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During the churning of the ocean, Goddess Lakshmi chose Lord Vishnu at her swayamvar, symbolizing the timeless union of prosperity and righteous duty—a lesson in aligning wealth with wisdom for modern life.
Characters in the story:
Lord Vishnu: Lord Vishnu is one of the three major deities in Hinduism, known as the preserver of the universe and the protector of dharma (righteousness). He is often depicted with four arms holding a conch shell, a discus, a mace, and a lotus flower.
Goddess Lakshmi: Goddess Lakshmi is associated with wealth, prosperity, and fortune. She is often depicted with four arms, holding lotus flowers and other symbols of wealth and abundance.
In the Satya Yuga (also called Krita Yuga), the devas had lost their strength and immortality due to a curse by Rishi Durvasa. This left them vulnerable to attacks by the asuras. Seeking a solution, the devas approached Lord Vishnu, who advised them to obtain amrita (the nectar of immortality) hidden in the cosmic ocean. However, churning the ocean alone was impossible.
Reluctantly, the devas allied with their adversaries, the asuras, promising them a share of the nectar. Together, they used Mount Mandara as the churning rod and the serpent Vasuki as the rope, beginning the epic Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean).
Trials and Treasures
The churning unleashed both wonders and perils. First emerged Halahala, a deadly poison threatening to destroy all life. Lord Shiva consumed it to save creation, holding it in his throat, which turned blue. Next arose Kamadhenu (the wish-fulfilling cow), Uchchaishravas (the divine horse), and Airavata (Indra’s white elephant). Finally, radiant and serene, Goddess Lakshmi emerged from a golden lotus, embodying prosperity, beauty, and auspiciousness.
The Swayamvar: Lakshmi’s Choice
As Lakshmi gazed upon the assembled devas and asuras, she resolved to choose a consort who embodied eternal virtues. A grand swayamvar (self-choice ceremony) was arranged. The asuras, driven by greed, clamored for her hand, while the devas hoped her choice would restore cosmic balance.
Lakshmi, holding a lotus symbolizing purity and spiritual wealth, moved past the asuras and devas alike. Her eyes rested on Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the universe, who sat meditating on his serpent Adishesha, radiating calm and wisdom. In him, she saw the guardian of dharma (righteousness), the sustainer of life, and the source of stability.
Placing her garland around Vishnu’s neck, Lakshmi proclaimed him her eternal partner. The heavens rejoiced, for her choice signified the union of prosperity (Lakshmi) and responsible preservation (Vishnu).
Aftermath: Restoration and Balance
The churning resumed, yielding Dhanvantari (the physician of the gods) with the amrita. Vishnu, incarnating as Mohini, ensured the devas alone drank the nectar, restoring cosmic order. Lakshmi’s union with Vishnu symbolized that true wealth flourishes under ethical stewardship, not transient greed.
Modern Relevance: Wisdom for Today
Conscious Choices: Lakshmi’s swayamvar teaches the importance of selecting partners—in life, business, or governance—who prioritize sustainability and ethics over short-term gains.
Dharma and Wealth: Prosperity (Lakshmi) thrives when paired with responsibility (Vishnu). Modern economies and individuals thrive not through exploitation but through balanced, ethical practices.
Collaboration with Caution: The devas’ alliance with asuras highlights the importance of working with adversaries for shared goals while remaining vigilant to protect higher principles.
Inner Wealth: The lotus Lakshmi holds reminds us that true abundance includes inner growth and compassion, not just material riches.
Lakshmi’s swayamvar is more than a story from the Puranas—it is a timeless allegory. In an era of fleeting materialism, it urges us to align our pursuits with preservation, justice, and mindfulness.
Just as Lakshmi chose Vishnu, may we choose paths that harmonize wealth with wisdom, ensuring prosperity nurtures both humanity and the world.
