Mata Lakshmi is the deity of the Lakshmi mantra. She is the dynamic energy of Lord Vishnu (also known as the Supreme God Svayam Bhagavan). The Goddess grants one with prosperity, wealth, luxury and abundance.
She is mentioned once in Rig Veda, but the context recommends that the word does not mean “goddess of fortune and wealth,” rather it means “sign of auspicious fortune or kindred mark.” Her name is derived from Sanskrit root words for knowing the goal and understanding the objective.
According to another legend, the Goddess emerges during the creation of the Universe, floating over the water on the expanded petals of a lotus flower. She is also variously regarded as the wife of Dharma, the mother of Kama, the sister or mother of Vidhatr and Dhatr, the wife of Dattatreya, one of the nine Saktis of Lord Vishnu, a manifestation of Prakrti as identified with Dakshayani in Bharatasrama, and as Sita, the wife of Rama.
In eastern India, She is seen as a form of one goddess Devi, the Supreme power; Devi is also called Shakti or Durga. Saraswati, Lakshmi, and Parvati are frequently conceptualized as distinct in most of India, but in states such as Odisha and West Bengal, they are regionally considered to be forms of Goddess Durga.
Inside temples, She is commonly shown together with Lord Vishnu. In some regions of India, Goddess Lakshmi plays a special role as the mediator between her husband Lord Vishnu and his worldly followers.
The month of October is of special significance for the worship of the Goddess Lakshmi. Lakshmi pooja is revered on Sharad Poornima, also known as Kojagari Poornima. Fridays are reserved for the worship of Goddess Lakshmi.
Iconography
The icons, image, and sculptures of the Goddess are represented with symbolism. Her 4 hands represent the 4 essential goals of human life considered important to the Hindu way of life – artha (pursuit of wealth, means of life), dharma (pursuit of ethical, moral life), kama (pursuit of love, emotional fulfillment), and moksha (pursuit of self-knowledge, liberation).
Representations of Goddess Lakshmi are also found in Jain monuments. In Buddhist sects of Nepal, Tibet, and southeast Asia, Goddess Vasudhara mirrors the attributes, traits and characteristics of the Hindu goddess Lakshmi with minor iconographic differences.
Lakshmi usually wears a red dress embroidered with golden threads, symbolism for beauty, prosperity, abundance, and wealth. She, the goddess of prosperity and wealth, is frequently represented with her husband Lord Vishnu, the god who maintains the human life filled with peace and justice. This symbolism implies prosperity and wealth is coupled with maintenance of justice, life, and peace.
A pair of elephants is often illustrated standing on both her sides, spraying a stream of water. It is considered that this symbolizes the ceaseless devotion of the people who worship her.
Chanting Om Shrim Maha Lakshmiyei Swaha – Laxmi Mantra benefits:
Chanting Laxmi mantra with a sincere heart grants one with riches, wealth, beauty, youth and health. A positive result or feeling occurs when the mantra healing vibrations resonate with your own vibrations. This, in turn, attracts more of what you are focusing upon and helps to manifest it in your reality.
Consistency is important. While any level of repetition has its benefit, establishing a pattern of say, 108 times daily, and maintaining that over a traditional 40 day period, bring the greatest benefit. But most important is getting started to chant the mantra. Even if your goal is only ten consecutive days, accomplishing that goal will bring substantial benefits.