Wishing a joyful Deepāvali to all who celebrate.
Deepa means ‘lamp,’ and āvali means ‘row.’ We light rows of lamps (or lights) to celebrate Deepāvali. This tradition symbolizes the victory of good over evil, the emergence of light from darkness, and the triumph of knowledge over ignorance.
As part of the Deepāvali celebrations, we engage in Lakshmi Puja (worship) to welcome Goddess Lakshmi into our homes. In Sanskrit, laksh means ‘goal’ reflecting the aspirations we seek with her blessings. We worship Lakshmi in her eight divine forms—collectively known as Ashta Lakshmi—each representing different aspects of wealth and prosperity. Through this worship, we express our heartfelt gratitude and invoke her blessings to help us achieve our goals.
1. Ādi Lakshmi
Ādi Lakshmi, the embodiment of liberation, is a divine force that helps us break free from the shackles of worldly attachments. We invoke her blessings to guide us on a path toward spiritual freedom, recognizing that liberation is the ultimate aspiration of human existence according to the principles of Vedanta. Her grace allows us to transcend our limitations and achieve a state of inner peace.
2. Dhana Lakshmi
We worship Dhana Lakshmi to express heartfelt gratitude for the abundance and wealth we have received. She represents the flow of prosperity that sustains us, both in our personal lives and within our communities. We invoke her blessings seeking the strength to manage our resources wisely, ensuring our financial stability while also fostering a spirit of generosity that allows us to support others in their times of need.
3. Dhānya Lakshmi
We worship Dhānya Lakshmi to express gratitude for the essential food and nourishment that sustain us. We invoke her blessings to provide not only for ourselves but also for those who experience hunger. Through her grace, may our tables always be filled, and may we find joy in sharing with those who are less fortunate.
4. Gaja Lakshmi
We worship Gaja Lakshmi to express gratitude for the vital role that animals play in our lives and society. We invoke her blessings to grant us the compassion to treat all living beings with kindness and care, recognizing the interconnectedness of all creatures.
5. Santāna Lakshmi
We worship Santāna Lakshmi to express gratitude for the joy and blessings of parenthood. We invoke her guidance in nurturing happy, healthy children, asking for the wisdom to provide them with love, comfort, and the moral foundation they need to grow into compassionate individuals.
6. Veera Lakshmi
We worship Veera Lakshmi to express gratitude for the courage to face the inevitable trials and tribulations of life. We invoke her blessings to give us the strength to remain bold and optimistic. Her blessings empower us to confront challenges head-on, inspiring us to persist with unwavering determination, no matter the circumstances.
7. Vidyā Lakshmi
We worship Vidyā Lakshmi to express gratitude for the knowledge and wisdom we have acquired. We invoke her blessings to further enrich our intellectual journey, seeking clarity and understanding to navigate the complexities of life with grace and insight.
8. Vijaya Lakshmi
We worship Vijaya Lakshmi to express gratitude for the achievements we have already celebrated. We invoke her blessings for future triumphs. Through her inspiration, may we pursue our goals with steadfastness and skill, ensuring that our efforts lead to fruitful outcomes and celebrations of success.
Bluishmuse 