Significance of Mahalakshmi Jayanti
Mahalakshmi Jayanti is the birthday of Goddess Lakshmi, the consort of Vishnu, and the Goddess of wealth, good fortune, and prosperity. It falls on the Poornima or full moon day in Falgun month. On this holy day, devout Hindus worship Lakshmi and invoke her blessings. The festival is also called Madan Purnima or Vasant Purnima. In some places, people observe the festival as Uttara Phalguninakshatram. It was on this day that the Goddess emerged from the Milky ocean. The name Lakshmi comes from the Sanskrit word, ‘Laksya’, meaning ‘aim’ or ‘destination’. Whenever Vishnu takes one of his earthly avatars, Lakshmi too incarnates to unite with him. For instance, when Vishnu was born as Rama, she was born as Sita, and when he was born as Krishna, she was Rukmini. As wealth and prosperity are needed to live well, Mahalakshmi is an important deity for Hindus. One can find her idol or image in most Hindu homes and shops. People worship her daily to receive her blessings which are necessary to attract prosperity and abundance. It is said that Lakshmi will not grace a home that is unclean or where the womenfolk are not happy. She hates discord, so she avoids places where there are constant fights and arguments.