View allAll Photos Tagged jehlum
Please don't use this image on websites, blogs or other media without my explicit permission 2011 © Tabish Nayeemi - All Rights Reserved
Saidpur is a 400 or 500 year old Pakistani village in built on the slopes of the Margalla Hills which overlook Islamabad, Pakistan. It is a popular tourist attraction and is frequented by locals and outsiders alike.
Saidpur is named after Said Khan, one of the sons of Sultan Sarang, the Gakhar chief of the Pothohar region (who ruled from Attock to Jehlum) during the reign of the Mughal Emperor Babur. The Emperor Jahangir's memoir, Tuzke Jahangiri, mentions him halting at a place “beyond Rawalpindi”, on his way to Kabul, which is assumed to be Saidpur. Said Khan gifted Saidpur village to his daughter who was married to son of Mughal emperor Akbar.
The village was converted into the a place of Hindu worship by a Mughal commander, Raja Man Singh. He constructed a number of small ponds: Rama kunda, Sita kunda, Lakshaman kunda, and Hanuman kunda. The region is home to many Hindu temples that are preserved, showing the history of Hindu civilisation and architecture in the region.
The Capital Development Authority (CDA) of Islamabad has developed Saidpur into a tourist attraction by giving it the look and feel of a quaint village. The initial cost of the project was about 400 million rupees.
Saidpur is good for:
Old Saidpur School building (it preserves the images of the making of Saidpur, as well as Islamabad)
Restaurants
Cafe's/Art Gallery
The average person gets 500,000 hours to do with them what they will. You can spend them watching TV, sleeping, whining, working, playing, living or some combination of the above.
Opportunities come to everyone but it depends on how you choose to define an opportunity.
It could be an investment, relationship, career or any other type of break, luck or future unknown. One of my favorite quotes is by Mark Twain when he said that luck is when preparation meets opportunity.
What exactly is an opportunity?
Is it the chance to begin again?
Is it an unplanned for blessing?
Is it meeting a stranger who is destined to become your best friend?
Is it the result of hard work, patience and persistence?
Is it one of many blessings or miracles that cross our path regardless of whether we are ready for them or not?
Or, is it just fate or destiny dropping a special gift in your lap and then leaving it up to you whether you notice it or not or do something or anything with it? I know that during my life I have had many opportunities that I missed and many that I embraced.
Here’s the problem. How do you know it is in fact an opportunity with future good fortune waiting in the wings? you know it by watching all your fellows chilling out beside the Rohtas Fort and latter enjoying the sunset beside the river Jehlum....
That Rohtas Trip was actually a missed opportunity for me.
All Rights Reserved.
Copying is Strictly Prohibited.
Saidpur Village.
Saidpur is a Mughal-era village on the slopes of the Margalla Hills and located off the Hill Road to the east of Daman-e-Koh in Islamabad. The village has the footprints of various civilizations, including Gandhara, Greek, Buddhist, Mughal, Ashoka and the colonial periods, and now serving as a popular recreational spot for both local and foreign visitors.
History
...
Saidpur is named after Sultan Said Khan, son of Sultan Sarang Khan, the Gakhar chief of the Pothohar region (who ruled from Attock to Jehlum) during the reign of the Mughal Emperor Babur.
Said Khan gifted Saidpur village to his daughter who was married to Mughal emperor Jahangir son of Mughal emperor Akbar. Jahangir's memoir, Tuzk-e-Jahangiri mentions him residing at a place “beyond Rawalpindi”, on his way to Kabul, which is believed to be Saidpur.
Saidpur was considered a garden resort and a perpetual spring provided water for drinking and for watering gardens around during the Mughal period.
The village was converted into a place of Hindu worship by a Hindu commander, Raja Man Singh. He constructed a number of small ponds: Rama kunda, Sita kunda, Lakshaman kunda, and Hanuman kunda. The region is home to many Hindu temples that have been preserved; showing the history of Hindu civilisation and architecture in the region.
ReModelling of Village.
In 2006, the Capital Development Authority, under the leadership of Mr. Kamran Lashari, initiated the project of remodelling the Saidpur village aimed at providing the visitors with the glimpses of multi-cultural heritage flourishing under the Margalla Hills.
The government of France provided technical assistance in remodelling and a leading French architect Max Boisrobert visited the site on the invitation of Ambassador of France Mr Regis de Belenet who assured full cooperation of his country in establishing the recreational spot. Max suggested many ideas and techniques to preserve the natural impact of the village during its remodelling.
The initial cost of the project was estimated to be around 400 million rupees
UPLOAD BY SAJJAN ALI ABBASI ANY INFO CONTACTS MOB 03033888813 WABSITE { WWW.SAJJANSINDHI.PEPERONITY.COM } E-MAIL SAJJANSINDHI1@GMAIL.COM
Video videos music photo picture pictures images image movie movies film films news funny fun Channel tv slidshow show song songs audio singer Countries Country pk city village part . youtube album sindhi urdu englis pashto punjabi balochi vip best punjab nwfp blochistan fata azad jammu kashmir Abbaspur Abbotabad Abdul hakim Adda jahan khan Adda shaiwala Akhora khattak Ali chak Allahabad Amangarh Arif wala Attock Badri banda Badin Bagh Bahawalnagar Bahawalpur Balakot Bannau Barbar loi Baroute Bat khela Battagam Bewal Bhai pheru Bhakhar Bhal wal Bhan saeedabad Bhara kahu Bhera Bhimbar Bhirya road Bhuawana Blitang Buchay key Bunair Bunner Burewala Chacklala Chaininda Chak jamal Chak jhumra sawara sheza Chakwal Chaman Charsada Chashma Cha winda Chicha watni Chiniot Chisthtian Chitral Chohar jamali Choppor hatta Chowha saidan shah Chowk azam Mailta Chunian Dadakhel Dadu Daharki Dandot Dargai Darya Daska Daud khel Daulat pur Daur Deh pathaan Depal pur Dera ghazi khan Dera ismail khan Dera murad Jamali Dara nawab sahib Dhatmal Dhirkot Dhoun kal Digri Dijkot Dina Dinga Doaaba Doltala Domeli Dudial Dunyapur Eminabad Estate l.m factory Faisalabad Farooqabad Fateh jang Fateh pur Feroz walla Feroz watan Fiza got Gadoon amazai Gaggo mandi Gakhar Gambaet Garh maharaja Garh more Gari habibullah mari Gawadar Gharo Ghazi Ghotki Ghuzdar Gilgit Gohar Ghoushti Gojar khan Gojra Goular khel Guddu Gujjar khan Gujranwala Gujrat Hafizabad Hala Hangu Hari Pur Hariwala Haroonabad Hasilpur Hussan abad Hattar Hattian Hattian lawencepur Haveli lakha Havelian Hayatabad Hazoro Head marala Hub chowki Hyderabad Islamabad Issa khel Jaccobabad Jaja abasian pur jatan Priwala Jampur Jamrud road Jamshoro Jan pur Jandanwala Jarawala Jauharabad Jehangira Jehanian Jehlum Jhand Jhang Jhatta bhutta Jhelum Jhudo Joharabad Kabir wala Kacha khooh Kahuta Kakul Kakur town kala bagh Kala shah kaku Kalar syedian Kalaswala Kallur kot Kamalia kamalia musa Kamber ali khan Kamokey Kamra Kandh kot Kandiaro karachi Karak karoor pacca karore lalisan kashmir kashmore kasur kazi ahmed khair pur mir khairpur nathan shah khan qah sharif khanbel khandabad khanewal khangaharh khanpur khangah dogran sharif Kharian Khewra khoski Khurian wala khushab khushal kot khuzdar kohat kot addu bunglow ghulam mohd mithan radha kishan kotla arab ali khan jam patdan loharan kotri kumbh kundina kunjah kunri Lahore Laki marwat Lala musa Rukh Laliah Lalshanra Larkana lawrence Layyah Liaquat Lodharan Laralai Lower dir ludhan Machi goth Mailsi Makli Malakwal Mamu kanjan Mandi bahauddin Mandra Manga mandi Mangla sada Mangi Mangla Mangowal Manoabad Manshera Mardan Mari indus Mastoi Matiari Matli Mehar Mehmood kot Mehrab pur Main chunnu Walli Mingora Mir ali Miran shah Mirpur khas mathelo Mohen jo daro More Kunda Morgah Moro Mubarik pur Multan Muridkay Murree Musafir khana Mustung Muzaffarabad Muzaffargarh Nankana sahib Narang mandi Narowal Naseerabad Naudero Naukot Naukundi Nawab shah New saeedabad Nilore Noor pur noranga Noshki Nowshera cantt Nowshera peroz Okara Padidan Pak china fertilizer punjan kisan Panjgoor Pannu aqil Pasni Pasroor Patika Patoki Peshawar Phagwar Phalia Phool nagar Piaro goth Pindi Bhattian Bhohri Dadan khan gheb Pir mahal pir pai Pishin punjgor Qalandarabad Qasba gujrat Qazi ahmed Qaidabad Quetta Rabwah Rahimyar khan Rahwali Raiwand Rajana Rajanpur Rangoo Ranipur Ratto dero Rawala kot Rawalpindi Rawat Renala khurd Risalpur Pohri Sadiqabad Sagri Sahiwal Saidu sharif Sajawal Sakrand Samanabad Sambial Samma satta samundri sanghar sanghi sangla hill sangote sanjawal sara e alamgir narang sargodha satyana bangla Sehar baqlas Serai alamgir Shadiwal shah kot Shahdad kot pur shahpur chakar shaikhupura Shakargraph shamsabad Shankiari Shedani sharif Sheikhupura shemier shikar pur Shorkot Shujabad sialkot Sibi Sihala Sikandarabad silanwala Sita road Skardu Sohawa distric daska sukkur Swabi Swatmingora Takhtbai Talagang Talamba Talhur Tando adam allahyar jam mohd khan Tank Tarbela Tarmatan Tarmol Taunsa sharif Taxila Tharo shah tharparkar Thatta Theing jattan more Thull Tibba sultanpur Tobatek singh Topi Toru Trinda pannah Turbat Ubaro Ugoki Ukba Umar kot Upper deval dir usta mohammad Vehari Village sunder wah cantt wahi hassain Wan radha ram Warah Warburton wazirabad Yazman Zahir pur Ziarat jaaz mobilink zong warid telenor pk ufone nokia lg sony ericsson samsung q mobile china engro foods Zulfi Sahah BACHAYO FUNNY PATHAR DUNYA KHONI MANHO Qader bux Mawali no 1 Sikander Sanam DVD indian top callectiom flood com computer google yahoo mp4 mp3 3gp 3ggp avi mpeg acc full ABU DHABI ADEN (Yeman PDR) AFGHANISTAN AJMAN ALBANIA ALGERIA ANGOLA ARGENTINA AUSTRALIA AUSTRIA BAHRAIN BANGLADESH BELGIUM BHUTAN BOLIVIA BRAZIL CUBA CYPRUS CZECHOSLOVAKIA DENMARK (QATAR)DUBAI EGYPT ETHOPIA FALKLAND FIJI FINLAND FRANCE
FUJAIRAH GERMANY EAST GERMANY WEST GIBRALTER GREAT BRITAIN GREECE MALTA MAURITANIA MAURIUS MEXICO MOROCCO MONGOLIA MOZAMBIQUE MUSCAT(OMAN) NAMIBIA NEPAL NETHERLANDS NEWZELAND NICGERIA NORWAY PANAMA PAKISTAN PHILIPPINES. SPAIN SRI LANKA SOUTH WEST AFRICA SUDAN SWEDEN SWITZERLAND
TANZANIA THAILAND TURKEY TAIWA
U.A.E UGANDA U.S.A VIETNAM VENZUMELA YUGOSLAVIA YEMEN ZAMBIA ZIMBABWE
The end Waseb one news one aaj tv ptv home ptv news geo news atv ptv national world mtv filmazia starlite silver screen ktn news apna channel n vibe kashish tv music kashish dhoom tv kook tv joo doom avt khyber dm digital world waqat tv tensport pakistan ary digital asia music hum aag samaa geo super rohi dawn express dharti music dharti songs dharti dharti mehran din news rung r world g kaboom awaz zee tv network cinema zee smile b4u
movie Sindhi urdu music bollywood hollywood english pakistani punjabi indian benazeer bhoto songs lollywood punjabi film funny video fun megic india music song flexshow singer urdu singer pak pk folk cartoon welcome rang channel movie sehira geet mala mama lalu I love you abdul manan comedy dulhan mehndi brid bridal shadi muhammad qasim maka music channel
Abid Baig Abida Parveen Ahmed Mughal Allah Dino Khaskhely Allan Faqeer Amber Mehak Ameran begum Amir Shah Arshad Mehmood Ashiq Nizamani Asif Siyal AKHTIAR Ali DAYO Balak Sindhi Barkat ali gopang Barkat Ali Bedil Masroo Deeba Kanwal Deeba Samena kanwal Sahar Deedar Soomro Farzana Gul Farzana parveen Gul Sher Tewno Gullam Ali Samo Gullam Shabir samo Gullam hussian Hafeez Lashari Humera Channa Huzoor Bux Iqrar Waheed Jalal Chandio Jalal jogi Jaag Sindhi Jaag Kami Shah Manzoor Sakhirani Mashooq Khokhar Lemo faqir Marvi sindhu Master Manzoor Mehtab kanwal Mohammad Yousf Mukhtiyar Nadeem Mirani Najaf Ali Riaz Soomro Runa Laila Sadiq Faqeer Saeed Tunio Saima Manzoor Sajjad Yousf Sajjan Sindhi Sarmad Sindhi SAJID ALI SAJID Shafi Faqeeer Shahryar Ali Shahnila Ali Shaman Ali Mirali Shazia Khushk Sodho Leghari Suraya Soomro Tameer Hussain Tariq Chandio Tehmina Kanwal Tufail Sanjrani Ustad Juman Waheed Ali Waheed Hakro Waheed Lashari Zahid Gul Zamin Ali Zareena Baloch Zufi Ali Sabira sultana Deba sahar Aaroh
Abbas Ali Khan Abeer Abida Paeveen Abrar ul Haq Adeel Barki Adnan Sami Ahmed Jahanzeb Akaash Alamgir Ali Azmat Ali Haider Ali Khan Ali Noor Ali Sheikh Ali Sher Ali Zafar Amir Saleem Amir Zaki Annie Arif Lohar Arooj Aftab Arsh Asad Khan Ashar Asim Raza Atif Aslam Attaullah Essakhailvi Awaz Azaish Basit Bilawal Black Warrant Brian & Asim Bunny Call Danish Rahi Dehek Devotion Dhanak Dilara Dr Aur Billa Dramas Entity Paradigm Evolution Faisal Ali Khan Faisal Latif Fakhir Mehmood Fakhr e Alam Falak Farah Hassan Farida Khanum Fariha Pervaiz Fringe Benefits Fuzon Ghulam Ali Goonj Hadiqa Kiani Haroon Humera Arshad Imik Inteha Irtaash Jal Jawad Ahmed Jawad Kahlown Jazba Jimmy Attre Junaid Jamshed Kaavish Karavan Khadija Haider Khawar & Faiza Lagan Live Wires Malkoo Mauj Mazhar Rahi Mehdi Hassan Mekaal Hasan Band Mir Mizmaar Movies Musarrat Nazir Nadeem Jafri Nadeem Shahid Najam Shiraz Naseebo Lal Naweed Nayyara Noor Nazia & Zohaib Nijat Nizar Ali Noor Jehan Noori Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan Offroad Omer Inayat Opre
Overdrive Raasta Rabi Pirzada Rage Rahim Shah Raza Rizvi Razam Riqa Riznom Rizwan ul Haq Roxen Rubber Band Rungg Saima Khan Saira Arshad Saira Naseem Sajjad Ali Saleem Javed Salman Pirzada Saraab Shah Zaman Shahida Minni Shahzad Mughal Shahzad Roy Shah Zaman Sharique Roomi Shazia Manzoor Shiraz Uppal Shuja Haider Streben Strings Sur Surrayya Multanikar Taimur Tanveer Afridi Tarzz Tayyaba Tina Sani Uzma Shah Various Visaal Vital Signs Waqar Ali Waris Baig Yasir Akhtar Zavia Zoak Zohaib Hassan Aamir Khan Abhishek Bachchan Aftab Shivdasani Ajay Devgan Akshay Kumar Akshaye Khanna Amitabh Bachchan Anil Kapoor Arjun Rampal Arshad Warsi Ashmit Patel Bobby Deol Dino Morea Emraan Hashmi Fardeen Khan Govinda Himanshu Malik Hrithik Roshan Imran Khan Jackie Shroff Jimmy Shergill John Abraham Manoj Bajpai Priyanshu Chatterji Rahul Khanna Rahuldev Ranbir Kapoor Ritesh Deshmukh Sahil Khan Saif Ali Khan Salman Khan Sanjay Dutt Shahid Kapoor Shahrukh Khan Sunil Shetty Sunny Deol Tushar Kapoor Upen Patel Vivek Oberoi Zayed Khan Aarti Chabria Aishwarya Rai Amisha Patel Amrita Arora Amrita Rao Antra Mali Asin Thottumkal Ayesha Takia Bhumika Chawla Bipasha Basu Celina Jaitley Cleo Issac Deepa Chari Deepika Padukone Diana Hayden Diya Mirza Esha Deol Freida Pinto Genelia D Souza Gracy Singh Gul Panag Hrishitaa Bhatt Isha Koppikar Jiah Khan Juhi Chawla Kajol Kangana Ranaut Kareena Kapoor Karishma Kapoor Kashmira Shah Katrina Kaif Kim Sharma Kirti Reddy Koena Mitra Konkona Sen Sharma Lara Dutta Lisa Ray Madhuri Dixit Mahima Chaudhary Malaika Arora Mallika Sherawat Mandira Bedi Manisha Koirala Meghna Naidu Minissha Lamba Monikangana Dutta Mughda Godse Nagma Naina Dhariwal Namrata Shirodkar Nandita Das Natasha Nauheed Cyrusi Negar Khan Neha Dhupia Payal Rohatgi Perizaad Zorabian Pia Trivedi Pooja Batra Prachi Desai Preeti Jhingiani Preity Zinta Priya Gill Priyanka Chopra Raima Sen Rani Mukherjee Raveena Tandon Reema Sen Rekha Rimi Sen Rinki Khanna Riya Sen Sameera Reddy Shamita Shetty Sheetal Mallar Sherlyn Chopra Shilpa Reddy Shilpa Shetty Shriya Saran Soha Ali Khan Sonal Chauhan Sonali Bendre Sonam Kapoor Sridevi Suman Rangnathan Sushmita Sen Tabu Tanisha Mukherjee Tanushree Dutta Tara Sharma Tejaswini Kolhapure Twinkle Khanna Udita Goswami Urmila Matondkar Vidisha Pavate Vidya Balan Vidya Malvade Yana Gupta Yukta Mukhi Video videos music photo picture pictures images image movie movies film films news funny fun Channel tv slidshow show song songs audio singer Countries Country pk city village part . youtube album sindhi urdu englis pashto punjabi balochi vip best punjab nwfp blochistan fata azad jammu kashmir
UPLOAD BY SAJJAN ALI ABBASI ANY INFO CONTACTS MOB 03033888813 WABSITE { WWW.SAJJANSINDHI.PEPERONITY.COM } E-MAIL SAJJANSINDHI1@GMAIL.COM
Video videos music photo picture pictures images image movie movies film films news funny fun Channel tv slidshow show song songs audio singer Countries Country pk city village part . youtube album sindhi urdu englis pashto punjabi balochi vip best punjab nwfp blochistan fata azad jammu kashmir Abbaspur Abbotabad Abdul hakim Adda jahan khan Adda shaiwala Akhora khattak Ali chak Allahabad Amangarh Arif wala Attock Badri banda Badin Bagh Bahawalnagar Bahawalpur Balakot Bannau Barbar loi Baroute Bat khela Battagam Bewal Bhai pheru Bhakhar Bhal wal Bhan saeedabad Bhara kahu Bhera Bhimbar Bhirya road Bhuawana Blitang Buchay key Bunair Bunner Burewala Chacklala Chaininda Chak jamal Chak jhumra sawara sheza Chakwal Chaman Charsada Chashma Cha winda Chicha watni Chiniot Chisthtian Chitral Chohar jamali Choppor hatta Chowha saidan shah Chowk azam Mailta Chunian Dadakhel Dadu Daharki Dandot Dargai Darya Daska Daud khel Daulat pur Daur Deh pathaan Depal pur Dera ghazi khan Dera ismail khan Dera murad Jamali Dara nawab sahib Dhatmal Dhirkot Dhoun kal Digri Dijkot Dina Dinga Doaaba Doltala Domeli Dudial Dunyapur Eminabad Estate l.m factory Faisalabad Farooqabad Fateh jang Fateh pur Feroz walla Feroz watan Fiza got Gadoon amazai Gaggo mandi Gakhar Gambaet Garh maharaja Garh more Gari habibullah mari Gawadar Gharo Ghazi Ghotki Ghuzdar Gilgit Gohar Ghoushti Gojar khan Gojra Goular khel Guddu Gujjar khan Gujranwala Gujrat Hafizabad Hala Hangu Hari Pur Hariwala Haroonabad Hasilpur Hussan abad Hattar Hattian Hattian lawencepur Haveli lakha Havelian Hayatabad Hazoro Head marala Hub chowki Hyderabad Islamabad Issa khel Jaccobabad Jaja abasian pur jatan Priwala Jampur Jamrud road Jamshoro Jan pur Jandanwala Jarawala Jauharabad Jehangira Jehanian Jehlum Jhand Jhang Jhatta bhutta Jhelum Jhudo Joharabad Kabir wala Kacha khooh Kahuta Kakul Kakur town kala bagh Kala shah kaku Kalar syedian Kalaswala Kallur kot Kamalia kamalia musa Kamber ali khan Kamokey Kamra Kandh kot Kandiaro karachi Karak karoor pacca karore lalisan kashmir kashmore kasur kazi ahmed khair pur mir khairpur nathan shah khan qah sharif khanbel khandabad khanewal khangaharh khanpur khangah dogran sharif Kharian Khewra khoski Khurian wala khushab khushal kot khuzdar kohat kot addu bunglow ghulam mohd mithan radha kishan kotla arab ali khan jam patdan loharan kotri kumbh kundina kunjah kunri Lahore Laki marwat Lala musa Rukh Laliah Lalshanra Larkana lawrence Layyah Liaquat Lodharan Laralai Lower dir ludhan Machi goth Mailsi Makli Malakwal Mamu kanjan Mandi bahauddin Mandra Manga mandi Mangla sada Mangi Mangla Mangowal Manoabad Manshera Mardan Mari indus Mastoi Matiari Matli Mehar Mehmood kot Mehrab pur Main chunnu Walli Mingora Mir ali Miran shah Mirpur khas mathelo Mohen jo daro More Kunda Morgah Moro Mubarik pur Multan Muridkay Murree Musafir khana Mustung Muzaffarabad Muzaffargarh Nankana sahib Narang mandi Narowal Naseerabad Naudero Naukot Naukundi Nawab shah New saeedabad Nilore Noor pur noranga Noshki Nowshera cantt Nowshera peroz Okara Padidan Pak china fertilizer punjan kisan Panjgoor Pannu aqil Pasni Pasroor Patika Patoki Peshawar Phagwar Phalia Phool nagar Piaro goth Pindi Bhattian Bhohri Dadan khan gheb Pir mahal pir pai Pishin punjgor Qalandarabad Qasba gujrat Qazi ahmed Qaidabad Quetta Rabwah Rahimyar khan Rahwali Raiwand Rajana Rajanpur Rangoo Ranipur Ratto dero Rawala kot Rawalpindi Rawat Renala khurd Risalpur Pohri Sadiqabad Sagri Sahiwal Saidu sharif Sajawal Sakrand Samanabad Sambial Samma satta samundri sanghar sanghi sangla hill sangote sanjawal sara e alamgir narang sargodha satyana bangla Sehar baqlas Serai alamgir Shadiwal shah kot Shahdad kot pur shahpur chakar shaikhupura Shakargraph shamsabad Shankiari Shedani sharif Sheikhupura shemier shikar pur Shorkot Shujabad sialkot Sibi Sihala Sikandarabad silanwala Sita road Skardu Sohawa distric daska sukkur Swabi Swatmingora Takhtbai Talagang Talamba Talhur Tando adam allahyar jam mohd khan Tank Tarbela Tarmatan Tarmol Taunsa sharif Taxila Tharo shah tharparkar Thatta Theing jattan more Thull Tibba sultanpur Tobatek singh Topi Toru Trinda pannah Turbat Ubaro Ugoki Ukba Umar kot Upper deval dir usta mohammad Vehari Village sunder wah cantt wahi hassain Wan radha ram Warah Warburton wazirabad Yazman Zahir pur Ziarat jaaz mobilink zong warid telenor pk ufone nokia lg sony ericsson samsung q mobile china engro foods Zulfi Sahah BACHAYO FUNNY PATHAR DUNYA KHONI MANHO Qader bux Mawali no 1 Sikander Sanam DVD indian top callectiom flood com computer google yahoo mp4 mp3 3gp 3ggp avi mpeg acc full ABU DHABI ADEN (Yeman PDR) AFGHANISTAN AJMAN ALBANIA ALGERIA ANGOLA ARGENTINA AUSTRALIA AUSTRIA BAHRAIN BANGLADESH BELGIUM BHUTAN BOLIVIA BRAZIL CUBA CYPRUS CZECHOSLOVAKIA DENMARK (QATAR)DUBAI EGYPT ETHOPIA FALKLAND FIJI FINLAND FRANCE
FUJAIRAH GERMANY EAST GERMANY WEST GIBRALTER GREAT BRITAIN GREECE MALTA MAURITANIA MAURIUS MEXICO MOROCCO MONGOLIA MOZAMBIQUE MUSCAT(OMAN) NAMIBIA NEPAL NETHERLANDS NEWZELAND NICGERIA NORWAY PANAMA PAKISTAN PHILIPPINES. SPAIN SRI LANKA SOUTH WEST AFRICA SUDAN SWEDEN SWITZERLAND
TANZANIA THAILAND TURKEY TAIWA
U.A.E UGANDA U.S.A VIETNAM VENZUMELA YUGOSLAVIA YEMEN ZAMBIA ZIMBABWE
The end Waseb one news one aaj tv ptv home ptv news geo news atv ptv national world mtv filmazia starlite silver screen ktn news apna channel n vibe kashish tv music kashish dhoom tv kook tv joo doom avt khyber dm digital world waqat tv tensport pakistan ary digital asia music hum aag samaa geo super rohi dawn express dharti music dharti songs dharti dharti mehran din news rung r world g kaboom awaz zee tv network cinema zee smile b4u
movie Sindhi urdu music bollywood hollywood english pakistani punjabi indian benazeer bhoto songs lollywood punjabi film funny video fun megic india music song flexshow singer urdu singer pak pk folk cartoon welcome rang channel movie sehira geet mala mama lalu I love you abdul manan comedy dulhan mehndi brid bridal shadi muhammad qasim maka music channel
Abid Baig Abida Parveen Ahmed Mughal Allah Dino Khaskhely Allan Faqeer Amber Mehak Ameran begum Amir Shah Arshad Mehmood Ashiq Nizamani Asif Siyal AKHTIAR Ali DAYO Balak Sindhi Barkat ali gopang Barkat Ali Bedil Masroo Deeba Kanwal Deeba Samena kanwal Sahar Deedar Soomro Farzana Gul Farzana parveen Gul Sher Tewno Gullam Ali Samo Gullam Shabir samo Gullam hussian Hafeez Lashari Humera Channa Huzoor Bux Iqrar Waheed Jalal Chandio Jalal jogi Jaag Sindhi Jaag Kami Shah Manzoor Sakhirani Mashooq Khokhar Lemo faqir Marvi sindhu Master Manzoor Mehtab kanwal Mohammad Yousf Mukhtiyar Nadeem Mirani Najaf Ali Riaz Soomro Runa Laila Sadiq Faqeer Saeed Tunio Saima Manzoor Sajjad Yousf Sajjan Sindhi Sarmad Sindhi SAJID ALI SAJID Shafi Faqeeer Shahryar Ali Shahnila Ali Shaman Ali Mirali Shazia Khushk Sodho Leghari Suraya Soomro Tameer Hussain Tariq Chandio Tehmina Kanwal Tufail Sanjrani Ustad Juman Waheed Ali Waheed Hakro Waheed Lashari Zahid Gul Zamin Ali Zareena Baloch Zufi Ali Sabira sultana Deba sahar Aaroh
Abbas Ali Khan Abeer Abida Paeveen Abrar ul Haq Adeel Barki Adnan Sami Ahmed Jahanzeb Akaash Alamgir Ali Azmat Ali Haider Ali Khan Ali Noor Ali Sheikh Ali Sher Ali Zafar Amir Saleem Amir Zaki Annie Arif Lohar Arooj Aftab Arsh Asad Khan Ashar Asim Raza Atif Aslam Attaullah Essakhailvi Awaz Azaish Basit Bilawal Black Warrant Brian & Asim Bunny Call Danish Rahi Dehek Devotion Dhanak Dilara Dr Aur Billa Dramas Entity Paradigm Evolution Faisal Ali Khan Faisal Latif Fakhir Mehmood Fakhr e Alam Falak Farah Hassan Farida Khanum Fariha Pervaiz Fringe Benefits Fuzon Ghulam Ali Goonj Hadiqa Kiani Haroon Humera Arshad Imik Inteha Irtaash Jal Jawad Ahmed Jawad Kahlown Jazba Jimmy Attre Junaid Jamshed Kaavish Karavan Khadija Haider Khawar & Faiza Lagan Live Wires Malkoo Mauj Mazhar Rahi Mehdi Hassan Mekaal Hasan Band Mir Mizmaar Movies Musarrat Nazir Nadeem Jafri Nadeem Shahid Najam Shiraz Naseebo Lal Naweed Nayyara Noor Nazia & Zohaib Nijat Nizar Ali Noor Jehan Noori Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan Offroad Omer Inayat Opre
Overdrive Raasta Rabi Pirzada Rage Rahim Shah Raza Rizvi Razam Riqa Riznom Rizwan ul Haq Roxen Rubber Band Rungg Saima Khan Saira Arshad Saira Naseem Sajjad Ali Saleem Javed Salman Pirzada Saraab Shah Zaman Shahida Minni Shahzad Mughal Shahzad Roy Shah Zaman Sharique Roomi Shazia Manzoor Shiraz Uppal Shuja Haider Streben Strings Sur Surrayya Multanikar Taimur Tanveer Afridi Tarzz Tayyaba Tina Sani Uzma Shah Various Visaal Vital Signs Waqar Ali Waris Baig Yasir Akhtar Zavia Zoak Zohaib Hassan Aamir Khan Abhishek Bachchan Aftab Shivdasani Ajay Devgan Akshay Kumar Akshaye Khanna Amitabh Bachchan Anil Kapoor Arjun Rampal Arshad Warsi Ashmit Patel Bobby Deol Dino Morea Emraan Hashmi Fardeen Khan Govinda Himanshu Malik Hrithik Roshan Imran Khan Jackie Shroff Jimmy Shergill John Abraham Manoj Bajpai Priyanshu Chatterji Rahul Khanna Rahuldev Ranbir Kapoor Ritesh Deshmukh Sahil Khan Saif Ali Khan Salman Khan Sanjay Dutt Shahid Kapoor Shahrukh Khan Sunil Shetty Sunny Deol Tushar Kapoor Upen Patel Vivek Oberoi Zayed Khan Aarti Chabria Aishwarya Rai Amisha Patel Amrita Arora Amrita Rao Antra Mali Asin Thottumkal Ayesha Takia Bhumika Chawla Bipasha Basu Celina Jaitley Cleo Issac Deepa Chari Deepika Padukone Diana Hayden Diya Mirza Esha Deol Freida Pinto Genelia D Souza Gracy Singh Gul Panag Hrishitaa Bhatt Isha Koppikar Jiah Khan Juhi Chawla Kajol Kangana Ranaut Kareena Kapoor Karishma Kapoor Kashmira Shah Katrina Kaif Kim Sharma Kirti Reddy Koena Mitra Konkona Sen Sharma Lara Dutta Lisa Ray Madhuri Dixit Mahima Chaudhary Malaika Arora Mallika Sherawat Mandira Bedi Manisha Koirala Meghna Naidu Minissha Lamba Monikangana Dutta Mughda Godse Nagma Naina Dhariwal Namrata Shirodkar Nandita Das Natasha Nauheed Cyrusi Negar Khan Neha Dhupia Payal Rohatgi Perizaad Zorabian Pia Trivedi Pooja Batra Prachi Desai Preeti Jhingiani Preity Zinta Priya Gill Priyanka Chopra Raima Sen Rani Mukherjee Raveena Tandon Reema Sen Rekha Rimi Sen Rinki Khanna Riya Sen Sameera Reddy Shamita Shetty Sheetal Mallar Sherlyn Chopra Shilpa Reddy Shilpa Shetty Shriya Saran Soha Ali Khan Sonal Chauhan Sonali Bendre Sonam Kapoor Sridevi Suman Rangnathan Sushmita Sen Tabu Tanisha Mukherjee Tanushree Dutta Tara Sharma Tejaswini Kolhapure Twinkle Khanna Udita Goswami Urmila Matondkar Vidisha Pavate Vidya Balan Vidya Malvade Yana Gupta Yukta Mukhi Video videos music photo picture pictures images image movie movies film films news funny fun Channel tv slidshow show song songs audio singer Countries Country pk city village part . youtube album sindhi urdu englis pashto punjabi balochi vip best punjab nwfp blochistan fata azad jammu kashmir
VISHNU
Vishnu (/ˈvɪʃnuː/; Sanskrit: Viṣṇu) is a popular Hindu deity, the Supreme God of Vaishnavism (one of the three principal denominations of Hinduism) and one of the three supreme deities (Trimurti) of Hinduism. He is also known as Lord Narayana and Lord Hari. As one of the five primary forms of God in the Smarta tradition, He is conceived as "the Preserver or the Protector" within the Trimurti, the Hindu Trinity of the divinity.
In Hindu sacred texts, Vishnu is usually described as having dark complexion of water-filled clouds and as having four arms. He is depicted as a blue being, holding a padma (lotus flower) in the lower left hand, the Kaumodaki gada (mace) in the lower right hand, the Panchajanya shankha (conch) in the upper left hand and the discus weapon Sudarshana Chakra in the upper right hand.
Adherents of Hinduism believe Vishnu's eternal and supreme abode beyond the material universe is called Vaikuntha, which is also known as Paramdhama, the realm of eternal bliss and happiness and the final or highest place for liberated souls who have attained Moksha. Vaikuntha is situated beyond the material universe and hence, cannot be perceived or measured by material science or logic. Vishnu's other abode within the material universe is Ksheera Sagara (the ocean of milk), where he reclines and rests on Ananta Shesha, (the king of the serpent deities, commonly shown with a thousand heads). In almost all Hindu denominations, Vishnu is either worshipped directly or in the form of his ten avatars, the most famous of whom are Rama and Krishna.
The Puranabharati, an ancient text, describes these as the dashavatara, or the ten avatars of Vishnu. Among the ten described, nine have occurred in the past and one will take place in the future as Lord Kalki, at the end of Kali Yuga, (the fourth and final stage in the cycle of yugas that the world goes through). These incarnations take place in all Yugas in cosmic scales; the avatars and their stories show that gods are indeed unimaginable, unthinkable and inconceivable. The Bhagavad Gita mentions their purpose as being to rejuvenate Dharma, to vanquish those negative forces of evil that threaten dharma, and also to display His divine nature in front of all souls.
The Trimurti (three forms) is a concept in Hinduism "in which the cosmic functions of creation, maintenance, and destruction are personified by the forms of Brahma the creator, Vishnu the maintainer, preserver or protector and Shiva the destroyer or transformer." These three deities have also been called "the Hindu triad" or the "Great Trinity", all having the same meaning of three in One. They are the different forms or manifestation of One person the Supreme Being or Narayana/Svayam Bhagavan.
Vishnu is also venerated as Mukunda, which means God who is the giver of mukti or moksha (liberation from the cycle of rebirths) to his devotees or the worthy ones who deserve salvation from the material world.
ETYMOLOGY
The traditional explanation of the name Vishnu involves the root viś, meaning "to settle" (cognate with Latin vicus, English -wich "village," Slavic: vas -ves), or also (in the Rigveda) "to enter into, to pervade," glossing the name as "the All-Pervading One". Yaska, an early commentator on the Vedas, in his Nirukta, (etymological interpretation), defines Vishnu as viṣṇur viṣvater vā vyaśnoter vā, "one who enters everywhere". He also writes, atha yad viṣito bhavati tad viṣnurbhavati, "that which is free from fetters and bondages is Vishnu".
Adi Shankara in his commentary on the Sahasranama states derivation from viś, with a meaning "presence everywhere" ("As he pervades everything, vevesti, he is called Vishnu"). Adi Shankara states (regarding Vishnu Purana, 3.1.45): "The Power of the Supreme Being has entered within the universe. The root viś means 'enter into'." Swami Chinmayananda, in his translation of Vishnu Sahasranama further elaborates on that verse: "The root vis means to enter. The entire world of things and beings is pervaded by Him and the Upanishad emphatically insists in its mantra 'whatever that is there is the world of change.' Hence, it means that He is not limited by space, time or substance. Chinmayananda states that, that which pervades everything is Vishnu."
RELATIONS WITH OTHER DEITIES
SHIVA
The three gods of the Trimurti clan are inseparable and in harmony in view of their common vision and universal good. They are perfectly ideal in all respects.
Both Asuras and Devas played supportive roles in this story by keeping company with Vishnu in his incarnated forms. Hanuman is a vanara who is completely dedicated to Rama. He gives Vishnu company and obeys his command, while playing an important part in Rama's life. He is regarded in Vaishnava canon because it is through blessings that Hanuman is born. Thus, Hanuman, Vishnu's constant companion, with his idol appearing temples of Rama, Krishna and Narasimha, i.e. all of Vishnu's avatars, is considered by Vaishnavas.
Syncretic forces produced stories in which the two deities were shown in cooperative relationships and combined forms. Harihara is the name of a combined deity form of both Vishnu (Hari) and Shiva (Hara). This dual form, which is also called Harirudra, is mentioned in the Mahabharata.
LAKSHMI
Vishnu's consort is Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth (also known as Maya). The Samvit (the primary intelligence/dark matter) of the universe is Vishnu, while the other five attributes emerge from this samvit and hence Maya or dark energy of the universe is Lakshmee is his ahamata, activity, or Vishnu's Power. This power of God, Maya or Shakti, is personified and has multiple names: Shree, Lakshmi, Maya, Vishnumaya or Mahamaya. She is said to manifest as Kriyashakti, (Creative Activity) and Bhutishakti (Creation). This world requires Vishnu's creativity. He therefore needs Lakshmi to always be with Him. Her various avatars as Lord Vishnu's consorts are Varahavatar (Bhoodevi) or Bhoomi, Ramavatar Seeta, Krishnavatar Rukmini)
SARASWATI & GANGA
According to Brahma Vaivarta Purana, Lord Vishnu had three wives Lakshmi, Saraswati and Ganga. Due to their constant quarrelsome nature among them. Once Ganga tried to be close with Vishnu, this rebuked Saraswati but Lakshmi tried to pacify them but faced a curse rather. As per the curse, Lakshmi to appear as Tulasi. Sarawati cursed Ganga to run as a river in the world and Saraswati was cursed to run as a river in the netherworld. After this, Lord Vishnu transformed and became Brahma and Shiva to pacify Saraswati and Ganga.
GARUDA
Vishnu's mount (Vahana) is Garuda, the eagle. Vishnu is commonly depicted as riding on his shoulders.
ICONOGRAPHY
According to various Puranas, Vishnu is the ultimate omnipresent reality and is shapeless and omnipresent. However, a strict iconography governs his representation, whether in pictures, icons, or idols:
He has four arms and is male: The four arms indicate his all-powerful and all-pervasive nature. His physical existence is represented by the two arms in the front, while the two arms at the back represent his presence in the spiritual world. The Upanishad Gopal Uttartapani describes the four arms.
The Shreevatsa mark is on his chest, symbolizing his consort Lakshmi.
He wears the auspicious "Kaustubha" jewel around his neck and a garland of vaijayanti flowers (Vanamala). Lakshmi dwells in this jewel, on Vishnu's chest.
A crown adorns his head: The crown symbolizes his supreme authority. This crown sometimes includes a peacock feather, borrowing from his Krishna-avatar.
He wears two earrings: The earrings represent inherent opposites in creation — knowledge and ignorance; happiness and unhappiness; pleasure and pain.
He rests on Ananta, the immortal and infinite snake.
Vishnu is always to be depicted holding four attributes:
A conch shell or Shankha, named Panchajanya, is held by the upper left hand. It represents Vishnu's power to create and maintain the universe. Panchajanya represents the five elements or Panchabhoota – water, fire, air, earth and sky or space. It also represents the five airs or Pranas that are within the body and mind. The conch symbolizes that Vishnu is the primeval Divine sound of creation and continuity. It also represented as Om. In the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna avatara states that of sound vibrations, 'He is Om'.
The Chakra, a sharp, spinning, discus-like weapon, named "Sudarshana", is held by the upper right hand. It symbolizes the purified spiritualized mind. The name Sudarshana is derived from two words – Su, which means good, superior, and Darshana, which means vision or sight; together. The Chakra represents destruction of ego in the awakening and realization of the soul's original nature and god, burning away spiritual ignorance and illusion, and developing higher spiritual vision and insight to realize god.
A mace or Gada, named "Kaumodaki", is held by the lower right hand. It symbolizes that Vishnu's divine power is the source of all spiritual, mental and physical strength. It also signifies Vishnu's power to destroy materialistic or demonic tendencies (Anarthas) that prevent people from reaching god. Vishnu's mace is the power of the Divine within us to spiritually purify and uplift us from our materialistic bonds.
A lotus flower or Padma is held by the lower left hand. It represents spiritual liberation, Divine perfection, purity and the unfolding of Spiritual consciousness within the individual. The lotus opening its petals in the light of the Sun is indicative of the expansion and awakening of our long dormant, original spiritual consciousness in the light of god. The lotus symbolizes that god is the power and source from which the universe and the individual soul emerges. It also represents Divine Truth or Satya, the originator of the rules of conduct or Dharma, and Divine Vedic knowledge or Jnana. The lotus also symbolizes that Vishnu is the embodiment of spiritual perfection and purity and that He is the wellspring of these qualities and that the individual soul must seek to awaken these intrinsic Divine qualities from Vishnu by surrendering to and linking with Him.
To this may be added, conventionally, the vanamaala flower garland, Vishnu's bow (Shaarnga/Kodand) and his sword Nandaka. A verse of the Vishnu Sahasranama stotram states;vanamālī gadhī shārngī shanki chakri cha nandaki / shrīmān nārāyaņo vişņo vāsudevo abhirakşatu//; translation: Protect us Oh Lord Narayana who wears the forest garland,who has the mace, conch, sword and the wheel. And who is called Vishnu and the Vasudeva.
In general, Vishnu's body is depicted in one of the following three ways:
Standing on a lotus flower, often with Lakshmi, his consort, beside him on a similar pedestal.
Reclining on the coiled-up thousand-hooded Shesha Naga, with Lakshmi seated at his feet; the assemblage rests on the "Kshira Sagar" (ocean of milk). In this representation, Brahma is depicted as sitting on a lotus that grows out of Vishnu's navel.
Riding on the back of his eagle mount, known as Garuda. Another name for Garuda is "Veda atma"; Soul of the Vedas. The flapping of his wings symbolizes the power of the Divine Truth of Vedic wisdom. Also the eagle represents the soul. Garuda carrying Vishnu symbolizes the soul or jiva atma carrying the Super soul or Param atma within it.
AVATARS
Ten avatars (dashavatara) of Vishnu are the most prominent: Apart from the most prominent incarnations there are believed to more.
The most commonly believed incarnations of Vishnu are:
Matsya, the fish that kills Damanaka to save the vedas and also saves Manu from a great flood that submerges the entire Earth.
Kurma, the turtle that helps the Devas and Asuras churn the ocean for the nectar of immortality.
Varaha, the boar that rescues the Earth and kills Hiranyaksha.
Narasimha, the half-lion half human, who defeats the demon Hiranyakashipu.
Vamana, the dwarf that grows into a giant to save the world from King Bali.
Parashurama, "Rama of the battle axe", a sage who appeared in the Treta Yuga. He killed Kartavirya Arjuna's army and clan and then killed all the kshatriyas 21 times.
Rama, the prince and king of Ayodhya who killed the Demon King Raavan.
Krishna, the eighth avatar of Vishnu, who takes part in the Mahabharata epic. Krishna is worshipped as the Supreme Avatar of Vishnu (Supreme Personality of Godhead) in Gaudiya-Vaishnava philosophy.
Buddha, the ninth avatar of Vishnu.
Kalki, the tenth Avatar of Vishnu and said to be the harbinger of the end Kali Yuga. This avatar of Vishnu is yet to come.
Some versions of the above list include Hayagreeva among the Dashavataras while some include Buddha as ninth avatar of Vishnu. Another 22 avatars are given in Chapter 3, Canto 1 of the Bhagavata Purana, although it states that "the incarnations of the Lord are innumerable, like rivulets flowing from inexhaustible sources of water".
BEYOND HINDUISM
SIKHISM
Guru Granth Sahib of Sikhism mentions Vishnu, one verse goes:
The true Vaishnaav, the devotee of Vishnu, is the one with whom God is thoroughly pleased. He dwells apart from Maya. Performing good deeds, he does not seek rewards. Spotlessly pure is the religion of such a Vaishnaav; he has no desire for the fruits of his labors. He is absorbed in devotional worship and the singing of Kirtan, the songs of the Lords Glory. Within his mind and body, he meditates in remembrance on the Lord of the Universe. He is kind to all creatures. He holds fast to the Naam, and inspires others to chant it. O Nanak, such a Vaishnaav obtains the supreme status.
BUDDHISM
While some Hindus consider Buddha as an incarnation of Vishnu, Buddhists in Sri Lanka venerate Vishnu as the custodian deity of Sri Lanka and protector of Buddhism. Lord Vishnu is also known as upulvan, or uthpala varna, meaning "Blue Lotus coloured". Some postulates that Uthpala varna was a local deity who later merged with Vishnu while another belief is that Uthpala Varna was an early form of Vishnu before he became a supreme deity in Puranic Hinduism. According to Chronicles "Mahawamsa", "Chulawamsa" and folklore in Sri Lanka, Buddha himself handed over the custodianship to Vishnu. Others believe that Buddha entrusted this task to Sakra(Indra) and Sakra delegated this task of custodianship to god Vishnu. In contrary to vedic Hinduism, in assimilation of Hindu god Vishnu into Sinhalese Buddhism, Vishnu becomes a mortal being and a Bodhisattva aspiring Buddhahood. Additionally, Vishnu is considered as the god of home and hearth representing mercy, goodness, order and stability. Many Buddhist and Hindu shrines are dedicated to Vishnu in Sri Lanka. In addition to specific Vishnu "Kovils" or "devalayas", all Buddhist temples necessarily house shrine rooms (Devalayas) closer to the main Buddhist shrine dedicated to Vishnu. John Holt in his groundbreaking study examines the assimilation, transformation, and subordination of the Hindu deity Vishnu within the contexts of Sri Lankan history and Sinhala Buddhist religious culture. He then explores the role and rationale of medieval Sinhala kings in assimilating Visnu into Sinhala Buddhism. According to Holt the veneration of Vishnu in Sri Lanka is evidence of a remarkable ability, over many centuries, to reiterate and reinvent culture as other ethnicities have been absorbed into their own. Though the Vishnu cult in Ceylon was formally endorsed by Kandyan kings in early 1700s, Holt states that vishnu images and shrines are among conspicuous ruins in the medieval capital Polonnaruwa. In Buddhist mythology, when Vishnu failed to traverse the universe in three steps, he was given the title "Ardha Vishnu (Half-Vishnu)" and when Vishnu banished demons from the Vaishali (Vishala)in India, he became "Mulu Vishnu or Whole Vishnu". The extreme significance of god Vishnu in Sinhala society is reflected in recitals of the traditional "Offerings to dwarfs and crossing the door frame (bahirwayanta dola pideem saha uluwahu peneema)" that starts with Sri Vishnu invocation.In the recitals,mentioning of the aspiring Buddhahood of Vishnu which is of prime importance to Buddhists and wishes for him to live five thousand and more years highlight the central role of Vishnu in the psyche of Sri Lankan Buddhists.
_______________________________________________
LAKSHMI
Lakshmi (Sanskrit: लक्ष्मी, lakṣmī, ˈləkʃmi) is the Hindu goddess of wealth, prosperity (both material and spiritual), fortune, and the embodiment of beauty. She is the wife and active energy of Vishnu. Her four hands represent the four goals of human life considered proper in Hindu way of life – dharma, kāma, artha, and moksha. Representations of Lakshmi are also found in Jain monuments. In Buddhist sects of Tibet, Nepal and southeast Asia, goddess Vasudhara mirrors the characteristics and attributes of Hindu goddess Lakshmi, with minor iconographic differences.
Lakshmi is also called Sri or Thirumagal because she is endowed with six auspicious and divine qualities, or Gunas, and also because she is the source of strength even to Vishnu. When Vishnu incarnated on the Earth as the avatars Rama and Krishna, Lakshmi took incarnation as his consort. Sita (Rama's wife), Radha (Krishna's lover), Rukmini is considered forms of Lakshmi. In ancient scriptures of India, all women are declared to be embodiments of Lakshmi. The marriage and relationship between Lakshmi and Vishnu as wife and husband, states Patricia Monaghan, is "the paradigm for rituals and ceremonies for the bride and groom in Hindu weddings".
Archeological discoveries and ancient coins suggest the recognition and reverence for goddess Lakshmi, in Scytho-Parthian kingdom and throughout India, by 1st millennium BC.Lakshmi's iconography and statues have also been found in Hindu temples of southeast Asia, estimated to be from second half of 1st millennium AD.
In modern times, Lakshmi is worshipped as the goddess of wealth. She is also worshipped as the consort of Vishnu in many temples. The festivals of Diwali and Sharad Purnima (Kojagiri Purnima) are celebrated in her honour.
ETYMOLOGY
Lakshmi (Lakṣmī) is one of many Hindu deities whose meaning and significance evolved in ancient Sanskrit texts.
Lakshmi is mentioned once in Rig Veda, but the context suggests that the word does not mean "goddess of wealth and fortune", rather it means "kindred mark or sign of auspicious fortune".
भद्रैषां लक्ष्मीर्निहिताधि वाचि
bhadrauṣāṁ lakṣmīrnihitādhi vāci
"an auspicious fortune is attached to their words"
—Rig Veda, x.71.2, Translated by John Muir
In Atharva Veda, composed about 1000 BC, Lakshmi evolves into a complex concept with plural manifestations. Book 7, Chapter 115 of Atherva Veda describes the plurality, asserts that a hundred Lakshmis are born with the body of a mortal at birth, some good, punya (virtuous) and auspicious, while others bad, paapi (evil) and unfortunate. The good are welcomed, while the bad urged to leave. The concept and spirit of Lakshmi, her association with fortune and the good, is significant enough that Atharva Veda mentions it in multiple books, for example in Book 12, Chapter 5 as punya Lakshmi. In chapters of Atharva Veda, Lakshmi connotes the good, an auspicious sign, good luck, good fortune, prosperity, success and happiness.
In later mythology, Lakshmi is referred to as the goddess of fortune and beauty, identified with Śrī and regarded as the wife of Viṣṇu (Nārāyaṇa). For example, in Shatapatha Brahmana, variously estimated to be composed between 800 BC and 300 BC, Śrī (Lakshmi) is part of one of many theories, in ancient India, about the creation of universe. In Book 9 of Shatapatha Brahmana, Śrī emerges from Prajāpati, after his intense meditation on creation of life and nature of universe. Śrī is described as the beautiful, resplendent and trembling woman at her birth with immense energy and powers. The gods were bewitched, desire her and immediately become covetous of her. The gods approach Prajāpati and request permission to kill her and then take her powers, talents and gifts. Prajāpati refuses, tells the gods that males should not kill females, and that they can seek her gifts without violence. The gods then approach Lakshmi, deity Agni gets food, Soma gets kingly authority, Varuna gets imperial authority, Mitra acquires martial energy, Indra gets force, Brihaspati gets priestly authority, Savitri acquires dominion, Pushan gets splendor, Sarasvati takes nourishment and Tvashtri gets forms. The hymns of Shatapatha Brahmana thus describe Śrī as a goddess born with and personifying a diverse range of talents and powers.
According to another legend, she emerges during the creation of universe, floating over the water on the expanded petals of a lotus flower; she is also variously regarded as wife of Sūrya, as wife of Prajāpati, as wife of Dharma and mother of Kāma, as sister or mother of Dhātṛ and Vidhātṛ, as wife of Dattatreya, as one of the nine Śaktis of Viṣṇu, as a manifestation of Prakṛti, as identified with Dākshāyaṇī in Bharataśrama, and with Sītā, wife of Rāma, and with other women.
In the Epics of Hinduism, such as in the Mahabharata, Laksmi personifies wealth, riches, beauty, happiness, loveliness, grace, charm and splendour. In another Hindu legend about the creation of universe, described in the Ramayana, Lakshmi springs with other precious things from the foam of the ocean of milk when churned by the gods and demons for the recovery of the Amṛta. She appeared with a lotus in her hand, whence she is also called Padmā.
ROOT OF THE WORLD
Lakshmi in Sanskrit is derived from the root word lakṣ (लक्ष्) and lakṣa (लक्ष), meaning "to perceive, observe, know, understand" and "goal, aim, objective" respectively. These roots give Lakshmi the symbolism – know and understand your goal. A related term is lakṣaṇa, which means "sign, target, aim, symbol, attribute, quality, lucky mark, auspicious opportunity".
SYMBOLISM AND ICONOGRAPHY
The image, icons and sculpture of Lakshmi is represented with symbolism. Her name is derived from Sanskrit root words for know the goal and understand the objective. Her four arms are symbolic of the four goals of human being that are considered good in Hinduism - dharma (pursuit of ethical, moral life), artha (pursuit of wealth, means of life), kama (pursuit of love, emotional fulfillment), and moksha (pursuit of self-knowledge, liberation).
In Lakshmi's iconography, she is either sitting or standing on lotus, and typically also carries lotus in one or two hands. Lotus carries symbolic meanings in Hinduism and other Indian traditions. It symbolically represents reality, consciousness and karma (work, deed) in Sahasrara context, and knowledge and self-realization in other contexts. Lotus, a flower that blossoms in clean or dirty water, also symbolizes purity and beauty regardless of the good or bad circumstances in which its grows. It is a reminder that good and prosperity can bloom and not be affected by evil in one's surrounding. Below, behind or on the sides, Lakshmi is sometimes shown with one or two elephants, and occasionally with an owl. Elephants symbolize work, activity and strength, as well as water, rain and fertility for abundant prosperity. The owl, called Pechaka in eastern regions of India, signifies the patient striving to observe, see and discover knowledge particularly when surrounded by darkness. Owl, a bird that becomes blind in daylight, is also a symbolic reminder to refrain from blindness and greed after knowledge and wealth has been acquired.
Wealth symbolically pours out from one of her hands in some representations, or she simply holds a jar of wealth in some representations. This symbolism has multiple meanings. Wealth manifested through Lakshmi means both material as well as spiritual wealth. Her face and open hands are in a mudra that signify compassion, giving or daana (charity).
Lakshmi typically wears a red dress embroidered with golden threads, symbolism for beauty and wealth. She, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, is often represented with her husband Vishnu, the god who maintains human life filled with justice and peace. This symbolism implies wealth and prosperity is coupled with maintenance of life, justice and peace.
NAMES
Lakshmi has numerous names, and numerous ancient Stotram and Sutras of Hinduism recite her various names. She is very closely associated with the lotus, and her many epithets are connected to the flower, such as:
Padma: lotus dweller
Kamala: lotus dweller
Padmapriya: One who likes lotuses
Padmamaladhara devi: One who wears a garland of lotuses
Padmamukhi: One whose face is as beautiful as a lotus
Padmakshi: One whose eyes are as beautiful as a lotus
Padmahasta: One who holds a lotus
Padmasundari: One who is as beautiful as a lotus
Her other names include:
Vishnupriya: One who is the beloved of Vishnu
Ulkavahini: One who rides an owl
Her other names include: Ambika, Manushri, Mohini, Chakrika, Kamalika, Aishwarya, Lalima, Indira, Kalyani, Nandika, Nandini, Rujula, Vaishnavi, Samruddhi, Narayani, Bhargavi, Sridevi, Chanchala, Jalaja, Madhavi, Sujata, Shreya, Maheshwari, Madhu, Madhavi, Paramaa, Janamodini, Tripura, Tulasi, Ketaki, Malati, Vidhya, Trilochana, Tilottama, Subha, Chandika, Devi, Kriyalakshmi, Viroopa, Vani, Gayatri, Savitri, Apara or Aparajita, Aparna, Aruna, Akhila, Bala, Tara, Kuhu, Poornima, Aditi, Anumati, Avashyaa, Sita, Taruni, Jyotsna, Jyoti, Nimeshika, Atibha, Ishaani, Smriti and Sri. She is also referred to as Jaganmaatha ("Mother of the Universe") in Shri Mahalakshmi Ashtakam.
ANCIENT LITERATURE ON LAKSHMI
UPANISHADS
Shakta Upanishads are dedicated to the trinity of goddesses - Lakshmi, Saraswati and Parvati. Saubhagya Lakshmi Upanishad, estimated to be composed before 300 BC, describes the qualities, characteristics and powers of Lakshmi. In second part of the Upanishad, the emphasis shifts to the use of yoga and transcendence from material craving in order to achieve spiritual knowledge and self-realization, the true wealth. Saubhagya-Lakshmi Upanishad synonymously uses Sri to describe Lakshmi.
STOTRAMS AND SUTRAS
Numerous ancient Stotram and Sutras of Hinduism recite hymns dedicated to Lakshmi. She is a major goddess in the Puranas and Itihasa of Hinduism. In ancient scriptures of India, all women are declared to be embodiments of Lakshmi. For example,
Every woman is an embodiment of you.
You exist as little girls in their childhood,
As young women in their youth,
And as elderly women in their old age.
—Sri Kamala Stotram
Every woman is an emanation of you.
—Sri Daivakrta Laksmi Stotram
Ancient prayers dedicated to Lakshmi seek both material and spiritual wealth in prayers.
PURANAS
Lakshmi features prominently in the Puranas of Hinduism. Vishnu Purana, in particular, dedicates many sections to her and also refers to her as Śrī. J. A. B. van Buitenen translates passages describing Lakshmi in Vishnu Purana as, "Śrī, loyal to Vishnu, is the mother of the world. Vishnu is the meaning, Śrī is the speech. She is the conduct, he the behavior. Vishnu is knowledge, she the insight. He is dharma, she the virtuous action. She is the earth, he earth's upholder. She is contentment, he the satisfaction. She is wish, he is the desire. Śrī is the sky, Vishnu the Self of everything. He is the moon, she the beauty of moon. He is the ocean, she is the shore". This unified, complementing and integrated image of Lakshmi and Vishnu as wife and husband, notes Patricia Monaghan, is "the paradigm for rituals and ceremonies for the bride and groom in Hindu weddings".
SUBHASITA, GNOMIC AND DIDACTIC LITERATURE
Lakshmi, along with Parvati and Saraswati, are subjects of extensive Subhasita, gnomic and didactic literature of India. Composed in 1st millennium BC through the 16th century AD, these are short poems, proverbs, couplets or aphorisms in Sanskrit, written in precise meter. They sometimes take the form of dialogue between Lakshmi and Vishnu, or highlight the spiritual message in Vedas and ethical maxims from Hindu Epics through Lakshmi. An example Subhashita is Puranarthasamgraha, compiled by Vekataraya in South India, where Lakshmi and Vishnu discuss niti (right, moral conduct) and rajaniti (statesmanship, right governance) - covering in 30 chapters, ethical and moral questions about personal, social and political life.
MANIFESTATIONS AND ASPECTS
In eastern India, Lakshmi is seen as a form of one goddess Devi, the Supreme power; Devi is also called Durga or Shakti. Lakshmi, Saraswati and Parvati are typically conceptualized as distinct in most of India, but in states such as West Bengal and Odisha, they are regionally believed to be forms of Durga.
Lakshmi is seen in two forms, Bhudevi and Sridevi, both either side of Sri Venkateshwara or Vishnu. Bhudevi is the representation and totality of the material world or energy, called the aparam Prakriti, in which she is called Mother Earth. Sridevi is the spiritual world or energy, called the Prakriti. Lakshmi is the power of Vishnu.
Inside temples, Lakshmi is often shown together with Vishnu. In certain parts of India, Lakshmi plays a special role as the mediator between her husband Vishnu and his worldly devotees. When asking Vishnu for grace or forgiveness, the devotees often approach Him through the intermediary presence of Lakshmi. She is also the personification of the spiritual fulfillment. Lakshmi embodies the spiritual world, also known as Vaikunta, the abode of Lakshmi-Narayana or Vishnu, or what would be considered heaven in Vaishnavism. Lakshmi is the embodiment of God's superior spiritual feminine energy, Param Prakriti, which purifies, empowers and uplifts the individual.
SECONDARY MANIFESTATIONS
Ashta Lakshmi (Sanskrit: अष्टलक्ष्मी,Aṣṭalakṣmī, lit. "eight Lakshmis") is a group of eight secondary manifestations of Lakshmi. The Ashta Lakshmis preside over eight sources of wealth and thus represent the eight powers of Shri Lakshmi. Temples dedicated to Ashta Lakshmi are found in Tamil Nadu such as the Ashtalakshmi Kovil near Chennai, and in many other states of India.
The eight Ashta Lakshmis are as follows:
Ādi Lakṣmī:
The First manifestation of Lakshmi
Dhānya Lakṣmī:
Granary wealth
Veera Lakṣmī:
Wealth of courage
Gaja Lakṣmī:
Elephants spraying water, wealth of fertility, rains and food
Santāna Lakṣmī:
Wealth of continuity, progeny
Vijaya Lakṣmī:
Wealth of victory
Aishwarya Lakṣmī:
Wealth of knowledge and education
Dhana Lakṣmī:
Monetary wealth
Other secondary representations of the goddess include Lakshmi manifesting in three forms: Sri Devi, Bhoo devi, and Neela devi. This threefold goddess can be found, for example, in Sri Bhu Neela Sahita Temple near Dwaraka Tirumala, Andhra Pradesh, and in the Adinath Swami Temple in Tamil Nadu. Sri Devi represents moveable assets (called Chanchala), and Bhoodevi represents immoveable assets (Achanchala).
Mahalakshmi is also shown presidings over eighteen forms of wealth; these include the eight great siddhis (ashta siddhis) of spiritual knowledge or Jnana (Sanskrit: ज्ञान, jñāna).
In Nepal, Mahalakshmi is shown with 16 hands, each holding a sacred emblem or expressing a sacred gesture, or mudra (lotus, pot, mudra of blessing, book, rosary, bell, shield, bow, arrow, sword, trident, mudra of admonition, noose, skull cap, and kettledrum. In this representation Mahalakshmi manifests as a kind, compassionate, tranquil deity sitting not on a lotus, but on a lion.
JAIN TEMPLES
Some Jain temples also depict Sri Lakshmi as a goddess of artha (wealth) and kama (pleasure). For example, she is exhibited with Vishnu in Parshvanatha Jain Temple at the Khajuraho Monuments of Madhya Pradesh, where she is shown pressed against Vishnu's chest, while Vishnu cups a breast in his palm. The presence of Vishnu-Lakshmi iconography in a Jain temple, built near the Hindu temples of Khajuraho, suggests the sharing and acceptance of Lakshmi across a spectrum of Indian religions. This commonality is reflected in the praise of Lakshmi found in the Jain text Kalpa Sūtra.
CREATION AND LEGENDS
Devas (gods) and asuras (demons) were both mortal at one time, in Hinduism. Amrit, the divine nectar that grants immortality, could only be obtained by churning the Kshirsagar (Ocean of Milk). The devas and asuras both sought immortality and decided to churn the Kshirsagar. The samudra manthan commenced with the devas on one side and the asuras on the other. Vishnu incarnated as Kurma, the tortoise, and a mountain was placed on the tortoise as a churning pole. Vasuki, the great venom-spewing serpent, was wrapped around the mountain and used to churn the ocean. A host of divine celestial objects came up during the churning. Along with them emerged the goddess Lakshmi. In some versions she is said to be the daughter of the sea god since she emerged from the sea.
In the Garuda Purana, Linga Purana and Padma Purana she is said to have been born as the daughter of the divine sage Bhrigu and his wife Khyaati and was named "Bhargavi". According to the Vishnu Purana, the universe was created when the Devas (good) and Asuras (evil) churn the cosmic ocean of milk (Ksheera Sagara). Lakshmi came out of the ocean bearing lotus, along with the divine cow Kamadhenu, Varuni,the tree Parijat, the Apsaras, the Chandra (the moon), and Dhanvantari with Amrita (nectar of immortality). When she appeared, she had a choice to go to Devas or the Asuras. She chose Devas side; and among thirty deities, she chose to be with Vishnu. Thereafter, in all three worlds, the lotus bearing goddess was celebrated.
CELEBRATION IN HINDU SOCIETY
Many Hindus worship Lakshmi on Diwali, the festival of lights. It is celebrated in autumn, typically October or November, every year. The festival spiritually signifies the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, good over evil, and hope over despair.
Before Diwali night, people clean, renovate and decorate their homes and offices. On Diwali night, Hindus dress up in new clothes or their best outfit, light up diyas (lamps and candles) inside and outside their home, participate in family puja (prayers) typically to Lakshmi. After puja, fireworks follow, then a family feast including mithai (sweets), and an exchange of gifts between family members and close friends. Diwali also marks a major shopping period, since Lakshmi connotes auspiciousness, wealth and prosperity. This festival dedicated to Lakshmi is considered by Hindus as one of the most important and joyous festivals of the year.
Gaja Lakshmi Puja is another autumn festival celebrated on Sharad Purnima, in many parts of India, on the full-moon day in the month of Ashvin (September–October). The Sharad Purnima, also called Kojaagari Purnima or Kumar Purnima is a harvest festival celebrated on the full moon day of the Hindu lunar month of Asvin. It marks the end of monsoon. There is a traditional celebration of the moon and is also called the 'Kaumudi celebration', Kaumudi meaning moonlight. On Sharad Purnima night, goddess Lakshmi is thanked and worshipped for the harvests.
REGIONAL VARIATIONS
BENGAL
In Bengal, Lakshmi is worshiped on Kojagiri Purnima, in autumn when the moon is full, the brightest night of the year. She, riding on her mount-the great white owl, is believed to bless wealth and resources for content lives on this night. The owl symbolically represents penetrating sight in the darkness of night.
During the celebrations, lotus flowers, sandalwood, vermilion, betel leaves & nuts, fruits and various sweet preparations made from jaggery, rice and coconuts are used for her ritual worship.
Apart from the autumnal celebration, Lakshmi, along with Alakshmi (her shadow energy), is also worshipped during Diwali night in some Bengali communities. The goddess Kali of Kalighat in Kolkata is worshipped in Mahalakshmi form during Diwali. Some people observe Lakshmi Vrata/Puja (fasting and prayer). Women sing a string of poems called 'Panchali', narrating the glories of goddess Lakshmi.
ODISHA
Lakshmi is the goddess thanked after autumn harvests in the month of Mrigashīrsha. Women celebrate the festival Manabasa Gurubara or Lakshmi Puja. On each Thursday of the month, the houses are cleaned and the floors are decorated with floral designs drawn with rice powder mixed with water, called jhoti. Footprints are painted from the doorstep to the place of worship, to symbolize that Lakshmi has entered the house. The roofs are decorated with flower garlands and festoons woven out of paddy stalks.[citation needed] After a purification bath in the morning, the women of the region symbolically offer prayers to paddy considered a bounty from Lakshmi. Different rice cakes and Khiri (rice soup prepared with milk and sugar) are prepared in households and are offered to the deity and then eaten by all.
People in Odisha also worship Gaja Lakshmi on Sharad Purnima, also known as Kumar Purnima. Children wear new clothes and families celebrate the day with feasts. It is a festival of rejoicing for the girls; all of them sing and dance. The songs are of a special nature. They play a kind of game known as puchi and other country games.
HYMNS
Countless hymns, prayers, slokas, stotra, songs, and legends dedicated to Mahalakshmi are recited during the ritual worship of Lakshmi.
These include Sri Mahalakshmi Ashtakam, Sri Lakshmi Sahasaranama Stotra (by Sanathkumara), Sri Stuti (by Sri Vedantha Desikar), Sri Lakshmi Stuti (by Indra), Sri Kanakadhara Stotra (by Sri Aadhi Shankaracharya), Sri Chatussloki (by Sri Yamunacharya), Sri Lakshmi Sloka (by Bhagavan Sri Hari Swamiji) and Sri Sukta, which is contained in the Vedas. Sri Sukta contains the Lakshmi Gayatri Mantra (Om Shree Mahaalakshmyai ca vidmahe Vishnu patnyai ca dheemahi tanno Lakshmi prachodayat Om).
CULTURE
One of Lakshmi's names, Sri (also spelled Shri, pronounced as shree), is commonly used as an honorific prefix or suffix in cultural discourse and human relationships. Affixed to the names of distinguished persons, the honorifics "Shri" (also "Sri," "Shree") and "Shrimati" (also "Srimati," "Shreemati") imply beauty, wealth, prosperity, and auspiciousness.
ARCHAEOLOGY
A representation of the goddess as Gaja Lakshmi, or Lakshmi flanked by two elephants spraying her with water, is one of the most frequent found in archeological sites.[citation needed] An ancient sculpture of Gaja Lakshmi (from the Sonkh site at Mathura) dates to the pre-Kushan Empire era. The Atranjikhera site in modern Uttar Pradesh has yielded terracotta plaque with images of Lakshmi dating to the 2nd century BC. Other archeological sites with ancient Lakshmi terracotta figurines from the 1st millennium BC include Vaisali, Sravasti, Kausambi, Campa and Candraketugadh.
The goddess Lakshmi is frequently found in ancient coins of various Hindu kingdoms from Afghanistan throughout India. Gaja Lakshmi has been found on coins of Scytho-Parthian kings Azes II and Azilises; she also appears on Shunga Empire king Jyesthamitra era coins, both dating to the 1st millennium BC. Coins from the 1st through 4th century AD found in various locations in India such as Ayodhaya, Mathura, Ujjain, Sanchi, Bodh Gaya, Kanauj, all feature Lakshmi. Similarly, ancient Graeco-Indian gems and seals with images of Lakshmi have been found, estimated to be from the 1st millennium BC.
A 1400-year-old rare granite sculpture of Lakshmi has been recovered at the Waghama village along the Jehlum in Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir.
A statuette of Lakshmi found in Pompeii, Italy, dates to before the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD.
RELATED GODDESSES
JAPAN
Goddess Kishijoten of Japan corresponds to Lakshmi. Kishijoten is the goddess of beauty, fortune and prosperity. Kishijoten is considered the sister of the deity Bishamon (毘沙門, also known as Tamon or Bishamon-ten); Bishamon protects human life, fights evil and brings good fortune. In ancient and medieval Japan, Kishijoten was the goddess worshipped for luck and prosperity, particularly on behalf of children. Kishijoten was also the guardian goddess of Geishas. While Bishamon and Kishijoten are found in ancient Chinese and Japanese Buddhist literature, their roots have been traced to deities in Hinduism.
TIBET AND NEPAL
Goddess Vasudhara in Tibetan and Nepalese culture is closely analogous to goddess Lakshmi.
WIKIPEDIA
Forget what history has told us. Apart from all those advancements, yet we still have differences even thou we have no distance between us.
Taken: Karen, a remote, beautiful, calm, and romantic village of Neelam Valley. Just across the border, in Indian Occupied Kashmir.
Hazrat Syed Ghulam Haider Shah - (1838-1908)
Hazrat Syed Ghulam Haider Shah (1838-1908), a renowned sufi, contributed a lot to the spread of Islam and to develop a through and deep belief on its teachings. Al-though century has passed yet his principles, teachings and attitude towards life is providing guidance to large number of masses, all over the world. His impressive religious personality has turned jalalpur Shareef into a symbol of light and inspiration.
BIRTH and Early Life:
In the Year in 1838, Hazrat Syed Ghulam Haider Shah was born in a beautiful hilly town, Jalapur Shareef, situated on the western bank of River Jehlum, near Kahwera saltmines in district Jehlum.
The grand father (Syed Sakhi Shah) and father (Syed Juma Shah) of Syed Ghulam Haider Shah have been renowned for their steadfastness and trustworthiness in the region.
His mother, from a Syed family of Khewah (Gujrat), had been very pious, a resolute lady and very considerate towards poor and needy ones.
Since his childhood Syed Ghulam Haider Shah had decent habits, clear thinking and complete faith and confidence in the supremacy and authority of Allah.
Learned Holy Quran from Mian Khan and his uncle Hzrt Syed Imam Shah. Among other teachers were Mian Mohammad Kamil and Mufti Ghulam Mohaiuddin, who were distinguished scholars in the region at that time.
As he reached his youth, Allah blessed him with strong and healthy built. He had fair wheatish complexion and attractive black eyes, full of confidence and conviction. His father used to impress upon him to lead a life with chastity. He honoured father’s advice and through out his life, avoided even minor touch with anyna-mahram lady.
Marriage:
He got married at the age of sixteen. After two years he had to witness the bereavement of his father, who was at the same time a spiritual tutor and with whom he was deeply attached. Before the demise, his father instructed and advised him, “Lead simple, chaste and respectable life. Always remember the Supreme Authority, Allah and Sunnah (practice and preaching of holy prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him) should be the conduct of life. Be-caring and considerate to relatives and also towards needy and poor. Be respectful to elders and loving and caring towards younger. Most visit every day, the shrine of Hzrt Syed Meer Shakir Shah commonly known as Syed Miran Shakir for spiritual guidance and strength”.
Hazrat Syed Miran Shakir, whose shrine is about three miles up-hills from Jallalpur Shareef, is the eldest son of well known Hazrat Syed Shah Muhammad Ghaus, who is buried in Lahore between Akbari and Dilli Gate.
The obedient son acted according to the will of his father. He led simple, contented and pious life according to the guide lines set by the Holy Quran and Sunnah. He strived to gain know ledge and be beneficial for people. Because of his generosity he is remembered as Gharib-Nawaz (generous to poor). Despite his own early moderate economic conditions, he used to give alms to any beggar visiting his doorstep and helped the travelers and needy ones, irrespective of their religion or creed.
Silsilah-e-bait:
Syed Ghulam Haider Shah mostly used to spend evenings and occasionally nights at Hazrat Miran Shakir’s shine that used to be deserted at nights. One night the heard a voice, instructing him to see Syed Ghulam Shah of a nearby town Haranpur for silsilah-e-bait (spiritual link). When he met Syed Ghulam Shah Haranpuri, he said,” Your bait is not easy for me, I will lead you to Hazrat Khawajah Shamsuddin Sialvi (a well-known Sufi and religious scholar of his times)”.
As both of them reached Sial Shareef, a town in district Jhang, Syed Ghulam Shah Haranpuri introduced him to Hazrat Khawaja Shamsuddin Sialvi, “He is a Syed from Jalalpur and is desirous of bait”. Khawajah Shamsuddin Sialvi, as if waiting for such a pious, devout and capable figure, welcomed him and entered him to silsilah-e-bait. This bait resulted in his spiritual growth and uplift. Gharib Nawaz developed too much attachment and attraction for his Murshid (Spiritual guide) Khawajah shamsuddin Sialvi and used to visit to Sial Shareef, he was awarded Khilafat and permission to accept hait from any follower. He also studied books of Sufism, e.g., Muraqa Shareef Kashkaol, etc. from his Murshid.
The virtues, purity and piousness of Syed Ghulam Haider Shah earned great respect from Khwajah Silavi, who used to instruct a number of salikeen and mureedain to go and seek bait of Syed Ghulam Haider Shah, Jalalpuri instead of his own. He used in his bait and that of Syed Jalalpuri’s bait.
His Life Routines:
Gharib-Nawaz Syed Ghulam Haider Shah, used to spend most of his time remembering Allah, offering prayers, even not missing nowafils (Non-obligatory worship), acquiring knowledge, study of sufi literature and guiding and helping visitors. At the same time he was very attentive towards the welfare and betterment of his family, followers and other matters of daily life. He maintained Langar (free meals for followers, travelers and needy ones). He used to keep himself abreast of political situation of the country and about the international affairs. He was very nervous over the deteriorating political conditions of Muslims in general and riots of 1907 in Bengal and Punjab. In Islam there is no Rehbaniyat, thereafter participated both in religious as well as in worldly activities. Every worldly deed becomes a religious activity when it is performed according to guide lines and teachings of Islam and remembering and fearing Almighty Allah all the times.
Gharib-Nawaz Syed Ghulam Haider Shah led simple, clean and graceful life. He was very generous and consistent in his commitments. He used to preach and practice love for Allah, His Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him), Murshid and mankind and regarded it as a part of faith. He desired his family and followers to be pious, cooperative, knowledge and prolific. He hardly used to become angry with any one. He was always a well wisher and never wished bad for anyone. Almighty Allah, the Merciful, mostly rewarded whenever he prayed for the betterment of any one, who visited him and requested for pray. Hazrat Syed Mehr Ali Shah Golarvi was peer-bhai (brother in spiritual order) and contemporary of Syed Ghulam Haider Shah. Both had great respect and regard for each other and worked jointly for the cause of Islam.
Wissal:
In 1905, Hazrat Syed Ghulam Haider Shah, handed over Khilafat to his Younger son Hazrat Syed Muzaffar Ali Shah and advised to help and guide people, continue Langar Shareef and contribute in construction of facilities for the visitors and followers.
On afternoon of the 5th July 1908 (5th Jamadi-us-Sani, 1326 Hijra), following minor temperature he passed away for heavens. Malik Muhammad Din had written the biography, “Ziker-e-Habib” of Syed Ghulam Haider Shah. Many scholars and learned people expressed sorrow and grief by written articles, poems and verses. Dr Allama Muhammad Iqbal, also wrote quatrain indicating his high stature and date of expiry in Persian.
It translates as, “Every one who visits the grave of peer Haider Shah, described it as the glory of Koh-e-Toor (where Allah manifested His glory to Prophet Moses).
An angel descended, from heaven and kissed his grave, when asked about his year to expiry, the angle replied, Maghfoor, (meaning pardoned and exonerated one; the digit sum of the letters of Maghfoor is 1326, the year according to the lunar calendar).
After Syed Muzaffar Shah, his son, Hazrat Abdul Barkat Syed Muhammad Fazal Shah, graced dargah Jallalpur Shareef. He was a great spiritual as well as a religious leader and activity participated in the movements for independence of Pakistan and Kashmir. The volunteers of his Jamaat Hizbullah, fought and struggled to liberate Azad jamun Kashmir from Indian atrocities.
These days Hazrat Syed Anis Haider, the grand son of Syed Muhammad Fazal Shah, is the spiritual leader and Sajjada Nasheen of Jallahpur Shareef. His brother Hazrat Syed Tanveer Haider is also foreign qualified. Both are looking after all the affairs of Jallalpur Shareef jointly.
Hazrat Syed Ghulam Haider Shah - (1838-1908)
Hazrat Syed Ghulam Haider Shah (1838-1908), a renowned sufi, contributed a lot to the spread of Islam and to develop a through and deep belief on its teachings. Al-though century has passed yet his principles, teachings and attitude towards life is providing guidance to large number of masses, all over the world. His impressive religious personality has turned jalalpur Shareef into a symbol of light and inspiration.
BIRTH and Early Life:
In the Year in 1838, Hazrat Syed Ghulam Haider Shah was born in a beautiful hilly town, Jalapur Shareef, situated on the western bank of River Jehlum, near Kahwera saltmines in district Jehlum.
The grand father (Syed Sakhi Shah) and father (Syed Juma Shah) of Syed Ghulam Haider Shah have been renowned for their steadfastness and trustworthiness in the region.
His mother, from a Syed family of Khewah (Gujrat), had been very pious, a resolute lady and very considerate towards poor and needy ones.
Since his childhood Syed Ghulam Haider Shah had decent habits, clear thinking and complete faith and confidence in the supremacy and authority of Allah.
Learned Holy Quran from Mian Khan and his uncle Hzrt Syed Imam Shah. Among other teachers were Mian Mohammad Kamil and Mufti Ghulam Mohaiuddin, who were distinguished scholars in the region at that time.
As he reached his youth, Allah blessed him with strong and healthy built. He had fair wheatish complexion and attractive black eyes, full of confidence and conviction. His father used to impress upon him to lead a life with chastity. He honoured father’s advice and through out his life, avoided even minor touch with anyna-mahram lady.
Marriage:
He got married at the age of sixteen. After two years he had to witness the bereavement of his father, who was at the same time a spiritual tutor and with whom he was deeply attached. Before the demise, his father instructed and advised him, “Lead simple, chaste and respectable life. Always remember the Supreme Authority, Allah and Sunnah (practice and preaching of holy prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him) should be the conduct of life. Be-caring and considerate to relatives and also towards needy and poor. Be respectful to elders and loving and caring towards younger. Most visit every day, the shrine of Hzrt Syed Meer Shakir Shah commonly known as Syed Miran Shakir for spiritual guidance and strength”.
Hazrat Syed Miran Shakir, whose shrine is about three miles up-hills from Jallalpur Shareef, is the eldest son of well known Hazrat Syed Shah Muhammad Ghaus, who is buried in Lahore between Akbari and Dilli Gate.
The obedient son acted according to the will of his father. He led simple, contented and pious life according to the guide lines set by the Holy Quran and Sunnah. He strived to gain know ledge and be beneficial for people. Because of his generosity he is remembered as Gharib-Nawaz (generous to poor). Despite his own early moderate economic conditions, he used to give alms to any beggar visiting his doorstep and helped the travelers and needy ones, irrespective of their religion or creed.
Silsilah-e-bait:
Syed Ghulam Haider Shah mostly used to spend evenings and occasionally nights at Hazrat Miran Shakir’s shine that used to be deserted at nights. One night the heard a voice, instructing him to see Syed Ghulam Shah of a nearby town Haranpur for silsilah-e-bait (spiritual link). When he met Syed Ghulam Shah Haranpuri, he said,” Your bait is not easy for me, I will lead you to Hazrat Khawajah Shamsuddin Sialvi (a well-known Sufi and religious scholar of his times)”.
As both of them reached Sial Shareef, a town in district Jhang, Syed Ghulam Shah Haranpuri introduced him to Hazrat Khawaja Shamsuddin Sialvi, “He is a Syed from Jalalpur and is desirous of bait”. Khawajah Shamsuddin Sialvi, as if waiting for such a pious, devout and capable figure, welcomed him and entered him to silsilah-e-bait. This bait resulted in his spiritual growth and uplift. Gharib Nawaz developed too much attachment and attraction for his Murshid (Spiritual guide) Khawajah shamsuddin Sialvi and used to visit to Sial Shareef, he was awarded Khilafat and permission to accept hait from any follower. He also studied books of Sufism, e.g., Muraqa Shareef Kashkaol, etc. from his Murshid.
The virtues, purity and piousness of Syed Ghulam Haider Shah earned great respect from Khwajah Silavi, who used to instruct a number of salikeen and mureedain to go and seek bait of Syed Ghulam Haider Shah, Jalalpuri instead of his own. He used in his bait and that of Syed Jalalpuri’s bait.
His Life Routines:
Gharib-Nawaz Syed Ghulam Haider Shah, used to spend most of his time remembering Allah, offering prayers, even not missing nowafils (Non-obligatory worship), acquiring knowledge, study of sufi literature and guiding and helping visitors. At the same time he was very attentive towards the welfare and betterment of his family, followers and other matters of daily life. He maintained Langar (free meals for followers, travelers and needy ones). He used to keep himself abreast of political situation of the country and about the international affairs. He was very nervous over the deteriorating political conditions of Muslims in general and riots of 1907 in Bengal and Punjab. In Islam there is no Rehbaniyat, thereafter participated both in religious as well as in worldly activities. Every worldly deed becomes a religious activity when it is performed according to guide lines and teachings of Islam and remembering and fearing Almighty Allah all the times.
Gharib-Nawaz Syed Ghulam Haider Shah led simple, clean and graceful life. He was very generous and consistent in his commitments. He used to preach and practice love for Allah, His Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him), Murshid and mankind and regarded it as a part of faith. He desired his family and followers to be pious, cooperative, knowledge and prolific. He hardly used to become angry with any one. He was always a well wisher and never wished bad for anyone. Almighty Allah, the Merciful, mostly rewarded whenever he prayed for the betterment of any one, who visited him and requested for pray. Hazrat Syed Mehr Ali Shah Golarvi was peer-bhai (brother in spiritual order) and contemporary of Syed Ghulam Haider Shah. Both had great respect and regard for each other and worked jointly for the cause of Islam.
Wissal:
In 1905, Hazrat Syed Ghulam Haider Shah, handed over Khilafat to his Younger son Hazrat Syed Muzaffar Ali Shah and advised to help and guide people, continue Langar Shareef and contribute in construction of facilities for the visitors and followers.
On afternoon of the 5th July 1908 (5th Jamadi-us-Sani, 1326 Hijra), following minor temperature he passed away for heavens. Malik Muhammad Din had written the biography, “Ziker-e-Habib” of Syed Ghulam Haider Shah. Many scholars and learned people expressed sorrow and grief by written articles, poems and verses. Dr Allama Muhammad Iqbal, also wrote quatrain indicating his high stature and date of expiry in Persian.
It translates as, “Every one who visits the grave of peer Haider Shah, described it as the glory of Koh-e-Toor (where Allah manifested His glory to Prophet Moses).
An angel descended, from heaven and kissed his grave, when asked about his year to expiry, the angle replied, Maghfoor, (meaning pardoned and exonerated one; the digit sum of the letters of Maghfoor is 1326, the year according to the lunar calendar).
After Syed Muzaffar Shah, his son, Hazrat Abdul Barkat Syed Muhammad Fazal Shah, graced dargah Jallalpur Shareef. He was a great spiritual as well as a religious leader and activity participated in the movements for independence of Pakistan and Kashmir. The volunteers of his Jamaat Hizbullah, fought and struggled to liberate Azad jamun Kashmir from Indian atrocities.
These days Hazrat Syed Anis Haider, the grand son of Syed Muhammad Fazal Shah, is the spiritual leader and Sajjada Nasheen of Jallahpur Shareef. His brother Hazrat Syed Tanveer Haider is also foreign qualified. Both are looking after all the affairs of Jallalpur Shareef jointly.
Lakshmi (Sanskrit: लक्ष्मी, lakṣmī, ˈləkʃmi) is the Hindu goddess of wealth, prosperity (both material and spiritual), fortune, and the embodiment of beauty. She is the wife and active energy of Vishnu. Her four hands represent the four goals of human life considered proper in Hindu way of life – dharma, kāma, artha, and moksha. Representations of Lakshmi are also found in Jain monuments. In Buddhist sects of Tibet, Nepal and southeast Asia, goddess Vasudhara mirrors the characteristics and attributes of Hindu goddess Lakshmi, with minor iconographic differences.
Lakshmi is also called Sri or Thirumagal because she is endowed with six auspicious and divine qualities, or Gunas, and also because she is the source of strength even to Vishnu. When Vishnu incarnated on the Earth as the avatars Rama and Krishna, Lakshmi took incarnation as his consort. Sita (Rama's wife), Radha (Krishna's lover), Rukmini is considered forms of Lakshmi. In ancient scriptures of India, all women are declared to be embodiments of Lakshmi. The marriage and relationship between Lakshmi and Vishnu as wife and husband, states Patricia Monaghan, is "the paradigm for rituals and ceremonies for the bride and groom in Hindu weddings".
Archeological discoveries and ancient coins suggest the recognition and reverence for goddess Lakshmi, in Scytho-Parthian kingdom and throughout India, by 1st millennium BC.Lakshmi's iconography and statues have also been found in Hindu temples of southeast Asia, estimated to be from second half of 1st millennium AD.
In modern times, Lakshmi is worshipped as the goddess of wealth. She is also worshipped as the consort of Vishnu in many temples. The festivals of Diwali and Sharad Purnima (Kojagiri Purnima) are celebrated in her honour.
ETYMOLOGY
Lakshmi (Lakṣmī) is one of many Hindu deities whose meaning and significance evolved in ancient Sanskrit texts.
Lakshmi is mentioned once in Rig Veda, but the context suggests that the word does not mean "goddess of wealth and fortune", rather it means "kindred mark or sign of auspicious fortune".
भद्रैषां लक्ष्मीर्निहिताधि वाचि
bhadrauṣāṁ lakṣmīrnihitādhi vāci
"an auspicious fortune is attached to their words"
—Rig Veda, x.71.2, Translated by John Muir
In Atharva Veda, composed about 1000 BC, Lakshmi evolves into a complex concept with plural manifestations. Book 7, Chapter 115 of Atherva Veda describes the plurality, asserts that a hundred Lakshmis are born with the body of a mortal at birth, some good, punya (virtuous) and auspicious, while others bad, paapi (evil) and unfortunate. The good are welcomed, while the bad urged to leave. The concept and spirit of Lakshmi, her association with fortune and the good, is significant enough that Atharva Veda mentions it in multiple books, for example in Book 12, Chapter 5 as punya Lakshmi. In chapters of Atharva Veda, Lakshmi connotes the good, an auspicious sign, good luck, good fortune, prosperity, success and happiness.
In later mythology, Lakshmi is referred to as the goddess of fortune and beauty, identified with Śrī and regarded as the wife of Viṣṇu (Nārāyaṇa). For example, in Shatapatha Brahmana, variously estimated to be composed between 800 BC and 300 BC, Śrī (Lakshmi) is part of one of many theories, in ancient India, about the creation of universe. In Book 9 of Shatapatha Brahmana, Śrī emerges from Prajāpati, after his intense meditation on creation of life and nature of universe. Śrī is described as the beautiful, resplendent and trembling woman at her birth with immense energy and powers. The gods were bewitched, desire her and immediately become covetous of her. The gods approach Prajāpati and request permission to kill her and then take her powers, talents and gifts. Prajāpati refuses, tells the gods that males should not kill females, and that they can seek her gifts without violence. The gods then approach Lakshmi, deity Agni gets food, Soma gets kingly authority, Varuna gets imperial authority, Mitra acquires martial energy, Indra gets force, Brihaspati gets priestly authority, Savitri acquires dominion, Pushan gets splendor, Sarasvati takes nourishment and Tvashtri gets forms. The hymns of Shatapatha Brahmana thus describe Śrī as a goddess born with and personifying a diverse range of talents and powers.
According to another legend, she emerges during the creation of universe, floating over the water on the expanded petals of a lotus flower; she is also variously regarded as wife of Sūrya, as wife of Prajāpati, as wife of Dharma and mother of Kāma, as sister or mother of Dhātṛ and Vidhātṛ, as wife of Dattatreya, as one of the nine Śaktis of Viṣṇu, as a manifestation of Prakṛti, as identified with Dākshāyaṇī in Bharataśrama, and with Sītā, wife of Rāma, and with other women.
In the Epics of Hinduism, such as in the Mahabharata, Laksmi personifies wealth, riches, beauty, happiness, loveliness, grace, charm and splendour. In another Hindu legend about the creation of universe, described in the Ramayana, Lakshmi springs with other precious things from the foam of the ocean of milk when churned by the gods and demons for the recovery of the Amṛta. She appeared with a lotus in her hand, whence she is also called Padmā.
ROOT OF THE WORLD
Lakshmi in Sanskrit is derived from the root word lakṣ (लक्ष्) and lakṣa (लक्ष), meaning "to perceive, observe, know, understand" and "goal, aim, objective" respectively. These roots give Lakshmi the symbolism – know and understand your goal. A related term is lakṣaṇa, which means "sign, target, aim, symbol, attribute, quality, lucky mark, auspicious opportunity".
SYMBOLISM AND ICONOGRAPHY
The image, icons and sculpture of Lakshmi is represented with symbolism. Her name is derived from Sanskrit root words for know the goal and understand the objective. Her four arms are symbolic of the four goals of human being that are considered good in Hinduism - dharma (pursuit of ethical, moral life), artha (pursuit of wealth, means of life), kama (pursuit of love, emotional fulfillment), and moksha (pursuit of self-knowledge, liberation).
In Lakshmi's iconography, she is either sitting or standing on lotus, and typically also carries lotus in one or two hands. Lotus carries symbolic meanings in Hinduism and other Indian traditions. It symbolically represents reality, consciousness and karma (work, deed) in Sahasrara context, and knowledge and self-realization in other contexts. Lotus, a flower that blossoms in clean or dirty water, also symbolizes purity and beauty regardless of the good or bad circumstances in which its grows. It is a reminder that good and prosperity can bloom and not be affected by evil in one's surrounding. Below, behind or on the sides, Lakshmi is sometimes shown with one or two elephants, and occasionally with an owl. Elephants symbolize work, activity and strength, as well as water, rain and fertility for abundant prosperity. The owl, called Pechaka in eastern regions of India, signifies the patient striving to observe, see and discover knowledge particularly when surrounded by darkness. Owl, a bird that becomes blind in daylight, is also a symbolic reminder to refrain from blindness and greed after knowledge and wealth has been acquired.
Wealth symbolically pours out from one of her hands in some representations, or she simply holds a jar of wealth in some representations. This symbolism has multiple meanings. Wealth manifested through Lakshmi means both material as well as spiritual wealth. Her face and open hands are in a mudra that signify compassion, giving or daana (charity).
Lakshmi typically wears a red dress embroidered with golden threads, symbolism for beauty and wealth. She, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, is often represented with her husband Vishnu, the god who maintains human life filled with justice and peace. This symbolism implies wealth and prosperity is coupled with maintenance of life, justice and peace.
NAMES
Lakshmi has numerous names, and numerous ancient Stotram and Sutras of Hinduism recite her various names. She is very closely associated with the lotus, and her many epithets are connected to the flower, such as:
Padma: lotus dweller
Kamala: lotus dweller
Padmapriya: One who likes lotuses
Padmamaladhara devi: One who wears a garland of lotuses
Padmamukhi: One whose face is as beautiful as a lotus
Padmakshi: One whose eyes are as beautiful as a lotus
Padmahasta: One who holds a lotus
Padmasundari: One who is as beautiful as a lotus
Her other names include:
Vishnupriya: One who is the beloved of Vishnu
Ulkavahini: One who rides an owl
Her other names include: Ambika, Manushri, Mohini, Chakrika, Kamalika, Aishwarya, Lalima, Indira, Kalyani, Nandika, Nandini, Rujula, Vaishnavi, Samruddhi, Narayani, Bhargavi, Sridevi, Chanchala, Jalaja, Madhavi, Sujata, Shreya, Maheshwari, Madhu, Madhavi, Paramaa, Janamodini, Tripura, Tulasi, Ketaki, Malati, Vidhya, Trilochana, Tilottama, Subha, Chandika, Devi, Kriyalakshmi, Viroopa, Vani, Gayatri, Savitri, Apara or Aparajita, Aparna, Aruna, Akhila, Bala, Tara, Kuhu, Poornima, Aditi, Anumati, Avashyaa, Sita, Taruni, Jyotsna, Jyoti, Nimeshika, Atibha, Ishaani, Smriti and Sri. She is also referred to as Jaganmaatha ("Mother of the Universe") in Shri Mahalakshmi Ashtakam.
ANCIENT LITERATURE ON LAKSHMI
UPANISHADS
Shakta Upanishads are dedicated to the trinity of goddesses - Lakshmi, Saraswati and Parvati. Saubhagya Lakshmi Upanishad, estimated to be composed before 300 BC, describes the qualities, characteristics and powers of Lakshmi. In second part of the Upanishad, the emphasis shifts to the use of yoga and transcendence from material craving in order to achieve spiritual knowledge and self-realization, the true wealth. Saubhagya-Lakshmi Upanishad synonymously uses Sri to describe Lakshmi.
STOTRAMS AND SUTRAS
Numerous ancient Stotram and Sutras of Hinduism recite hymns dedicated to Lakshmi. She is a major goddess in the Puranas and Itihasa of Hinduism. In ancient scriptures of India, all women are declared to be embodiments of Lakshmi. For example,
Every woman is an embodiment of you.
You exist as little girls in their childhood,
As young women in their youth,
And as elderly women in their old age.
—Sri Kamala Stotram
Every woman is an emanation of you.
—Sri Daivakrta Laksmi Stotram
Ancient prayers dedicated to Lakshmi seek both material and spiritual wealth in prayers.
PURANAS
Lakshmi features prominently in the Puranas of Hinduism. Vishnu Purana, in particular, dedicates many sections to her and also refers to her as Śrī. J. A. B. van Buitenen translates passages describing Lakshmi in Vishnu Purana as, "Śrī, loyal to Vishnu, is the mother of the world. Vishnu is the meaning, Śrī is the speech. She is the conduct, he the behavior. Vishnu is knowledge, she the insight. He is dharma, she the virtuous action. She is the earth, he earth's upholder. She is contentment, he the satisfaction. She is wish, he is the desire. Śrī is the sky, Vishnu the Self of everything. He is the moon, she the beauty of moon. He is the ocean, she is the shore". This unified, complementing and integrated image of Lakshmi and Vishnu as wife and husband, notes Patricia Monaghan, is "the paradigm for rituals and ceremonies for the bride and groom in Hindu weddings".
SUBHASITA, GNOMIC AND DIDACTIC LITERATURE
Lakshmi, along with Parvati and Saraswati, are subjects of extensive Subhasita, gnomic and didactic literature of India. Composed in 1st millennium BC through the 16th century AD, these are short poems, proverbs, couplets or aphorisms in Sanskrit, written in precise meter. They sometimes take the form of dialogue between Lakshmi and Vishnu, or highlight the spiritual message in Vedas and ethical maxims from Hindu Epics through Lakshmi. An example Subhashita is Puranarthasamgraha, compiled by Vekataraya in South India, where Lakshmi and Vishnu discuss niti (right, moral conduct) and rajaniti (statesmanship, right governance) - covering in 30 chapters, ethical and moral questions about personal, social and political life.
MANIFESTATIONS AND ASPECTS
In eastern India, Lakshmi is seen as a form of one goddess Devi, the Supreme power; Devi is also called Durga or Shakti. Lakshmi, Saraswati and Parvati are typically conceptualized as distinct in most of India, but in states such as West Bengal and Odisha, they are regionally believed to be forms of Durga.
Lakshmi is seen in two forms, Bhudevi and Sridevi, both either side of Sri Venkateshwara or Vishnu. Bhudevi is the representation and totality of the material world or energy, called the aparam Prakriti, in which she is called Mother Earth. Sridevi is the spiritual world or energy, called the Prakriti. Lakshmi is the power of Vishnu.
Inside temples, Lakshmi is often shown together with Vishnu. In certain parts of India, Lakshmi plays a special role as the mediator between her husband Vishnu and his worldly devotees. When asking Vishnu for grace or forgiveness, the devotees often approach Him through the intermediary presence of Lakshmi. She is also the personification of the spiritual fulfillment. Lakshmi embodies the spiritual world, also known as Vaikunta, the abode of Lakshmi-Narayana or Vishnu, or what would be considered heaven in Vaishnavism. Lakshmi is the embodiment of God's superior spiritual feminine energy, Param Prakriti, which purifies, empowers and uplifts the individual.
SECONDARY MANIFESTATIONS
Ashta Lakshmi (Sanskrit: अष्टलक्ष्मी,Aṣṭalakṣmī, lit. "eight Lakshmis") is a group of eight secondary manifestations of Lakshmi. The Ashta Lakshmis preside over eight sources of wealth and thus represent the eight powers of Shri Lakshmi. Temples dedicated to Ashta Lakshmi are found in Tamil Nadu such as the Ashtalakshmi Kovil near Chennai, and in many other states of India.
The eight Ashta Lakshmis are as follows:
Ādi Lakṣmī:
The First manifestation of Lakshmi
Dhānya Lakṣmī:
Granary wealth
Veera Lakṣmī:
Wealth of courage
Gaja Lakṣmī:
Elephants spraying water, wealth of fertility, rains and food
Santāna Lakṣmī:
Wealth of continuity, progeny
Vijaya Lakṣmī:
Wealth of victory
Aishwarya Lakṣmī:
Wealth of knowledge and education
Dhana Lakṣmī:
Monetary wealth
Other secondary representations of the goddess include Lakshmi manifesting in three forms: Sri Devi, Bhoo devi, and Neela devi. This threefold goddess can be found, for example, in Sri Bhu Neela Sahita Temple near Dwaraka Tirumala, Andhra Pradesh, and in the Adinath Swami Temple in Tamil Nadu. Sri Devi represents moveable assets (called Chanchala), and Bhoodevi represents immoveable assets (Achanchala).
Mahalakshmi is also shown presidings over eighteen forms of wealth; these include the eight great siddhis (ashta siddhis) of spiritual knowledge or Jnana (Sanskrit: ज्ञान, jñāna).
In Nepal, Mahalakshmi is shown with 16 hands, each holding a sacred emblem or expressing a sacred gesture, or mudra (lotus, pot, mudra of blessing, book, rosary, bell, shield, bow, arrow, sword, trident, mudra of admonition, noose, skull cap, and kettledrum. In this representation Mahalakshmi manifests as a kind, compassionate, tranquil deity sitting not on a lotus, but on a lion.
JAIN TEMPLES
Some Jain temples also depict Sri Lakshmi as a goddess of artha (wealth) and kama (pleasure). For example, she is exhibited with Vishnu in Parshvanatha Jain Temple at the Khajuraho Monuments of Madhya Pradesh, where she is shown pressed against Vishnu's chest, while Vishnu cups a breast in his palm. The presence of Vishnu-Lakshmi iconography in a Jain temple, built near the Hindu temples of Khajuraho, suggests the sharing and acceptance of Lakshmi across a spectrum of Indian religions. This commonality is reflected in the praise of Lakshmi found in the Jain text Kalpa Sūtra.
CREATION AND LEGENDS
Devas (gods) and asuras (demons) were both mortal at one time, in Hinduism. Amrit, the divine nectar that grants immortality, could only be obtained by churning the Kshirsagar (Ocean of Milk). The devas and asuras both sought immortality and decided to churn the Kshirsagar. The samudra manthan commenced with the devas on one side and the asuras on the other. Vishnu incarnated as Kurma, the tortoise, and a mountain was placed on the tortoise as a churning pole. Vasuki, the great venom-spewing serpent, was wrapped around the mountain and used to churn the ocean. A host of divine celestial objects came up during the churning. Along with them emerged the goddess Lakshmi. In some versions she is said to be the daughter of the sea god since she emerged from the sea.
In the Garuda Purana, Linga Purana and Padma Purana she is said to have been born as the daughter of the divine sage Bhrigu and his wife Khyaati and was named "Bhargavi". According to the Vishnu Purana, the universe was created when the Devas (good) and Asuras (evil) churn the cosmic ocean of milk (Ksheera Sagara). Lakshmi came out of the ocean bearing lotus, along with the divine cow Kamadhenu, Varuni,the tree Parijat, the Apsaras, the Chandra (the moon), and Dhanvantari with Amrita (nectar of immortality). When she appeared, she had a choice to go to Devas or the Asuras. She chose Devas side; and among thirty deities, she chose to be with Vishnu. Thereafter, in all three worlds, the lotus bearing goddess was celebrated.
CELEBRATION IN HINDU SOCIETY
Many Hindus worship Lakshmi on Diwali, the festival of lights. It is celebrated in autumn, typically October or November, every year. The festival spiritually signifies the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, good over evil, and hope over despair.
Before Diwali night, people clean, renovate and decorate their homes and offices. On Diwali night, Hindus dress up in new clothes or their best outfit, light up diyas (lamps and candles) inside and outside their home, participate in family puja (prayers) typically to Lakshmi. After puja, fireworks follow, then a family feast including mithai (sweets), and an exchange of gifts between family members and close friends. Diwali also marks a major shopping period, since Lakshmi connotes auspiciousness, wealth and prosperity. This festival dedicated to Lakshmi is considered by Hindus as one of the most important and joyous festivals of the year.
Gaja Lakshmi Puja is another autumn festival celebrated on Sharad Purnima, in many parts of India, on the full-moon day in the month of Ashvin (September–October). The Sharad Purnima, also called Kojaagari Purnima or Kumar Purnima is a harvest festival celebrated on the full moon day of the Hindu lunar month of Asvin. It marks the end of monsoon. There is a traditional celebration of the moon and is also called the 'Kaumudi celebration', Kaumudi meaning moonlight. On Sharad Purnima night, goddess Lakshmi is thanked and worshipped for the harvests.
REGIONAL VARIATIONS
BENGAL
In Bengal, Lakshmi is worshiped on Kojagiri Purnima, in autumn when the moon is full, the brightest night of the year. She, riding on her mount-the great white owl, is believed to bless wealth and resources for content lives on this night. The owl symbolically represents penetrating sight in the darkness of night.
During the celebrations, lotus flowers, sandalwood, vermilion, betel leaves & nuts, fruits and various sweet preparations made from jaggery, rice and coconuts are used for her ritual worship.
Apart from the autumnal celebration, Lakshmi, along with Alakshmi (her shadow energy), is also worshipped during Diwali night in some Bengali communities. The goddess Kali of Kalighat in Kolkata is worshipped in Mahalakshmi form during Diwali. Some people observe Lakshmi Vrata/Puja (fasting and prayer). Women sing a string of poems called 'Panchali', narrating the glories of goddess Lakshmi.
ODISHA
Lakshmi is the goddess thanked after autumn harvests in the month of Mrigashīrsha. Women celebrate the festival Manabasa Gurubara or Lakshmi Puja. On each Thursday of the month, the houses are cleaned and the floors are decorated with floral designs drawn with rice powder mixed with water, called jhoti. Footprints are painted from the doorstep to the place of worship, to symbolize that Lakshmi has entered the house. The roofs are decorated with flower garlands and festoons woven out of paddy stalks.[citation needed] After a purification bath in the morning, the women of the region symbolically offer prayers to paddy considered a bounty from Lakshmi. Different rice cakes and Khiri (rice soup prepared with milk and sugar) are prepared in households and are offered to the deity and then eaten by all.
People in Odisha also worship Gaja Lakshmi on Sharad Purnima, also known as Kumar Purnima. Children wear new clothes and families celebrate the day with feasts. It is a festival of rejoicing for the girls; all of them sing and dance. The songs are of a special nature. They play a kind of game known as puchi and other country games.
HYMNS
Countless hymns, prayers, slokas, stotra, songs, and legends dedicated to Mahalakshmi are recited during the ritual worship of Lakshmi.
These include Sri Mahalakshmi Ashtakam, Sri Lakshmi Sahasaranama Stotra (by Sanathkumara), Sri Stuti (by Sri Vedantha Desikar), Sri Lakshmi Stuti (by Indra), Sri Kanakadhara Stotra (by Sri Aadhi Shankaracharya), Sri Chatussloki (by Sri Yamunacharya), Sri Lakshmi Sloka (by Bhagavan Sri Hari Swamiji) and Sri Sukta, which is contained in the Vedas. Sri Sukta contains the Lakshmi Gayatri Mantra (Om Shree Mahaalakshmyai ca vidmahe Vishnu patnyai ca dheemahi tanno Lakshmi prachodayat Om).
CULTURE
One of Lakshmi's names, Sri (also spelled Shri, pronounced as shree), is commonly used as an honorific prefix or suffix in cultural discourse and human relationships. Affixed to the names of distinguished persons, the honorifics "Shri" (also "Sri," "Shree") and "Shrimati" (also "Srimati," "Shreemati") imply beauty, wealth, prosperity, and auspiciousness.
ARCHAEOLOGY
A representation of the goddess as Gaja Lakshmi, or Lakshmi flanked by two elephants spraying her with water, is one of the most frequent found in archeological sites.[citation needed] An ancient sculpture of Gaja Lakshmi (from the Sonkh site at Mathura) dates to the pre-Kushan Empire era. The Atranjikhera site in modern Uttar Pradesh has yielded terracotta plaque with images of Lakshmi dating to the 2nd century BC. Other archeological sites with ancient Lakshmi terracotta figurines from the 1st millennium BC include Vaisali, Sravasti, Kausambi, Campa and Candraketugadh.
The goddess Lakshmi is frequently found in ancient coins of various Hindu kingdoms from Afghanistan throughout India. Gaja Lakshmi has been found on coins of Scytho-Parthian kings Azes II and Azilises; she also appears on Shunga Empire king Jyesthamitra era coins, both dating to the 1st millennium BC. Coins from the 1st through 4th century AD found in various locations in India such as Ayodhaya, Mathura, Ujjain, Sanchi, Bodh Gaya, Kanauj, all feature Lakshmi. Similarly, ancient Graeco-Indian gems and seals with images of Lakshmi have been found, estimated to be from the 1st millennium BC.
A 1400-year-old rare granite sculpture of Lakshmi has been recovered at the Waghama village along the Jehlum in Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir.
A statuette of Lakshmi found in Pompeii, Italy, dates to before the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD.
RELATED GODDESSES
JAPAN
Goddess Kishijoten of Japan corresponds to Lakshmi. Kishijoten is the goddess of beauty, fortune and prosperity. Kishijoten is considered the sister of the deity Bishamon (毘沙門, also known as Tamon or Bishamon-ten); Bishamon protects human life, fights evil and brings good fortune. In ancient and medieval Japan, Kishijoten was the goddess worshipped for luck and prosperity, particularly on behalf of children. Kishijoten was also the guardian goddess of Geishas. While Bishamon and Kishijoten are found in ancient Chinese and Japanese Buddhist literature, their roots have been traced to deities in Hinduism.
TIBET AND NEPAL
Goddess Vasudhara in Tibetan and Nepalese culture is closely analogous to goddess Lakshmi.
WIKIPEDIA
Lakshmi (Sanskrit: लक्ष्मी, lakṣmī, ˈləkʃmi) is the Hindu goddess of wealth, prosperity (both material and spiritual), fortune, and the embodiment of beauty. She is the wife and active energy of Vishnu. Her four hands represent the four goals of human life considered proper in Hindu way of life – dharma, kāma, artha, and moksha. Representations of Lakshmi are also found in Jain monuments. In Buddhist sects of Tibet, Nepal and southeast Asia, goddess Vasudhara mirrors the characteristics and attributes of Hindu goddess Lakshmi, with minor iconographic differences.
Lakshmi is also called Sri or Thirumagal because she is endowed with six auspicious and divine qualities, or Gunas, and also because she is the source of strength even to Vishnu. When Vishnu incarnated on the Earth as the avatars Rama and Krishna, Lakshmi took incarnation as his consort. Sita (Rama's wife), Radha (Krishna's lover), Rukmini is considered forms of Lakshmi. In ancient scriptures of India, all women are declared to be embodiments of Lakshmi. The marriage and relationship between Lakshmi and Vishnu as wife and husband, states Patricia Monaghan, is "the paradigm for rituals and ceremonies for the bride and groom in Hindu weddings".
Archeological discoveries and ancient coins suggest the recognition and reverence for goddess Lakshmi, in Scytho-Parthian kingdom and throughout India, by 1st millennium BC.Lakshmi's iconography and statues have also been found in Hindu temples of southeast Asia, estimated to be from second half of 1st millennium AD.
In modern times, Lakshmi is worshipped as the goddess of wealth. She is also worshipped as the consort of Vishnu in many temples. The festivals of Diwali and Sharad Purnima (Kojagiri Purnima) are celebrated in her honour.
ETYMOLOGY
Lakshmi (Lakṣmī) is one of many Hindu deities whose meaning and significance evolved in ancient Sanskrit texts.
Lakshmi is mentioned once in Rig Veda, but the context suggests that the word does not mean "goddess of wealth and fortune", rather it means "kindred mark or sign of auspicious fortune".
भद्रैषां लक्ष्मीर्निहिताधि वाचि
bhadrauṣāṁ lakṣmīrnihitādhi vāci
"an auspicious fortune is attached to their words"
—Rig Veda, x.71.2, Translated by John Muir
In Atharva Veda, composed about 1000 BC, Lakshmi evolves into a complex concept with plural manifestations. Book 7, Chapter 115 of Atherva Veda describes the plurality, asserts that a hundred Lakshmis are born with the body of a mortal at birth, some good, punya (virtuous) and auspicious, while others bad, paapi (evil) and unfortunate. The good are welcomed, while the bad urged to leave. The concept and spirit of Lakshmi, her association with fortune and the good, is significant enough that Atharva Veda mentions it in multiple books, for example in Book 12, Chapter 5 as punya Lakshmi. In chapters of Atharva Veda, Lakshmi connotes the good, an auspicious sign, good luck, good fortune, prosperity, success and happiness.
In later mythology, Lakshmi is referred to as the goddess of fortune and beauty, identified with Śrī and regarded as the wife of Viṣṇu (Nārāyaṇa). For example, in Shatapatha Brahmana, variously estimated to be composed between 800 BC and 300 BC, Śrī (Lakshmi) is part of one of many theories, in ancient India, about the creation of universe. In Book 9 of Shatapatha Brahmana, Śrī emerges from Prajāpati, after his intense meditation on creation of life and nature of universe. Śrī is described as the beautiful, resplendent and trembling woman at her birth with immense energy and powers. The gods were bewitched, desire her and immediately become covetous of her. The gods approach Prajāpati and request permission to kill her and then take her powers, talents and gifts. Prajāpati refuses, tells the gods that males should not kill females, and that they can seek her gifts without violence. The gods then approach Lakshmi, deity Agni gets food, Soma gets kingly authority, Varuna gets imperial authority, Mitra acquires martial energy, Indra gets force, Brihaspati gets priestly authority, Savitri acquires dominion, Pushan gets splendor, Sarasvati takes nourishment and Tvashtri gets forms. The hymns of Shatapatha Brahmana thus describe Śrī as a goddess born with and personifying a diverse range of talents and powers.
According to another legend, she emerges during the creation of universe, floating over the water on the expanded petals of a lotus flower; she is also variously regarded as wife of Sūrya, as wife of Prajāpati, as wife of Dharma and mother of Kāma, as sister or mother of Dhātṛ and Vidhātṛ, as wife of Dattatreya, as one of the nine Śaktis of Viṣṇu, as a manifestation of Prakṛti, as identified with Dākshāyaṇī in Bharataśrama, and with Sītā, wife of Rāma, and with other women.
In the Epics of Hinduism, such as in the Mahabharata, Laksmi personifies wealth, riches, beauty, happiness, loveliness, grace, charm and splendour. In another Hindu legend about the creation of universe, described in the Ramayana, Lakshmi springs with other precious things from the foam of the ocean of milk when churned by the gods and demons for the recovery of the Amṛta. She appeared with a lotus in her hand, whence she is also called Padmā.
ROOT OF THE WORLD
Lakshmi in Sanskrit is derived from the root word lakṣ (लक्ष्) and lakṣa (लक्ष), meaning "to perceive, observe, know, understand" and "goal, aim, objective" respectively. These roots give Lakshmi the symbolism – know and understand your goal. A related term is lakṣaṇa, which means "sign, target, aim, symbol, attribute, quality, lucky mark, auspicious opportunity".
SYMBOLISM AND ICONOGRAPHY
The image, icons and sculpture of Lakshmi is represented with symbolism. Her name is derived from Sanskrit root words for know the goal and understand the objective. Her four arms are symbolic of the four goals of human being that are considered good in Hinduism - dharma (pursuit of ethical, moral life), artha (pursuit of wealth, means of life), kama (pursuit of love, emotional fulfillment), and moksha (pursuit of self-knowledge, liberation).
In Lakshmi's iconography, she is either sitting or standing on lotus, and typically also carries lotus in one or two hands. Lotus carries symbolic meanings in Hinduism and other Indian traditions. It symbolically represents reality, consciousness and karma (work, deed) in Sahasrara context, and knowledge and self-realization in other contexts. Lotus, a flower that blossoms in clean or dirty water, also symbolizes purity and beauty regardless of the good or bad circumstances in which its grows. It is a reminder that good and prosperity can bloom and not be affected by evil in one's surrounding. Below, behind or on the sides, Lakshmi is sometimes shown with one or two elephants, and occasionally with an owl. Elephants symbolize work, activity and strength, as well as water, rain and fertility for abundant prosperity. The owl, called Pechaka in eastern regions of India, signifies the patient striving to observe, see and discover knowledge particularly when surrounded by darkness. Owl, a bird that becomes blind in daylight, is also a symbolic reminder to refrain from blindness and greed after knowledge and wealth has been acquired.
Wealth symbolically pours out from one of her hands in some representations, or she simply holds a jar of wealth in some representations. This symbolism has multiple meanings. Wealth manifested through Lakshmi means both material as well as spiritual wealth. Her face and open hands are in a mudra that signify compassion, giving or daana (charity).
Lakshmi typically wears a red dress embroidered with golden threads, symbolism for beauty and wealth. She, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, is often represented with her husband Vishnu, the god who maintains human life filled with justice and peace. This symbolism implies wealth and prosperity is coupled with maintenance of life, justice and peace.
NAMES
Lakshmi has numerous names, and numerous ancient Stotram and Sutras of Hinduism recite her various names. She is very closely associated with the lotus, and her many epithets are connected to the flower, such as:
Padma: lotus dweller
Kamala: lotus dweller
Padmapriya: One who likes lotuses
Padmamaladhara devi: One who wears a garland of lotuses
Padmamukhi: One whose face is as beautiful as a lotus
Padmakshi: One whose eyes are as beautiful as a lotus
Padmahasta: One who holds a lotus
Padmasundari: One who is as beautiful as a lotus
Her other names include:
Vishnupriya: One who is the beloved of Vishnu
Ulkavahini: One who rides an owl
Her other names include: Ambika, Manushri, Mohini, Chakrika, Kamalika, Aishwarya, Lalima, Indira, Kalyani, Nandika, Nandini, Rujula, Vaishnavi, Samruddhi, Narayani, Bhargavi, Sridevi, Chanchala, Jalaja, Madhavi, Sujata, Shreya, Maheshwari, Madhu, Madhavi, Paramaa, Janamodini, Tripura, Tulasi, Ketaki, Malati, Vidhya, Trilochana, Tilottama, Subha, Chandika, Devi, Kriyalakshmi, Viroopa, Vani, Gayatri, Savitri, Apara or Aparajita, Aparna, Aruna, Akhila, Bala, Tara, Kuhu, Poornima, Aditi, Anumati, Avashyaa, Sita, Taruni, Jyotsna, Jyoti, Nimeshika, Atibha, Ishaani, Smriti and Sri. She is also referred to as Jaganmaatha ("Mother of the Universe") in Shri Mahalakshmi Ashtakam.
ANCIENT LITERATURE ON LAKSHMI
UPANISHADS
Shakta Upanishads are dedicated to the trinity of goddesses - Lakshmi, Saraswati and Parvati. Saubhagya Lakshmi Upanishad, estimated to be composed before 300 BC, describes the qualities, characteristics and powers of Lakshmi. In second part of the Upanishad, the emphasis shifts to the use of yoga and transcendence from material craving in order to achieve spiritual knowledge and self-realization, the true wealth. Saubhagya-Lakshmi Upanishad synonymously uses Sri to describe Lakshmi.
STOTRAMS AND SUTRAS
Numerous ancient Stotram and Sutras of Hinduism recite hymns dedicated to Lakshmi. She is a major goddess in the Puranas and Itihasa of Hinduism. In ancient scriptures of India, all women are declared to be embodiments of Lakshmi. For example,
Every woman is an embodiment of you.
You exist as little girls in their childhood,
As young women in their youth,
And as elderly women in their old age.
—Sri Kamala Stotram
Every woman is an emanation of you.
—Sri Daivakrta Laksmi Stotram
Ancient prayers dedicated to Lakshmi seek both material and spiritual wealth in prayers.
PURANAS
Lakshmi features prominently in the Puranas of Hinduism. Vishnu Purana, in particular, dedicates many sections to her and also refers to her as Śrī. J. A. B. van Buitenen translates passages describing Lakshmi in Vishnu Purana as, "Śrī, loyal to Vishnu, is the mother of the world. Vishnu is the meaning, Śrī is the speech. She is the conduct, he the behavior. Vishnu is knowledge, she the insight. He is dharma, she the virtuous action. She is the earth, he earth's upholder. She is contentment, he the satisfaction. She is wish, he is the desire. Śrī is the sky, Vishnu the Self of everything. He is the moon, she the beauty of moon. He is the ocean, she is the shore". This unified, complementing and integrated image of Lakshmi and Vishnu as wife and husband, notes Patricia Monaghan, is "the paradigm for rituals and ceremonies for the bride and groom in Hindu weddings".
SUBHASITA, GNOMIC AND DIDACTIC LITERATURE
Lakshmi, along with Parvati and Saraswati, are subjects of extensive Subhasita, gnomic and didactic literature of India. Composed in 1st millennium BC through the 16th century AD, these are short poems, proverbs, couplets or aphorisms in Sanskrit, written in precise meter. They sometimes take the form of dialogue between Lakshmi and Vishnu, or highlight the spiritual message in Vedas and ethical maxims from Hindu Epics through Lakshmi. An example Subhashita is Puranarthasamgraha, compiled by Vekataraya in South India, where Lakshmi and Vishnu discuss niti (right, moral conduct) and rajaniti (statesmanship, right governance) - covering in 30 chapters, ethical and moral questions about personal, social and political life.
MANIFESTATIONS AND ASPECTS
In eastern India, Lakshmi is seen as a form of one goddess Devi, the Supreme power; Devi is also called Durga or Shakti. Lakshmi, Saraswati and Parvati are typically conceptualized as distinct in most of India, but in states such as West Bengal and Odisha, they are regionally believed to be forms of Durga.
Lakshmi is seen in two forms, Bhudevi and Sridevi, both either side of Sri Venkateshwara or Vishnu. Bhudevi is the representation and totality of the material world or energy, called the aparam Prakriti, in which she is called Mother Earth. Sridevi is the spiritual world or energy, called the Prakriti. Lakshmi is the power of Vishnu.
Inside temples, Lakshmi is often shown together with Vishnu. In certain parts of India, Lakshmi plays a special role as the mediator between her husband Vishnu and his worldly devotees. When asking Vishnu for grace or forgiveness, the devotees often approach Him through the intermediary presence of Lakshmi. She is also the personification of the spiritual fulfillment. Lakshmi embodies the spiritual world, also known as Vaikunta, the abode of Lakshmi-Narayana or Vishnu, or what would be considered heaven in Vaishnavism. Lakshmi is the embodiment of God's superior spiritual feminine energy, Param Prakriti, which purifies, empowers and uplifts the individual.
SECONDARY MANIFESTATIONS
Ashta Lakshmi (Sanskrit: अष्टलक्ष्मी,Aṣṭalakṣmī, lit. "eight Lakshmis") is a group of eight secondary manifestations of Lakshmi. The Ashta Lakshmis preside over eight sources of wealth and thus represent the eight powers of Shri Lakshmi. Temples dedicated to Ashta Lakshmi are found in Tamil Nadu such as the Ashtalakshmi Kovil near Chennai, and in many other states of India.
The eight Ashta Lakshmis are as follows:
Ādi Lakṣmī:
The First manifestation of Lakshmi
Dhānya Lakṣmī:
Granary wealth
Veera Lakṣmī:
Wealth of courage
Gaja Lakṣmī:
Elephants spraying water, wealth of fertility, rains and food
Santāna Lakṣmī:
Wealth of continuity, progeny
Vijaya Lakṣmī:
Wealth of victory
Aishwarya Lakṣmī:
Wealth of knowledge and education
Dhana Lakṣmī:
Monetary wealth
Other secondary representations of the goddess include Lakshmi manifesting in three forms: Sri Devi, Bhoo devi, and Neela devi. This threefold goddess can be found, for example, in Sri Bhu Neela Sahita Temple near Dwaraka Tirumala, Andhra Pradesh, and in the Adinath Swami Temple in Tamil Nadu. Sri Devi represents moveable assets (called Chanchala), and Bhoodevi represents immoveable assets (Achanchala).
Mahalakshmi is also shown presidings over eighteen forms of wealth; these include the eight great siddhis (ashta siddhis) of spiritual knowledge or Jnana (Sanskrit: ज्ञान, jñāna).
In Nepal, Mahalakshmi is shown with 16 hands, each holding a sacred emblem or expressing a sacred gesture, or mudra (lotus, pot, mudra of blessing, book, rosary, bell, shield, bow, arrow, sword, trident, mudra of admonition, noose, skull cap, and kettledrum. In this representation Mahalakshmi manifests as a kind, compassionate, tranquil deity sitting not on a lotus, but on a lion.
JAIN TEMPLES
Some Jain temples also depict Sri Lakshmi as a goddess of artha (wealth) and kama (pleasure). For example, she is exhibited with Vishnu in Parshvanatha Jain Temple at the Khajuraho Monuments of Madhya Pradesh, where she is shown pressed against Vishnu's chest, while Vishnu cups a breast in his palm. The presence of Vishnu-Lakshmi iconography in a Jain temple, built near the Hindu temples of Khajuraho, suggests the sharing and acceptance of Lakshmi across a spectrum of Indian religions. This commonality is reflected in the praise of Lakshmi found in the Jain text Kalpa Sūtra.
CREATION AND LEGENDS
Devas (gods) and asuras (demons) were both mortal at one time, in Hinduism. Amrit, the divine nectar that grants immortality, could only be obtained by churning the Kshirsagar (Ocean of Milk). The devas and asuras both sought immortality and decided to churn the Kshirsagar. The samudra manthan commenced with the devas on one side and the asuras on the other. Vishnu incarnated as Kurma, the tortoise, and a mountain was placed on the tortoise as a churning pole. Vasuki, the great venom-spewing serpent, was wrapped around the mountain and used to churn the ocean. A host of divine celestial objects came up during the churning. Along with them emerged the goddess Lakshmi. In some versions she is said to be the daughter of the sea god since she emerged from the sea.
In the Garuda Purana, Linga Purana and Padma Purana she is said to have been born as the daughter of the divine sage Bhrigu and his wife Khyaati and was named "Bhargavi". According to the Vishnu Purana, the universe was created when the Devas (good) and Asuras (evil) churn the cosmic ocean of milk (Ksheera Sagara). Lakshmi came out of the ocean bearing lotus, along with the divine cow Kamadhenu, Varuni,the tree Parijat, the Apsaras, the Chandra (the moon), and Dhanvantari with Amrita (nectar of immortality). When she appeared, she had a choice to go to Devas or the Asuras. She chose Devas side; and among thirty deities, she chose to be with Vishnu. Thereafter, in all three worlds, the lotus bearing goddess was celebrated.
CELEBRATION IN HINDU SOCIETY
Many Hindus worship Lakshmi on Diwali, the festival of lights. It is celebrated in autumn, typically October or November, every year. The festival spiritually signifies the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, good over evil, and hope over despair.
Before Diwali night, people clean, renovate and decorate their homes and offices. On Diwali night, Hindus dress up in new clothes or their best outfit, light up diyas (lamps and candles) inside and outside their home, participate in family puja (prayers) typically to Lakshmi. After puja, fireworks follow, then a family feast including mithai (sweets), and an exchange of gifts between family members and close friends. Diwali also marks a major shopping period, since Lakshmi connotes auspiciousness, wealth and prosperity. This festival dedicated to Lakshmi is considered by Hindus as one of the most important and joyous festivals of the year.
Gaja Lakshmi Puja is another autumn festival celebrated on Sharad Purnima, in many parts of India, on the full-moon day in the month of Ashvin (September–October). The Sharad Purnima, also called Kojaagari Purnima or Kumar Purnima is a harvest festival celebrated on the full moon day of the Hindu lunar month of Asvin. It marks the end of monsoon. There is a traditional celebration of the moon and is also called the 'Kaumudi celebration', Kaumudi meaning moonlight. On Sharad Purnima night, goddess Lakshmi is thanked and worshipped for the harvests.
REGIONAL VARIATIONS
BENGAL
In Bengal, Lakshmi is worshiped on Kojagiri Purnima, in autumn when the moon is full, the brightest night of the year. She, riding on her mount-the great white owl, is believed to bless wealth and resources for content lives on this night. The owl symbolically represents penetrating sight in the darkness of night.
During the celebrations, lotus flowers, sandalwood, vermilion, betel leaves & nuts, fruits and various sweet preparations made from jaggery, rice and coconuts are used for her ritual worship.
Apart from the autumnal celebration, Lakshmi, along with Alakshmi (her shadow energy), is also worshipped during Diwali night in some Bengali communities. The goddess Kali of Kalighat in Kolkata is worshipped in Mahalakshmi form during Diwali. Some people observe Lakshmi Vrata/Puja (fasting and prayer). Women sing a string of poems called 'Panchali', narrating the glories of goddess Lakshmi.
ODISHA
Lakshmi is the goddess thanked after autumn harvests in the month of Mrigashīrsha. Women celebrate the festival Manabasa Gurubara or Lakshmi Puja. On each Thursday of the month, the houses are cleaned and the floors are decorated with floral designs drawn with rice powder mixed with water, called jhoti. Footprints are painted from the doorstep to the place of worship, to symbolize that Lakshmi has entered the house. The roofs are decorated with flower garlands and festoons woven out of paddy stalks.[citation needed] After a purification bath in the morning, the women of the region symbolically offer prayers to paddy considered a bounty from Lakshmi. Different rice cakes and Khiri (rice soup prepared with milk and sugar) are prepared in households and are offered to the deity and then eaten by all.
People in Odisha also worship Gaja Lakshmi on Sharad Purnima, also known as Kumar Purnima. Children wear new clothes and families celebrate the day with feasts. It is a festival of rejoicing for the girls; all of them sing and dance. The songs are of a special nature. They play a kind of game known as puchi and other country games.
HYMNS
Countless hymns, prayers, slokas, stotra, songs, and legends dedicated to Mahalakshmi are recited during the ritual worship of Lakshmi.
These include Sri Mahalakshmi Ashtakam, Sri Lakshmi Sahasaranama Stotra (by Sanathkumara), Sri Stuti (by Sri Vedantha Desikar), Sri Lakshmi Stuti (by Indra), Sri Kanakadhara Stotra (by Sri Aadhi Shankaracharya), Sri Chatussloki (by Sri Yamunacharya), Sri Lakshmi Sloka (by Bhagavan Sri Hari Swamiji) and Sri Sukta, which is contained in the Vedas. Sri Sukta contains the Lakshmi Gayatri Mantra (Om Shree Mahaalakshmyai ca vidmahe Vishnu patnyai ca dheemahi tanno Lakshmi prachodayat Om).
CULTURE
One of Lakshmi's names, Sri (also spelled Shri, pronounced as shree), is commonly used as an honorific prefix or suffix in cultural discourse and human relationships. Affixed to the names of distinguished persons, the honorifics "Shri" (also "Sri," "Shree") and "Shrimati" (also "Srimati," "Shreemati") imply beauty, wealth, prosperity, and auspiciousness.
ARCHAEOLOGY
A representation of the goddess as Gaja Lakshmi, or Lakshmi flanked by two elephants spraying her with water, is one of the most frequent found in archeological sites.[citation needed] An ancient sculpture of Gaja Lakshmi (from the Sonkh site at Mathura) dates to the pre-Kushan Empire era. The Atranjikhera site in modern Uttar Pradesh has yielded terracotta plaque with images of Lakshmi dating to the 2nd century BC. Other archeological sites with ancient Lakshmi terracotta figurines from the 1st millennium BC include Vaisali, Sravasti, Kausambi, Campa and Candraketugadh.
The goddess Lakshmi is frequently found in ancient coins of various Hindu kingdoms from Afghanistan throughout India. Gaja Lakshmi has been found on coins of Scytho-Parthian kings Azes II and Azilises; she also appears on Shunga Empire king Jyesthamitra era coins, both dating to the 1st millennium BC. Coins from the 1st through 4th century AD found in various locations in India such as Ayodhaya, Mathura, Ujjain, Sanchi, Bodh Gaya, Kanauj, all feature Lakshmi. Similarly, ancient Graeco-Indian gems and seals with images of Lakshmi have been found, estimated to be from the 1st millennium BC.
A 1400-year-old rare granite sculpture of Lakshmi has been recovered at the Waghama village along the Jehlum in Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir.
A statuette of Lakshmi found in Pompeii, Italy, dates to before the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD.
RELATED GODDESSES
JAPAN
Goddess Kishijoten of Japan corresponds to Lakshmi. Kishijoten is the goddess of beauty, fortune and prosperity. Kishijoten is considered the sister of the deity Bishamon (毘沙門, also known as Tamon or Bishamon-ten); Bishamon protects human life, fights evil and brings good fortune. In ancient and medieval Japan, Kishijoten was the goddess worshipped for luck and prosperity, particularly on behalf of children. Kishijoten was also the guardian goddess of Geishas. While Bishamon and Kishijoten are found in ancient Chinese and Japanese Buddhist literature, their roots have been traced to deities in Hinduism.
TIBET AND NEPAL
Goddess Vasudhara in Tibetan and Nepalese culture is closely analogous to goddess Lakshmi.
WIKIPEDIA
Lakshmi (Sanskrit: लक्ष्मी, lakṣmī, ˈləkʃmi) is the Hindu goddess of wealth, prosperity (both material and spiritual), fortune, and the embodiment of beauty. She is the wife and active energy of Vishnu. Her four hands represent the four goals of human life considered proper in Hindu way of life – dharma, kāma, artha, and moksha. Representations of Lakshmi are also found in Jain monuments. In Buddhist sects of Tibet, Nepal and southeast Asia, goddess Vasudhara mirrors the characteristics and attributes of Hindu goddess Lakshmi, with minor iconographic differences.
Lakshmi is also called Sri or Thirumagal because she is endowed with six auspicious and divine qualities, or Gunas, and also because she is the source of strength even to Vishnu. When Vishnu incarnated on the Earth as the avatars Rama and Krishna, Lakshmi took incarnation as his consort. Sita (Rama's wife), Radha (Krishna's lover), Rukmini is considered forms of Lakshmi. In ancient scriptures of India, all women are declared to be embodiments of Lakshmi. The marriage and relationship between Lakshmi and Vishnu as wife and husband, states Patricia Monaghan, is "the paradigm for rituals and ceremonies for the bride and groom in Hindu weddings".
Archeological discoveries and ancient coins suggest the recognition and reverence for goddess Lakshmi, in Scytho-Parthian kingdom and throughout India, by 1st millennium BC.Lakshmi's iconography and statues have also been found in Hindu temples of southeast Asia, estimated to be from second half of 1st millennium AD.
In modern times, Lakshmi is worshipped as the goddess of wealth. She is also worshipped as the consort of Vishnu in many temples. The festivals of Diwali and Sharad Purnima (Kojagiri Purnima) are celebrated in her honour.
ETYMOLOGY
Lakshmi (Lakṣmī) is one of many Hindu deities whose meaning and significance evolved in ancient Sanskrit texts.
Lakshmi is mentioned once in Rig Veda, but the context suggests that the word does not mean "goddess of wealth and fortune", rather it means "kindred mark or sign of auspicious fortune".
भद्रैषां लक्ष्मीर्निहिताधि वाचि
bhadrauṣāṁ lakṣmīrnihitādhi vāci
"an auspicious fortune is attached to their words"
—Rig Veda, x.71.2, Translated by John Muir
In Atharva Veda, composed about 1000 BC, Lakshmi evolves into a complex concept with plural manifestations. Book 7, Chapter 115 of Atherva Veda describes the plurality, asserts that a hundred Lakshmis are born with the body of a mortal at birth, some good, punya (virtuous) and auspicious, while others bad, paapi (evil) and unfortunate. The good are welcomed, while the bad urged to leave. The concept and spirit of Lakshmi, her association with fortune and the good, is significant enough that Atharva Veda mentions it in multiple books, for example in Book 12, Chapter 5 as punya Lakshmi. In chapters of Atharva Veda, Lakshmi connotes the good, an auspicious sign, good luck, good fortune, prosperity, success and happiness.
In later mythology, Lakshmi is referred to as the goddess of fortune and beauty, identified with Śrī and regarded as the wife of Viṣṇu (Nārāyaṇa). For example, in Shatapatha Brahmana, variously estimated to be composed between 800 BC and 300 BC, Śrī (Lakshmi) is part of one of many theories, in ancient India, about the creation of universe. In Book 9 of Shatapatha Brahmana, Śrī emerges from Prajāpati, after his intense meditation on creation of life and nature of universe. Śrī is described as the beautiful, resplendent and trembling woman at her birth with immense energy and powers. The gods were bewitched, desire her and immediately become covetous of her. The gods approach Prajāpati and request permission to kill her and then take her powers, talents and gifts. Prajāpati refuses, tells the gods that males should not kill females, and that they can seek her gifts without violence. The gods then approach Lakshmi, deity Agni gets food, Soma gets kingly authority, Varuna gets imperial authority, Mitra acquires martial energy, Indra gets force, Brihaspati gets priestly authority, Savitri acquires dominion, Pushan gets splendor, Sarasvati takes nourishment and Tvashtri gets forms. The hymns of Shatapatha Brahmana thus describe Śrī as a goddess born with and personifying a diverse range of talents and powers.
According to another legend, she emerges during the creation of universe, floating over the water on the expanded petals of a lotus flower; she is also variously regarded as wife of Sūrya, as wife of Prajāpati, as wife of Dharma and mother of Kāma, as sister or mother of Dhātṛ and Vidhātṛ, as wife of Dattatreya, as one of the nine Śaktis of Viṣṇu, as a manifestation of Prakṛti, as identified with Dākshāyaṇī in Bharataśrama, and with Sītā, wife of Rāma, and with other women.
In the Epics of Hinduism, such as in the Mahabharata, Laksmi personifies wealth, riches, beauty, happiness, loveliness, grace, charm and splendour. In another Hindu legend about the creation of universe, described in the Ramayana, Lakshmi springs with other precious things from the foam of the ocean of milk when churned by the gods and demons for the recovery of the Amṛta. She appeared with a lotus in her hand, whence she is also called Padmā.
ROOT OF THE WORLD
Lakshmi in Sanskrit is derived from the root word lakṣ (लक्ष्) and lakṣa (लक्ष), meaning "to perceive, observe, know, understand" and "goal, aim, objective" respectively. These roots give Lakshmi the symbolism – know and understand your goal. A related term is lakṣaṇa, which means "sign, target, aim, symbol, attribute, quality, lucky mark, auspicious opportunity".
SYMBOLISM AND ICONOGRAPHY
The image, icons and sculpture of Lakshmi is represented with symbolism. Her name is derived from Sanskrit root words for know the goal and understand the objective. Her four arms are symbolic of the four goals of human being that are considered good in Hinduism - dharma (pursuit of ethical, moral life), artha (pursuit of wealth, means of life), kama (pursuit of love, emotional fulfillment), and moksha (pursuit of self-knowledge, liberation).
In Lakshmi's iconography, she is either sitting or standing on lotus, and typically also carries lotus in one or two hands. Lotus carries symbolic meanings in Hinduism and other Indian traditions. It symbolically represents reality, consciousness and karma (work, deed) in Sahasrara context, and knowledge and self-realization in other contexts. Lotus, a flower that blossoms in clean or dirty water, also symbolizes purity and beauty regardless of the good or bad circumstances in which its grows. It is a reminder that good and prosperity can bloom and not be affected by evil in one's surrounding. Below, behind or on the sides, Lakshmi is sometimes shown with one or two elephants, and occasionally with an owl. Elephants symbolize work, activity and strength, as well as water, rain and fertility for abundant prosperity. The owl, called Pechaka in eastern regions of India, signifies the patient striving to observe, see and discover knowledge particularly when surrounded by darkness. Owl, a bird that becomes blind in daylight, is also a symbolic reminder to refrain from blindness and greed after knowledge and wealth has been acquired.
Wealth symbolically pours out from one of her hands in some representations, or she simply holds a jar of wealth in some representations. This symbolism has multiple meanings. Wealth manifested through Lakshmi means both material as well as spiritual wealth. Her face and open hands are in a mudra that signify compassion, giving or daana (charity).
Lakshmi typically wears a red dress embroidered with golden threads, symbolism for beauty and wealth. She, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, is often represented with her husband Vishnu, the god who maintains human life filled with justice and peace. This symbolism implies wealth and prosperity is coupled with maintenance of life, justice and peace.
NAMES
Lakshmi has numerous names, and numerous ancient Stotram and Sutras of Hinduism recite her various names. She is very closely associated with the lotus, and her many epithets are connected to the flower, such as:
Padma: lotus dweller
Kamala: lotus dweller
Padmapriya: One who likes lotuses
Padmamaladhara devi: One who wears a garland of lotuses
Padmamukhi: One whose face is as beautiful as a lotus
Padmakshi: One whose eyes are as beautiful as a lotus
Padmahasta: One who holds a lotus
Padmasundari: One who is as beautiful as a lotus
Her other names include:
Vishnupriya: One who is the beloved of Vishnu
Ulkavahini: One who rides an owl
Her other names include: Ambika, Manushri, Mohini, Chakrika, Kamalika, Aishwarya, Lalima, Indira, Kalyani, Nandika, Nandini, Rujula, Vaishnavi, Samruddhi, Narayani, Bhargavi, Sridevi, Chanchala, Jalaja, Madhavi, Sujata, Shreya, Maheshwari, Madhu, Madhavi, Paramaa, Janamodini, Tripura, Tulasi, Ketaki, Malati, Vidhya, Trilochana, Tilottama, Subha, Chandika, Devi, Kriyalakshmi, Viroopa, Vani, Gayatri, Savitri, Apara or Aparajita, Aparna, Aruna, Akhila, Bala, Tara, Kuhu, Poornima, Aditi, Anumati, Avashyaa, Sita, Taruni, Jyotsna, Jyoti, Nimeshika, Atibha, Ishaani, Smriti and Sri. She is also referred to as Jaganmaatha ("Mother of the Universe") in Shri Mahalakshmi Ashtakam.
ANCIENT LITERATURE ON LAKSHMI
UPANISHADS
Shakta Upanishads are dedicated to the trinity of goddesses - Lakshmi, Saraswati and Parvati. Saubhagya Lakshmi Upanishad, estimated to be composed before 300 BC, describes the qualities, characteristics and powers of Lakshmi. In second part of the Upanishad, the emphasis shifts to the use of yoga and transcendence from material craving in order to achieve spiritual knowledge and self-realization, the true wealth. Saubhagya-Lakshmi Upanishad synonymously uses Sri to describe Lakshmi.
STOTRAMS AND SUTRAS
Numerous ancient Stotram and Sutras of Hinduism recite hymns dedicated to Lakshmi. She is a major goddess in the Puranas and Itihasa of Hinduism. In ancient scriptures of India, all women are declared to be embodiments of Lakshmi. For example,
Every woman is an embodiment of you.
You exist as little girls in their childhood,
As young women in their youth,
And as elderly women in their old age.
—Sri Kamala Stotram
Every woman is an emanation of you.
—Sri Daivakrta Laksmi Stotram
Ancient prayers dedicated to Lakshmi seek both material and spiritual wealth in prayers.
PURANAS
Lakshmi features prominently in the Puranas of Hinduism. Vishnu Purana, in particular, dedicates many sections to her and also refers to her as Śrī. J. A. B. van Buitenen translates passages describing Lakshmi in Vishnu Purana as, "Śrī, loyal to Vishnu, is the mother of the world. Vishnu is the meaning, Śrī is the speech. She is the conduct, he the behavior. Vishnu is knowledge, she the insight. He is dharma, she the virtuous action. She is the earth, he earth's upholder. She is contentment, he the satisfaction. She is wish, he is the desire. Śrī is the sky, Vishnu the Self of everything. He is the moon, she the beauty of moon. He is the ocean, she is the shore". This unified, complementing and integrated image of Lakshmi and Vishnu as wife and husband, notes Patricia Monaghan, is "the paradigm for rituals and ceremonies for the bride and groom in Hindu weddings".
SUBHASITA, GNOMIC AND DIDACTIC LITERATURE
Lakshmi, along with Parvati and Saraswati, are subjects of extensive Subhasita, gnomic and didactic literature of India. Composed in 1st millennium BC through the 16th century AD, these are short poems, proverbs, couplets or aphorisms in Sanskrit, written in precise meter. They sometimes take the form of dialogue between Lakshmi and Vishnu, or highlight the spiritual message in Vedas and ethical maxims from Hindu Epics through Lakshmi. An example Subhashita is Puranarthasamgraha, compiled by Vekataraya in South India, where Lakshmi and Vishnu discuss niti (right, moral conduct) and rajaniti (statesmanship, right governance) - covering in 30 chapters, ethical and moral questions about personal, social and political life.
MANIFESTATIONS AND ASPECTS
In eastern India, Lakshmi is seen as a form of one goddess Devi, the Supreme power; Devi is also called Durga or Shakti. Lakshmi, Saraswati and Parvati are typically conceptualized as distinct in most of India, but in states such as West Bengal and Odisha, they are regionally believed to be forms of Durga.
Lakshmi is seen in two forms, Bhudevi and Sridevi, both either side of Sri Venkateshwara or Vishnu. Bhudevi is the representation and totality of the material world or energy, called the aparam Prakriti, in which she is called Mother Earth. Sridevi is the spiritual world or energy, called the Prakriti. Lakshmi is the power of Vishnu.
Inside temples, Lakshmi is often shown together with Vishnu. In certain parts of India, Lakshmi plays a special role as the mediator between her husband Vishnu and his worldly devotees. When asking Vishnu for grace or forgiveness, the devotees often approach Him through the intermediary presence of Lakshmi. She is also the personification of the spiritual fulfillment. Lakshmi embodies the spiritual world, also known as Vaikunta, the abode of Lakshmi-Narayana or Vishnu, or what would be considered heaven in Vaishnavism. Lakshmi is the embodiment of God's superior spiritual feminine energy, Param Prakriti, which purifies, empowers and uplifts the individual.
SECONDARY MANIFESTATIONS
Ashta Lakshmi (Sanskrit: अष्टलक्ष्मी,Aṣṭalakṣmī, lit. "eight Lakshmis") is a group of eight secondary manifestations of Lakshmi. The Ashta Lakshmis preside over eight sources of wealth and thus represent the eight powers of Shri Lakshmi. Temples dedicated to Ashta Lakshmi are found in Tamil Nadu such as the Ashtalakshmi Kovil near Chennai, and in many other states of India.
The eight Ashta Lakshmis are as follows:
Ādi Lakṣmī:
The First manifestation of Lakshmi
Dhānya Lakṣmī:
Granary wealth
Veera Lakṣmī:
Wealth of courage
Gaja Lakṣmī:
Elephants spraying water, wealth of fertility, rains and food
Santāna Lakṣmī:
Wealth of continuity, progeny
Vijaya Lakṣmī:
Wealth of victory
Aishwarya Lakṣmī:
Wealth of knowledge and education
Dhana Lakṣmī:
Monetary wealth
Other secondary representations of the goddess include Lakshmi manifesting in three forms: Sri Devi, Bhoo devi, and Neela devi. This threefold goddess can be found, for example, in Sri Bhu Neela Sahita Temple near Dwaraka Tirumala, Andhra Pradesh, and in the Adinath Swami Temple in Tamil Nadu. Sri Devi represents moveable assets (called Chanchala), and Bhoodevi represents immoveable assets (Achanchala).
Mahalakshmi is also shown presidings over eighteen forms of wealth; these include the eight great siddhis (ashta siddhis) of spiritual knowledge or Jnana (Sanskrit: ज्ञान, jñāna).
In Nepal, Mahalakshmi is shown with 16 hands, each holding a sacred emblem or expressing a sacred gesture, or mudra (lotus, pot, mudra of blessing, book, rosary, bell, shield, bow, arrow, sword, trident, mudra of admonition, noose, skull cap, and kettledrum. In this representation Mahalakshmi manifests as a kind, compassionate, tranquil deity sitting not on a lotus, but on a lion.
JAIN TEMPLES
Some Jain temples also depict Sri Lakshmi as a goddess of artha (wealth) and kama (pleasure). For example, she is exhibited with Vishnu in Parshvanatha Jain Temple at the Khajuraho Monuments of Madhya Pradesh, where she is shown pressed against Vishnu's chest, while Vishnu cups a breast in his palm. The presence of Vishnu-Lakshmi iconography in a Jain temple, built near the Hindu temples of Khajuraho, suggests the sharing and acceptance of Lakshmi across a spectrum of Indian religions. This commonality is reflected in the praise of Lakshmi found in the Jain text Kalpa Sūtra.
CREATION AND LEGENDS
Devas (gods) and asuras (demons) were both mortal at one time, in Hinduism. Amrit, the divine nectar that grants immortality, could only be obtained by churning the Kshirsagar (Ocean of Milk). The devas and asuras both sought immortality and decided to churn the Kshirsagar. The samudra manthan commenced with the devas on one side and the asuras on the other. Vishnu incarnated as Kurma, the tortoise, and a mountain was placed on the tortoise as a churning pole. Vasuki, the great venom-spewing serpent, was wrapped around the mountain and used to churn the ocean. A host of divine celestial objects came up during the churning. Along with them emerged the goddess Lakshmi. In some versions she is said to be the daughter of the sea god since she emerged from the sea.
In the Garuda Purana, Linga Purana and Padma Purana she is said to have been born as the daughter of the divine sage Bhrigu and his wife Khyaati and was named "Bhargavi". According to the Vishnu Purana, the universe was created when the Devas (good) and Asuras (evil) churn the cosmic ocean of milk (Ksheera Sagara). Lakshmi came out of the ocean bearing lotus, along with the divine cow Kamadhenu, Varuni,the tree Parijat, the Apsaras, the Chandra (the moon), and Dhanvantari with Amrita (nectar of immortality). When she appeared, she had a choice to go to Devas or the Asuras. She chose Devas side; and among thirty deities, she chose to be with Vishnu. Thereafter, in all three worlds, the lotus bearing goddess was celebrated.
CELEBRATION IN HINDU SOCIETY
Many Hindus worship Lakshmi on Diwali, the festival of lights. It is celebrated in autumn, typically October or November, every year. The festival spiritually signifies the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, good over evil, and hope over despair.
Before Diwali night, people clean, renovate and decorate their homes and offices. On Diwali night, Hindus dress up in new clothes or their best outfit, light up diyas (lamps and candles) inside and outside their home, participate in family puja (prayers) typically to Lakshmi. After puja, fireworks follow, then a family feast including mithai (sweets), and an exchange of gifts between family members and close friends. Diwali also marks a major shopping period, since Lakshmi connotes auspiciousness, wealth and prosperity. This festival dedicated to Lakshmi is considered by Hindus as one of the most important and joyous festivals of the year.
Gaja Lakshmi Puja is another autumn festival celebrated on Sharad Purnima, in many parts of India, on the full-moon day in the month of Ashvin (September–October). The Sharad Purnima, also called Kojaagari Purnima or Kumar Purnima is a harvest festival celebrated on the full moon day of the Hindu lunar month of Asvin. It marks the end of monsoon. There is a traditional celebration of the moon and is also called the 'Kaumudi celebration', Kaumudi meaning moonlight. On Sharad Purnima night, goddess Lakshmi is thanked and worshipped for the harvests.
REGIONAL VARIATIONS
BENGAL
In Bengal, Lakshmi is worshiped on Kojagiri Purnima, in autumn when the moon is full, the brightest night of the year. She, riding on her mount-the great white owl, is believed to bless wealth and resources for content lives on this night. The owl symbolically represents penetrating sight in the darkness of night.
During the celebrations, lotus flowers, sandalwood, vermilion, betel leaves & nuts, fruits and various sweet preparations made from jaggery, rice and coconuts are used for her ritual worship.
Apart from the autumnal celebration, Lakshmi, along with Alakshmi (her shadow energy), is also worshipped during Diwali night in some Bengali communities. The goddess Kali of Kalighat in Kolkata is worshipped in Mahalakshmi form during Diwali. Some people observe Lakshmi Vrata/Puja (fasting and prayer). Women sing a string of poems called 'Panchali', narrating the glories of goddess Lakshmi.
ODISHA
Lakshmi is the goddess thanked after autumn harvests in the month of Mrigashīrsha. Women celebrate the festival Manabasa Gurubara or Lakshmi Puja. On each Thursday of the month, the houses are cleaned and the floors are decorated with floral designs drawn with rice powder mixed with water, called jhoti. Footprints are painted from the doorstep to the place of worship, to symbolize that Lakshmi has entered the house. The roofs are decorated with flower garlands and festoons woven out of paddy stalks.[citation needed] After a purification bath in the morning, the women of the region symbolically offer prayers to paddy considered a bounty from Lakshmi. Different rice cakes and Khiri (rice soup prepared with milk and sugar) are prepared in households and are offered to the deity and then eaten by all.
People in Odisha also worship Gaja Lakshmi on Sharad Purnima, also known as Kumar Purnima. Children wear new clothes and families celebrate the day with feasts. It is a festival of rejoicing for the girls; all of them sing and dance. The songs are of a special nature. They play a kind of game known as puchi and other country games.
HYMNS
Countless hymns, prayers, slokas, stotra, songs, and legends dedicated to Mahalakshmi are recited during the ritual worship of Lakshmi.
These include Sri Mahalakshmi Ashtakam, Sri Lakshmi Sahasaranama Stotra (by Sanathkumara), Sri Stuti (by Sri Vedantha Desikar), Sri Lakshmi Stuti (by Indra), Sri Kanakadhara Stotra (by Sri Aadhi Shankaracharya), Sri Chatussloki (by Sri Yamunacharya), Sri Lakshmi Sloka (by Bhagavan Sri Hari Swamiji) and Sri Sukta, which is contained in the Vedas. Sri Sukta contains the Lakshmi Gayatri Mantra (Om Shree Mahaalakshmyai ca vidmahe Vishnu patnyai ca dheemahi tanno Lakshmi prachodayat Om).
CULTURE
One of Lakshmi's names, Sri (also spelled Shri, pronounced as shree), is commonly used as an honorific prefix or suffix in cultural discourse and human relationships. Affixed to the names of distinguished persons, the honorifics "Shri" (also "Sri," "Shree") and "Shrimati" (also "Srimati," "Shreemati") imply beauty, wealth, prosperity, and auspiciousness.
ARCHAEOLOGY
A representation of the goddess as Gaja Lakshmi, or Lakshmi flanked by two elephants spraying her with water, is one of the most frequent found in archeological sites.[citation needed] An ancient sculpture of Gaja Lakshmi (from the Sonkh site at Mathura) dates to the pre-Kushan Empire era. The Atranjikhera site in modern Uttar Pradesh has yielded terracotta plaque with images of Lakshmi dating to the 2nd century BC. Other archeological sites with ancient Lakshmi terracotta figurines from the 1st millennium BC include Vaisali, Sravasti, Kausambi, Campa and Candraketugadh.
The goddess Lakshmi is frequently found in ancient coins of various Hindu kingdoms from Afghanistan throughout India. Gaja Lakshmi has been found on coins of Scytho-Parthian kings Azes II and Azilises; she also appears on Shunga Empire king Jyesthamitra era coins, both dating to the 1st millennium BC. Coins from the 1st through 4th century AD found in various locations in India such as Ayodhaya, Mathura, Ujjain, Sanchi, Bodh Gaya, Kanauj, all feature Lakshmi. Similarly, ancient Graeco-Indian gems and seals with images of Lakshmi have been found, estimated to be from the 1st millennium BC.
A 1400-year-old rare granite sculpture of Lakshmi has been recovered at the Waghama village along the Jehlum in Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir.
A statuette of Lakshmi found in Pompeii, Italy, dates to before the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD.
RELATED GODDESSES
JAPAN
Goddess Kishijoten of Japan corresponds to Lakshmi. Kishijoten is the goddess of beauty, fortune and prosperity. Kishijoten is considered the sister of the deity Bishamon (毘沙門, also known as Tamon or Bishamon-ten); Bishamon protects human life, fights evil and brings good fortune. In ancient and medieval Japan, Kishijoten was the goddess worshipped for luck and prosperity, particularly on behalf of children. Kishijoten was also the guardian goddess of Geishas. While Bishamon and Kishijoten are found in ancient Chinese and Japanese Buddhist literature, their roots have been traced to deities in Hinduism.
TIBET AND NEPAL
Goddess Vasudhara in Tibetan and Nepalese culture is closely analogous to goddess Lakshmi.
WIKIPEDIA
© PKG Photography
The river Jhelum is called Vitastā in the Rigveda and Hydaspes by the ancient Greeks. The Vitasta (Sanskrit: वितस्ता, fem., also, Vetastā) is mentioned as one of the major rivers by the holy scriptures of the Indo-Aryans — the Rigveda. It has been speculated that the Vitastā must have been one of the seven rivers (sapta-sindhu) mentioned so many times in the Rigveda. The name survives in the Kashmiri name for this river as Vyeth. According to the major religious work Srimad Bhagavatam, the Vitastā is one of the many transcendental rivers flowing through the land of Bharata, or ancient India.
The river was regarded as a god by the ancient Greeks, as were most mountains and streams; the poet Nonnus in the Dionysiaca (section 26, line 350) makes the Hydaspes a titan-descended god, the son of the sea-god Thaumas and the cloud-goddess Elektra. He was the brother of Iris, the goddess of the rainbow, and half-brother to the Harpies, the snatching winds. Since the river is in a country foreign to the ancient Greeks, it is not clear whether they named the river after the god, or whether the god Hydaspes was named after the river. Alexander the Great and his army crossed the Jhelum in BC 326 at the Battle of the Hydaspes River where he defeated the Indian king, Porus. According to Arrian (Anabasis, 29), he built a city "on the spot whence he started to cross the river Hydaspes", which he named Bukephala (or Bucephala) to honour his famous horse Bukephalus or Bucephalus which was buried in Jalalpur Sharif. It is thought that ancient Bukephala was near the site of modern Jhelum City. According to a historian of Gujrat district, Mansoor Behzad Butt, Bukephalus was buried in Jalalpur Sharif, but the people of Mandi Bahauddin, a district close to Jehlum, believed that their tehsil Phalia was named after Bucephalus, Alexander's dead horse. They say that the name Phalia was the distortion of the word Bucephala. The waters of the Jhelum are allocated to Pakistan under the terms of the Indus Waters Treaty.
The river Jhelum rises from a spring at Verinag situated at the foot of the Pir Panjal in the south-eastern part of the valley of Kashmir in India. It flows through Srinagar and the Wular lake before entering Pakistan through a deep narrow gorge. The Kishenganga (Neelum) River, the largest tributary of the Jhelum, joins it, at Domel Muzaffarabad, as does the next largest, the Kunhar River of the Kaghan valley. It also connects with Pakistan and Pakistan-held Kashmir on Kohala Bridge east of Circle Bakote. It is then joined by the Poonch river, and flows into the Mangla Dam reservoir in the district of Mirpur. The Jhelum enters the Punjab in the Jhelum District. From there, it flows through the plains of Pakistan's Punjab, forming the boundary between the Chaj and Sindh Sagar Doabs. It ends in a confluence with the Chenab at Trimmu in District Jhang. The Chenab merges with the Sutlej to form the Panjnad River which joins the Indus River at Mithankot.
from wikipedia
Khewra Salt Mines is a salt mine located in Khewra, Jhelum District, Punjab in Pakistan, about 160 kilometres from Islamabad and 260 kilometres from Lahore. It attracts up to 40,000 visitors per year and is the second largest salt mine in the world. Situated in the foothills of the Salt Range, the Khewra Salt Mines are the oldest in the South Asia.
Salt has been mined at Khewra since 320 BC, in an underground area of about 110 sq. km. Khewra salt mine has estimated total of 220 million tones of rock salt deposits. The current production from the mine is 325,000 tons salt per annum.
The mine-head buildings have 19 stories, with 11 below ground. Only 50% salt is extracted and 50% is left as pillers to keep the mountain. The salt-mine is 288 meters above sea level and extends around 730 meters inside the mountains from the mine-mouth. The cumulative length of all tunnels is more than 40 km.
Salt occurs in a Pre-Cambrian deposit in the form of an irregular dome like structure. There are seven thick salt seams with a cumulative thickness of about 150 meters. At places the rock salt is 99% pure. Salt is transparent, white, pink, reddish to beef-color red. There are beautiful alternate bands of red and white color salt.
Source : Wikipedia
Ram Rakhi in the loving memory of her husband Bahagat Lal Rawalpindiwale constructed this temple in 1932. Before partition there was a considerable Hindu population in Jehlum, which have all vanished - either converted to Islam or migrated to India. The vanishing hindu population left behind these magnificent places of worship, which have now been encroached by muslim migrants from India and Kashmir and are in miserable condition.
Our flickr friend M. Asif
This Saturday, IMRAN and M. Asif once again graced my studio with their presence, and we experimented a lot with lights and stuff. Later we had a bumpy boat ride and sunset shooting across the river. I owe him a portrait since his last visit to Jhelum, so here it is!
© 2012 PKG Photography, all rights reserved
Verinag In Kashmir(Source of Jhelum River)
Verinag is situated at a distance of approximately 80 km from Srinagar. Reached through the link road, it is located at a height of 1,876 m. It is believed that the Verinag spring in Kashmir is the chief source of the river Jhelum. There is an octagonal base at the spring, surrounded by a covered passage.
Considered to be the source of the River Jhelum, often termed as the lifeline of the province of Jammu and Kashmir, the beautiful region of Verinag is indeed one of the best options of a weekend getaway from Srinagar. A tour to Verinag reveals the secret of the source of the River Jhelum, a spring after which the region itself has been named.
The Verinag Spring, named after Nila Nag, the son of the famous Hindu sage Kashyap Rishi, to whom, goes the credit of establishing the territory of Jammu and Kashmir is one of the principle tourist attractions of a tour to Verinag. the spring, which was originally shaped in a circular form was given a change of shape during the reign of the Mughal Emperor Jahangir in 1620, when he gave orders to renovate the spring in the Mughal traditional shape of an octagon. Today, picturesque in its settings and surrounded by tall Pine trees, the Verinag Spring is characterized by waters which are calm and sparklingly clear. Besides a glimpse of the Verinag Spring, a tour to Verinag is made even more special by the sight of several varieties of colorful flowers, gently swaying to the rhythm of the cool, mountain air.
The easiest and fastest way of reaching Verinag is by air. The nearest airport is at the Badgam District around 80 km away from the village of Verinag. Verinag is well-connected to a number of other regions of Jammu and Kashmir. There are a number of well maintained roads which lead to Verinag.
Jhelum River History
The river Jhelum is called Vitastā in the Rigveda and Hydaspes by the ancient Greeks. The Vitasta is mentioned as one of the major rivers by the holy scriptures of the Indo-Aryans — the Rigveda. It has been speculated that the Vitastā must have been one of the seven rivers (sapta-sindhu) mentioned so many times in the Rigveda. The name survives in the Kashmiri name for this river as Vyeth. According to the major religious work Srimad Bhagavatam, the Vitastā is one of the many transcendental rivers flowing through land of Bharata, or ancient India.
The river was regarded as a god by the ancient Greeks, as were most mountains and streams; the poet Nonnus in the Dionysiaca (section 26, line 350) makes the Hydaspes a titan-descended god, the son of the sea-god Thaumas and the cloud-goddess Elektra. He was the brother of Iris, the goddess of the rainbow, and half-brother to the Harpies, the snatching winds. Since the river is in a country foreign to the ancient Greeks, it is not clear whether they named the river after the god, or whether the god Hydaspes was named after the river. Alexander the Great and his army crossed the Jhelum in BC 326 at the Battle of the Hydaspes River where it is believed that he defeated the Indian king, Porus. According to Arrian (Anabasis, 29), he built a city "on the spot whence he started to cross the river Hydaspes", which he named Bukephala (or Bucephala) to honour his famous horse Bukephalus or Bucephalus which was buried in Jalalpur Sharif. It is thought that ancient Bukephala was near the site of modern Jhelum City. According to a historian of Gujrat district, Mansoor Behzad Butt, Bukephalus was buried in Jalalpur Sharif, but the people of Mandi Bahauddin, a district close to Jehlum, believed that their tehsil Phalia was named after Bucephalus, Alexander's dead horse. They say that the name Phalia was the distortion of the word Bucephala. The waters of the Jhelum are allocated to Pakistan under the terms of the Indus Waters Treaty.
The Hindu sacred place "Katas" is located in the salt range at a distance of 18 miles in the south of chakwal. the mention of katas is found in "Maha Bahart" which was written in 300 B.C. The Etymology of this place as narrated in the old edition of "Tarikh-e-Jehlum" is that according to Brahaman's belief, Shiv Devta wept so profussley on the death of his beloved wife sarri that two holy pounds one at pushkar of ajmair and other at katak shell came into being with his tears. In Sanskrit , the word "Katak shell" means chain of tears which later on was pronouned "katas".
According to Gen. Cunninghum, Katas was considered second largest holy place for Hindu Pilgrams after the Jawala Mukhi.
It is said that Al-Barunni also spent some period at karas to learn sanskrit language in a linguistic university which , at that times was established here. During his stay at Katas and Nandana fort, Al-barunni wrote a famous book "Kitab-e-Hind" which depicted ethically on religion , scientific knowledge and social customs og hindus. Al-Barunni during his stay at Katan not only learned Sanshrit but also performed various grographic experiments and eventually succeeded in discovering the radius of Earth.
Please don't use this image on websites, blogs or other media without my explicit permission 2011 © Tabish Nayeemi - All Rights Reserved
Saidpur is a 400 or 500 year old Pakistani village in built on the slopes of the Margalla Hills which overlook Islamabad, Pakistan. It is a popular tourist attraction and is frequented by locals and outsiders alike.
Saidpur is named after Said Khan, one of the sons of Sultan Sarang, the Gakhar chief of the Pothohar region (who ruled from Attock to Jehlum) during the reign of the Mughal Emperor Babur. The Emperor Jahangir's memoir, Tuzke Jahangiri, mentions him halting at a place “beyond Rawalpindi”, on his way to Kabul, which is assumed to be Saidpur. Said Khan gifted Saidpur village to his daughter who was married to son of Mughal emperor Akbar.
The village was converted into the a place of Hindu worship by a Mughal commander, Raja Man Singh. He constructed a number of small ponds: Rama kunda, Sita kunda, Lakshaman kunda, and Hanuman kunda. The region is home to many Hindu temples that are preserved, showing the history of Hindu civilisation and architecture in the region.
The Capital Development Authority (CDA) of Islamabad has developed Saidpur into a tourist attraction by giving it the look and feel of a quaint village. The initial cost of the project was about 400 million rupees.
Saidpur is good for:
Old Saidpur School building (it preserves the images of the making of Saidpur, as well as Islamabad)
Restaurants
Cafe's/Art Gallery
This place is called 'Sangam' where two river meets. I've captured this shot from my hotel (Sangam Hotel) room.
Once upon a time in Rohtas
Dedicated to :
Imran Rashid aka www.flickr.com/photos/irashid007/
Raja Asim aka Asim237
Raja Amir aka Rohtas
Just to remind you, Your old lovely days
Rohtas Fort is a historical garrison fort built by king Farid Khan, located near the city of Jhelum in Pakistan. This fort is about 4 km in circumference and the first example of the successful amalgamation of Pashtun and Hindu architecture in the Indian Subcontinent.
Sher Shah Suri, "The Lion King", founder of the Suri Dynasty, was born in 1472 in Punjab. His original name was Farid. He was the son of a petty Afghan Jagirdar. Ill-treated by his stepmother, he left home at an early age. He went to Jaunpur where he set himself to serious study and there he acquired good command over the Arabic and Persian languages. Because of his abilities, he was soon appointed by his father to manage the family Jagir. But again because of his stepmother, he left his father's Jagir and went to Bihar.
On the death of his father, Farid took possession of his paternal jagir on the strength of a royal foreman, which he had been able to procure at Agra. In 1522 he got into the service of Bahar Khan Lohani, the independent ruler of Bihar, whose favour he soon secured by discharging his duties honestly and assiduously. His master conferred on him the title of Sher Khan for his having shown gallantry by killing a tiger single-handed, and also soon rewarded his ability and faithfulness by appointing him his deputy (Vakil) and tutor (Ataliq) of his minor son, Jalal Khan. But perverse destiny again went against Sher. His enemies poisoned his master's mind against him, and he was once more deprived of his father's jagir.
Seeing the weaknesses in the Mughal rule and military organization, Sher Shah took advantage of the problems faced by Humayun. Eventually he managed to overthrow the Mughal rulers. His reign barely spanned five years, but is a landmark in the history of the Sub-continent. With his deep knowledge and practical experience, he made many brilliant additions and improvements to the existent system. Sher Shah was a capable military and civilian administrator. He set up reforms in various areas. Akbar later built on these reforms and extended them further.
Sher Shah ruled for a short period of five years in which he not only consolidated his power but also brought about important reforms. He died in 1545 from a gunpowder explosion. He was a practical and farsighted ruler who was way ahead of his contemporaries. He is remembered in history for the numerous reforms that he undertook to strengthen the government. He was in truth the greatest ruler that sat upon the throne of Delhi.
If a man of moralities and good faith didn't rule forever then how can the current rulers of muslim world prolong with their corrupt regime. What has happened in Tanzania with bin Ali's regime and what is going on in Egypt is a lesson for Ummah.Every prosperity/rise has a downfall.
P.S: My screen is not calibrated but looks fine for laptop users , if you find over saturation , Pardon me.
Here I am, standing over the ridge with the vast stretch filled with water before me. Trying to capture the environment which defies the vision of human eye.. while The chill air blows below my ears, I look toward a spot from where I can get the view from. Perfect spot.
I am here after couple of security check and passing through the Army Garrison of Mangla at the boarder of Punjab & Azad Jammu & Kashmir through some under-construction road and beautiful Mangla Resorts at the edge of Mangla water reservoir. Twelfth biggest in the world and second largest of Pakistan.
Presenting before you is the panoramic view of the Mangla Lake, Mir Pur, Azad Jammu & Kashmir.
Please don't use this image on websites, blogs or other media without my explicit permission 2011 © Tabish Nayeemi - All Rights Reserved
Saidpur is a 400 or 500 year old Pakistani village in built on the slopes of the Margalla Hills which overlook Islamabad, Pakistan. It is a popular tourist attraction and is frequented by locals and outsiders alike.
Saidpur is named after Said Khan, one of the sons of Sultan Sarang, the Gakhar chief of the Pothohar region (who ruled from Attock to Jehlum) during the reign of the Mughal Emperor Babur. The Emperor Jahangir's memoir, Tuzke Jahangiri, mentions him halting at a place “beyond Rawalpindi”, on his way to Kabul, which is assumed to be Saidpur. Said Khan gifted Saidpur village to his daughter who was married to son of Mughal emperor Akbar.
The village was converted into the a place of Hindu worship by a Mughal commander, Raja Man Singh. He constructed a number of small ponds: Rama kunda, Sita kunda, Lakshaman kunda, and Hanuman kunda. The region is home to many Hindu temples that are preserved, showing the history of Hindu civilisation and architecture in the region.
The Capital Development Authority (CDA) of Islamabad has developed Saidpur into a tourist attraction by giving it the look and feel of a quaint village. The initial cost of the project was about 400 million rupees.
Saidpur is good for:
Old Saidpur School building (it preserves the images of the making of Saidpur, as well as Islamabad)
Restaurants
Cafe's/Art Gallery
Battagram Ajmera Banna Banian Batamori Bateela Battagram Batkul Biari Gijbori Jambera Kuza Banda Paimal Sharif Pashto Peshora Rajdhari Rashang Sakargah Shumlai Thakot Trand Ajmera Banian Banna Bateela Batkul Battagram Biari Chappargram Chohan Gurjar Jambera Kala Dhaka Kotgallah Phagora Rajdahri Rashang Shalkhay Shumlai Thakot Tikri Trand Sokar Neelum Valley Hunza Valley Tamai Swat Valley Kalash Valley Kaghan Valley Murree Hills Shandur Pas Rawalakot Ziarat Jehlum Valley Best Natural Places to Visit in Pakistan
Please don't use this image on websites, blogs or other media without my explicit permission 2011 © Tabish Nayeemi - All Rights Reserved
Saidpur is a 400 or 500 year old Pakistani village in built on the slopes of the Margalla Hills which overlook Islamabad, Pakistan. It is a popular tourist attraction and is frequented by locals and outsiders alike.
Saidpur is named after Said Khan, one of the sons of Sultan Sarang, the Gakhar chief of the Pothohar region (who ruled from Attock to Jehlum) during the reign of the Mughal Emperor Babur. The Emperor Jahangir's memoir, Tuzke Jahangiri, mentions him halting at a place “beyond Rawalpindi”, on his way to Kabul, which is assumed to be Saidpur. Said Khan gifted Saidpur village to his daughter who was married to son of Mughal emperor Akbar.
The village was converted into the a place of Hindu worship by a Mughal commander, Raja Man Singh. He constructed a number of small ponds: Rama kunda, Sita kunda, Lakshaman kunda, and Hanuman kunda. The region is home to many Hindu temples that are preserved, showing the history of Hindu civilisation and architecture in the region.
The Capital Development Authority (CDA) of Islamabad has developed Saidpur into a tourist attraction by giving it the look and feel of a quaint village. The initial cost of the project was about 400 million rupees.
Saidpur is good for:
Old Saidpur School building (it preserves the images of the making of Saidpur, as well as Islamabad)
Restaurants
Cafe's/Art Gallery
Path to Pir-Hassimar peak from Pir-Chinasi. Its a 16km track that goes a little east first and then turns right towards the peak which is at 3200m above sea level.
Rohtas Fort, Jehlum, is a garrison fort built by the great Afghan king Sher Shah Suri. This fort is about 4 km in circumference. Sher Shah constructed Qila Rohtas to block Emperor Humayun's return to India after defeating him in the Battle of Kanauj. This fort lies on the old GT road between the North (Afghanistan) to the Plains of Punjab.
Most of the fort was built with ashlar stones collected from its surrounding villages such as Tarraki village.
The Rohtas Fort got 12 gates.
The Kabuli gate (shown in this pic) faces Kabul, Afghanistan.
View Large.
The majestic Rohtas Fort, surpassing many other citadels in grandeur and massiveness, is the only example of architecture of the type belonging to the times of Sher Shah Suri. The monument represents a milestone in the history of fort architecture. The commanding situation of the fort, with its awesome huge walls and trap gates makes it a unique piece of cultural and classic heritage.
The gates, built in sandstone, are massive and ornate. The finest is the Sohail Gate, which is 21.34m high, 20.7m wide, and 5m deep; its central opening is 4.72m wide. It is flanked with elaborately decorated balconies carried on brackets and sturdy bastions. This style, based on earlier Pathan models, was to have a profound influence on the development of Mughal architecture.
Dal Lake (Hindi: डल झील) is a lake in Srinagar, the summer capital of the northernmost Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. The urban lake, which is the second largest in the state, is integral to tourism and recreation in Kashmir and is nicknamed the "Jewel in the crown of Kashmir"[1] or "Srinagar's Jewel".The lake is also an important source for commercial operations in fishing and water plant harvesting.
The shore line of the lake, about 15.5 kilometres (9.6 mi), is encompassed by a boulevard lined with Mughal era gardens, parks, houseboats and hotels. Scenic views of the lake can be witnessed from the shore line Mughal gardens, such as Shalimar Bagh and Nishat Bagh built during the reign of Mughal Emperor Jahangir) and from houseboats cruising along the lake in the colourful shikaras.[6] During the winter season, the temperature sometimes reaches −11 °C (12 °F), freezing the lake.
River Jehlum
Picture Credit: Asif Ahmed
.
...............................................................................................
.
» Comments and discussion on this photo:
www.pakpositive.com/photos/2006/03/river-jehlum.html
.
...............................................................................................
.
» To post photos to PakPositive, visit www.pakpositive.com/photos/
.
...............................................................................................
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
