Mahalakshmi, also known as Lakshmi or Shri (Sanskrit: लक्ष्मी, IAST: Lakṣmī; श्री, IAST: Śrī), is one of the principal goddesses in Hinduism. She is revered as the goddess of fortune, wealth, prosperity, beauty, fertility, sovereignty and abundance. Together with Parvati and Sarasvati, she forms the trinity of goddesses known as the Tridevi.
Lakshmi has been a central figure in Hindu tradition since pre-Buddhist times. Although she does not appear in the earliest Vedic literature, the personification of the term shri—denoting auspiciousness, glory and high rank, and often associated with kingship—gradually led to the emergence of Sri-Lakshmi as a goddess in later Vedic texts, particularly the Shri Suktam. Her significance grew during the late epic period, by which time she came to be closely associated with the preserver god Vishnu as his consort.
In her role as Vishnu's consort, Lakshmi is regarded in tradition as the ideal Hindu wife, exemplifying loyalty and devotion. Whenever Vishnu is said to descend to the earth as an avatar, Lakshmi accompanies him: as Sita with Rama, and as Rukmini and Radha in association with Krishna. She holds a prominent place in Vaishnavism, where she is regarded not only as Vishnu's consort but also as his divine energy (shakti), assisting him in the creation, protection and transformation of the universe. In the Sri Vaishnavism tradition, devotion to Lakshmi is considered crucial in reaching Vishnu. Within the goddess-oriented Shaktism tradition, Lakshmi is venerated as the prosperity aspect of the supreme goddess.
The eight prominent manifestations of Lakshmi, collectively known as the Ashtalakshmi, symbolise the eight sources of wealth. In Indian art, Lakshmi is typically depicted as an elegantly dressed figure who showers prosperity upon devotees. She is common