As today is Diwali, the day we worship Goddess Lakshmi for wealth and prosperity, I found myself thinking deeper about what her blessings truly mean. I suddenly had a thought — maybe we humans are a little selfish. We take only what benefits us and ignore the rest. The same applies to how we perceive our gods.
People worship Goddess Lakshmi as the goddess of wealth, assuming that Lakshmi means money. But that’s not true. In reality, Lakshmi means good fortune and good luck. And what creates good fortune and luck in life? I will tell you.
Breaking the Myth: Lakshmi is More Than Just Wealth
During Diwali, people light diyas, chant her name, and ask for financial prosperity. But money is just one part of Lakshmi’s blessings. Wealth doesn’t only mean cash; it also means knowledge, strength, courage, family, and success — things that truly make life meaningful.
If we observe closely, there is a step-by-step progression in the Ashta Lakshmi forms. Each goddess represents a stage in our journey, guiding us along the path to success. If we seek true prosperity, we must embrace all eight forms, not just the one that gives us money.
The 8 Forms of Goddess Lakshmi and Their Step-by-Step Guidance
Adi Lakshmi — The Foundation of Everything
- She is the primordial form of Lakshmi, the source of well-being.
- This is the wealth of inner peace and spiritual growth, something money can never buy.
- Without a stable foundation, no other form of wealth can stay for long.
Dhanya Lakshmi — The Wealth of Nourishment
- She blesses us with food, health, and sustenance.
- No matter how rich we are, without health and proper nourishment, success is meaningless.
- She teaches us that true wealth starts with taking care of our body and basic needs.
Dhairya Lakshmi — The Strength to Endure Challenges
- Life is full of obstacles. The real wealth is patience, resilience, and courage.
- Without Dhairya (patience and strength), even the wealthiest person can fall apart during tough times.
- She reminds us that hardships are part of the journey, and endurance is key to success.
Gaja Lakshmi — The Wealth of Power and Authority
- She represents authority, dignity, and abundance.
- Once we have patience and endurance, we earn respect and recognition in society.
- But she also warns us: true power comes from wisdom and fairness, not arrogance.
Santana Lakshmi — The Wealth of Family and Relationships
- What is success without loved ones? She blesses us with children, happiness, and strong family bonds.
- We often chase money and forget that our true fortune is the love and support of family.
- She teaches us to value relationships over material gains.
Vijay Lakshmi — The Wealth of Victory and Accomplishments
- She grants victory in personal and professional life.
- After patience, power, and strong relationships, we finally achieve success in our endeavors.
- But real victory is when we win without compromising our morals and values.
Vidya Lakshmi — The Wealth of Knowledge and Wisdom
- She represents education, learning, and intellect.
- Success is temporary without knowledge. A truly wealthy person is one who keeps learning.
- She teaches us that wisdom is the ultimate power that sustains all other forms of wealth.
Dhana Lakshmi — The Wealth We Chase Last
- Ironically, money (Dhana) comes last in this journey.
- When we have patience, health, power, love, victory, and knowledge, financial success naturally follows.
- This is why money should never be the first or only thing we seek — because true fortune is built step by step.
How Does Fortune and Good Luck Work?
Now, let’s return to the real meaning of Lakshmi — fortune and good luck. People think good fortune means suddenly getting rich or winning a lottery. But true fortune is something you create through your actions, mindset, and hard work.
- A hardworking person attracts Dhana Lakshmi (financial wealth).
- A knowledgeable person attracts Vidya Lakshmi (intellectual wealth).
- A brave person attracts Dhairya Lakshmi (strength and courage).
- A kind and righteous person attracts Santana Lakshmi (family and relationships).
Lakshmi is not just a goddess you pray to; she is a mindset, a way of life. Your actions decide which Lakshmi you invite into your life.
Conclusion: What We Need to Learn
We remember Goddess Lakshmi only when we need money, but we forget that true prosperity is a combination of wisdom, strength, courage, and love. Next time you seek blessings, ask yourself — what kind of wealth do you really want?
Maybe it’s time to stop limiting Lakshmi Ji to just a pile of cash and start embracing her in all her divine forms.
I have been listening to the Ashta Lakshmi Stotram for a while now, and I really want you all to experience it. It is incredibly soothing and peaceful.
Please listen to this- Ashta Lakshmi Stotram