Worship of a mother Goddess has been part of the Indian tradition since its earliest times. Lakshmi is one of the mother goddesses and is addressed as “mata” (mother) instead of just “devi” (goddess). Goddess Lakshmi means Good Luck and wealth to Hindus. The word ‘Lakshmi’ is derived from the Sanskrit word “Lakshya”, meaning ‘aim’ or ‘goal’, and she is the goddess of wealth and prosperity, both material and spiritual.

Lakshmi is the household Goddess of  many  Hindu families and a favorite among women. Although she is worshipped daily, the festive month of  Shravana Masam is considered as special month for worshiping Lakshmi. Lakshmi is depicted as a beautiful woman of golden complexion, with four hands, sitting or standing on a full-bloomed lotus and holding a lotus bud, which stands for beauty, purity and fertility. Her four hands represent the four ends of human life: Dharma or righteousness, “Kama” or desires, “Artha” or wealth, and “Moksha” or liberation from the cycle of birth and death. Cascades of gold coins are shown flowing from her hands, suggesting that those who worship her gain wealth. She is always shown wearing gold embroidered red clothes. Red symbolizes activity and the golden lining indicates prosperity. Lakshmi is the active energy of Lord Maha Vishnu and also appears as part of Lakshmi-Narayana – Lakshmi accompanying Vishnu. Two elephants are often shown standing next to the Goddess and spraying water. This denotes that ceaseless effort, in accordance with one’s dharma , governed by wisdom and purity, leads to both material and spiritual prosperity.

The importance attached to the presence of Lakshmi in every household makes her an essentially domestic deity. Householders worship Lakshmi for the well being and prosperity of the family. Businessmen and women also regard her in the same way and offer her daily prayers.

On the full moon night following Dusshehra and Durga Puja, Hindus worship Lakshmi ceremonially at home, pray for her blessings, and invite neighbors to attend the puja. It is believed that on this full moon night the goddess herself visits the homes and replenishes the inhabitants with wealth. A special worship is also offered to Lakshmi on the auspicious Deepavali night

 
Sages( Gnanis) and poets wrote Shlokas and Keertanas praising Goddess Maha Lakshmi. Purandara Dasa the father of the Carnatic music composed Bhagyada  Lakshmi Baramma  which is a  famous song in Southern India. This devotional song has been sung melodiously by the several stalwarts of the music during their concerts.
 
Composer: Purandara Dasa

Language: Kannada

Raagam: Shree

22 Kharaharapriya janya
Aa: S R2 M1 P N2 S
Av: S N2 P D2 N2 P M1 R2 G2 R2 S

OR

Madhyamavati

22 Kharaharapriya janya
Aa: S R2 M1 P N2 S
Av: S N2 P M1 R2 S

TaaLam: Aadi

Pallavi

BhAgyada lakShmI bArammA nammamma nI sau
(bhAgyada)

CharaNam 1

hejjaya mele hhejjeyanikkuta gejje kAlgaLa dhvaniya tOruta
sajjana sAdhu pUjeya vELege majjigeyoLagina beNNeyante
(bhAgyada)

CharaNam 2

kanaka vrStiya kareyuta bAre mana kAmanaya siddhiya tOrE
dinakara kOTi tEjadi hoLeva janakarAyana kumAri vEdha
(bhAgyada)

Charandam 3

attittalagalade bhaktara maneyali nitya mahOtsava nitya sumangaLa
satyava tOruva sAdhu sajjanara cittadi hoLevA puttaLi bombe
(bhAgyada)

CharaNam 4

sankhye illAda bhAgyava koTTu kankaNa kaiya tiruvuta bAre
kunkumAnkite pankaja lOcane venkaTaramaNana binkada rANI
(bhAgyada)

CharaNam 5

sakkare tuppada kAluve harisi shukravAradha pUjaya vELage
akkareyuLLa aLagiri rangana cokka purandara viThalana rANI
(bhAgyada)

Listen to Pt.Bhimsen Joshi, M.S.Subbulakshmi and A.P Komala sing Bhagyada Lakshmi Baramma