Step 3 of 7

Lakshmi: Wealth and Fortune

Related Images

  • Fig. 1. The statue of Lakshmi in her temple - Photography Wilke Geurds
  • Fig. 2. A plastic bottle with water from the Ganges (bought in The Hague) - Photography Wilke geurds
  • Fig. 3. Three inherited silver coins at the foot of Lakshmi - Photography Wilke geurds

Besides her weekly prayer, the owner also performs particular rituals during religious festivals. For instance, during Diwali (The Festival of Lights), a major festival in which Hindus celebrate the (symbolic) victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil. In particular, Lakshmi plays a central role during this festival (see figure 1). She is the goddess of wealth, fortune, prosperity, and beauty.

During this festival, the owner of the house temple offers water from the Ganges and rice (figure 2): “First she eats, then we eat”. Moreover, she offers three silver coins she inherited from her grandparents to Lakshmi, to receive her blessing and obtain fortune (figure 3).