Author: Chitralekha Singh
Prem Nath/
Publisher: Jaico
Year: 2001
Language: English
Pages: 124
ISBN/UPC (if available): 8124201730
Description
This book, profusely illustrated, is a comprehensive account of the goddess with maximum details. It is an interesting study for all religionists, scholars, artists, sociologists and parents.
Sri of Rgveda bifurcated into Brhmsri and Rajeysri in the Yajurveda, ultimately termed as Lakshmi in the Puranas, is the goddess of wealth, prosperity and bliss. She is the embodiment of all the three attributes of nature - Sattva, Rajas and Tamas.
Lakshmi, the bestower of cherished desires, with hundreds of names, virtues and qualities, has been described comprehensively in the Hindu mythology and religion.
The first six chapters deal with her importance, glory, origin and benevolence; chapter seven, eight and nine describe Her relationship with Parvati, Ganesh and Kuber and demon King Jalandhar; chapter 10 Her position vis-a-vis Lotus and Tulsi and chapter 11 Owl and Cow and chapter 12 and 13 describe Her as Gajalakshmi, Kamala and Matangi.
Diwali, the most important Hindu festival devoted to Her is the subject of chapter 14. A dialogue between Lakshmi and Poverty appearing in the Brahampurana is cited in chapter 15. Chapter 16,17 and 18 relate to the forehead marks and Her place in the scriptures, art and craft. Chapter 19 describes Lakshmi's prominent place in Mantra, Yantra and Tantra and also the worship procedures and the mantras connected with different yantras meant exclusively to propitiate Her.
Appendix at the end gives a useful list of numerous names of the goddess.