LakshmiNarayan or Lakshmi-Narayana, also sometimes spelled Lakshminarayan, Lakshminarayana, Laxminarayana, is a manifestation of Vishnu in the Hindu religion. It is usually referring to Vishnu, also known as Narayan, when he is with his consort, Lakshmi, in his abode, Vaikuntha. The goddess of beauty Lakshmi is depicted as standing next to a dark-skinned Vishnu, who is holding a conch, mace, lotus and the Sudarshana Chakra. Another depiction of Lakshminarayan portrays Lakshmi in the service of Narayan, who is reclining on the cosmic serpentSesha, floating in Kshīrsagār, the Ocean of Milk.
Interpretations
The deity Lakshminarayan has many historic roots and is sometimes interpreted by different traditions. Goddess Mahalakshmi incarnated again and again with Her beloved consort following Narayana's wish and mode of incarnation. When He was Rama, She became Sita and when He was Krishna, She appeared as Radha. Other queens were Her expansions. This fact is explored in Ramayana, Mahabharata, Vishnu purana, Bhagavat purana and in other authentic scriptures. Goddess Subhadra was treated as Lakshmi during the Ganga period, and afterwards. The Purushottama Mahatmya of Skanda Purana and of Vishnurahasya referred to the female wooden image between Jagannath and Balabhadra, Subhadrā as Lakshmi.
In sect Swaminarayan Sampraday, the deity is referred to as Laxminarayan Dev. Krishna — identified with Narayana in the text Shikshapatri — is with his wife Rukmini, a form of Lakshmi, and is also called LaxmiNarayan Dev. The founder of the sect, Swaminarayan installed the murtis of Laxminarayan Dev at the Swaminarayan Mandir, Vadtal.
Worship
Lakshmi Narayana worship is very popular with the people, who pray to the Lord at their homes and in temples. There are many Sampradhays or sects, which regard Lakshmi Narayana as the ultimate divinity, and grand and exquisite temples have been erected for the Lord accordingly, at many places. Lakshmi Narayan temple, popularly known as Birla Mandir, in New Delhi is one such well-known temple. It is believed that worshiping Lord Lakshmi Narayana can get for the devotees the complete blessings of the divine couple and shall bestow welfare, success, prosperity and a fulfilled life for the devotees and their families.
