Lakshmi, the Goddess of prosperity, is the consort of
Lord Vishnu. In Sanskrit the word 'laksme' means 'goal' and hence Lakshmi represents the goal of life. She is also known by the names Haripriya, Padma, Padmalaya, Jaladhija, Chanchala, and Lokamata. Lakshmi has four hands of which one carries a lotus and another holds gold coins. The four hands symbolize the four ends of human life: dharma (righteousness), kama (desires), artha (wealth), and moksha (deliverance). She is dressed in red and is believed to have originated from the froth of the milk ocean. Lakshmi dwells on lotus, the seat of divine truth. Special veneration is offered on the propitious day of
Diwali.
