Lakshmi is venerated as the prosperity aspect of the Mother goddess. Hindu goddess of wealth and good fortune. She is the goddess of wealth, fortune, power, beauty, fertility and prosperity, and associated with Maya ("Illusion”). Vedic scriptures describes Lakshmi as having eighteen hands and is described as holding rosary, axe, mace, arrow, thunderbolt, lotus, pitcher, rod, sakti, sword, shield, conch, bell, wine-cup, trident, noose and the discus in her eighteen hands. Her face and open hands are in a mudra that signifies compassion, giving or dāna ('charity').
Lakhmi’s vahana owl is known as Uluka. There is much debate on wether the owl is ridden by or simply accompanies Lakshmi. Uluka is known to be unwavering in its decision. Its big round eyes are focused and do not move. Hence it represents wit and intelligence and wisdom. On the other hand, the owl also denotes Alakshmi, the polar opposite of Lakshmi signifying poverty, strife, struggle, misfortune. Lakshmi and Alakshmi visit together but ones actions determine which one will stay. Accompanying the goddess of wealth, the Owl denotes wisdom in using the wealth.
Lakshmi represents wealth and abundance, her vehicle represents detachment and renunciation. Devotees seeking wealth from the Goddess also pray to inculcate in them the qualities of detachment from the material world, selflessness, and get rid of ignorance, greed, envy and selfishness so that they become truly awake in the darkness of death and adversity.
