Rise of Lakshmi: The Divine Goddess of Prosperity
Rise of Goddess Lakshmi, the Goddess of Prosperity who emerged from the deep ocean called Samudra Manthan. Goddess Laksmi emerged from the churning process of the ocean, involving the gods and ashuras who were fighting each other over Tirta Amerta. Goddess Laksmi emerged from the ocean with great grace and beauty, and became the wife of Lord Vishnu.
Rsi Durwasa (source: Private Collection)
Starting from the Rsi Durwasa who was a holy ascetic known for his temper and frequent cursing. The curse of Rsi Durwasa is known as Shapa or the devastating curse. Humans and Gods honor Rsi Durwasa to avoid his curses. On the way, Rsi Durwata met Lord Indra. Rsi Durwata then gave the garland he was carrying to Indra. Lord Indra accepted the garland and placed it on the tusk of Gajah Airawata.
After being placed on the tusk of Gajah Airawata, Gajah Airawata was disturbed by the smell of the flowers and then threw the flower basket and trampled it with his feet.This angered the Rsi as the flower was the abode of Sri (good fortune) and should be treated with respect. Rsi Durvasa changed into his true form and cursed the god Indra and all the gods to lose all power, energy and luck.
The Gods Ask Lord Vishnu for Help (source: Private Collection)
The arrival of Lord Indra was known to Lord Vishnu and conveyed to Lord Indra that, the strength and immortality of the Gods would return after drinking Tirta Amerta in Ksheerasagara (Milk Ocean) and could be obtained by stirring the ocean. Lord Visnu led the gods and asuras to wrap Giant Dragon Basuki around Mount Mandara, and then move the mountain to the ocean, as a stirring stick. To prevent Mount Mandara from sinking, Vishnu transformed into Kurma, a giant tortoise to support Mount Mandara. Vishnu ordered the asuras to hold the base of his body, while the gods held the tail. As a result, the asuras were exposed to the venom that came out of Basuki's mouth. Nevertheless, the gods and the asuras worked together to pull Basuki's body with a movement like pulling a mine, to shake the Mandara mountain, so that the ocean of milk was stirred.
From this mixture emerged a dangerous poison called Halahala. This poison was so dangerous that it could destroy the universe. Vishnu persuaded Lord Shiva to help, so Shiva swallowed the poison and saved the universe. Shiva's wife, Dewi Parwati, helped press Shiva's neck to prevent the poison from escaping. Because of this, Shiva's neck turned blue, resulting in Shiva's nickname as Nilakanta (from Sanskrit: nila = blue; kantha = neck).
Dewi Laksmi Emerges from the Manthan Ocean (Source: Privat Collection)
When the churning process reached its peak, Goddess Lakshmi, known as the Goddess of Wealth and Prosperity, appeared. She appears with great grace and beauty. Lakshmi is depicted sitting on a flourishing lotus flower, a symbol of purity and spirituality.Goddess Lakshmi has 4 hands of which of the four hands, there are several attributes carried, including Lotus as a Symbolizes purity and beauty as well as the spread of blessings and prosperity, Cup or Vessel of Wealth as a Denotes generosity and abundance given to mankind, Gems and Coins as a Symbolize wealth and material prosperity. This indicates Goddess Lakshmi's ability to provide financial and material well-being. And Two Hand (sometimes empty) in some images. Two hand may be empty or holding another object, such as a seed or figurine, symbolizing fertility and harvest.
In some versions of the story, Goddess Laksmi is often depicted glowing with gold. This depicts the purity, wealth and prosperity that the goddess brings. Her golden glow symbolizes purity and divine light, and the close connection between material and spiritual wealth. The color gold is also often associated with abundance and glory, which is in keeping with Lakshmi's role as the goddess of wealth and good fortune.
Dewi Laksmi Becomes Lord Vishnu's Wife (Source: Private Collection)
And after the appearance of Goddess Laksmi, she became the wife of one of the Tri Murti Gods, namely Lord Vishnu. Vishnu, known as the protector and sustainer of the universe, accepted Lakshmi as his wife and life partner. Vishnu is known as the God who protects the world from chaos and destruction. He often descends to the world in various incarnations (avatara) to save humanity from evil. As the goddess who personifies wealth, Lakshmi chose Vishnu because he was considered the ultimate protector who could safeguard and protect the prosperity and wealth she brought. Vishnu as Lakshmi's husband also reflects the integration of the material and spiritual aspects of life. In the Hindu tradition, the attainment of prosperity is not only measured by material wealth but also by spiritual attainment and peace. By combining the material wealth symbolized by Lakshmi with the dharma protector performed by Vishnu, their marriage demonstrates the unity between the material and spiritual aspects of life.
