- Inner part of the lotus flower
- On the reverse side of bilva Leaf
- The centre line on the head of a sumangali woman’s parting of the hair.
- The backside of a cow.
- The elephant’s forehead.
These five sacred abodes of Goddess Lakshmi represent profound spiritual and cultural symbolism in Hindu tradition. Let us explore the significance of each:
1. Inner Part of the Lotus Flower (Padma)
The lotus is Lakshmi's primary symbol and vehicle. Its significance lies in its ability to bloom pure and unstained despite growing in muddy waters. This represents:
- Purity amidst impurity: Spiritual wealth can flourish even in material circumstances
- Unfolding consciousness: The petals opening symbolize the gradual revelation of divine grace
- Beauty and prosperity: The lotus represents both material and spiritual abundance
- Transcendence: Rising above worldly attachments while remaining rooted
2. Reverse Side of Bilva Leaf
The bilva (bael) leaf holds special sanctity, particularly in Shiva worship, but Lakshmi's presence here signifies:
- Hidden blessings: Prosperity often comes from unexpected, unseen sources
- Triadic nature: The three-leaflet structure represents the three aspects of existence (creation, preservation, destruction) and the three gunas
- Medicinal properties: The leaf's healing qualities mirror Lakshmi's role in providing health and well-being
- Divine partnership: Represents the complementary nature of Shiva (consciousness) and Lakshmi (abundance)
3. Centerline of a Sumangali Woman's Hair Parting
A sumangali (married woman whose husband is alive) represents:
- Auspiciousness incarnate: The married woman embodies prosperity, continuity, and blessing
- Life-giving energy: Represents fertility, creativity, and the nurturing aspect of abundance
- Sacred center: The parting line (maang) is considered a powerful spiritual center
- Family prosperity: Symbolizes the role of women as channels of domestic harmony and wealth
- Divine feminine: The sumangali herself becomes a vessel of Lakshmi's energy
4. Backside of a Cow (Go-mata)
The cow is revered as sacred in Hindu tradition:
- Mother principle: Cows represent nurturing, giving, and sustenance without expecting return
- Economic prosperity: Historically, cows were measures of wealth and agricultural abundance
- Gentleness and non-violence: Embodies ahimsa and peaceful coexistence
- Five products (Panchgavya): Milk, curd, ghee, urine, and dung - all considered purifying and beneficial
- Humility: The backside specifically may represent how divine grace often comes through humble, overlooked aspects
5. Elephant's Forehead
The elephant, especially in its association with Ganesha, represents:
- Wisdom and memory: Elephants symbolize intelligence and the removal of obstacles
- Royal prosperity: Elephants were symbols of kingdom and imperial wealth
- Strength with gentleness: Powerful yet peaceful, like true prosperity
- Good fortune: The forehead (where the third eye would be) represents higher consciousness and divine vision
- Gaja Lakshmi: A specific form of Lakshmi flanked by elephants showering water/gold
Deeper Spiritual Significance
These five locations share common themes:
Natural Sanctity: All are found in nature or natural states, suggesting that divine abundance is inherent in creation itself.
Life-Sustaining Elements: Each represents something that nurtures and sustains life - flowers for beauty and offering, leaves for healing, women for continuity, cows for nourishment, and elephants for protection.
Hidden/Humble Presence: Many of these locations are "behind" or "within" - suggesting that true wealth often lies in subtle, overlooked places rather than obvious displays.
Complementary Energies: They represent different aspects of abundance - aesthetic (lotus), healing (bilva), social (sumangali), material (cow), and intellectual/spiritual (elephant).
This teaching encourages devotees to recognize and honor the divine feminine principle of abundance in everyday, accessible forms rather than seeking it only in distant temples or elaborate rituals. It suggests that Lakshmi's grace is omnipresent for those who develop the eyes to see her in the sacred ordinary.
Know the reason why two white elephants are depicted along with Goddess Lakshmi.
Did you know?
- Padmamalini form of Goddess Lakshmi resided with the demons but she abandoned them.
- Goddess Lakshmi resides in the chest of Lord Vishnu and hence He is known as Srinivasa.
- Rare Coconut with only Two Eyes is associated with Lakshmi in Hinduism.
- Goddess Lakshmi cursed Vishnu and as a result, He was born as Hayagriva - with horse head.