Monday, April 14, 2014

Laxmi -Vishnu Image Significance

Who are the Ashtalakshmi's?

Eight forces are recognized in the Hindu shastras, each one of which is called a lakshmi and all of them together are called `Astalakshmi`.

These eight forces or energies are-
Sri (Wealth),
Bhu (Earth),
Sarasvati (learning),
Priti (love),
 Kirti (Fame),
Santi (Peace),
Tushti(Pleasure) and
Pushti(Strength).
Vishnu is called Ashta Lakshmi Padhi which means he is the asylum for eight Lakshmis.

In reality Vishnu represents the preservative aspect of the universe, from whom the eight forces are radiated.Since Abstract force is beyond the comprehension of the common people these forces are personified and worshipped as Lakshmis. Worship of Lakshmi is said to bring health, wealth and prosperity.

Symbolism of Lord Vishnu

The 5 headed snake represents the five panchabhutas of nature namely air, water, fire, land and sky . Why the lord selected a snake to rest on?
The answer is that a snake has coiled structure so as the galaxies.
The name of the snake is Anantha which means infinity(brahmaloka).
In a nut shell it symbolizes that the Lord rests in between thousands of galaxies thus involved in the creation using the Panchabhuta.

The conch in Vishnu's hand stands for purity of speech,
The discus or the wheel symbolizes the knowledge of the self (I am the soul, point of light) and of the world-wheel (cycle of 5000 years).
The lotus represents purity of actions or uprightness of practical life and the spirit of detachment.
The mace denotes victory over the five vices: sex-lust, anger, greed, attachment and arrogance.
Two of the arms of Vishnu represent Shri Narayana and the rest two represent Shri Lakshmi.
The crown of light is symbolic of piety and peace and the crown of gold, bedecked with jewels, is an emblem of sovereignty or prosperity.
God Shiva exhorts mankind to adopt Vishnu as their ideal and if they do so, the    y would attain double-crowned sovereignty in Heaven

No comments:

Post a Comment

Kathaamaalike