The Glow of Prosperity: Why Goddess Lakṣmī Favors the Laborer

Let’s make use of the wisdom in solving real-life problems, that is, by understanding the Glow of Prosperity - लक्ष्मी-देवी. Once, in the holy towns of Mathura and Brindāvana, there lived a beggar, very sad about his life. However, he often heard wise people talk about the Devatās, Maharshis and Mahātmās. Inspired by those talks, he decided to do something to change his impoverished life. He performed intense Tapasyā for one whole year to attract the grace of लक्ष्मी-देवी. But still, nothing changed. He started to feel frustrated and wondered, How can I get her attention?

One day, Pūjya Nārada-Maharṣi, saw the beggar and understood the beggar’s troubles, through His Divine vision. Nārada-Maharṣi narrated a wonderful incident to the beggar. At some time in the past, Lord Brahma, the creator, was supremely happy after creating this universe. He went to his friend, Lord Viṣṇu, and said, My friend, this universe is big and beautiful. I want you to take care of it. Lord Viṣṇu with great struggle, did maintain this universe for one hundred years with average success!

Post which, Lord Viṣṇu met Brahma and said thus - this world is so grand and prosperous! I need infinite resources to maintain this! With my limited resources, it is becoming difficult to give justice to your splendid creation, Brahma! Brahma smiled. He looked at Lord Viṣṇu and said, do not worry, my friend! You have earned for yourself, the most valuable reward of all. I give you देवी लक्ष्मी! She is The Glow of Prosperity. With Her by your side, you will never worry about the resources required to take care of this universe

Nārada-Maharṣi then looked at the beggar and said, do you see? Even Lord Viṣṇu was given देवी लक्ष्मी, as a reward for His hard, smart and noble work! देवी लक्ष्मी is not just a boon you can get by asking. In Sanskrit it is said - लक्षयति पश्यति उद्योगिनम् इति, means Lakṣmī is one who is keenly observing the hard, smart and noble workers! देवी लक्ष्मी is not money itself. Instead, she blesses the people who use their intelligence to work hard, smart and for a good purpose. देवी लक्ष्मी is the byproduct of Saraswatī!