Maha Lakshmi is the consort of Lord Maha Vishnu. She was born
out of the Ocean of Milk during its churning by the gods and
demons in pursuit of the nectar (Amrita). Sri Maha Vishnu took
Her to be his consort and placed Her on his chest beside the
Kaustubha jewel.
Maha Lakshmi is usually depicted seated in Sukhaaseena on a
lotus flower. She has four arms. In two of them, She holds the
lotus flowers. The right hand is in Abhaya Mudra. The left hand
is Anugraha Mudra pouring out gold. She is the goddess of
wealth. She is called Sri by the Vishnavas. Hence Lord Vishnu is
called Sridhara, Srinivasa, Srikara, Srivibhavana, Sripati etc.
She is also called Rama (pronounced with short Ra) and Ma (hence
Maadhava - husband of Ma).
Women all over the world worship Maha Lakshmi for blessings of
health, wealth and above all a long and happy marital life. Vara
Lakshmi Vratamu and Sumangali Puja are popular among women to
worship Maha Lakshmi.
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