Origin story of Goddess Lakshmi | Samudra Manthan
Goddess Lakshmi is one of the most important goddesses of our culture. As she is known as the God of wealth, purity and Knowledge. The word Lakshmi is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘Lakshya’. We usually worshipped the Goddess Lakshmi on a daily basis as she symbolizes good luck. In Bengali Hindu culture, Goddess Lakshmi considered as a daughter of Maa Durga.
Origin story of Goddess Lakshmi -
According to Mythology, Goddess Lakshmi emerged from the churning of Ocean. It starts when Sage Durvasa offers a flower garland to Lord Indra with lots of devotion and respect. Lord Indra place the flower garland on the forehead of his elephant, ‘Airavat’. But Airavat take the garland and throw it on the earth. Due to this disrespectful treatment of his flower garland, Sage Durvasa got angry and curses Lord Indra that his kingdom will also be revived just like he has thrown his gift. But due to Lord Indra’s egoistic attitude, he doesn’t take it seriously.
After some days, the damage started on Lord Indra’s kingdom ‘Amravati’ due to Durava’s curse. The Gods and the people lose their energy and power. They stop working and they all become corrupted. All the plants and food items start dying. The Asurs invaded the Gods and defeated them hence, Gods become weak in Amravati.
After all this damage, Gods went to Lord Vishnu who suggested the churning of the Ocean “Samudra Manthan” and restore their power back by providing Amrit that make them immortal. From this churning Goddess Lakshmi emerged from the ocean waves seated on Lotus flower and chooses Lord Vishnu as her eternal consort.
In Vishnu Puran, when Lord Vishnu descended on earth as Rama, Krishna at that time Goddess Lakshmi also descended as Sita, Rukmini. She is wife as well as the divine energy of Lord Vishnu.