The Goddess Lakshmi is known as the Goddess of prosperity and wealth. These two things lay at the fundamental of everyone’s lives. But only a few people know that Lakshmi shows her grace in eight different forms. There are unique names for each form. These all names together are called ashta lakshmi.

1. 8 Avatars & Names of Ashta Lakshmi
(With Meaning, Story and
Significance )
The Goddess Lakshmi is known as the Goddess of prosperity and wealth. These two things lay
at the fundamental of everyone’s lives. But only a few people know that Lakshmi shows her
grace in eight different forms. There are unique names for each form. These all names together
are called ashta lakshmi.
Shakti, the life-giving and vibrant energy of the divine, resides in every living being and is
intrinsically feminine. Lakshmi, famously known for her beauty and alluring gracefulness, is one
of the most significant manifestations of Shakti.
As if we needed another reminder about this benevolent feminine deity, Lakshmi has been
credited with everything from fortune to prosperity - even love and joy. She is a significant
member of the Tridevi (trinity) of Hinduism principles goddesses, alongside Parvati and
Saraswati.
List of Ashta Lakshmi Names (Forms)
So, let’s know the names of Ashta Lakshmi, along with their significance and meaning.
1. Adi Lakshmi

2. Adi Lakshmi is believed to be the most primordial form of Lakshmi, and she bestows knowledge
to those seeking it. Her primordial form signifies knowing one's goal and understanding what
needs to be done in order to achieve it, which is why she provides people with all the
materialistic wealth they need for that very purpose.

3. This goddess was called upon during the great churning of the sea, and she is known for
granting liberation. It is said that sage Brhigu begged for this deity to awaken from her slumber,
for it has been far too long since she had last intervened in universal affairs.
All of the existence sprang forth from the womb of Mother Adi Lakshmi, and she was believed to
be the creator of all gods and goddesses. Hence, the goddess is associated with fertility and
married women.
So it's traditional to offer her red flowers that represent love and desire. Along with Vishnu, she
is also known for being where all wealth resides in this universe.
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2. Dhana Lakshmi

4. Wealth; what does it mean?
It could represent money, fame, or power. But at its core, dhana (wealth) also embodies inner
strength and intellect. Dhana Lakshmi, among the 8 ashta laxmi names, is a representation of
this side to humans. It grants us an abundance of wealth and prosperity when touched by her
divine grace.

5. In Hindu Mythology, Dhana Lakshmi is said to be the deity of wealth and prosperity. Her story
begins when she becomes angry with Lord Vishnu for his opinion on money. When this
happened, she left Vaikunta (heaven) and went to Earth.
Soon after she leaves, Lord Vishnu follows her down to Earth, becoming a poor folk living in the
forests. One day, they meet again but are still unable to reconcile because Lord Vishnu was not
abundant.
Unfortunately, he had taken a loan from Kubera, who insisted that Lord Vishnu had to repay the
debt before departing. For many years, he tried but could not pay off his debt and eventually
came to understand the importance of money. His wife, Dhana Lakshmi, then blessed him with
wealth and made him indebted for all his good fortune.
Hence, Dhanalakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth and an avatar of Lakshmi, bestows her
blessings upon those who are industrious and value money. It leads them to abundance. She is
the embodiment of all riches in the universe, and she gives sustenance to her followers by
overcoming financial hurdles.
3. Dhanya Lakshmi

7. Goddess of abundance, Dhanya Lakshmi, blesses devotees with plentiful harvests. Devotees
repay her generosity by showing appreciation for all they receive- honoring her before eating or
sharing food with the hungry in need.
Hindu mythology tells us that during the Mahabharata era, when the Pandavas were living in
exile, it was difficult for them to find food. This may be because of the Goddess Dhanya
Lakshmi, who blessed them and made sure they had enough food to survive this period.
She came to their aid by providing a wooden bowl that produced food perennially so that they
would never go hungry again.
Feeding every person indiscriminately, Dhanya Lakshmi reminds us how grateful we should be
for the food provided by Mother Nature. When we are hungry, no matter if we are rich or poor,
this avatar of Laxmi provides us the food.
She holds no prejudice against the wealthy or the less fortunate because she knows that
everyone needs her blessings to survive.
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4. Gaja Lakshmi

8. Legends say that Gajendra, the elephant, and Goddess Lakshmi would always engage in
prayer together to worship Lord Vishnu. Due to his size, Gajendra was a little slower than
Lakshmi. This meant he couldn't perform as many ceremonies at once as she did.

9. But when Lord Vishnu saw this, he asked for her help so that Gajendra wouldn't feel
discouraged from being slower than her all the time. Then, Goddess Lakshmi took on an entirely
different form, known as Gaja Lakshmi. The meaning of this Ashta Laxmi name is
elephant-Lakshmi. The Goddess accepted all of his offerings too.
And hence, her divine form as Gaja Lakshmi satisfies the needs of her followers, who depend
on breeding livestock for food.
Satisfying the needs of those who work with animals as a way to earn their living, Gaja Lakshmi
reminds them all of just how valuable these creatures are. She also reminds them not to harm
or exploit them but instead to give them love, care, and respect.
5. Santana Lakshmi

10. Next on the list of names of Ashta Lakshmi is Santana-Lakshmi. She blesses her followers with
progeny and family fortune. Worshippers of Santana-Lakshmi are blessed with healthy children
and longer life spans.
This form of the goddess symbolizes fertility and blesses childless couples with children. She
fulfills their yearning for a family who sees parenting as a sacred responsibility or feels that

11. having children is a true blessing in life. Santana listens to the pleas from infants who want
siblings, granting them their wishes in return for worship.
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6. Veera Lakshmi (Dhairya Lakshmi)

12. Veera Lakshmi, also known as Dhairya Lakshmi, is bravery incarnate. Veera means valor or
courage. It is the name given to a form of Ashta Lakshmi that grants us these qualities:
confidence, willpower, and perseverance. These qualities are needed to fight through even the
most challenging obstacle that comes your way in life.
In the olden days, there lived a king named Bhoja Rajan who ruled his dominion without
opposition. His subjects were cheerful and contented, with supreme happiness across the land.
The King was reverently devoted to Goddess Lakshmi. Because of this, he ensured that she
never abandoned him. In his dream, Goddess Lakshmi appeared to him and told him that seven
of her eight avatars (8 Lakshmi forms) would have to go away from his kingdom.
He could pick anyone he felt most needed it. After careful consideration, the king made up his
mind. He elected Goddess Dhairya Lakshmi in order to retain the strength and courage which
are necessary for governing the people. A wise decision indeed!
She grants the fearlessness needed to overcome what life throws at us. Importantly, she favors
those who try to stay positive and determined in even the worst times.
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7. Vidya Lakshmi

13. Next in the Ashta Lakshmi names list is Vidya Lakshmi. Wealth emanates from her like an
eternal fountain, but she does not provide it in the form of superficiality.

14. Wealth comes from her through knowledge. This knowledge aids in achieving enlightenment
and understanding oneself, for this is what she believes to be true wealth. This avatar of
Lakshmi knows how to unlock the human mind so it can explore its own self-worth. It is because
when this happens, we are truly wealthy.
Vidya Lakshmi is shown to be seated atop a white lotus with her two hands having lotuses and
the other two hands raised in Abhaya and Varada mudra.
8. Vijaya Lakshmi

15. Vijaya means victory. This form of Lakshmi symbolizes victory in all aspects of life, not just in
war, but also in life's major struggles and little battles. Vijaya-Lakshmi is worshiped to ensure
all-around triumph in every aspect of life.
A man named Vidya Rannar worshiped the Goddess sincerely. But when he heard that no
matter how much he prayed for success in his life, it wouldn't happen. It was because when he
was born, this didn't stop him at all.

16. He continued praying fervently and eventually broke free from the chains of materialism. With
detachment from worldly things comes renunciation. This way, the Goddess blessed him with an
abundant amount of riches.
Although these riches held no meaning for him anymore, he dedicated himself to building a new
empire. It was called the Vijaya Nagara Empire.
Vijaya Lakshmi manifests herself to assist individuals during difficult times. She appreciates
those that maintain a positive outlook in the face of hardship and offers guidance to those
seeking spiritual enlightenment.
Wrapping Up:
Lakshmi embodies both protection and nurture. She provides devotees what they need, while at
the same time encouraging them to work hard and persevere. To please her, followers are
encouraged to maintain cleanliness, offer flowers, light up a lamp and recite prayers. This can
be done to whichever form she takes on the day. However, devotion through prayer is the most
effective way of reaching out to Lakshmi in any Ashta Lakshmi form.
Have any questions related to Ashta Laxmi names or their significance? Feel free to share with
us in the comments below.
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