Dhanalakshmi

Lakshmi has eight forms, which are very popular (ashtalakshmi). These are Dhanya-Lakshmi, Dhana-Lakshmi, Dhairya-Lakshmi, Vidya-Lakshmi, Jaya-Lakshmi, Veerya-Lakshmi, Gaja-Lakshmi and Saubhagya. Swamiji has given the lovely name Dhanalakshmi to several devotees. Dhana means wealth, therefore Dhanalakshmi is truly the wealth of all wealth, the highest prize, the greatest treasure and the ultimate prosperity. In spiritual terms, Dhanalakshmi is the all-pervading cosmic energy. When the aspirant realizes the shakti of Dhanalakshmi he or she will attain immortal bliss. Human beings tend to regard fortune as only pertaining to material luck. Dhanalakshmi is the greatest good fortune known to humankind. Each gold coin she showers into the streaming water of auspiciousness is a payment into the spiritual bank of good karma! We earn our good karma through kind and meritorious, selfless acts of charity and service. Having directed all our actions in the direction of service to the Divine we can aspire to moksha, or liberation. Dhanalakshmi showers Her grace on society as a whole to live with prosperity, happiness and success. Only through the grace of Mother in this form can society thrive and progress in the right direction. One who bears this beautiful name of Mother Lakshmi has the power to change society at its core through giving selfless and beneficial service in many different manifestations. In wealthy Indian cities, such as Bombay, it is a common sight to see piles of silver coins placed in a heap during the Diwali festival and worshipped as Dhanalakshmi Herself. The spiritual and dharmic approach to wealth is to give it for good and altruistic purposes. In this connection, thinking sincerely of Dhanalakshmi and meditating on Her divine name will guide all seekers in the correct direction.