In Hinduism, rice plant or paddy which is about to be
harvested symbolically represents Goddess Lakshmi – the Hindu Goddess of
wealth, prosperity and fertility. Paddy is offered to Goddess Lakshmi in
many regions in India
before harvesting. Earlier, many houses in South India ,
especially in Kerala, used to display harvested paddy in front of the home and
in puja room. It symbolically represents peace, wealth, fertility and
prosperity.
On the Tula Sankranti day (October 17), the newly harvested
paddy is offered to Goddess Lakshmi in Orissa. It is believed that a huge
quantity of rice will be harvested by offering the just grown shoots of paddy. The
belief is that Goddess Lakshmi will protect the paddy and bless the farmer with
a very good output. Good food production means no famine in the region and
wealth will also pour in due to a good harvest.
Paddy is a symbol of prosperity and wealth in Hindu culture.
Goddess Lakshmi is the one who blesses devotees with wealth and prosperity. Hence
the deep symbolism between paddy and Goddess Lakshmi.
Hanging made of rice grains is an essential part of many
Kerala homes. It is a sign of fertility and prosperity. It also symbolically
represents Goddess Lakshmi.