The Deity Shree Mahalakshmi: A Versed Description from Sacred Texts

In Hindu tradition, Shree Mahalakshmi is revered as the divine personification of wealth, prosperity, and good fortune. Her descriptions in various scriptures provide deep insights into Her attributes and the impact she has on the spiritual journey of Her devotees. This article delves into Her enchanting portrayal using verses from several sacred texts, highlighting the essence of Her divine essence.

Lakshmi Tantram

Lakshmi Tantra offers a rich poetic account of Shree Mahalakshmi, inviting devotees to worship Her with reverence and admiration. The text begins by addressing Her as the mother of the world and the consort of Lord Vishnu. It emphasizes Her form and the magnificence of Her manifestation:

Sriyai loka dhatryai Bramha mathre namo namanNamasthe padma Nethrayai padma mukhyai namo nama.

Salutations to Lalkshmi, the mother of the world; salutations to the mother of Brahma; salutations to the lotus-eyed one; salutations to the lotus-faced one.

Further verses illustrate Shree Mahalakshmi's attributes and form:

Padma padmayai Padma kanthyai namo namanNamo bilwa vanasthayai Vishnu pathniyai namo nama.

Salutations to the Goddess with the pleasant face and salutations to her who resembles a lotus flower; salutations to her who lives in the forest of bilwa trees and salutations to the consort of Lord Vishnu.

The Power and Grace of Shree Mahalakshmi

The Lakshmi Sahasranama from Skanda Purana narrates the origin and importance of Shree Mahalakshmi. It poetically describes Her as the splendour born from the efforts of Sage Bhrgu, residing by the banks of the river Narmada:

So great was the splendour that sap khyāti bore with her to the rivers Narmadā, Bhart?hari marvelled at the greatness, and said: Is this the great valour that shines most brightly and is seated in the hearts of all?' Khyāti bhoomā said: Yes.' The king asked this celestial damsel: What is the name of the holy place that has come into existence and desired by all the deities?' Khyāti said: Here I shall remain and shall give birth to Lak?mī. Grant that this place may have that name.

Indra's Eulogy to Shree Mahalakshmi

According to Padma Purana, Indra eulogizes Shree Mahalakshmi, praising Her various divine attributes and influence:

Salutations to Sri, the mother of all beings, seated on her lotus throne with eyes like full-blossomed lotuses reclining on the breast of Vishnu. You are Siddhi, supernatural power; you are Swadha, and Svahā; you are ambrosia Sudha, the purifier of the universe; you are evening, night, and dawn; you are power, faith, intellect; you are the goddess of letters Sarasvati. Beautiful goddess, you are knowledge of devotion, great knowledge, mystic knowledge, and spiritual knowledge which confers eternal liberation.

The Importance of Knowledge and Devotion in Shree Mahalakshmi's Worship

In Soubhagya Lakshmi Upanishad, Shree Mahalakshmi is personified as knowledge itself, encompassing various forms of divine wisdom:

Shree mahalakshmi namah

Salutations to Shree Mahalakshmi, the mother of all fortune, who is the personification of knowledge. She descends upon those who invoke Her with devotion and is worshipped as Shree. Her significance extends to wealth, prosperity, and knowledge.

These verses from various sacred texts resonate with the numerous ways in which Shree Mahalakshmi is worshipped and revered. Her descriptions underscore the manifold aspects of good fortune, beauty, and wisdom, serving as a source of inspiration for devotees seeking blessings and divine grace.