Ashta Lakshmi: the eight forms of Lakshmi

Goddess Lakshmi is a manifestation of Shakti, the divine feminine and creative energy, and also the consort of Lord Vishnu. She is revered by Hindus as the Goddess of wealth and prosperity. There are many kinds of wealth and prosperity, and Lakshmi, too, bestows 8 types of wealth, collectively called Ashta Lakshmi.

Let us know more about the 8 forms of Lakshmi.

Adi Lakshmi

Adi means “first,” and Adi Lakshmi is Lakshmi’s primordial form. Through this form, she helps one attain life’s main aim — Moksha or freedom from the cycle of death and rebirth. So she is also known also as Moksha Pradayani, meaning “one who bestows liberation.” She is shown seated on a pink lotus, wearing gold jewelry, and with four hands. One hand displays the Abhaya mudra, another displays the Varada mudra, one holds a lotus, and one holds a flag. Adi Lakshmi embodies compassion.

Dhana Lakshmi

The literal meaning of dhana is “wealth”, like gold, money, property, etc. But it can also refer to qualities like strength, willpower, courage, perseverance, and determination. Dhana Lakshmi blesses those who work hard by bestowing wealth and prosperity on them. She sits on a pink lotus and wears gold jewelry. She has six hands. One wields a discus, one holds a conch, one a bow and arrow, one holds a water pitcher, one a lotus, and one is in Abhaya mudra with gold coins falling from the palm. Dhana Lakshmi is a repository of the universe’s entire wealth, and helps those who aim to persevere despite their struggles.

Dhanya Lakshmi

Dhanya Lakshmi bestows on devotees, agricultural wealth. Devotees express their gratitude by honoring her before eating their meals and by offering food to the poor.

She is depicted wearing green garments that symbolize growth, renewal, and agriculture. She sits on a pink lotus and has eight hands — one of which is in Abhaya mudra and one in Varada mudra. One hand holds a mace, two hold lotuses, and three hold different agricultural products. Dhanya Lakshmi reveals the importance of showing gratitude for Mother Nature’s blessings, for both the rich and the poor cannot live without them.

Gaja Lakshmi

This Lakshmi is the “giver of animal wealth”. She is of great importance to farmers whose cows and bulls provide dairy products and till the land. Gaja means “elephant,” and it also represents power and royalty, as elephants were often used by ancient Indian kings during war. She is flanked by a white male and female elephant on either side, and she sits on a pink lotus. She has four hands. One shows Abhaya mudra, one is in Varada mudra, and the remaining two hold lotuses. Gaja Lakshmi blesses those who use animals for their livelihood. She reminds us of the value of such animals to society and the need to treat them with care, love, and respect.

Santhana Lakshmi

Santhanam means ‘children’, and this Lakshmi is worshipped by couples who desire offspring. She represents fertility. Wearing gold jewelry and a garland of flowers, she sits on a pink lotus and has six hands. Two hold pitchers of water, one holds a shield, one holds a sword, one holds a baby, and one hand is in Abhaya mudra to remove negativity and grant the boon of a child. Santhana Lakshmi signifies both the care and ferocity of a mother. Santana Lakshmi blesses those who regard parenthood as a sacred duty and for whom children are the greatest treasures.

Veera Lakshmi

Veera Lakshmi symbolizes bravery and valor and bestows the strength required to overcome obstacles in material and spiritual life. Adorned with flowers and gold ornaments, she sits on a pink lotus and is depicted with eight hands. One wields a discus, one a bow, one an arrow, one a sword or trident, one holds palm leaf scriptures, one a conch, one is in Varada mudra, and one shows Abhaya mudra. Holding many weapons, Veera Lakshmi is also called Dhairya Lakshmi (dhairya means “courage”). She bestows the fearlessness we need to endure life’s ups and downs and favors those who are determined and optimistic even in adverse circumstances.

Vidya Lakshmi

Vidya means “knowledge,” so this Lakshmi guides one’s intellectual development. She has the power to unlock a person’s potential and enables them to achieve material and spiritual success. Wearing jewelry, Vidya Lakshmi is usually shown with four hands. Two hold lotuses, one is in Abhaya mudra, and one is in Varada mudra. Vidya Lakshmi grants the knowledge to create mental resilience, strength, and willpower in those who suffer self-doubt and insecurity. She also bestows divine wisdom to those who wish to transform their lives spiritually.

Vijaya Lakshmi

Vijaya means “victory,” and so Vijaya Lakshmi signifies success and gives devotees hope and inspiration. She wears red clothes and is bedecked with flowers. Seated on a lotus, Vijaya Lakshmi is portrayed with eight hands holding a discus, sword, shield, noose, conch, lotus, and one is in Abhaya mudra, with another in Varada mudra. She empowers people to conquer life’s impediments with courage and tenacity. Vijaya Lakshmi blesses those who maintain positivity despite difficulties. People worship her for success in their endeavors and also for guidance on the path of spirituality.

Though each of the Ashtalakshmi has a distinct form, her overall nature is that of a protective and nurturing mother whose wealth is limitless. She grants devotees what they need but also encourages them to work hard. To invoke her presence, one needs to maintain cleanliness, offer flowers, and light diyas or lamps, and pray with utmost sincerity.