How do you live a life of spiritual awakening as well as outer abundance, inner freedom as well as deep intimacy? How do you serve the world selflessly, yet passionately celebrate your life? The sages of Tantra have known for centuries that when you follow the path of Shakti—the sacred feminine principle personified by the goddesses of yoga—these gifts can manifest spontaneously. Yet most of us, women as well as men, have yet to experience the full potential of our inner feminine energies. When you know these powers for what they are, they heighten your capacity to open spiritually, love more deeply and fearlessly, create with greater mastery, and move through the world with skill and delight. In Awakening Shakti, you will learn how to recognize and invite: Kali, bringer of strength, fierce love, and untamed freedomLakshmi, who confers prosperity and beautySaraswati, for clarity of communication and intuitionRadha, who carries the divine energy of spiritual longingBhuvaneshvari, who creates the space for sacred transformationParvati, to awaken creativity and the capacity to love With a wealth of meditations, visualizations, mantras, teachings, and beautifully told stories, Awakening Shakti provides a practical guide for activating the currents of the divine feminine in every aspect of your life. “Sally Kempton's new book is a treasure that brings myth, meditation, and everyday revelation together in a way that will allow every woman to embody the divine feminine in her life. Sally enlivens the full spectrum of the goddess—from independent protector, to lover, to dynamic and powerful creatrix. I highly recommend this soon-to-be classic!” —Shiva Rea, yogini “Sally Kempton has given us a mythic manual for a new kind of feminism—a feminism of the soul. And this is a good thing, because humanity needs feminine power now as both a healing tonic and a source of reinvention.” —Elizabeth Lesser, cofounder of the Omega Institute, author of Broken Open: How Difficult Times Can Help Us Grow

A multi-faceted portrait of Lakshmi, Hindu goddess of wealth and prosperity. Includes translations of verses used to invoke this goddess.

The goddess Sri, also known as Lakshmi, has been worshiped in Hindu religion from pre-Buddhist times. One among the Tri-Devis or three principal Goddesses of Hinduism, She is one of the most well-known deities in Hindu mythology. She has a large body of mythology and is still extensively adored by Hindus of all castes across India. Here we introduce the reader to the origins, history, mythology and theology associated with Sri Lakshmi.

Upasana is known as continuous worship of an angelic presence or god. If you follow a particular god or goddess / a deity to help you in all your personal and complete life cycle then you have to follow certain protocols on which a particular deity will be satisfied and helps by speaking, appearing in dreams and giving some message, making success in business/ career, marriage, service to others etc.Firstly, please do not panic or no fear of worshiping lord Ganapathy, Mahavishnu, Lakshmi, Hanuman, Swamy Iyyapa or Kaali as these angelic powers will do only good things for us. They won't punish or reject us; because after all we are humans seeking help from angels and god to help us and only they can. Also any mantras can be chanted or prayers can be performed anytime anywhere. Only our mind and soul involvement is very important. Touching pooja things/ idols and deities at home or temple, lighting up lamp should be done with ablution (mandatory).For example if you choose Mahalakshmi/ Laxmi as your favourite deity and you need his full help then, you have to pray her everyday more than the other deities.You can start with Ganapathy pooja daily after taking bath (at least Om Maha Ganapathye' Namaha - 32 or 54 or 108 times) or follow the Ganapathy mantras given in this book and then start worship Lakshmi with Moola mantra, Gayatri mantra, Astothram (108 names), Sahasranama (1000 names), Sukthams, Hrudhayam, Kavacham or Ashtagam mantras - where Lakshmi will be pleased and start helping you. This may be continued for 40 to 48 days to take effect where a particular deity or angelic presence to help depending on our mind, body and soul balance. But don't worry as it happens automatically over the period of time.Lakshmi is also referred to as Sri or Thirumagal because she has six auspicious and divine characteristics, or gunas, and is Vishnu's divine power. She was born of the primordial ocean churning (Samudra manthan) in Hindu religion and she chose Vishnu as her perpetual consort. When Vishnu went to Earth as the Rama and Krishna avatars, Lakshmi originated as Sita and Rukmini as his respective consort. All females are proclaimed to be Lakshmi embodiments in India's ancient scriptures. The marriage and connection in Hindu weddings between Lakshmi and Vishnu as mother and husband is the paradigm for the bride and groom's rituals and ceremonies.Lakshmi personifies wealth, riches, happiness, loveliness, grace, charm and splendor in the Epics of Hinduism as in Mahabharata. In another Hindu legend, about the formation of the universe as outlined in Ramayana, Lakshmi springs from the ocean of milk foam with other valuable stuff. She appeared in her hand with a lotus, so she's also called Padmā.For simple Lakshmi pooja, please do Ganapathy pooja from the first chapter and then Lakshmi Gayatri, Moola mantras and then Ashtothram (108 names) plus Lakshmi Ashtakam.If you add Ashta lakshmi slogams/part and Kanagadhara slogam/part or Sri Suktham (with or without Sahasranama-1000 names) it can be like Vaibava Lakshmi or Vara Lakshmi pooja or Ashta Lakshmi pooja.If you add Kuber pooja chapter with the simple Lakshmi Pooja, then it is Lakshmi Kuber pooja.Mantras can be chanted with oblution without doing any pooja also. But choose mantras/chapters accordingly.Flowers or kumkum or yellow rice (akshatha) can be used for archana offerings. Also if you do pooja then fruits/ sweets are necessary to offer for Lakshmi Devi.If you want to practice homam/havan; then Gayatri mantra + Moola mantras can be chanted and offer Ghee in Agni (fire). Refer last chapters for Yagam/Yagna.Include little Maha Vishnu/ Narayana sosthrams (or simply gayatri/moola mantras) if you know before starting Lakshmi pooja always. (Given in starting of Lakshmi chapter).You can keep fasting for any Friday/ Monday virdha pooja/ Vaibava Lakshmi or Vara Lakshmi poojas if interested. Or simply keep only vegetarian diet. Do all Lakshmi Poojas!

Treasures of Lakshmi is the culmination of the much-loved goddess series, brilliantly curated and edited by Namita Gokhale and Malashri Lal. This trilogy, which began with In Search of Sita and continued with Finding Radha, examines the mystical realms of Hindu thought and practice, celebrating the essence of the sacred feminine. Whether it is Lakshmi's 108 names or a sahasranama of a thousand appellations, her blessings are multidimensional and eternal. as the third and final instalment of this remarkable trilogy, Treasures of Lakshmi takes readers on a unique journey of exploration, unravelling the compelling narrative of 'the goddess who gives'.

Hindu Goddesses is a valuable sourcebook and reference work for students and scholars of Hindu goddesses and of Hinduism in general. Each goddess is dealt with as an independent deity with a coherent mythology, theology and, in some cases, cult of her own. Within the complex, diverse, and rich goddess traditions of Hinduism, one can find suggestions of nearly every important theme in the Hindu religion. In many ways, this book is as much a study of the Hindu tradition itself as it is a study of one aspect of that tradition. No other living religious tradition has displayed such an ancient, continuous, and diverse history of goddess worship.

The monotheistic religions of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam have severely limited the portrayal of the divine as feminine. But in Hinduism "God" very often means "Goddess." This extraordinary collection explores twelve different Hindu goddesses, all of whom are in some way related to Devi, the Great Goddess. They range from the liquid goddess-energy of the River Ganges to the possessing, entrancing heat of Bhagavati and Seranvali. They are local, like Vindhyavasini, and global, like Kali; ancient, like Saranyu, and modern, like "Mother India." The collection combines analysis of texts with intensive fieldwork, allowing the reader to see how goddesses are worshiped in everyday life. In these compelling essays, the divine feminine in Hinduism is revealed as never before--fascinating, contradictory, powerful.

Lakshmi is the Hindu goddess of wealth, health, and fertility. She is the energy that powers this creation. In her many forms, she impacts our lives in numerous ways. Her 'Ashtalakshmi' avatar helps a seeker find the eight kinds of wealth in life. She helps her devotees create a 'lakshya' or goal and set forth to achieve the four 'purusharth' or aims of life, namely 'Dharma, ' or right conduct, 'Arth, ' or wealth, 'Kam, ' or pleasure and 'Moksha' or liberation.Read about her many forms and understand the messages she conveys to enrich your life. Wealth has many types. It is money and much much more. Every kind of wealth improves your lives in many ways. Following Goddess Lakshmi's guidance and praying to her fills life with great prosperity and fortun

In the pantheon of Hindu deities, few hold as significant a place as the divine and revered Goddess Lakshmi. Known as the embodiment of wealth, prosperity, and abundance, she is celebrated and worshipped by millions around the world. Through her presence, devotees seek blessings for material and spiritual prosperity, and her grace is believed to bring forth blessings, fortune, and auspiciousness. This book, "Manifestations of Lakshmi: Exploring the Eight Forms of the Goddess of Wealth," delves into the profound significance of the eight forms of Goddess Lakshmi as described in ancient Hindu scriptures and mythological narratives. These eight forms, known as Ashtalakshmi, represent different aspects of wealth and prosperity, each carrying its unique symbolism and blessings. Throughout the pages of this book, we embark on a journey to understand the essence of each form of Lakshmi and the wisdom they impart. From Adi Lakshmi, the primal source of all abundance, to Dhanya Lakshmi, the bestower of bountiful harvests, each form offers profound insights into the multifaceted nature of wealth and its role in our lives. The exploration of these forms takes us beyond the material realm, revealing the spiritual significance and transformative power they hold. As we delve into the stories, rituals, and teachings associated with each form, we gain a deeper understanding of the Goddess's presence in various aspects of human existence. From the importance of generosity and compassion to the significance of knowledge and education, these forms of Lakshmi guide us towards a holistic understanding of prosperity and its true meaning. While rooted in ancient wisdom, this book aims to make these profound teachings accessible to readers of all backgrounds. Whether you are a devout follower of Hinduism or simply intrigued by the wisdom and symbolism of the divine, the intention is to provide a comprehensive exploration of the eight forms of Lakshmi, allowing you to connect with the Goddess's grace and embody her qualities in your own life. May this journey into the manifestations of Lakshmi awaken your spirit, illuminate your path, and inspire you to cultivate abundance and prosperity in all aspects of your existence. May the Goddess's blessings shower upon you, bringing forth wealth, wisdom, and spiritual fulfillment. Om Shri Mahalakshmi Namah.