Ashta Lakshmi: The 8 forms of Maa Lakshmi

Ashta Lakshmi or Ashtalakshmi, is a group of the eight manifestations of Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of prosperity. The Ashta Lakshmi are always depicted and worshipped in an octet in temples.

What are the Ashta Lakshmi?

Adi Lakshmi (Primeval Lakshmi) is portrayed to be the earliest form of Lakshmi. Adi Lakshmi is the manifestation who supports a seeker to reach their source, or Atman.

Adi Lakshmi

Dhana Lakshmi (Wealth Lakshmi) is Lakshmi in her form as the goddess of material wealth. She is depicted with six hands, in red garments, carries the Sudarshana Chakra, shankha, kalasha or the Amrita Kalasha, a bow and arrow, a lotus, and an arm performing the abhaya mudra, with gold coins falling from it.

Dhana Lakshmi

Dhanya Lakshmi (Grain Lakshmi) is the form of Lakshmi who represents the wealth of agriculture. Dhanya Lakshmi is also the aspect of Lakshmi who provides resources to adherents for their sustenance and well-being.

Dhanya Lakshmi

Gaja Lakshmi (Elephant Lakshmi) is the giver of animal wealth (such as cattle), or the being who offers royal splendour, according to the Narayana Pancharatra.

Gaja Lakshmi

Santana Lakshmi (Eternal Lakshmi) is the goddess's manifestation who bestows offspring. She is depicted as six-armed, carrying two kalashas, a sword, a shield, a child on her lap, a hand in abhaya mudra, and the other holding a child. The child holds a lotus.

Santana Lakshmi

Dhairya Lakshmi (Courage Lakshmi), or Veera Lakshmi (Valourous Lakshmi), is a form of Lakshmi inspired by Durga. She is the form of the goddess who bestows valour during battles and courage plus strength for overcoming difficulties in life.

Dhairya Lakshmi

Vijaya Lakshmi or Jaya Lakshmi (Victorious Lakshmi) is also a manifestation drawn from Durga. She is form of the goddess who bestows victory, not only in battles, but also for conquering hurdles in order to achieve success.

Vijaya Lakshmi

Vidya Lakshmi (Knowledge Lakshmi) is the goddess and the bestower of knowledge of arts and the sciences. She is dressed in a white saree and has a resemblance to goddess Saraswati. She holds a book of the Vedas, a peacock feather as a pen, the varada mudra and the abhaya mudra.

Vidya Lakshmi