If you were born in an Indian household, you were probably exposed to numerous superstitions.
Taking a nap that exceeds beyond six in the evening ?
“Mahalakshmi varamaata !”
Cutting your nails at night ?
“Tharithiram ! Mahalakshmi varamaata !”
Literally anything insignificant, like having your head on your hands or not sitting properly during meals will incur the wrath of the revered ‘Mahalakshmi’ and of course – your irate mother waiting to hurl a thosaispoon at you.
Many a times when I was younger, I’ve questioned myself – who is this Mahalakshmi and why is she supposed to come to my house ? Of course, my father patiently educated me (without thosai spoons) when I posed him the question. He described all about this particular Lady Luck, who not only bestows wealth but also happiness and prosperity – and there are certain beliefs that we adapt to, as an invite for her to come reside in our humble home.
Adversely, certain habits are deemed to invite Moothevi, the Goddess of ill-fortune who resides in dark places with no illumination – the opposite of Sridevi (Mahalakshmi). There have been many accounts on Moothevi, some that claim that she was once a well-revered goddess who was fondly worshipped but we shall hold this debate back for the moment.
As such, Mahalakshmi is the well-known proprietor of light and luck – without whom we are deep in misfortune and devastation. Seated prettily on a pink lotus, clad in a red/green saree with a stream of gold coins steadily streaming out from her right hand to signify a abundant wealth entering homes, there is no way that an Indian house altar would be complete without her iconography in one way or another. Today, she takes over the spotlight for the next three days in celebration of Navarathri.
The common legend of the churning of the milk ocean will tell us the story of how Mahalakshmi appeared to be the consort of Mahavishnu. Like mentioned on my first Navarathri blog post, there is never a right or wrong myth because there are always many ways to tell a tale. Similarly, the legend of Mahalakshmi has donned on different variations, one of which we shall look at now.
The fourth day of Navarathri pays homage to Goddess Kushmanda– also knows as Aathiparasakthi, the Mother of the Universe. (Sakthi : strength) In Shaktism, it is strongly believed that the cosmic universe was created by Aathiparasakthi, from whom emerged the trinity – Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva – as well as their consorts – Parvati, Mahalakshmi and Saraswathi– the three women emerging as aspects of Mother Sakthi herself. As such, Aathiparasakthi is fondly referred to as “Amma” for she conceived the breath of this cosmic egg – constantly sheltering her children on her lap.
It doesn’t come as a surprise when I say that every mother is the manifestation of Aathiparasakthi herself ; for she gave life and she will give HER life for her children if be needed. A Mother’s love doesn’t run skin-deep, it is unconditional throughout the many births to come. Worship her, for she is your Sakthi.
File Photo : Upasana Govindarajan (Pen and Pencil).
