Lakshmi · लक्ष्मी

Lakshmi is the goddess of wealth, prosperity and good fortune, and the consort of Vishnu.

In the Puranas, Lakshmi emerges from the ocean of milk when it is churned by the gods and demons, and chooses Vishnu as her consort; she accompanies him in his avatars, as Sita with Ram and Rukmini with Krishna. She is usually shown seated or standing on a lotus, with lotuses in her hands and coins flowing from one palm, often flanked by elephants.

She is worshipped especially on Diwali (Lakshmi Puja) and, in many families, on Fridays. Practices vary by region.