
Lakshmi is the Hindu goddess of wealth, prosperity (both material and spiritual), light, wisdom, fortune, fertility, generosity and courage; and the embodiment of beauty, grace and charm. Representations of Lakshmi are also found in Jain monuments. Also called Mahalakshmi, she is said to bring good luck, and is believed to protect her devotees from all kinds of misery and money-related sorrows.
Lakshmi in Sanskrit is derived from its elemental form lakS, meaning "to perceive or observe".This is synonymous with laksya, meaning "aim" or "objective". In Hindu sacred texts, the Vedas call Mahalakshmi Lakshyayidhi Lakshmihi which means she is the one who has the object and aim of uplifting mankind.
Mahalakshmi is called Shri because she is endowed with six auspicious and divine qualities, or Gunas, and also because she is the source of strength even to Lord Narayana. She is the consort of Vishnu and married Rama (in her incarnation as Sita) and Krishna (as Radha and later Rukmini). All the wives of Krishna were forms of Lakshmi.