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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.
Hi Sudeepta:
What a joy it was to meet up with you all. It was so much fun and great food!
Ha hA! Hope the kids enjoy their tella-NHaNa! Heh, take pics!
and before I forget how to tell the kids apart, you gotta visit us.
Best Wishes,
and “Hiiii” to the kids
Arun
Hey Arun – Happy Deepavali to you and M. Was great meeting you both. The boys are getting their tella-nhana tonight
Srivalli:
Thank you for your wishes and wishing you all the best during this festival season!
and thank you for visiting!
Happy Diwali to you and your family Arun!..great information.
Thank you Asha for taking the time to visit!
Hope your new kitchen and else will be completed soon.
Wishing you and your family a fabulous Diwali in a spanking newly renovated house! Fabulous!
Bestest!
Happy Deepavali to you and family Arun, enjoy the festivities!
)
Hi Arun,
Aapke muah me meri taraf se Mithaai…!
Arun, I haven’t formated a technical form to my own blog yet…though, I would give a hit sooner or later.
And I would surely inform you once I have my own blog.
Thanks for your concern.
Take care,
Sonu:)
arunaH uvacha:
Ha hA, thanks Sonu!
and will look forward to your blog!
Fantastic post and also very informative, wish you a very happy Diwali Arun ….
arunaH uvacha:
Thank you Tripathy and glad you found the writeup useful!
Means a lot to me.
During this season, best wishes to you and your family and friends!
And thanks for visiting.
That was really informative… Thanks for the wishes. Wish you both a very happy deepavali!!!
arunaH uvacha:
Thank you Poornima for your Wishes!
and glad you like the write up!
Hope the best Seasons Greetings for you and your family!
Arun
Lakshmi:
WoW! What a nice blog you have!
Love that festive platter! I want!
Thank you for your wishes and
best wishes to your family!
Arun
Happy Deepavali to you!
Hi Sonu:
Good to hear from you! and many thanks for your heartfelt wishes!
muah mein shakkar!
Hope you too are enjoying the best of the season!
btw, do you have a blog somewhere?
just asking.
Arun
Dear Arun, M and family,
MAY THE FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS BRIGHTEN YOUR LIFE AND MAY GOD BESTOW UPON YOU ALL THAT YOU WANT TO ATTAIN.
HAPPY DIWALI…!!!
Sonu.
Prakash:
Best wishes to you and wishing you prosperity in your ventures.
Happy Diwali!
Happy Diwali to all of you.
Many Thanks Maya!
Got your e-greetings!
Wishing you all the bestest!
Wish you and M a very happy Diwali and a great year ahead Arun
…
Jitesh:
Greetings and great to hear from you!
Enjoy Sukhadia’s fresh jalebis!
)
Dear Arun Dada,
Wish you and Vahini a very Happy Diwali and a peaceful year
Happy Diwali to you Saroj!
I was away, but noticed you are busy with your Obamamania!
Ha hA!
Fantastic, and as always, informative!
Happy Diwali!