ROLE OF SHAKTI AS SUSTAINER AND WEALTH
VISHNU (SUSTAINER) and LAKSHMI (WEALTH) as his Consort
Vishnu is the Sustainer.
Four Hands and Four Heads - Don't think he is extra terrestrial.
It is a 3-D way of depicting the different things Vishnu is made of. Same is the case with Lakshmi.
You will see hundreds of descriptions and meanings on the net for 's Vishnu's hands and what he carries as weapons, etc. All these are his characteristics and power to sustain everything everywhere.
Lakshmi is also shown in several forms and with several arms carrying various weapons. This is just a 3-D representation in 2-D. of all the powers Lakshmi has.
Lakshmi is the wealth:
Why Lakshmi is consort of Vishnu?
Because, with life you need wealth (Wealth means prosperity or satisfaction of needs and wants) to live in this world.
That's why She accompanies Sustainment of life.
Every living being in its life needs to have its needs and wants fulfilled. This is what Mother Lakshmi brings to sustainment of life.
Lakshmi is shown as Ashta Lakshmi (Meaning 8 forms of Lakshmi) courtesy "https://www.hinduamerican.org/" as shown below:
Adi (First) Lakshmi
- With a name derived from the Sanskrit root laksh, which means “to understand and know,” as well as “goal,” “aim,” or “objective,” Lakshmi helps people realize their goals by providing them the wealth they need in order to do so. And as adi means “first,” Adi Lakshmi is said to be her primordial form, through which she helps a person attain life’s foremost aim — freedom from the cycle of death and rebirth. She is thus known also as Moksha Pradayani, or “one who bestows liberation.”
Dhana (Wealth) Lakshmi
- While the literal translation of dhana is “wealth” in terms of money, gold, property, or any other sort of tangible monetary utility, dhana also refers to qualities like willpower, strength, courage, determination, and perseverance. As such, Dhana Lakshmi is believed to show favor to those who work hard by providing the wealth and prosperity required for them to become the best versions of themselves.
Dhanya (Food) Lakshmi
- Dhanya means “blessed,” and as life would be impossible without food, Dhanya Lakshmi blesses devotees with the great fortune of agricultural wealth.
Gaja (Animal) Lakshmi
- Worshipped as the “giver of animal wealth,” Gaja Lakshmi was traditionally of deep importance to farmers whose cows and bulls would provide dairy and till the land. Gaja, which means “elephant,” also signifies power and royalty, as elephants were regularly used by rulers of ancient India in warfare.
Santana (Children) Lakshmi
- Traditionally prayed to by couples desiring children, Santana Lakshmi (santana meaning “progeny,” or “children”) symbolizes fertility.
Veera (Bravery) Lakshmi
- A symbol of bravery and valor, Veera Lakshmi blesses worshippers with the strength required to overcome obstacles on the path of one’s material and spiritual life.
Vidya (Knowledge) Lakshmi
- As vidya means “knowledge,” this is the form of Lakshmi that helps guide one’s intellectual development. Cultivating the inherent qualities residing in one’s psyche, she helps to unlock a person’s potential, allowing them to achieve both material and spiritual success.
Vijaya (Success) Lakshmi
- Vijaya Lakshmi, whose first name means “victory,” is a significator of success, instilling devotees with hope and inspiration.
HOW HINDUS WORSHIP THESE TWO FORMS OF SHAKTHI?
Hindus have several Mantras (Sanskrit Hyms that praise Vishnu and Lakshmi). You can search on Youtube for Vishnu and Lakshmi, and you will not be disappointed. These mantras are to praise the role of "Shakthi" as Vishnu and Lakshmi.
Famous mantras for Vishnu are:
- Vishnu Sahasranamam (1008 names of Vishnu as praises to the Lord)
Famous mantras for Lakshmi are:
- Lakshmi Sahasranamam (1008 names of Lakshmi as praises to the Goddess)
Note:
- Sahasra = 1008
- Nama or Namam = Names
