Goddess Vishupriya by Dr Manisha Sharma
Goddess Vishnupriya Lakshmi
Dr. Manisha Sharma
Principal
Rajasthan Teacher Training Institute, Jaipur
Goddess Bhagavati Mahalakshmi is essentially the inseparable power of Lord Vishnu, and like the sun and its radiance, the fire and its burning power, and the moon and its moonlight, she is his eternal companion. According to the Puranas, she is renowned by the name Bhargavi for being the daughter of Padmavanasini, the daughter of the ocean, and the wife of Bhrigu. She is also known by the names Padma, Padmalaya, Shri, Kamala, Haripriya, Indira, Rama, Samudratanya, Bhargavi, Jaldhija, and many others. There are numerous hymns and chants available that praise her. She is the Vaishnavi power. Whenever Lord Vishnu incarnates, she accompanies him in various forms such as Lakshmi, Sita, Radha, and Rukmini. Worshipping the divine goddess Kamala, who is the playful companion of Mahavishnu, is essentially worshipping the universal sustaining power. Without her grace, one would lack prosperity. The worship of this primordial power of Vishvambara is equally prevalent in all scriptures. In tantric texts, she is identified as Kamalatmika, one among the ten Mahavidyas.
According to the Puranas, when Indra, overcome by pride, was cursed by the sage Durvasa, he entered the ocean. Upon the prayers of the gods, Lakshmi emerged from the ocean. Adorned by all the gods and sages, her mere glance brought prosperity and peace to the entire world. Moved by this, Indra praised her divine form, stating that simply by her glance, even ordinary mortals attain qualities such as righteousness, knowledge, humility, generosity, radiance, and others, thus acquiring the love and abundance of the entire universe.
The ancient Rigveda, in its fifth Mandala known as Khilasukta (also called Shrisukta), is associated with Goddess Lakshmi. According to the Puranas and other sacred texts like the Ramayana and Mahabharata, her form as Vishnupatni is widely accepted. She possesses a golden complexion and four hands, and is adorned with unparalleled beauty. Seated on the lotus throne, she fulfills all the desires of her devotees with her compassionate gaze. Worshiping her is highly rewarding. She is mentioned as the originator of the Sri Sampradaya. The Puranas contain various stories about her birth.