Legend has it that Shiva blessed Paraasara muni with a vision of the cosmic dance – Mukti thandavam here. The sacred water bodies in the temple are called ‘Agni theertham’ and ‘Parasara theertham’. The sacred tree in the temple is called ‘Palasa Maram’.
Lord Shiva and Parvati in Kanjanur are worshipped as Agneeswarar and Karpagavalli Amman or Karpagambigai(Parvathi) or Karpagambal . Lord Shiva Himself is worshipped as Sukran and therefore the absence of a separate shrine for the Navagraha, Sukra. Unlike other Navagraha temples, the main deity, Agneeswarar in the form of lingam depicts Lord Sukra. A special feature of the Linga of Agneeeswarar is that it absorbs all the oil poured on it during the process of Abishekam.
Agneeswarar temple is also referred to as Palaasavanam, Bhrammapuri and Agnistalam. Kanjanur is considered to be the 36th in the series of the 275 Devaram Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam located in Chola Nadu north of the river Kaveri praised in Thevaram hymns, and temple is 1500 years old.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paadal_Petra_Sthalam
Shukra is the teacher of the demons and the author of Sukraniti. He is generally shown with four hands, riding upon a golden or a silver chariot drawn by eight horses. Three of his hands hold a staff, a rosary, a vessel of gold respectively while the fourth one is held in varada mudra.
Shukra, the next most beneficial planet after Guru (Brihaspati), bestows his devotees with wealth and prosperity. If in a person’s horoscope, Shukra is well placed, then the person enjoys better life and wealth.
An unfavorably positioned Shukra in ones horoscope causes eye ailments, indigestion, and impotency, loss of appetite and skin problems. Lord Shukra is offered white Lotus, white cloth, mochai kottai (common bean) and aththi (fig) to alleviate problems caused by Shukra dosham. Friday is the day of Shukra and worship on Fridays is considered very special. Shukra is also Ambal’s favourite and the special day for Ambal is Friday as well.
The temple is one of the nine Navagraha temples of Tamil Nadu and is a part of the popular Navagraha pilgrimage in the state - it houses the image of Sukra (Venus).
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paadal_Petra_Sthalam
Navagraha are nine heavenly bodies (as well as deities) that influence human life on Earth in Hinduism and Hindu astrology.
The term is derived from nava (Sanskrit: नव "nine") and graha (Sanskrit: ग्रह "planet, seizing, laying hold of, holding").
The Navagraha are:
Surya: the Sun
Chandra: the Moon
Mangala: Mars
Budha: Mercury
Bṛhaspati: Jupiter
Shukra: Venus
Shani: Saturn
Rahu: Shadow body associated with the ascending (or north) lunar node
Ketu: Shadow body associated with the descending (or south) lunar node
Muthuswami Dikshitar, a Carnatic music composer from southern India composed the Navagraha Kritis in praise of the nine planets.
Each song is a prayer to one of the nine planets. The sahitya (lyrics) of the songs reflect a profound knowledge of the mantra and jyotisha sastras.
Shukra is associated with:
Color : white
Metal : silver
Gemstone : diamond
Direction : south-east
Season : spring
Element : water
The weekday Shukravara in Hindu calendar, or Friday, has roots in Shukra (Venus). Shukravara is found in most Indian languages, and Shukra Graha is driven by the planet Venus in Hindu astrology. The word "Friday" in the Greco-Roman and other Indo-European calendars is also based on the planet Venus.
Shukra is a part of the Navagraha in Hindu zodiac system. The role and importance of the Navagraha developed over time with various influences. The earliest work of astrology recorded in India is the Vedanga Jyotisha which began to be compiled in the 14th century BCE. It was possibly based on works from the Indus Valley Civilization as well as various foreign influences.
The Navagraha developed from early works of astrology over time. Deifying planetary bodies and their astrological significance occurred as early as the Vedic period and was recorded in the Vedas. The classical planets, including Venus, were referenced in the Atharvaveda around 1000 BCE. The planet Venus was deified and referred to as Shukra in various Puranas.
Agneeswarar Temple Kanjanoor – Navagraha Sukra Sthalam Tamil Nadu
Agneeswarar Temple at Kanjanoor or Agniswara Swami Temple at Kanjanur is one of the nine Navagraha Temples in Tamil Nadu and is associated with Lord Sukran (Planet Venus), the sixth of Navagraha planets. Also known as Sukran Navagraha Sthalam, Agniswarar temple is located around 18 km from Kumbakonam and 2 km to the east from Sooriyanayanar Kovil, on the Kallanai - Poompuhar road, in Tamilnadu.
Similar to most of the other Navagraha Temples in Tamilnadu, the presiding deities of Agniswara Swami Temple is Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi. Lord Shiva is worshiped here as Agneeswarar, as it is said that Lord Agni (Fire God) have worshipped Lord Shiva here. Goddess Parvati is worshipped here as Karpagambal.
Image of Kshetra Puraneswarar
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tirumeeyachur_Mehanadhar_Temple
It is said that Lord Brahma was blessed with a vision of Shiva's marriage with Parvathi here. The Braham Linga enshrined in the Agniswarar Temple is said to have worshipped by Lord Brahma. Another important feature is that the Oil Abishekam performed to the main Siva linga is fully absorbed by the idol. There is no separate sannidhi for Lord Sukra as Lord Shiva himself is believed to have incarnated as Venus here.
The Temple and its History
Located on the northern banks of river Cauveri, Kanjanoor Agneeswarar Temple or Kanjanur Agniswara Swami Temple is built with two prakarams. A five tiered Rajagopuram is seen at its entrance. Other deities worshipped here are Maanakkanjaarar, Nayanmaar and Kalikkaamar. Images that describe the legends relating to Haradatta Sivacharyar of Vaishnava origins, inscriptions from the Chola and Vijayanagar periods, and stone images of Natarajar and Sivakami are seen in this temple.
The Nataraja Sabha is referred to as the Mukti Mandapam and the Shiva Tandavam here is called as Mukti Tandavam. Legend says that Lord Shiva blessed Paraasara muni (Parasara Muni is the father of Vyasadeva and the author of Vishnu Puranam) with a vision of the cosmic dance - Mukti tandavam here.
This shrine is also referred to as Palaasavanam, Bhrammapuri, Agnistalam and Neelakudi.
One of the important features of the temple is that the Vilva leaf (Bilwa Leaf) seen here is 5 in number, which is quite unique.
Worship to Lord Sukran
Six worship services are offered daily. Fridays are considered auspicious to pray Lord Sukra. Sukran, the next most beneficial planet after Guru (Brihaspati), bestows his devotees with wealth and prosperity. If in a person's horoscope, Sukra is well placed, then the person enjoys better life and wealth. Lord Sukran is offered with white Lotus, white cloth, diamond, 'mochai' powder and athi to remove any obstacles in life and work caused by a misplaced Sukra (Sukira Dhosham) in a person’s horoscope.
Temple Festivals
A festival to honor Haradatta Sivacharyar is celebrated in the Tamil month of Thai every year. Besides, Mahasivaratri, Aadi Pooram, Navaratri, and Arudra Darisanam are also celebrated with much importance.
http://www.shreemaa.org/mantras-nine-planets-venus-the-emblem-of-love-and-attachment/
Shukra mantra
om dram dreem drom saha shukrai namaha
Shukra Gayatri Mantra
Om aswadhwajaaya vidmahae
dhanur hastaaya dheemahi
tanno shukra: prachodayaat
Translation: Om, Let me meditate on him who has horse in his flag,
Oh, He who has a bow in his hand, give me higher intellect,
And let Shukra illuminate my mind.
Shukra Navagraha Mantra
"Himakundha Mrinaalabham Daithyaanam Paramam gurum
Sarvashaastra pravatkaaram Bhaargavam pranamaamyaham"
http://www.festivalsofindia.in/Deites/Navgrahas/Shukra.aspx
शुक्रनीति–Śukranīti
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shukra-Niti
ShukraNiti (शुक्रनीति–Śukranīti) also known as ShukraNitisara (शुक्रनीतिसार–Śukranītiśāstra) is a part of Dharmasastra and considered as Shukracharya's System of Morals. It is a treatise on the science of governance, structured towards upholding the morals through implementing theories of political science. The code is authored by Shukracharya also known as Usanas and claimed to be originated during Vedic period.
The ShukraNiti as a comprehensive code book lays out guidelines in both political and non-political aspects required in maintaining social order in the state. The political part of the book deals with guidelines relating to a king, the council of ministers, the justice system, and international laws. Whereas, the non-political part deals with morals, economics, architecture, other social, and religious laws. These laws are elaborately enshrined into five chapters in this epic.
The first chapter deals with the duties and functions of the king.
The second elaborates on the duties of the crown prince and other administrators of the state.
The third chapter puts forth the general rules of morality.
The fourth is the largest chapter in the work, which is divided into seven parts.
The first subsection describes the maintenance of the treasure.
The second on social customs and institutions in the kingdom.
The third subsection details about the arts and sciences.
The fourth lays out the guidelines for the characteristics required in the friends of the king.
The fifth subsection describes the functions and duties of the king.
The sixth on maintenance and security of forts.
The seventh subsection lays out the functions and composition of the army.
The concluding chapter five deals with miscellaneous and supplementary rules on morality as laid down in Shastras to promote the overall welfare of the people and the state.
One of the most discussed topics relevant to current times is the stress given on Karma in ShukraNiti. Shukracharya states, one does not become a Brahmana, Kshatriya, Vaishya or a Shudra by his Jati or by mere birth, but he asserts these are derived from much fundamental concepts like ones character (Guna) and deeds (Karma).
Thus, dismissing the general view that caste is derived by birth, and equating it to the merit and qualities in a person. The book further advises the king to appoint his subordinates in any post irrespective of his caste.
हथेलियों में अंगूठे के नीचे शुक्र का पर्वत होता है. यह हथेली की जड़ को स्पर्श करता है. इस पर्वत से व्यक्ति की भावनाओं को जान सकते हैं. इस पर्वत से प्रेम और विवाह को भी जान सकते हैं. यह पर्वत व्यक्ति के आकर्षण सौंदर्य और कलात्मकता को बताता है.
शुक्र के पर्वत को कैसे समझें?
- यह पर्वत अगर उभार लिए हुए हो तो उत्तम होता है
- इससे व्यक्ति भावुक और उदार होता है
- परन्तु अगर यह ज्यादा उभार लिए हुए हो तो व्यक्ति कामुक होता है
- ऐसे लोगों का चरित्र कमजोर होता है
- यह पर्वत दबा हुआ हो तो शारीरिक समस्या होती है
- व्यक्ति जीवन में सुख और साधन नहीं पाता है
- व्यक्ति का आकर्षण पक्ष बहुत ज्यादा गड़बड़ होता है
शुक्र पर्वत के चिन्ह क्या बताते हैं?
- शुक्र के पर्वत पर बहुत सारी रेखाएं मन को परेशान करती हैं
- शुक्र के पर्वत पर जाल हो तो व्यक्ति अभाव में जीता है
- कभी कभी व्यक्ति के प्रयास के बावजूद उसे सुख सम्पन्नता नहीं मिलती
- शुक्र के पर्वत पर तिल हो तो अपयश की संभावना बनती है
- इस पर्वत पर क्रॉस हो तो व्यक्ति की योजनाएं गड़बड़ हो जाती हैं
- व्यक्ति को विपरीत लिंग से समस्या हो जाती है
- इस पर्वत पर वर्ग हो तो जेल यात्रा के योग बनते हैं
- यदि शुक्र का झुकाव मणिबंध की ओर हो तो व्यक्ति यात्रा का शौक़ीन होता है
अगर हाथ में शुक्र ख़राब हो तो क्या उपाय करें?
- एकादशी का उपवास जरूर रक्खें
- शिव जी की अधिक से अधिक उपासना करें
- कांच के पात्र से जल पीएं
- भोर में उठने की आदत डालें
- फल और फूलों का खूब प्रयोग करें
- पारिवारिक और वैवाहिक जीवन का विशेष ध्यान दें
- अंगूठे में एक चांदी का छल्ला धारण करें
- एक ओपल अवश्य धारण करे
Venus is our sense of divine love, beauty and grace.
It up to us how we use it and apply it in our journey toward the goal of life. Venus energy and its disposition within us must be in concert with the four purusharthas, the four goals of life ~ artha (wealth), kama (desire) dharma (living a life of righteousness, acting with right conduct) and moksha (the final release of the soul from the cycle of birth and rebirth). If we fail to keep these energies contained within the four purusharthas, then we obtain our justice from Venus replete with lower energies and afflictions. We should always be seeking the higher, Sathyam, Sivam, Sundaram (Truth, Goodness and Beauty) with Venus.
II शुक्रकवचम् II
अथ शुक्रकवचम्
अस्य श्रीशुक्रकवचस्तोत्रमंत्रस्य भारद्वाज ऋषिः I
अनुष्टुप् छन्दः I शुक्रो देवता I
शुक्रप्रीत्यर्थं जपे विनियोगः II
मृणालकुन्देन्दुषयोजसुप्रभं पीतांबरं प्रस्रुतमक्षमालिनम् I
समस्तशास्त्रार्थनिधिं महांतं ध्यायेत्कविं वांछितमर्थसिद्धये II १ II
ॐ शिरो मे भार्गवः पातु भालं पातु ग्रहाधिपः I
नेत्रे दैत्यगुरुः पातु श्रोत्रे मे चन्दनदयुतिः II २ II
पातु मे नासिकां काव्यो वदनं दैत्यवन्दितः I
जिह्वा मे चोशनाः पातु कंठं श्रीकंठभक्तिमान् II ३ II
भुजौ तेजोनिधिः पातु कुक्षिं पातु मनोव्रजः I
नाभिं भृगुसुतः पातु मध्यं पातु महीप्रियः II ४ II
कटिं मे पातु विश्वात्मा ऊरु मे सुरपूजितः I
जानू जाड्यहरः पातु जंघे ज्ञानवतां वरः II ५ II
गुल्फ़ौ गुणनिधिः पातु पातु पादौ वरांबरः I
सर्वाण्यङ्गानि मे पातु स्वर्णमालापरिष्कृतः II ६ II
य इदं कवचं दिव्यं पठति श्रद्धयान्वितः I
न तस्य जायते पीडा भार्गवस्य प्रसादतः II ७ II
II इति श्रीब्रह्मांडपुराणे शुक्रकवचं संपूर्णं II
Mrunala kundendu payoja suprabham,
Peethambaram, prasrutha maksha malinam,
Samastha sasthrartha vidhim mahantham,
Dhyayeth kavim vanchitha maartha sidhaye. 1
All desires would get fulfilled by meditating on that poet,
Who shines like the white lotus born out of the sea,
Who wears yellow silks, who is known to wear garland of beads,
And who is a very great individual knowing the meaning of all sastras.
Om Siro may Bhargava pathu, Baalam pathu grahadhipa,
Nethre daithya guru pathu, srothre may chandana dyuthi. 2
Let the son of Brugu protect my head,
Let the lord of planets protect my hair,
Let the teacher of asuras protect my eyes,
And let my ears be protected by,
He who is lustrous like sandal wood.
Pathu may nasikaam kavyo, vadanam daithya vanditha,
Vachanam chosna pathu, kandam sri kanda bhakthiman. 3
Let the writer of epics protect my nose,
Let my face be protected by he who is worshipped by asuras,
Let my words be protected by the hungry one,
And let my neck be protected by the great devotee of Vishnu.
Bhujou thejo nidhi pathu, kukshim pathu mano vraja,
Nabhim braghu sutha pathu, madhyam pathu mahee priya. 4
Let my hand be protected by the treasure of light,
Let my belly be protected by him who is the choice of my mind,
Let my stomach be protected by son of Brughu,
And let my middle be protected by the darling of earth.
Katim may pathu viswathma, ooru may sura poojitha,
Janum jadya hara pathu, jange jnana vatham vara. 5
Let my hip be protected by soul of the universe,
Let my thigh be protected by him who is worshipped by devas,
Let my knees be protected by enemy of sluggishness,
And let my calf be protected by he who is great among knowledgeable.
Gulphou guna nidhi pathu, pathu padhou varam bhara,
Sarvanyangani may pathu, swarna mala parishkrutha. 6
Let my ankle be protected by treasure of goodness,
Let my feet be protected by he who grants boons,
And let all my limbs be protected by he who wears a golden garland.
Ya idham kavacham patathi sradhyanwitha,
Na thasya jayathe peeda, bhargavasya prasadatha. 7
He who reads this armour with devotion,
Will never get any problems by the grace of son of Bhrugu.
Idhi Brahmanda purane Shukra kavacham sampoornam.
Thus ends the Armour of Venus given in Brahmanda Purana.
Shukra Stotra is in Sanskrit. It is from Shri Skanda Purana. This Stotra recollects auspicious names of Shukra. Whosoever recites this Strotra receives blessings from Shukra. He is blessed with long life, money, happiness, putra (Son) and prosperity. It is advised to recite this strotra every day with concentration, devotion and faith if Shukra (Venus) is badly affected in the horoscope. Shukra if is in 6th, 8th or 12th house then it is called as badly placed. If Shukra is alongwith Mangal (Mars), Saturn, Rahu, Ketu or Harshal then it may produce bad results. To avoid the bad effects of Shukra this Stotra is very effective.
II शुक्रस्तोत्रम् II
अथ शुक्रस्तोत्रम्
अस्य श्रीशुक्रस्तोत्रमन्त्रस्य भारद्वाज ऋषिः I
गायत्री छन्दः शुक्रोदेवता I
शुक्र पीडापरिहारार्थं जपे विनियोगः II
शुक्रः काव्यः शुक्ररेताः शुक्लांबरधरः सुधीः I
हिमाभः कुन्दधवलः शुभ्रांशुः शुक्लभूषणः II १ II
नीतिज्ञो नीतिकृन्नीतिमार्गगामी ग्रहाधिपः I
उशना वेद वेदाङ्गपारगः कविरात्मवित् II २ II
भार्गवः करुणा सिन्धुर्ज्ञानगम्यः सुतप्रदः I
शुक्रस्यैतानि नामानि शुक्रं स्मृत्वा तु यः पठेत् II ३ II
आयुर्धनं सुखं पुत्रं लक्ष्मीं वसतिमुत्तमाम् I
विद्यां चैव स्वयं तस्मै शुक्रस्तुष्टो ददाति च II ४ II
II इति श्रीस्कन्दपूराणे शुक्रस्तोत्रं संपूर्णं II
Bharadwaja is the rushi of Shri Shukra Stotra. Gayatri is the Chchanda. Shukra is the Davata (God) of this Stotra. To avoid all the bad effects from Shukra, I am reciting this stotra.
Shukra, Kavyaha, ShukraReta, Shuklambaradharaha, Sudhihi, Himabhaha, Kundadhavalaha, Shubramshu, ShuklabhuShaNaha are the auspicious names of Shukra.
2 nitidnyo (who knows good and bad), nitikrun (who always do right), nitimargagami (who always follow the right path), Grahadipaha (Leader of the planets), Ushana, ved, vedangaparagaha (who has got knowledge of Vedas and who is expert in it), Kavi (poet), Atmavit are the auspicious names of Shukra.
3 Bhargavaha, KaruNaSindhu (very kind), Dnyanagamya, Sutaprada all these are Shukra’s auspicious names.
4 Whosoever recites these names by remembering Shukra receives blessings from Shukra and lives a long life, becomes happy, receives ample of money, wealth, prosperity and real knowledge is bestowed upon him by Shukra.
Thus here completes Shukra Stotra which is from Skanda Purana.
The deity of Venus is Maha Lakshmi
In the Vedic culture, the Goddess Lakshmi symbolises prosperity, wealth and good fortune. The word Lakshmi is derived from the Sanskrit word Laksya, meaning ‘aim’ or ‘goal,’ and she represents wealth and prosperity in all their varied forms, both in material and spiritual terms.
Lakshmi is described as the Daughter of Goddess Durga and is also one of the consorts of Lord Vishnu, whom she accompanies during all his different incarnations on Earth. As a female counterpart of Lord Vishnu, Goddess Lakshmi represents the feminine form and energy of the Supreme Being. Generosity, purity, charm and beauty are associated with the Goddess. Vishnu is said to have other consorts, namely Goddess Saraswati and Goddess Ganga, but Lakshmi is considered his dearest. Lakshmi is also described as the daughter of Sage Bhrigu and Khyati. So her other name is Bhargavi. She is also the daughter of Kshiroda Sagara, the ocean of milk.
Lakshmi is often depicted as a beautiful woman having golden complexion, having four hands, sitting or standing on a fully-bloomed lotus and holding a lotus bud or conch and Amrita Kalasha (ambrosia) in her four hands. The lotus in her hands stands for purity, grace, elegance and fertility. Her four hands represent the four aspects of human life: namely Dharma or righteousness, Kama or desires, Artha or wealth, and Moksha or liberation. She is sometimes depicted with gold coins flowing from her hands, suggesting that she showers wealth and prosperity upon her true devotees. Two elephants are often depicted standing next to her emptying pitchers of water symbolising that when Dharma and Wisdom are expressed in life then wealth naturally flows into one’s life.
The 16 forms of Goddess Lakshmi are known as Shodasa Lakshmi. Each of her 16 forms represent a form of prosperity and they are listed here in no particular order or sequence: (1) knowledge, (2) wisdom, (3) courage and strength, (4) victory or success in endeavours, (5) gift of intelligent offspring, (6) gold and other tangible forms of wealth, (7) grains in abundance, (8) happiness and bliss, (9) intelligence, (10) beauty, charm and grace, (11) higher aims in life, (12) high-thinking and broad-mindedness, (13) meditative mind (14) understanding of morality and ethics, (15) good health and longevity, (16) fame.
In Jyotish, Shukra (Venus) is represented by the Goddess Lakshmi. The concept of Ashta-Lakshmi represents the eight manifestations of the Goddess in which she presides over eight different forms of wealth: ranging from knowledge to grains. In the context of Jyotish, each of her forms can be tied to the different Graha conjunctions (yuti) that are possible in relation to Shukra.
Shukra Yuti Surya (Venus in conjunction with Sun) and its connection to Vijaya-Lakshmi:
It is often said that we are what we eat. To become deeply conscious of what we put into our mouth; to become aware of how much we eat, how much we waste; to know the nature and quality of the food we take in, and how food impacts the quality of our mind, is part of the process of becoming aware of our body, mind and health. To treat food with reverence, to take the right amount, the right type, and at the right time is a form of respecting the wealth of grains that is provided to us by nature. Although this applies to everyone, this process of becoming deeply conscious of what we eat and respecting what we eat is especially more relevant for anyone experiencing the Mahadasha period of Moon and for those with this particular conjunction of Venus and Moon.
Dhanya-Lakshmi is the Goddess of harvest and grains. Harvest also refers to the harvesting of good inner qualities that elevate us towards the highest reality (the Supreme State). So with this conjunction there is a need to purify the mind and cultivate higher qualities so that one can aspire to attain the Supreme Wealth.
Shukra Yuti Mangal (Venus in conjunction with Mars) and its connection to Veera Lakshmi:
Veera Lakshmi means ‘Valourous Lakshmi’ and Dhairya Lakshmi means ‘Courageous Lakshmi’ — these are two forms of the Goddess that can be related to the Yuti of Shukra with Mangal.
This form of the Goddess represents the valour and courage needed to face our enemies and demons — both inner and outer. She represents the strength, power and capacity to overcome our enemies, challenges and hurdles in life, no matter how daunting or skilled the adversary. After overcoming the hurdles, we are then able to experience a state of stability and peace.
Veera Lakshmi is often depicted wearing a red garment. She has eight arms, carrying a chakra (discus), a conch, a bow, an arrow, a trident or sword, a gold bar or sometimes a book or sometimes a bundle of palm leaves; the other two hands maintain the posture of Abhaya Mudra and Varada Mudra.
Dhairya also means patience — the wealth of patience, the ability to strategise, plan and the capacity to think objectively and logically in the face of troubles is a gift of the Goddess. She gives us the strength to face good and bad times with courage, equanimity and resolve. She teaches us that with the expansion of the inner power of Grace comes the outer strength to handle the various challenges of life, and so this form of the Goddess represents the importance of developing self-restraint, having the virtues of patience, engaging in sadhana, taming the senses and developing level-headed thinking, inner power, inner wealth and wisdom.
Shukra Yuti Budha (Venus in conjunction with Mercury) and its connection to Vidya Lakshmi:
Vidya means knowledge, learning and education. It doesn’t just represent formal or academic learning that one experiences in some scholastic environment, but it represents all-round learning and education that we receive from every corner of life. It includes self-learning, learning from the world that surrounds us, learning from teachers and books, learning from experiences, learning from the people we encounter and so on.
Vidya-Lakshmi is the Goddess of wisdom and knowledge. She is the giver of the knowledge of arts and sciences. Having a resemblance to Saraswati Devi, Goddess Vidya-Lakshmi is depicted as sitting on a lotus, wearing a white outfit. She has four arms, carrying two lotuses on both hands while the other two maintain the posture of Abhaya Mudra and Varada Mudra. She is also depicted holding a book (the Vedas), a peacock feather, and a writing scroll.
In some forms of Ashtalakshmi, Vidhya Lakshmi is replaced by Aishwarya Lakshmi (Goddess of wealth and prosperity) and Aishwarya is the only form of Lakshmi portrayed as being mounted on a horse.
Vidya represents skills and learning. To be knowledgeable in the true sense means that one has the wealth of understanding and the depth of perception. To learn about the deeper nature of existence and the core truth of the Self is the highest form of learning we can aspire towards in this lifetime. To have skills and knowledge, even in a worldly sense, allows us to navigate through the various labyrinths of life.
Goddess Vidya Lakshmi represents the qualities of purity, serenity, absence of vanity, absence of pride, equanimity, charity, integrity and sincerity. These are the qualities that one having this conjunction of Shukra with Budha must aspire to gain in order to make use of the wealth of learning and knowledge in the right sense. Intellectual understanding with hubris is a very destructive force, which is why humility is an essential trait necessary for anyone aspiring towards learning any subject-matter. Proper education means educating oneself in the right values of life, educating oneself in the understanding of what Dharma really means in the deepest sense of that word. True education leads to open-mindedness, compassion towards all life forms, purity of mind and heart and a deeper awareness of the world around us.
Shukra Yuti Guru (Venus in conjunction with Jupiter) and its connection to Santana Lakshmi:
Santana means children or offspring and this manifestation of Lakshmi represents the Goddess who bestows the wealth of progeny. Healthy, good-natured, well-raised and intelligent children go on to support the family they are born into and perform good deeds in the world and thus they represent a form of wealth not just for the family but for the society at large.
Those who worship Goddess Santana Lakshmi are bestowed with the wealth of having good children enter their lives.
Goddess Santana Lakshmi is depicted as having six arms, holding two kalashas (water pitchers with mango leaves and coconut inside them), a sword and a shield; in one hand she is holding the posture of Abhaya Mudra, while in the other she carries a child who is holding a lotus flower.
The sword and shield represent the ability to protect the child, kill the attacker if necessary. Children represent the future of mankind, and to invest in their well-being promotes a healthy future for the family, society and community as a whole, and Guru (Jupiter) represents the broader vision and perspective of life. Life advances through our children and children carry forward the legacy and wealth of the family in which they are raised.
Bhagya Lakshmi is another form of Lakshmi that can be associated with this Yuti (Shukra and Guru). Bhagya means good fortunes and prosperity in life.
Santana Lakshmi promotes the growth of children and their overall well-being. The capacity to educate, to impart right virtues and wisdom, to provide the right sort of environment for children that nourishes their soul brings forth the real wealth of prosperity for the family. The child is an extension of those who raise him/her — hence the common phrase: ‘The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.’ So the child represents the legacy we leave behind in the world and his/her character is a direct reflection on the way we have conducted ourselves in life. So here the challenge lies in reforming oneself so that we may set about the right example for the child who is vulnerable to our influence. Santana Lakshmi gives us the power to tap into the wisdom of Guru and Shukra and use the knowledge of the two gurus to meet the challenges of life.
Shukra Yuti Shani (Venus in conjunction with Saturn) and its connection to Adya Lakshmi:
Aadi Lakshmi represents the Eldest and most primeval form of the Goddess, also known as Maha Lakshmi. She is described as the daughter of Sage Bhrigu and the consort of Lord Narayana. She is often depicted as living with Narayana at his home in Vaikunta and is sometimes depicted as sitting in his lap. This image of her serving Narayana is symbolic of the Goddess serving the entire universe.
She is portrayed as having four arms, one holding a lotus, a white flag, while the other two maintain the posture of Abhaya Mudra and Varada mudra.
She is also known as Ramaa — one who bestows happiness. She represents purity of heart. Of all the eight forms of the Goddess Lakshmi, she is the first and thus represents the eldest or most ancient form.
‘Adi’ means source. Adi Lakshmi represents the divine principle that supports a sadhak in uniting with the source — universal consciousness or Atman. She supports all those who are engaged in the Sadhana to realise the Supreme Consciousness. She helps the seeker quieten the restless, chattering mind which is a necessary stage to realise the Divine. She connects one to the highest wealth possible — which is in achieving union with the Supreme.
Since everything that exists is supported by the Supreme Consciousness, to achieve union with that Truth represents the highest form of wealth. Since the highest Truth transcends space and time — this wealth is beyond measure and beyond the boundaries of finite existence. Yet, on a material plane, this promotes wealth through hard-work, dedication, patience, sincerity and effort as Shani epitomises these virtues.
Adi Lakshmi represents the state beyond time — beyond the concept of a beginning and an end. Hence her wealth flows perennially for one who knows and has achieved union with the Highest Truth.
Adi Lakshmi is the force that rekindles the knowledge of our true identity — which is that we are one with the highest source (not separate). So it helps us transcend the forces of duality. When we take ourselves to be a small part of creation, we feel small, insecure and worthless, but when we realise that the part is integral and connected to the whole and that the part is an expression of the whole, we then outgrow the false ideas of self (limited self-identity) that we have clung to. It is metaphorically explained by the idea of the river uniting with the ocean and losing its false sense of separateness. The power of Adi Lakshmi helps us realise our true roots and true identity where we are no longer plagued by the idea of separation.
Shukra Yuti Rahu (Venus in conjunction with Rahu) and its connection to Dhana Lakshmi:
Dhana Lakshmi is the Goddess of Wealth. This form of wealth relates to the conventional idea of wealth which is material gains, gold and currency. Dhana Lakshmi is also known as Vaibhav Lakshmi in some parts of India.
At a tangible level, this represents very conventional notions of wealth, like money and gold, but on an intangible level, it also points to the wealth of inner strength, will-power, talent and fame. Dhana Lakshmi shows the abundance of wealth one can gain in life when the inner strength is channeled in the right direction.
Dhana Lakshmi is depicted as having six arms, wearing a red outfit, holding a chakra (discus), a conch (shankha), a holy pitcher (water pitcher with mango leaves and a coconut inside it) or Amrita Kumbha (a pitcher containing Amrita), a bow and arrow, and a lotus, while the sixth arm holds the posture of Abhaya Mudra with gold coins rolling from her palm.
Dhana or Vaibhav Lakshmi represents riches, fortune, earnings in abundance. It points to the standard way in which most people perceive wealth in our times. The wealth gained is then used as a means to improve one’s standard of living.
But as per Rigveda’s Purush Shukta, Dhana is not only wealth in terms of coins and currency, but it also represents the wealth of the environment — i.e. the wealth shared by the rains (supports the growth of grains), by the Sun (energy that sustains all life), by the oceans, rivers and mountains (provides clean air and water), etc. Dhana also represents the wealth of our inner will power to overcome obstacles.
Shukra Yuti Ketu (Venus in conjunction with Ketu) and its connection to Gaja Lakshmi:
Vasudha Narayanan interprets the name Gaja Lakshmi as ‘one who is worshipped by elephants.’
Gaja-Lakshmi represents the form of Lakshmi connected to Elephants. She was born out of the churning of the ocean (the story of Samudra Manthan) and is thus described as the daughter of the ocean.
Some versions of the story tell us that Gaja Lakshmi helped Lord Indra regain his lost wealth from the depth of the ocean. Hence she is declared as one who helps us recover and protect wealth. She is a source of power and strength — as akin to an elephant.
Gaja Lakshmi is depicted as a Goddess flanked by two elephants sprinkling water from a pot as she sits on a lotus. She is depicted as wearing a red garment, having four arms. She is holding two lotuses in separate hands, while the other arms maintain the posture of Abhaya Mudra and Varada Mudra.
Gaja Lakshmi is also described as one who gives us the wealth of animals, such as wealth and resources gained from cattle, etc.
Swami Chidananda interprets Gaja Lakshmi as the provider of the power of
royalty. The Goddess also symbolises the wealth of vehicles and mobility as the word Gaja means elephant.
In the story of Samudra Manthan, she came out of the ocean sitting on a fully-bloomed lotus with two elephants on each sides.
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