Goddess Lakshmi

Lakshmi is the Hindu Goddess of Good Fortune.Shri is a term commonly used to represent Goddess Lakshmi.In the Hindu Pantheon Goddess Lakshmi is the consort of Lord Vishnu-The Preserver.Goddess Lakshmi is often shown bestowing gold coins symbolic of prosperity and flanked by elephants signifying her royal power. Sometimes she has an owl as her vahana. To understand the symbology consider this: In Sanskrit, Uluka means owl. Uluka is also one of the names of lndra, the King of Gods, personifying  wealth, power and glory.

Goddess Lakshmi believed to be very fond of the lotus–a symbol of enlightenment, and her many epithets are connected to the flower.Eg.Padma: lotus dweller,Kamala: lotus dweller, Padmapriya: One who likes 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 ,Vishnupriya: One who is the beloved of Vishnu , Ulkavahini: One who rides an owl .

Here is a video of the Lakshmi Gayatri Mantra,a powerful prayer to Goddess Lakshmi :

Ashta Lakshmi  are the secondary manifestations of the Goddess Lakshmi. They are a group of eight Goddesses, who preside over eight sources of wealth.The Ashta Lakshmi listed as per the prayer Shri Ashta Lakshmi Stotram are :

• Maha Lakshmi  : an ancient form of Goddess Lakshmi , incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi as daughter of sage Bhrigu
• Dhana Lakshmi : for money and gold
• Dhanya Lakshmi : Giver of agricultural wealth
• Gaja Lakshmi: Giver of animal wealth like cattle and elephants ,giver of power of royalty.
• Santana Lakshmi: Bestower of offspring
• Dhairya Lakshmi: Bestower of valour in battles and courage and strength for overcoming difficulties in life.
• Vijaya Lakshmi: Giver of victory, not only in battles but also over conquering hurdles in order to beget success.
• Vidya Lakshmi: the bestower of knowledge of arts and sciences

Goddess Lakshmi is a popular domestic Goddess ,worshipped year round in homes.The month of October is believed to be special to the Goddess.On Dhanteras and Diwali, special poojas are perfomed , by the traditional mercantile communities of India, to honour Goddess Lakshmi .