The Syamantaka ( Sanskrit : स्यमन्तक , romanized : Syamantaka ) is a legendary jewel featured in Hindu literature , regarded to be blessed with magical powers. It is described to be a ruby. The jewel is described to protect its owner if they were virtuous and good, but bring evil to them if they were not.
109-680: The myth of the Syamantaka appears in the Vishnu Purana and the Bhagavata Purana . The jewel originally belonged to the God of the Sun, Surya , who wore it around his neck. It was said that whichever land possessed this jewel would never encounter any calamities such as droughts, floods, earthquakes or famines, and would always be full of prosperity and plenitude. Wherever the jewel remained, it would produce for
218-592: A choice to go to the Devas or the Asuras. She chose the Devas' side and among thirty deities, she chose to be with Vishnu. Thereafter, in all three worlds, the lotus-bearing goddess was celebrated. Many Hindus worship Lakshmi on Deepavali (Diwali), the festival of lights. It is celebrated in autumn, typically October or November every year. The festival spiritually signifies the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, good over evil and hope over despair. Before
327-435: A conversation between sage Maitreya and his Guru , Parashara , with the sage asking, "What Is The Nature Of This Universe And Everything That Is In It?" The first Amsha (part) of Vishnu Purana presents cosmology, dealing with the creation, maintenance and destruction of the universe. The mythology, states Rocher, is woven with the evolutionary theories of Samkhya school of Hindu philosophy . The Hindu god Vishnu
436-518: A dual meaning: wealth manifested through Lakshmi means both materials as well as spiritual wealth. Her face and open hands are in a mudra that signifies compassion, giving or dāna ('charity'). Lakshmi typically wears a red dress embroidered with golden threads, which symbolizes fortune and wealth. She, goddess of wealth and prosperity, is often represented with her husband Vishnu, the god who maintains human life filled with justice and peace. This symbolism implies wealth and prosperity are coupled with
545-503: A dwarfish stature, with a body like burnished copper, and with slightly reddish eyes. Having offered his adorations, the sun god offered him a boon, and he asked for the jewel. When Satrajita returned to Dvaraka with the jewel, people mistook him for the sun god, such was his dazzling glory that even Krishna asked him to present the jewel to Ugrasena , the supreme leader of the Yadavas, but Satrajita did not comply. Satrajita later presented
654-486: A few days, Krishna and Balarama were off to Hastinapura after there were rumours that the Pandavas had been burnt to their deaths in a fire. Kritavarma , Akrura , and Shatadhanva, who had wished to wed Satyabhama themselves, conspired to make use of Krishna's absence from Dvaraka as an opportunity to steal the gem as revenge. Shatadhanva, one night, entered the house of Satrajita and killed him in his sleep, taking off with
763-552: A gem among girls. He also gave him the great gem called Syamantaka, along with other gems. Krishna, the delighted killer of his enemies, having married the girl there, affectionately gave that Jāmbavat final beatitude. Gladly taking that girl, his (i.e. Jāmbavat's) daughter, he went out of the cave and from it went to the city of Dvārakā. The best Yadu gave the gem called Syamantaka to Satrājit; and to that daughter (of Jāmbavat) also he gave an excellent gem. Meanwhile, Krishna's companions, having waited twelve days for Krishna to come out of
872-572: A goddess born with and personifying a diverse range of talents and powers. According to another legend, she emerges during the creation of universe, floating over the water on the expanded petals of a lotus flower; she is also variously regarded as wife of Dharma , mother of Kāma , sister or mother of Dhātṛ and Vidhātṛ , wife of Dattatreya, one of the nine Shaktis of Viṣṇu , a manifestation of Prakṛti as identified with Dākshāyaṇī in Bharatasrama and as Sita , wife of Rama . In
981-401: A lotus or She of the lotus ), Kamalā or Kamalatmika (She of the lotus), Padmapriyā (Lotus-lover), Padmamālādhāra Devī (Goddess bearing a garland of lotuses), Padmamukhī (Lotus-faced-she whose face is as like as a lotus), Padmākṣī : (Lotus-eyed - she whose eyes are as beautiful as a lotus), Padmahasta : (Lotus-hand - she whose hand is holding [a] lotus[es]), Padmasundarī (She who
1090-415: A major shopping period, since Lakshmi connotes auspiciousness, wealth and prosperity. This festival dedicated to Lakshmi is considered by Hindus to be one of the most important and joyous festivals of the year. A very sacred day for the worship of Goddess Lakshmi falls on Chaitra Shukla Panchami, also called, Lakshmi Panchami , Shri Panchami, Kalpadi and Shri Vrata. As this worship is in the first week of
1199-553: A version of Vishnu Purana existed by about 1000 CE, but it is unclear to what extent the extant manuscripts reflect the revisions during the 2nd millennium. Vishnu Purana like all Puranas has a complicated chronology. Dimmitt and van Buitenen state that each of the Puranas including the Vishnu Purana is encyclopedic in style, and it is difficult to ascertain when, where, why and by whom these were written: As they exist today,
SECTION 10
#17328552428581308-621: A vessel containing amrita . In the Skanda Purana and the Venkatachala Mahatmayam , Sri, or Lakshmi, is praised as the mother of Brahma . In Japan, where Lakshmi is known as Kisshōten , she is commonly depicted with the Nyoihōju gem (如意宝珠) in her hand. The meaning and significance of Lakshmi evolved in ancient Sanskrit texts. Lakshmi is mentioned once in Rigveda , in which the name
1417-463: Is Puranartha Samgraha , compiled by Vekataraya in South India, where Lakshmi and Vishnu discuss niti ('right, moral conduct') and rajaniti ('statesmanship' or 'right governance')—covering in 30 chapters and ethical and moral questions about personal, social and political life. Inside temples, Lakshmi is often shown together with Vishnu . In certain parts of India, Lakshmi plays a special role as
1526-462: Is Simhavahini (mount as lion) on most of the coins during their rule. Coins during the rule of Prakashadiya, a Gupta ruler, contain the Garudadhvaja on the obverse and Lakshmi on the reverse. The Gupta period sculpture only used to associate lions with Lakshmi but was later attributed to Durga or a combined form of both goddesses. Lions are also associated with Veera Lakshmi , who is one of
1635-477: Is a harvest festival marking the end of monsoon season. There is a traditional celebration of the moon called the Kaumudi celebration , Kaumudi meaning moonlight. On Sharad Purnima night, goddess Lakshmi is thanked and worshipped for the harvests. Vaibhav Lakshmi Vrata is observed on Friday for prosperity. Numerous hymns, prayers, shlokas , stotra , songs, and legends dedicated to Lakshmi are recited during
1744-504: Is a group of eight secondary manifestations of Lakshmi. The Ashta Lakshmi presides over eight sources of wealth and thus represents the eight powers of Shri Lakshmi. Temples dedicated to Ashta Lakshmi are found in Tamil Nadu , such as Ashtalakshmi Kovil near Chennai and many other states of India. Devas (gods) and asuras (demons) were both mortal at one time in Hinduism . Amrita ,
1853-729: Is a major goddess in Puranas and Itihasa of Hinduism. In ancient scriptures of India, all women are declared to be embodiments of Lakshmi. For example: Every woman is an embodiment of you. You exist as little girls in their childhood, As young women in their youth And as elderly women in their old age. Every woman is an emanation of you. Ancient prayers dedicated to Lakshmi seek both material and spiritual wealth in prayers. Through illusion, A person can become disconnected, From his higher self, Wandering about from place to place, Bereft of clear thought, Lost in destructive behavior. It matters not how much truth, May shine forth in
1962-826: Is a member of the Tridevi , the triad of great goddesses. She represents the Rajas guna , and the Iccha-shakti . The image, icons, and sculptures of Lakshmi are represented with symbolism. Her name is derived from Sanskrit root words for knowing the goal and understanding the objective. Her four arms are symbolic of the four goals of humanity that are considered good in Hinduism: dharma (pursuit of ethical, moral life), artha (pursuit of wealth, means of life), kama (pursuit of love, emotional fulfillment), and moksha (pursuit of self-knowledge, liberation). In Lakshmi's iconography, she
2071-592: Is also called Padmā. Sita , the female protagonist of the Ramayana and her husband, the god-king Rama are considered as avatars of Lakshmi and Vishnu, respectively. In the Mahabharata , Draupadi is described as a partial incarnation of Sri (Lakshmi). However, other chapter of the epic states that Lakshmi took the incarnation of Rukmini , the chief-wife of the Hindu god Krishna . Shakta Upanishads are dedicated to
2180-557: Is as beautiful as a lotus), Padmavati (She who was born from a lotus), Śrījā (Jatika of Sri), Narayani (belonging to Narayana or the wife of Narayana), Vaishnavi (worshipper of Vishnu or the power of Vishnu), Viṣṇupriyā (who is the beloved of Vishnu), Nandika (the one who gives pleasure). Shaktas also consider Lalita , who is praised with 1,000 names in the Lalita Sahasranama , as Lakshmi. Lakshmi Sahasranama of Skanda Purana praises Lakshmi as Mahadevi (she who
2289-571: Is composed in metric verses or sloka , wherein each verse has exactly 32 syllables, of which 16 syllables in the verse may be free style per ancient literary standards. The Vishnu Purana is an exception in that it presents its contents in Vishnu worship-related Pancalaksana format – Sarga ( Cosmogony ), Pratisarga ( Cosmology ), Vamsa (Mythical genealogy of the gods, sages, and kings), Manvantara (Cosmic Cycles), and Vamsanucaritam (Legends During The Times Of Various Kings and Queens). This
SECTION 20
#17328552428582398-461: Is described as holding rosary, axe, mace, arrow, thunderbolt, lotus, pitcher, rod, sakti, sword, shield, conch, bell, wine-cup, trident, noose and the discus in her eighteen hands, and as sitting on Garuda , a lion , or a tiger . According to the Lakshmi Tantra , the goddess Lakshmi, in her ultimate form of Mahasri, has four arms of a golden complexion, and holds a citron, a club, a shield, and
2507-595: Is either sitting or standing on a lotus and typically carrying a lotus in one or two hands. The lotus carries symbolic meanings in Hinduism and other Indian traditions. It symbolizes knowledge, self-realization, and liberation in the Vedic context, and represents reality, consciousness, and karma ('work, deed') in the Tantra ( Sahasrara ) context. The lotus, a flower that blooms in clean or dirty water, also symbolises purity regardless of
2616-497: Is one of the principal goddesses in Hinduism , revered as the goddess of wealth, fortune, prosperity, beauty, fertility, royal power and abundance. She along with Parvati and Sarasvati , forms the trinity called the Tridevi . Lakshmi has been a central figure in Hindu tradition since pre-Buddhist times (1500 to 500 BCE) and remains one of the most widely worshipped goddesses in the Hindu pantheon . Although she does not appear in
2725-435: Is presented as the central element of this text's cosmology, unlike some other Puranas where Shiva or Brahma or the Tridevi are offered prominence. The reverence and the worship of Vishnu is described in 22 chapters of the first part as the means for liberation, along with the profuse use of the synonymous names of Vishnu such as Hari , Janardana , Madhava, Achyuta, Hrishikesha and others. The chapters 1.16 through 1.20 of
2834-418: Is rare, state Dimmitt and van Buitenen, because just 2% of the known Puranic literature corpus is about these five Pancalaksana items, and about 98% is about diverse range of encyclopedic topics. Who Is Vishnu? Out Of Vishnu This Universe Has Arisen, In Him Its Exists, He Is The One Who Governs Its Existence And Destruction, He Is The Universe. — Vishnu Purana , 1.14 Vishnu Purana opens as
2943-460: Is seen as the ideal Hindu wife, exemplifying loyalty and devotion to her husband. Whenever Vishnu descended on the earth as an avatar , Lakshmi accompanied him as consort, for example, as Sita and Radha or Rukmini as consorts of Vishnu's avatars Rama and Krishna , respectively. Lakshmi holds a prominent place in the Vishnu-centric sect Vaishnavism , where she is not only regarded as
3052-593: Is the Queen or ruler of the Universe), Katyayani (she who is the daughter of sage Katyayana), Kaushiki ( Shakti that came out of the sheath (or Kosha) of Parvati ), Brahmani (She who is the power of Brahma ), Kamakshi (she who fulfils desires by her eyes), Chandi (she who killed Mahishasura ), Chamunda (She who killed Chanda and Munda ), Madhu Kaidabha Bhanjini (she who killed Madhu and Kaidabha ), Durga (she who killed Durgamasura), Maheshvari (she who
3161-599: Is the great goddess), Mahamaya (she who is a great illusion), Karaveera Nivasini (The Goddess Who lives in Karaveera/ Kolhapur ) and Maha Astha Dasa Pithagne (she who has 18 great Shakta pithas ). She is also praised as Mahalakshmi (she who is great Lakshmi), Mahakali (she who is great Kali) and Mahasaraswati (she who is great Saraswati) who are the primary deities in Devi Mahatmya . The other prominent names included in this text are, Bhuvaneshvari (she who
3270-450: Is the mother of the world. Vishnu is the meaning, Sri is the speech. She is the conduct, he the behavior. Vishnu is knowledge, she the insight. He is dharma, she the virtuous action. She is the earth, the earth's upholder. She is contentment, he the satisfaction. She wishes, he is the desire. Sri is the sky, Vishnu the Self of everything. He is the Sun, she the light of the Sun. He is the ocean, she
3379-416: Is the power of Maheshvara), Varahi (she who is the power of Varaha , a form of Vishnu ), Narasimhi (she who is the power of Narasimha , a form of Vishnu ), Srividyaa (she who is Sri Vidya ), Sri Manthra Raja Rajini (the queen of Sri Vidya), Shadadharadhi devata (she who is the goddess of the six chakras ). Dutch author Dirk van der Plas says, "In Lakshmi Tantra, a text of Visnuite signature,
Syamantaka - Misplaced Pages Continue
3488-590: Is the shore. Lakshmi, along with Parvati and Saraswati, is a subject of extensive Subhashita , genomic and didactic literature of India. Composed in the 1st millennium BCE through the 16th century CE, they are short poems, proverbs, couplets, or aphorisms in Sanskrit written in a precise meter. They sometimes take the form of a dialogue between Lakshmi and Vishnu or highlight the spiritual message in Vedas and ethical maxims from Hindu Epics through Lakshmi. An example Subhashita
3597-432: Is the shortest, with 8 chapters. The first part of the sixth book asserts that Kali Yuga is vicious, cruel and filled with evilness that create suffering, yet "Kali Yuga is excellent" because one can refuse to join the evil, devote oneself to Vishnu and thus achieve salvation. The last chapters, from 6.6 to 6.7 of the text discusses Yoga and meditation, as a means to Vishnu devotion. Contemplative devotion, asserts
3706-422: Is used to mean 'kindred mark, sign of auspicious fortune' . भद्रैषां लक्ष्मी र्निहिताधि वाचि bhadraiṣāṁ lakṣmī rnihitādhi vāci "an auspicious fortune is attached to their words" In Atharva Veda , transcribed about 1000 BCE, Lakshmi evolves into a complex concept with plural manifestations. Book 7, Chapter 115 of Atharva Veda describes the plurality, asserting that a hundred Lakshmis are born with
3815-714: The Dharmasutra literature. Rajendra Hazra, in 1940, assumed that Vishnu Purana is ancient and proposed that texts such as Apasthamba Dharmasutra borrowed text from it. Modern scholars such as Allan Dahlaquist disagree, however, and state that the borrowing may have been in the other direction, from Dharmasutras into the Purana. Other chapters, particularly those in book 5 and 6 of the Vishnu Purana have Advaita Vedanta and Yoga influences. The theistic Vedanta scholar Ramanuja , according to Sucharita Adluri, incorporated ideas from
3924-561: The Sun and the Moon . Four Chapters (2.13 to 2.16) of the second book of the text present the legends of King Bharata , who abdicates his throne to lead the life of a Sannyasi , which is similar to the legends found in section 5.7 to 5.14 of the Bhagavata Purana . The geography of Mount Mandara is east of Mount Meru, presented in this book and other Puranas, states Stella Kramrisch, may be related to
4033-563: The Tridevi of goddesses—Lakshmi, Saraswati and Parvati . Saubhagyalakshmi Upanishad describes the qualities, characteristics, and powers of Lakshmi. In the second part of the Upanishad, the emphasis shifts to the use of yoga and transcendence from material craving to achieve spiritual knowledge and self-realization, the true wealth. Saubhagya-Lakshmi Upanishad synonymously uses Sri to describe Lakshmi. Numerous ancient Stotram and Sutras of Hinduism recite hymns dedicated to Lakshmi. She
4142-593: The Vaishnavism literature corpus. The manuscripts of Vishnu Purana have survived into the modern era in many versions. More than any other major Purana , the Vishnu Purana presents its contents in Pancalaksana format – Sarga ( cosmogony ), Pratisarga ( cosmology ), Vamsa ( genealogy of the gods and goddesses, sages and kings and queens), Manvantara (cosmic cycles), and Vamsanucarita (legends during
4251-601: The Vishnu Purana to identify the Brahman concept in the Upanishads with Vishnu, thus providing a Vedic foundation to the Sri Vaishnava tradition. Laxmi Lakshmi ( / ˈ l ʌ k ʃ m i / ; Sanskrit : लक्ष्मी , IAST : Lakṣmī , sometimes spelled Laxmi , lit. ' she who leads to one's goal ' ), also known as Shri ( Sanskrit : श्री , IAST : Śrī , lit. ' Noble ' ),
4360-468: The Vishnu Purana presents the legend of compassionate and Vishnu devotee Prahlada and his persecution by his demon king father Hiranyakashipu , wherein Prahlada is ultimately saved by Vishnu when Vishnu as Narasimha disimbowels and kills Hiranyakashipu. This story is also found in other Puranas. Vishnu is described in the first book of Vishnu Purana as, translates Wilson, all elements, all matter in
4469-504: The Yugas (eras), with Parikshita is a current king. The text includes the legends of numerous characters such as Shaubhri, Mandhatri , Narmada , Kapila , Rama , Nimi , Janaka , Satyavati , Puru , Yadu , Krishna , Devaka, Pandu , Kuru , Bharata , Bhishma , and others. The fifth book of the Vishnu Purana is the longest, with 38 chapters. It is dedicated to the legend of Krishna, an incarnation of Vishnu. The book begins with
Syamantaka - Misplaced Pages Continue
4578-456: The Ashtalakshmi. Historian B. C. Bhattacharya says, "An image of Gajalakshmi is found with two lions — one on either side of her. Two elephants are also shown near her head and by this we can say that Lion is also the vahana of Lakshmi along with Garuda ". In some representations, wealth either symbolically pours out from one of her hands or she simply holds a jar of money. This symbolism has
4687-554: The British India colonial era, some in the 19th century. The scholarship on Vishnu Purana , and other Puranas, has suffered from cases of forgeries, states Ludo Rocher , where liberties in the transmission of Puranas were normal and those who copied older manuscripts replaced words or added new content to fit the theory that the colonial scholars were keen on publishing. The extant text comprises six amsas (parts) and 126 adhyayas (chapters). The first part has 22 chapters,
4796-526: The Epics of Hinduism, such as in Mahabharata , Lakshmi personifies wealth, riches, happiness, loveliness, grace, charm, and splendor. In another Hindu legend about the creation of the universe as described in Ramayana , Lakshmi springs with other precious things from the foam of the ocean of milk when it is churned by the gods and demons for the recovery of Amṛta . She appeared with a lotus in her hand and so she
4905-479: The Hindola Utsav (swinging festival) every year. It is the first day of Krishna Paksha of Ashadh month. Vishnu Purana Divisions Sama vedic Yajur vedic Atharva vedic Vaishnava puranas Shaiva puranas Shakta puranas The Vishnu Purana is one of the eighteen Mahapuranas , a genre of ancient and medieval texts of Hinduism . It is an important Pancharatra text in
5014-409: The Hindu new year, by Hindu calendar , it is considered very auspicious. Varalakshmi Vratam is celebrated by married Hindu women to pray for the well-being of their husbands. Gaja Lakshmi Puja is another autumn festival celebrated on Sharad Purnima in many parts of India on the full-moon day in the month of Ashvin (October). Sharad Purnima , also called Kojaagari Purnima or Kuanr Purnima,
5123-585: The Legend Of Vishnu, through Mayamoha , helping the Devas and Devis win over Asuras and Asuris by teaching the Asuras and Asuris heretical doctrines that deny the Vedas, who declare their contempt for the Vedas, which makes them easy to identify and all are killed. The fourth book of the text, in 24 long chapters, presents royal dynasties, starting with Brahma and Sarasvati, followed by solar and lunar , fire and snake dynasties, then those on earth over
5232-412: The Puranas are a stratified literature. Each titled work consists of material that has grown by numerous accretions in successive historical eras. Thus, no Purana has a single date of composition. It is as if they were libraries to which new volumes have been continuously added, not necessarily at the end of the shelf, but randomly. Many of the extant manuscripts were written on palm leaf or copied during
5341-477: The Sanskrit edition. It is: The Critical Edition of the Visnupuranam , edited by M. M. Pathak, 2 vols., Vadodara: Oriental Institute , 1997, 1999. All scholars citing translations of Sanskrit texts are expected to refer to the Sanskrit original, because translations are inexact. From 1999 onward, anyone citing the Vishnu Purana will be expected to refer to this Sanskrit critical edition. A translation of
5450-636: The United Kingdom . Whether the Syamantaka Gem is actually the Koh-i-Noor diamond or not is unknown. The Koh-i-Noor does not match the superlative descriptions of the Syamantaka, and considerable poetic license would have to be assumed. As of July 2024, the Syamantaka jewel is in the possession of the Dwarkadhish Temple, Kankroli, Rajsamand, Rajasthan . It is displayed to the public on the first day of
5559-493: The body of a mortal at birth, some good, Punya ('virtuous') and auspicious, while others bad, paapi ('evil') and unfortunate. The good are welcomed, while the bad are urged to leave. The concept and spirit of Lakshmi and her association with fortune and the good is significant enough that Atharva Veda mentions it in multiple books: for example, in Book 12, Chapter 5 as Punya Lakshmi . In some chapters of Atharva Veda, Lakshmi connotes
SECTION 50
#17328552428585668-454: The bounty. Jambavan was loyal to Rama , and was considered one of the seven immortals, or the Chiranjivi . Now, there was a rumour that Krishna also had his eye on the Syamantaka jewel, and when the incident of Prasena's mysterious disappearance became public, the people accused Krishna of murder and theft. In order to prove his innocence, Krishna sought to find out the true culprit and recover
5777-458: The cave, returned to Dvaraka, despondent. All of Krishna's friends and family members became extremely sorrowful and began regularly worshipping Goddess Lakshmi to assure the deity's safe return. Even as they performed this worship, Krishna entered the city in the company of his new wife. He summoned Satrajita to the royal assembly, and, after recounting to him the entire story of the Syamantaka jewel's recovery, returned it to him. Satrajita accepted
5886-577: The consort of Vishnu, the Supreme Being, but also as his divine energy ( shakti ). she is also the Supreme Goddess in the sect and assists Vishnu to create, protect, and transform the universe. She is an especially prominent figure in Sri Vaishnavism tradition, in which devotion to Lakshmi is deemed to be crucial to reach Vishnu. Within the goddess-oriented Shaktism , Lakshmi is venerated as
5995-454: The country of Bharata ) along with its numerous rivers and diverse people . The seven continents are named Jambu , Plaksha , Salmala , Kusha , Krauncha , Saka, and Pushkara , each surrounded by different types of oceans ( saltwater , freshwater , wine , sugarcane juice , ghrita , yogurt , and milk ). This part of the Vishnu Purana describes spheres above the Earth , Planets ,
6104-482: The creation of the universe. In Book 9 of Shatapatha Brahmana, Sri emerges from Prajapati, after his intense meditation on the creation of life and nature of the universe. Sri is described as a resplendent and trembling woman at her birth with immense energy and powers. The gods are bewitched, desire her, and immediately become covetous of her. The gods approach Prajapati and request permission to kill her and then take her powers, talents, and gifts. Prajapati refuses, tells
6213-442: The creative energy of Vishnu, and primordial Prakriti who creates the universe. According to Garuda Purana , Lakshmi is considered as Prakriti (Mahalakshmi) and is identified with three forms — Sri, Bhu and Durga. The three forms consist of Satva ('goodness'), rajas , and tamas ('darkness') gunas, and assists Vishnu ( Purusha ) in creation, preservation and destruction of the entire universe. Durga 's form represents
6322-472: The critical edition was published in 2021 under the title, The Vishnu Purana: Ancient Annals of the God with Lotus Eyes. Vishnu Purana is one of the 18 major Puranas, and these text share many legends, likely influenced each other. The fifth chapter of the Vishnu Purana was likely influenced by the Mahabharata. Similarly, the verses on rites of passage and ashramas (stages) of life are likely drawn from
6431-407: The current age belong to the seventh. In each age, asserts the text, the Vedas are arranged into four, it is changed, and this has happened twenty eight times already. Each time, a Vyasa appears and he diligently organizes the eternal knowledge, with the aid of his students. After presenting the emergence of Vedic schools, the text presents the ethical duties of the four Varnas in chapter 2.8,
6540-537: The daughter of the divine sage Bhrigu and his wife Khyati and was named Bhargavi . According to Vishnu Purana, the universe was created when the devas and asuras churned the cosmic Kshira Sagara. Lakshmi came out of the ocean, bearing a lotus, along with the divine cow Kamadhenu , Varuni , the Parijat tree, the Apsaras , Chandra (the moon), and Dhanvantari with Amrita ('nectar of immortality'). When she appeared, she had
6649-540: The daughters of Durga . They are worshipped during Durga Puja . In South India, Lakshmi is seen in two forms, Sridevi and Bhudevi , both at the sides of Venkateshwara , a form of Vishnu. Bhudevi is the representation and totality of the material world or energy, called the Apara Prakriti , or Mother Earth; Sridevi is the spiritual world or energy called the Prakriti . According to Lakshmi Tantra , Nila Devi , one of
SECTION 60
#17328552428586758-417: The demon Śaṅkhacūḍa and taken away his shining jewel, Lord Kṛṣṇa gave it to His elder brother with great satisfaction as the gopīs watched. (SB10.56.45) The Supreme Personality of Godhead told Satrājit: We do not care to take this jewel back, O King. You are the sun-god's devotee, so let it stay in your possession. Thus We will also enjoy its benefits. The Puranas or the Mahabharata do not say what happens to
6867-478: The divine nectar that grants immortality, could only be obtained by churning Kshira Sagara ('Ocean of Milk'). The devas and asuras both sought immortality and decided to churn the Kshira Sagara with Mount Mandhara. The Samudra Manthana commenced with the devas on one side and the asuras on the other. Vishnu incarnated as Kurma, the tortoise, and a mountain was placed on the tortoise as a churning pole. Vasuki ,
6976-504: The earliest Vedic literature , the personification of the term shri —auspiciousness, glory, and high rank, often associated with kingship—eventually led to the development of Sri-Lakshmi as a goddess in later Vedic texts, particularly the Shri Suktam . Her importance grew significantly during the late epic period (around 400 CE), when she became particularly associated with the preserver god Vishnu as his consort. In this role, Lakshmi
7085-560: The earth, the Vaishya should engage in commerce and farming, while the Shudra should subsist by profits of trade, service other varnas and through mechanical labor. The text asserts the ethical duties of all Varnas is to do good to others, never abuse anyone, never engage in calumny or untruth, never covet another person's wife, never steal another's property, never bear ill-will towards anyone, never beat and kill anyone wrongfully. Be diligent in
7194-557: The four Ashrama (Stages) of the life of each human being in chapter 2.9, the rites of passage including wedding rituals in chapters 2.10 through 2.12, and Shraddha (Ancestral rites) in chapters 2.13 through 2.16. The Vishnu Purana asserts that the Brahmana should study the Shastras , worship deities and perform libations on behalf of others, the Kshatriya should maintain arms and protect
7303-545: The four aspects of human life important to Hindu culture: dharma , kama , artha , and moksha . She is often accompanied by two elephants, as seen in the Gaja-Lakshmi images, symbolising both fertility and royal authority. Archaeological discoveries and ancient coins suggest the recognition and reverence for Lakshmi existing by the 1st millennium BCE. Lakshmi's iconography and statues have also been found in Hindu temples throughout Southeast Asia, estimated to be from
7412-442: The four stages of life as Brahmacharya (Student), Grihastha (Householder), Vanaprastha (Retirement) and Sannyasa (Renunciation, Mendicant). The text repeats the ethical duties in this chapter, translates Wilson. The chapters on Shraddha (Rites For Ancestors) describe the rites associated with a death in family, the preparation of the dead body, its cremation and the rituals after the cremation. The third book closes with
7521-567: The gem after Krishna leaves the material world. There has been many attempts in identifying the true jewel and its existence in modern Indian society. However, some speculate that the legendary Syamantaka Mani might be in fact the famous Koh-i-Noor diamond, which was known to have been in the possession of the Mughal emperors of India, followed by the Sikh empire , and currently one of the Crown Jewels of
7630-400: The gem to Prasena, his brother, who was also the ruler of a Yadava province. Prasena wore it often, until once while hunting in the forest while wearing it, he was attacked by a lion, which killed him and fled with the jewel. But it could not get away with it, for shortly after, it was attacked by Jambavan , described as the king of the bears, who killed it after a fierce fight and took off with
7739-450: The gods that men should not kill women and that they can seek her gifts without violence. The gods then approach Lakshmi. Agni gets food, Soma gets kingly authority, Varuna gets imperial authority, Mitra acquires martial energy, Indra gets force, Brihaspati gets priestly authority, Savitri acquires dominion, Pushan gets splendour, Saraswati takes nourishment and Tvashtri gets forms. The hymns of Shatapatha Brahmana thus describe Sri as
7848-428: The good or bad circumstances in which it grows. It is a reminder that good and prosperity can bloom and not be affected by evil in one's surroundings. Below, behind, or on the sides, Lakshmi is very often shown with one or two elephants, known as Gajalakshmi , and occasionally with an owl. Elephants symbolise work, activity, and strength, as well as water, rain and fertility for abundant prosperity. The owl signifies
7957-464: The good, an auspicious sign, good luck, good fortune, prosperity, success, and happiness. Later, Lakshmi is referred to as the goddess of fortune, identified with Sri and regarded as the wife of Viṣṇu ( Nārāyaṇa ). For example, in Shatapatha Brahmana , variously estimated to be composed between 800 BCE and 300 BCE, Sri (Lakshmi) is part of one of many theories, in ancient India, about
8066-399: The great venom-spewing serpent-god, was wrapped around the mountain and used to churn the ocean. A host of divine celestial objects came up during the churning. Along with them emerged the goddess Lakshmi. In some versions, she is said to be the daughter of the sea god since she emerged from the sea. In Garuda Purana , Linga Purana and Padma Purana , Lakshmi is said to have been born as
8175-512: The ideas in it, like other Puranas, are premised on the Vedic beliefs and ideas. Vishnu Purana , like all major Puranas, attributes its author to be sage Vyasa . The actual author(s) and date of its composition are unknown and contested. Estimates of its composition range from 400 CE to 900 CE. The text was likely composed and rewritten in layers over a period of time, with roots possibly in ancient 1st-millennium BCE texts that have not survived into
8284-669: The jewel to Krishna, and also granted him the hand of his daughter in marriage, called Jambavati . This episode is described in the Padma Purana : Speaking like this, and bowing and repeatedly saluting the lord he politely seated him on a seat full of (i.e. decked with) many gems. He washed his feet resembling fresh lotuses with auspicious water; worshipped the descendant of Yadu with a (respectful offering called) madhuparka; properly honoured him with (i.e. by giving him) divine garments and ornaments; he gave him, of unlimited lustre, as his wife, his daughter endowed with beauty, named Jāmbavatī,
8393-417: The jewel, but with great shame and remorse. He went back to his home, and there he decided to offer Krishna not only the jewel, but also his daughter, Satyabhama, so as to atone for the offense he had committed against the lord's lotus feet. Krishna accepted the hand of Satrajita's daughter, Satyabhama , who was endowed with all divine qualities. But he refused the jewel, returning it to King Satrajita. After
8502-619: The jewel. A sorrowful Satyabhama rushed to Hastinapura to inform Krishna about the ghastly death of her father. Krishna and Balarama immediately started for Dvaraka to avenge Satrajita's death, hearing of which Shatadhanva fled on his horse, placing the jewel with Akrura. He was chased down by Krishna and Balarama, and finally killed by Krishna in the outskirts of Mithila . Not finding the jewel, Krishna reported these tidings to his brother, who refused to believe him at first: Krishna caught up with Shatadhanva and sliced off his head. But despite searching all Shatadhanva's belongings, he could not find
8611-435: The jewel. As he followed on the trail of the deceased Prasena, he came to the spot where the corpses of Prasena and his horse still lay, along with pieces of teeth and nails of a lion. From there he followed the footsteps of the lion, which led him to the spot of the second struggle, where the corpse of the lion was lying. From there, he followed the tracks of a bear, which finally led him to the entrance of Jambavan's cave, where
8720-487: The jewel. He came and reported this to Baladeva. But unfortunately, Baladeva did not believe this. He said, "Krishna, you are not a brother I would like to associate with. Go your own way and I will go mine. We do not belong together." Baladeva went off to the kingdom of Videha and lived there as a guest of King Janaka. It was then that Duryodhana learnt from Baladeva how to fight with the mace (gada). Krishna returned to Dvaraka. After three years had passed, Vabhru, Ugrasena, and
8829-420: The keeper eight bhāras of gold daily. ("Four rice grains are called one guñjā; five guñjās, one paṇa; eight paṇas, one karṣa; four karṣas, one pala; and one hundred palas, one tulā. Twenty tulās make up one bhāra.") Since there are about 3,700 grains of rice in an ounce, the Syamantaka jewel was producing approximately 170 pounds (77 kg) of gold every day. It was also the source of the brilliant appearance of
8938-453: The latter abridged the version in former, or both depended on the Harivamsa estimated to have been composed sometime in the 1st millennium CE. Soul and Prakriti This soul is of its own nature, pure, composed of happiness and wisdom. The properties of pain, ignorance and impurity, are those of Prakriti , not of soul. — Vishnu Purana , 6.7 The last book of the Vishnu Purana
9047-423: The latter's children were playing with the priceless jewel. Thereafter, he engaged in furious, protracted combat with Jambavan for 28 days, and Jambavan gradually grew tired. As he was the strongest living entity at that time, he wondered who could be weakening him. It was then that Jambavan realised that he had been sparring with none other than Rama himself. Jambavan, who was hot-headed, but pious by nature, returned
9156-432: The maintenance of life, justice, and peace. When Lakshmi and Vishnu appear together in images and statues, she is significantly smaller, which is often used to portray her devotional status as a wife. A frequently depicted scene of the pair illustrates Lakshmi massaging Vishnu's feet. Alternatively, Lakshmi Sahasranama of Skanda Purana , Lakshmi Tantra and Markandeya Purana describe Lakshmi as having eighteen hands and
9265-698: The manifestations or incarnations of Lakshmi is the third wife of Vishnu . Each goddess of the triad is mentioned in Śrī Sūkta , Bhu Sūkta and Nila Sūkta, respectively. This threefold goddess can be found, for example, in Sri Bhu Neela Sahita Temple near Dwaraka Tirumala , Andhra Pradesh, and in Adinath Swami Temple in Tamil Nadu. In many parts of the region, Andal is considered as an incarnation of Lakshmi. Ashta Lakshmi (Sanskrit: अष्टलक्ष्मी , Aṣṭalakṣmī , 'eight Lakshmis')
9374-415: The mediator between her husband Vishnu and his worldly devotees. When asking Vishnu for grace or forgiveness, the devotees often approach him through the intermediary presence of Lakshmi. She is also the personification of spiritual fulfillment. Lakshmi embodies the spiritual world, also known as Vaikuntha , the abode of Lakshmi and Vishnu (collectively called Lakshmi Narayana ). Lakshmi is the embodiment of
9483-562: The modern era. The Padma Purana categorizes Vishnu Purana as a Sattva Purana (Purana that represents goodness and purity). The composition date of Vishnu Purana is unknown and contested, with estimates widely disagreeing. Some proposed dates for the earliest version of Vishnu Purana by various scholars include: Rocher states that the "date of the Vishnu Purana is as contested as that of any other Purana". References to Vishnu Purana in texts such as Brihadvishnu whose dates are better established, states Rocher, suggest that
9592-526: The name Durga after killing an asura named Durgama. Indologists and authors Chitralekha Singh and Prem Nath says, " Narada Purana describes the powerful forms of Lakshmi as Durga, Mahakali, Bhadrakali, Chandi, Maheshwari, Mahalakshmi, Vaishnavi and Andreye". Lakshmi, Saraswati , and Parvati are typically conceptualized as distinct in most of India, but in states such as West Bengal and Odisha, they are regionally believed to be forms of Durga. In Hindu Bengali culture, Lakshmi, along with Saraswati, are seen as
9701-963: The name Mahamaya is connected with third or destructive of Goddess' three partial functions, while in supreme form she is identified with Lakshmi" . Her other names include: Aishwarya, Akhila, Anagha, Anapagamini, Anumati, Apara, Aruna, Atibha, Avashya, Bala, Bhargavi , Bhudevi , Chakrika, Chanchala , Chandravadana, Chandrasahodari, Chandraroopa, Devi , Deepta, Dhruti , Haripriya, Harini, Harivallabha, Hemamalini, Hiranyavarna, Indira, Jalaja, Jambhavati , Janaki, Janamodini, Jyoti, Jyotsna, Kalyani, Kamalika, Ketaki, Kriyalakshmi, Kshirsha, Kuhu, Lalima, Madhavi, Madhu, Malti, Manushri, Nandika, Nandini, Nikhila, Nila Devi , Nimeshika, Padmavati, Parama, Prachi, Purnima, Radha , Ramaa, Rukmini , Samruddhi, Samudra Tanaya, Satyabhama , Shraddha, Shreeya, Sita , Smriti, Sridevi, Sudha, Sujata, Swarna Kamala, Taruni, Tilottama, Tulasi, Vasuda, Vasudhara, Vasundhara, Varada, Varalakshmi, Vedavati, Vidya, Vimala, and Viroopa. Lakshmi
9810-541: The night of Deepavali , people clean, renovate and decorate their homes and offices. On the night of Deepavali, Hindus dress up in new clothes or their best outfits, light up diyas (lamps and candles) inside and outside their home, and participate in family puja (prayers) typically to Lakshmi. After the Lakshmi Puja , fireworks follow, then a family feast including mithai (sweets), and an exchange of gifts between family members and close friends. Deepavali also marks
9919-442: The other Yadavas managed to convince Baladeva that Krishna had indeed not stolen the jewel. Baladeva then returned to Dvaraka. Later, Krishna returned to Dvaraka, and upon realising that Akrura had already fled to Kashi with the Syamantaka jewel, summoned him, and asked him to admit his guilt. When Akrura complied, Krishna let him keep it, on the condition that it was to remain in the city of Dvaraka. The Bhagavata Puraṇa mentions
10028-488: The patient striving to observe, see, and discover knowledge, particularly when surrounded by darkness. As a bird reputedly blinded by daylight, the owl also serves as a symbolic reminder to refrain from blindness and greed after knowledge and wealth have been acquired. According to historian D. D. Kosambi , most of the Imperial Gupta kings were Vaishnavas and held the goddess Lakshmi in the highest esteem. Goddess Lakshmi
10137-579: The power to fight, conquer and punish the demons and anti-gods. In the Lakshmi Tantra and Lakshmi Sahasranama of Skanda Purana , Lakshmi is given the status of the primordial goddess. According to these texts, Durga and the other forms, such as Mahalakshmi, Mahakali and Mahasaraswati and all the Shaktis that came out of all gods such as Matrikas and Mahavidya , are all various forms of Goddess Lakshmi. In Lakshmi Tantra , Lakshmi tells Indra that she got
10246-399: The presumptions and premises about what Puranas may have been. The Vishnu Purana is among the shorter Purana texts, with about 7,000 verses in extant versions. It primarily centers around the Hindu god Vishnu and his avataras such as Rama and Krishna , but it praises Brahma and Shiva and says that they are dependent on Vishnu. The Purana, states Wilson, is pantheistic and
10355-644: The prosperity aspect of the Supreme goddess . The eight prominent manifestations of Lakshmi, the Ashtalakshmi , symbolise the eight sources of wealth. Lakshmi is depicted in Indian art as an elegantly dressed, prosperity-showering golden-coloured woman standing or sitting in the padmasana position upon a lotus throne , while holding a lotus in her hand, symbolising fortune, self-knowledge, and spiritual liberation. Her iconography shows her with four hands , which represent
10464-490: The ritual worship of the goddess. These include: Some temples dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi are: A representation of the goddess as Gaja Lakshmi or Lakshmi flanked by two elephants spraying her with water, is one of the most frequently found in archaeological sites. An ancient sculpture of Gaja Lakshmi (from Sonkh site at Mathura ) dates to the pre- Kushan Empire era. Atranjikhera site in modern Uttar Pradesh has yielded terracotta plaque with images of Lakshmi dating to
10573-464: The ruby in its chapters: (SB10.34.30) Lord Govinda chased the demon wherever he ran, eager to take his crest jewel. Meanwhile Lord Balarāma stayed with the women to protect them. (SB10.34.31) The mighty Lord overtook Śaṅkhacūḍa from a great distance as if from nearby, my dear King, and then with His fist the Lord removed the wicked demon's head, together with his crest jewel. (SB10.34.32) Having thus killed
10682-469: The second half of the 1st millennium CE. The day of Lakshmi Puja during Navaratri , and the festivals of Deepavali and Sharad Purnima (Kojagiri Purnima) are celebrated in her honour. Traditional Lakshmi in Sanskrit is derived from the root word lakṣ ( लक्ष् ) and lakṣa ( लक्ष ), meaning 'to perceive, observe, know, understand' and 'goal, aim, objective', respectively. These roots give Lakshmi
10791-412: The second part consists 16 chapters, the third part comprises 18 chapters and the fourth part has 24 chapters. The fifth and the sixth parts are the longest and the shortest part of the text, comprising 38 and 8 chapters respectively. The textual tradition claims that the original Vishnu Purana had 23,000 verses, but the surviving manuscripts have just a third of these, about 7,000 verses. The text
10900-450: The service of the deities, sages and gurus , asserts the Purana, and seek the welfare of all creatures, one's own children and of one's own soul. Anyone, regardless of their varna or stage of life, who lives a life according to the above duties is the best worshipper of Vishnu and Lakshmi, says the Vishnu Purana . Similar statements on ethical things of people are found in other parts of Vishnu Purana. The text describes in chapter 2.9,
11009-480: The story of Krishna's birth, his childhood pranks and plays, his exploits, and killing the demon-tyrant king of Mathura , named Kamsa . The Krishna story in the Vishnu Purana is similar to his legend in the Bhagavata Purana , in several other Puranas and the Harivamsa of the Mahabharata . Scholars have long debated whether the Bhagavata Purana expanded the Krishna Legend in the Vishnu Purana , or whether
11118-424: The sun god. One day, Satrajita , a Yadava nobleman, and a devotee of Surya, the solar deity, was walking along the sea shore, praying ardently, when the god himself appeared before him. Seeing the god in an indistinct and fiery shape, Satrajita asked him to appear in a less blinding form, so that he could see him clearly. For this, the sun god took the Syamantaka jewel off his neck, and Satrajita saw him possessing
11227-401: The symbolism: know and understand your goal. A related term is lakṣaṇa , which means 'sign, target, aim, symbol, attribute, quality, lucky mark, auspicious opportunity' . Lakshmi has numerous epithets and numerous ancient Stotram and Sutras of Hinduism recite her various names: such as Sri (Radiance, eminence, splendor, wealth), Padmā (she who is mounted upon or dwelling in
11336-589: The text asserts itself to be an "imperishable Vaishnava Purana". A Critical Edition of the Sanskrit text of the Visnu-purana was published in two large volumes, 1997 and 1999. A critical edition is prepared by comparing a number of different manuscripts , recording their variant readings in notes, and choosing the best readings to constitute the text of the critical edition. This is a real , large-scale critical edition, in which 43 Sanskrit manuscripts were gathered and collated, and 27 were chosen from which to prepare
11445-410: The text, is the union with the Brahman (supreme soul, ultimate reality), which is only achievable with virtues such as compassion, truth, honesty, disinterestedness, self-restraint and holy studies. The text mentions five Yamas , five Niyamas , Pranayama and Pratyahara . The pure and perfect soul is called Vishnu, states the text, and absorption in Vishnu is liberation. The final chapter 6.8 of
11554-453: The times of various kings and queens). Some manuscripts of the text are notable for not including sections found in other major Puranas, such as those on Mahatmyas and tour guides on pilgrimage, but some versions include chapters on temples and travel guides to sacred pilgrimage sites. The text is also notable as the earliest Purana to have been translated and published in 1840 CE by HH Wilson , based on manuscripts then available, setting
11663-417: The word Mandiram ( Hindu Temple ) and the reason of its Design, Image, Aim and Destination. The initial chapters of the third book of the Vishnu Purana presents its theory of Manvantaras , (each 306.72 Million Years Long ). This is premised upon the Hindu belief that everything is Cyclic, and even Yugas (Eras) start, complete and then end. Six manvantaras, states the text, have already passed, and
11772-463: The world, Illuminating the entire creation, For one cannot acquire wisdom, Unless it is experienced, Through the opening on the heart.... Lakshmi features prominently in Puranas of Hinduism. Vishnu Purana, in particular, dedicates many sections to her and also refers to her as Sri. J. A. B. van Buitenen translates passages describing Lakshmi in Vishnu Purana: Sri, loyal to Vishnu,
11881-444: The world, the entire universe, all living beings, as well as Atman (Inner Self, essence) within every living being, nature, intellect, ego, mind, senses, ignorance, wisdom, the four Vedas, all that is and all that is not. The second part of the text describes the story of earth , the seven continents and seven oceans . It describes Mount Meru , Mount Mandara and other major mountains , as well as Bharatavarsha (Literally,
#857142