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Lakshmi is the goddess of wealth, wisdom, and light. Also known as a goddess of beauty, she is known for her motherly capabilities. She is the wife of Vishnu
There are many physical attributes of Lakshmi that have various meanings. For instance, the lotus seat that Lakshmi stands/sits upon represents a spiritual power that does not become self-righteous or egotistical, but one of purity. She is depicted as wearing very nice clothing and nice jewelry; two signs of wealth. She is also shown with elephants, and coins dropping from her hand. These represent the goodness of wealth and the importance of sharing the wealth with others. Lakshmi has four arms and hands; these also have their own symbolism. For example,
'the four hands represent the ends of human life: dharma, Kama, moksha, and artha.The two hands in the back symbolize the spiritual realm. Whereas, the two front hands symbolize the physical realm. The four arms are leading in all directions and
'the four hands represent the ends of human life: dharma, Kama, moksha, and artha.The two hands in the back symbolize the spiritual realm. Whereas, the two front hands symbolize the physical realm. The four arms are leading in all directions and
representational that the power of Lakshmi is everywhere, at the same time, and shows no limits or boundaries.
The Four Arms & Four Hands
In Goddess Lakshmi's case upper left back hand represents Dharma (duty). The lower left frontal hand represents Artha (material wealth). The right lower frontal hand represents Kama (desire) and the upper back right hand represents Moksha (salvation).
Half open Lotus (Upper left hand)
In the upper left hand Goddess Lakshmi holds a half-blossomed lotus, which has a hundred petals. In philosophical terms, the number 100 represents the state of Sadhana. Notice that this lotus is basically red. It is not in full blossom. It has streaks of whiteness. The red in it represents Rajoguna, the functional aspect, and the white represents Satoguna, the purity aspect. In other words this symbolizes progress in both mundane and spiritual walks of life side by side.
Gold Coins (Lower left hand)
Invariably this hand of the goddess is shown dropping gold coins on the ground, where we find an owl sitting. The dropping of coins represents prosperity in all directions, or total prosperity. The gold coins do not only represent money; they also symbolize prosperity at all levels.
Abhaya Mudra (Right lower hand)
Now we come across the right lower hand, which is held in Abhaya Mudra (the pose signifying assurance of freedom from fear). The Gita says fear is caused by unfulfilled desires. The ultimate gift of the goddess is the blessing of deliverance from fears.
Lotus in The Right Upper Hand
This hand is holding a lotus, which is fully opened; a lotus with one thousand petals (in contrast to the upper left hand holding half open lotus having a hundred petals), which is synonymous with sahasra-ra-chakra (the highest point in the evolution of the Kundalini Shakti). This lotus has a red base, with a blue tinge. The red in it represents "Rajas" and the blue represents 'Akasha' (space). They signify total evolution.
The Red Sari (dress)
Lakshmi is shown wearing a red sari. It is again the colour of Rajas, which means creative activity. The golden embroidery indicates plenty. This re-affirms the idea of prosperity in general. This is in keeping with her being the Goddess of prosperity.
Sitting on Lotus
The goddess is shown sitting on a lotus. This posture means "Live in the world, but do not be possessed by the world". The lotus keeps smiling on surface of water. Its origin is in mud, deep under water but its flowering is above the water-surface. Detachment and evolution is the message of this poetic symbol.
The Owl
The owl sitting on the left side of Lakshmi, where gold coins are falling, represents darkness. An owl, generally speaking, is a night bird. It is very clever. It can't see clearly in the daytime. It represents perversion of attitudes in material prosperity. Undue attachment to wealth shows ignorance (darkness) and disturbs the economic balance in society. If man does not keep his balance when he gets a lot of material resources, he is bound to become a nuisance to himself and to others around him.
Four Fair Elephants Pouring Water (From Golden Vessels)
In common pictures of Lakshmi, we see four whitish elephants pouring water drawn from the ocean on the goddess. This water is contained in golden vessels. Those four elephants represent the four directions—North, South, East, and West. The white hue here means purity. Wisdom has been occasionally represented in Hindu mythology by the form of an elephant.
The symbol of four elephants pouring water from golden vessels on the goddess suggests that the chain of Purushartha (endeavour), dharma, artha, kama and moksha has to be continuously strengthened with wisdom, purity and charity
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