8 Avatars & Names of Ashta Lakshmi

1. 8 Avatars & Names of Ashta Lakshmi (With Meaning, Story and Significance ) The Goddess Lakshmi is known as the Goddess of prosperity and wealth. These two things lay at the fundamental of everyone’s lives. But only a few people know that Lakshmi shows her grace in eight different forms. There are unique names for each form. These all names together are called ashta lakshmi. Shakti, the life-giving and vibrant energy of the divine, resides in every living being and is intrinsically feminine. Lakshmi, famously known for her beauty and alluring gracefulness, is one of the most significant manifestations of Shakti. As if we needed another reminder about this benevolent feminine deity, Lakshmi has been credited with everything from fortune to prosperity - even love and joy. She is a significant member of the Tridevi (trinity) of Hinduism principles goddesses, alongside Parvati and Saraswati. List of Ashta Lakshmi Names (Forms) So, let’s know the names of Ashta Lakshmi, along with their significance and meaning. 1. Adi Lakshmi

2. Adi Lakshmi is believed to be the most primordial form of Lakshmi, and she bestows knowledge to those seeking it. Her primordial form signifies knowing one's goal and understanding what needs to be done in order to achieve it, which is why she provides people with all the materialistic wealth they need for that very purpose.

3. This goddess was called upon during the great churning of the sea, and she is known for granting liberation. It is said that sage Brhigu begged for this deity to awaken from her slumber, for it has been far too long since she had last intervened in universal affairs. All of the existence sprang forth from the womb of Mother Adi Lakshmi, and she was believed to be the creator of all gods and goddesses. Hence, the goddess is associated with fertility and married women. So it's traditional to offer her red flowers that represent love and desire. Along with Vishnu, she is also known for being where all wealth resides in this universe. Suggested Reading: Navratri Fasting Food List: 5 Delicious Upwas Food Recipes 2. Dhana Lakshmi

4. Wealth; what does it mean? It could represent money, fame, or power. But at its core, dhana (wealth) also embodies inner strength and intellect. Dhana Lakshmi, among the 8 ashta laxmi names, is a representation of this side to humans. It grants us an abundance of wealth and prosperity when touched by her divine grace.

5. In Hindu Mythology, Dhana Lakshmi is said to be the deity of wealth and prosperity. Her story begins when she becomes angry with Lord Vishnu for his opinion on money. When this happened, she left Vaikunta (heaven) and went to Earth. Soon after she leaves, Lord Vishnu follows her down to Earth, becoming a poor folk living in the forests. One day, they meet again but are still unable to reconcile because Lord Vishnu was not abundant. Unfortunately, he had taken a loan from Kubera, who insisted that Lord Vishnu had to repay the debt before departing. For many years, he tried but could not pay off his debt and eventually came to understand the importance of money. His wife, Dhana Lakshmi, then blessed him with wealth and made him indebted for all his good fortune. Hence, Dhanalakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth and an avatar of Lakshmi, bestows her blessings upon those who are industrious and value money. It leads them to abundance. She is the embodiment of all riches in the universe, and she gives sustenance to her followers by overcoming financial hurdles. 3. Dhanya Lakshmi

7. Goddess of abundance, Dhanya Lakshmi, blesses devotees with plentiful harvests. Devotees repay her generosity by showing appreciation for all they receive- honoring her before eating or sharing food with the hungry in need. Hindu mythology tells us that during the Mahabharata era, when the Pandavas were living in exile, it was difficult for them to find food. This may be because of the Goddess Dhanya Lakshmi, who blessed them and made sure they had enough food to survive this period. She came to their aid by providing a wooden bowl that produced food perennially so that they would never go hungry again. Feeding every person indiscriminately, Dhanya Lakshmi reminds us how grateful we should be for the food provided by Mother Nature. When we are hungry, no matter if we are rich or poor, this avatar of Laxmi provides us the food. She holds no prejudice against the wealthy or the less fortunate because she knows that everyone needs her blessings to survive. Suggested Reading: What is Hatha Yoga? Benefits, Spiritual Importance, Principles 4. Gaja Lakshmi

8. Legends say that Gajendra, the elephant, and Goddess Lakshmi would always engage in prayer together to worship Lord Vishnu. Due to his size, Gajendra was a little slower than Lakshmi. This meant he couldn't perform as many ceremonies at once as she did.

9. But when Lord Vishnu saw this, he asked for her help so that Gajendra wouldn't feel discouraged from being slower than her all the time. Then, Goddess Lakshmi took on an entirely different form, known as Gaja Lakshmi. The meaning of this Ashta Laxmi name is elephant-Lakshmi. The Goddess accepted all of his offerings too. And hence, her divine form as Gaja Lakshmi satisfies the needs of her followers, who depend on breeding livestock for food. Satisfying the needs of those who work with animals as a way to earn their living, Gaja Lakshmi reminds them all of just how valuable these creatures are. She also reminds them not to harm or exploit them but instead to give them love, care, and respect. 5. Santana Lakshmi

10. Next on the list of names of Ashta Lakshmi is Santana-Lakshmi. She blesses her followers with progeny and family fortune. Worshippers of Santana-Lakshmi are blessed with healthy children and longer life spans. This form of the goddess symbolizes fertility and blesses childless couples with children. She fulfills their yearning for a family who sees parenting as a sacred responsibility or feels that

11. having children is a true blessing in life. Santana listens to the pleas from infants who want siblings, granting them their wishes in return for worship. Also Read: What is Manifestation? Everything You Need to Know 6. Veera Lakshmi (Dhairya Lakshmi)

12. Veera Lakshmi, also known as Dhairya Lakshmi, is bravery incarnate. Veera means valor or courage. It is the name given to a form of Ashta Lakshmi that grants us these qualities: confidence, willpower, and perseverance. These qualities are needed to fight through even the most challenging obstacle that comes your way in life. In the olden days, there lived a king named Bhoja Rajan who ruled his dominion without opposition. His subjects were cheerful and contented, with supreme happiness across the land. The King was reverently devoted to Goddess Lakshmi. Because of this, he ensured that she never abandoned him. In his dream, Goddess Lakshmi appeared to him and told him that seven of her eight avatars (8 Lakshmi forms) would have to go away from his kingdom. He could pick anyone he felt most needed it. After careful consideration, the king made up his mind. He elected Goddess Dhairya Lakshmi in order to retain the strength and courage which are necessary for governing the people. A wise decision indeed! She grants the fearlessness needed to overcome what life throws at us. Importantly, she favors those who try to stay positive and determined in even the worst times. Must Read: Nava Durga: The Nine Manifestations of Mother Goddess 7. Vidya Lakshmi

13. Next in the Ashta Lakshmi names list is Vidya Lakshmi. Wealth emanates from her like an eternal fountain, but she does not provide it in the form of superficiality.

14. Wealth comes from her through knowledge. This knowledge aids in achieving enlightenment and understanding oneself, for this is what she believes to be true wealth. This avatar of Lakshmi knows how to unlock the human mind so it can explore its own self-worth. It is because when this happens, we are truly wealthy. Vidya Lakshmi is shown to be seated atop a white lotus with her two hands having lotuses and the other two hands raised in Abhaya and Varada mudra. 8. Vijaya Lakshmi

15. Vijaya means victory. This form of Lakshmi symbolizes victory in all aspects of life, not just in war, but also in life's major struggles and little battles. Vijaya-Lakshmi is worshiped to ensure all-around triumph in every aspect of life. A man named Vidya Rannar worshiped the Goddess sincerely. But when he heard that no matter how much he prayed for success in his life, it wouldn't happen. It was because when he was born, this didn't stop him at all.

16. He continued praying fervently and eventually broke free from the chains of materialism. With detachment from worldly things comes renunciation. This way, the Goddess blessed him with an abundant amount of riches. Although these riches held no meaning for him anymore, he dedicated himself to building a new empire. It was called the Vijaya Nagara Empire. Vijaya Lakshmi manifests herself to assist individuals during difficult times. She appreciates those that maintain a positive outlook in the face of hardship and offers guidance to those seeking spiritual enlightenment. Wrapping Up: Lakshmi embodies both protection and nurture. She provides devotees what they need, while at the same time encouraging them to work hard and persevere. To please her, followers are encouraged to maintain cleanliness, offer flowers, light up a lamp and recite prayers. This can be done to whichever form she takes on the day. However, devotion through prayer is the most effective way of reaching out to Lakshmi in any Ashta Lakshmi form. Have any questions related to Ashta Laxmi names or their significance? Feel free to share with us in the comments below. Explore Online Yoga Programs by hellomyyoga. Read more blogs spirituality ● ● ● ● Single Mothers of Mythology: 5 Legendary Mothers 18 Life-Changing Bhagavad Gita Shlokas (Verses) With Meaning and Lessons What is Om (ॐ)? What is Gayatri Mantra: Meaning, Benefits and Rules Thanks For Reading!