Invoking Goddess Lakshmi - Essay Example

In the poem ‘Hymn to Sri’ or Sri Suktam, this title is used for the goddess Lakshmi. Such is her greatness that the kings and all other men seek help from her as she is the one praised by all the gods; “The one who manifests as the moons beautiful luminosity, the one celebrated by all of the gods.” (Invoking Lakshmi: Stanza 5, page 122)Goddess Lakshmi holds a dominant position in the hierarchy of Hindu gods. She is called many things such as; the sacred fire, the golden one, the one garlanded in silver and gold, are some of her attributes.

Her arrival means good news for the people and her procession brings good luck and happiness for them. When the goddess approaches the poet it brings them comfort. Her sacred fire looks fierce but it glistens like smooth cool water. She herself is very content and also bestows contentment on her people. She is also the protector of people; the poor seek refuge in her presence. Her arrival is glorified in the original Sanskrit poems so much so that it appears that the concept of happiness and comfort is her creation.

The poem tells that worldly pleasures like gold, cattle, horses and even loyal friends become the destiny of her followers when she arrives. It is as if when the goddess gives attention to the one invoking her she bestows contentment, love, satisfaction and worldly pleasures onto that person; "Upon whose arrival I shall be blessed with abundant gold, cattle, attendants, horses, and loyal friends." (Invoking Lakshmi: Stanza 15, p. 123) Be it the common people or the king, everyone bows before the goddess Lakshmi and seeks her help.

The poem praises her beauty and calls her the ‘sun brilliant’. The poem says that through her austerity the bilva tree springs up and gives fruits that have the power to dispel Alaksmi (the goddess of misfortune). Later the poem also asks the goddess to bestow fame and give wish-fulfilling jewel. The fame and fortune are also in her powers to bestow upon the common people. Goddess Lakshmi does not only provide worldly pleasures and wealth. She also gives peace of mind, pleasure and truthfulness in speech.

When goddess Lakshmis daughter, Kardama, dwells in a person it will make Lakshmi dwell in his home. The Lotus garlanded Shri is also her title. Lotus is considered a very beautiful flower in Indian culture and mythology. Lakshmi represents absolute purity and beauty. From the poem, it is evident that the believers of Hinduism want gods and goddesses to inhabit someones home for prosperity and protection. Many times the poem wishes and prays that the goddess Lakshmi would come in and stay in his home.

This pure desire is so strong that the poem asks Lakshmi's daughter to convince her mother to come and inhabit the place. Dwelling in a house might also represent the quality of an ideal wife. Shri-Lakshmi is the model wife.