Goddess Dakshina is identified with Goddess Lakshmi in some
Hindu traditions. Dakshina is the act of giving and it is believed that Goddess
Shri (Lakshmi) will always bless a person who performs charity without any
desires. She symbolically represents sacrifice and protects those devotees who sacrifice
without expecting any favors in return.
As per several Puranas, Dakshina was the daughter of
Prajapati Ruchi and Akuti. She married Yajna (sacrifice) and they had twelve
sons who were known as Yamas.
Another legend has it that Dakshina was born when Sri
Krishna was on earth. She was called Sushila. She lived in Vrindavan and loved
Krishna just like Radha. It is said that a jealous Radha cursed her. Sushila
then mediated on Goddess Lakshmi and got absorbed in her.
But when Dakshina became a part of Goddess Lakshmi, gods and
humans did not get results for their sacrifice.
Therefore, Devas asked Goddess Lakshmi to withdraw Dakshina
from her. Goddess Dakshina then married Yajna Purusha. They then had a child
named Phalada (fruits). Phalada provides fruits for all actions.