Know more about Ashtalakshmi - The 8 Forms of Lakshmi

New Delhi: Diwali is also known as the festival of lights and for Hindus it is one of the most important festivals of the year.Diwali is celebrated by Hindu families who perform traditional ceremonies in their homes. Amavasya marks the worship of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. Ashta Lakshmi, is a group of eight Hindu goddesses, secondary manifestations of Shri-Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth, who presides over eight sources of wealth. "Wealth" in the context of Ashta-Lakshmi means prosperity, good health, knowledge, strength, progeny, and power. On the ocassion of diwali worshiping Ashta Lakshmi is very auspicious. They are always depicted and worshipped in a group in temples.It is believed that the eight forms of Ashta-Lakshmi are to fulfill human desires and necessities through their individual nature and manifestations.Here are the eight divine forms of Goddess Lakshmi or Ashta-Lakshmi: 1. Aadi-Lakshmi (The Primeval Goddess) or Maha Lakshmi (The Great Goddess) This is a primeval form of Goddess Lakshmi. Aadi-Lakshmi is regarded as the daughter of sage Bhrigu and wife of Lord Vishnu or Narayana. She is potrayed as Four-armed, carries a lotus and a white flag, other two arms in Abhaya mudra and varada mudra.2. Dhana-Lakshmi ( The Goddess of Prosperity and Wealth) Dhana means wealth in the form of money or gold, at an intangible level it may even mean inner strength, will power, talent, virtues and character. So, Dhana-Lakshmi represents this aspect of the human world, and with her divine grace, we can get an abundance of wealth and prosperity. Dhana-Lakshmi is portrayed as six-armed, wearing a red sari, and holding in her five hands a discus, a conch, the holy pitcher, bow and arrow, and a lotus while the sixth arm is in Abhaya Mudra with gold coins rolling from her palm.3. Dhaanya-Lakshmi (Goddess of Food grains) The second of the eight forms of Goddess Lakshmi or Ashta-Lakshmi is named after "Dhanya" or food grains - full of natural nutrients and minerals required for a healthy body and mind.She is portrayed as eight-armed, in green garments, carries two lotuses, gada (mace), paddy crop, sugarcane, bananas, other two hands in abhaya mudra and varada mudra.4. Gaja-Lakshmi (The Elephant Goddess) Gaja-Lakshmi or the Elephant Laksmni is the daughter of the ocean who was born out of the churning of the ocean - the fabled Samudra Manthan of Hindu mythology. This form of Goddess Lakshmi is the protector and bestower wealth, grace, prosperity, royalty and abundance.She is depicted as four-armed, in red garments, carries two lotuses, other two arms in abhaya mudra and varada mudra, surrounded by two elephants bathing her with water pots. 5. Santana-Lakshmi (The Goddess of Progeny) Santana-Lakshmi is the Goddess of progeny, the treasure of the family life. It is believed that the Worshipers of Santana Lakshmi are bestowed with the wealth of good children possessing with good health and a long life. This form of Goddess Lakshmi is potrayed as six-armed, carries two kalashas (water pitcher with mango leaves and a coconut on it), sword, shield, a child on her lap, a hand in abhaya mudra and the other holding the child. The child holds a lotus.6. Veera-Lakshmi or Dhairya Lakshmi (The Goddess of Valor and Courage) This form of Goddess Lakshmi is the bestower of courage and strength, and power.She is worshiped to gain valor and strength to overpower formidable adversaries in war or simply overcome the difficulties of life, and lead a life of stability. Veera-Lakshmi is depicted as eight-armed, in red garments, carries chakra, shankh, bow, arrow, trishul (or sword), a bundle of palm leaf scriptures, other two hands in abhaya mudra and varada mudra. 7. Vidya-Lakshmi (The Goddess of Knowledge) Vidya means knowledge as well as education, so Vidya-Lakshmi is the giver of knowledge of the arts and sciences. Like Saraswati - the Goddess of knowledge - she is potrayed as sitting on the lotus, four-armed, wearing a white sari, and carrying two lotuses on both hands, other two hands being in abhaya and varada mudra. 8. Vijaya-Lakshmi or Jaya Lakshmi (The Goddess of Victory) Vijaya means victory, as the the name suggests this form of Goddess Lakshmi symbolizes victory in all aspects of life - not just in war but also in life's struggles and our little battles.She is worshipped to ensure all-round victory in every aspect of life. Vijaya-Lakshmi is depicted as eight-armed, in red garments, carries chakra, shankh, sword, shield, lotus, pasha, other two hands in abhaya mudra and varada mudra.