuring a happily married life. Thus the accompanying hymn to Mahalakshmi (Great Lakshmi), describing the various attributes of this eternal and kind mother, is popular among women.
Excerpted from my book, Prarthana: A Book of Hindu Psalms; © Arun Shanbhag 2007
Audio:
Enjoy these recitations of the Mahalakshmi Ashtakam: Eight Verses to Mahalakshmi!
Note: Audio files are provided for your evaluation. Please support these musicians and purchase the albums.
From the album: Mangal Kaamna, sung by Saylee Shintre (beautiful album!)
Another version from the album: Devi Sthothranjali, sung by Anuradha Krishnamurthi
Let me know what you think of these recitations.
Previous Greetings and Related Posts:
- Diwali 2009: Festival of Lights
- Deepavali Wishes 2007
- Deepavali Greetings 2006
- Deepavali Greetings 2005
- Mahalakshmi Temple in Goa
- Poster of Saraswati Lakshmi & Ganapati
- Note Lakshmi on the lintel of the temple doorway (3rd pic)
Marathoner, Professor, Author, Citizen Journalist, Fitness Nut, Foodie, Meera's father, Hindu, Scientist, Photographer.
could (you) change the page name Diwali: Tribute to Lakshmi Arun Shanbhag to something more generic for your content you make. I loved the post still.
Wish you a many many happy Deepawali to u and ur family members
Hi Ujjwal:
yes, particularly if you are away temporarily, it does not make sense to get all the konkani hardware!
But small pressure cooker and kayli are indispensable!
What are you guys doing in Shanghai?
Best Best!
Oh.. thats nice.. Yes they are indeed very nice folks. Lucky guys! I had such tough time this time thinking what to get back with me.. Idli stand, kayli, cooker etc etc.. and more over the thought that we will ba going back in another six months leaving behind all the stuff worries me even more [;)] so did not carry much!
Hi Ujwal:
Mr Kamath’s daughter is one of our friends here. They were just here for the summer. Nice folks.
Every time I come back from India, I seem to have primarily “KhaNa”, books and CDs.
what else does a guy need? 
Hi,
Thanks a lot for Mahalakshmi stotra
I have not tried the iTunes store.. need to check it out. I had stocked all the Cd’s at home but at the last minute we forgot to pack them
Hopefully we should back to Mangalore by next year.
Yes, A regular customer there! Do you know them too? Are you by any chance from Mangalore?
Hi Ujwal,
Have you tried the iTunes stores. They have some – not Mangal Kaamna or Ajit Kadkade, but Jasraj for sure.
I usually OD of Bhajan CDs every time I visit india. Good to know of Taj Mahal Cafe. DO you also know Kamath & Co?
I have sent you the Mahalakshmi Stotra – Enjoy.
Will have to check how to post a link so others can download. Buy the CD during your next visit.
Hi,
I would really love to have the MP3 version of it. Do you have any idea where I can download Bhajans from? The Marathi ones from Ajit Kadkade, Mahalaksmhi stotras. I do listen online but the only problem is with sometimes the internet runs really low on bandwidth.
Well Taj Mahal Cafe yes it is from Mangalore Carstreet. My dad’s only hangout place. Good to know you are related to them. Their son’s are my dad’s students. Love the food from there
Hi Ujwal:
thank you and glad you enjoyed the stotra.
you say it right – it is indeed divine!
If you want, I can send you an mp3 version!
have a great weekend!
Hi,
Very informative post. I heard the Mangal kaamna first thing n the morning it was so divine. Thanks for uploading them. I will keep coming here
Hi Sush:
Great to hear from you.
Hope your parents are enjoying their stay here!
Yes, Haven’t seen you online!
BTW, Both the versions recite the same stotra – just in different styles!
Enjoy the company of your parents and hope you are taking them around!
M is doing great – busy, though!
Happy Diwali to you!
Happy Diwali Arun !
Sorry this is really belated. I wasnt really online much all these days.
Loved listening to the first one (Mangal Kaamna) by Saylee. Somehow i cdnt hear the Stothra. Will try again.
Good wishes to your wife, M.
S
Wish you both a very happy Diwali Arunanna.
.
Things are going crazy here, so I am late in everything
arunaH uvacha:
His Shilpa:
Hope all is well and thank you for taking the time to comment here.
Yes, this was a crazy week for us too!
Wishing you all a wonderful Diwali and a Prosperous New year ahead!
Mahimaa:
Glad you are enjoying the audio; the first one is a favorite! Nicely done!
Enjoy and thanks
hey, i am enjoying the audio now.. thx for posting them.. really nice.
Hi Viji:
Thank you
and wishing you all a fabulous Diwali!
btw, all these write-up are from my book: Prarthana!
As always great write up Arun. A very happy deepavali to you and M.
Viji