Ashta Lakshmi Puja Vidhi and Mantras: The Eight Forms of Lakshmi and How to Worship Them
Ashta Lakshmi is Goddess Lakshmi worshipped in eight forms, each a different kind of wealth: not only money, but food, children, courage, success, knowledge and peace of mind. Worshipping all eight together asks for a life that is full in every way, which is why many families keep an Ashta Lakshmi puja on Diwali night, Sunday, 8 November 2026, and on Fridays through the year.
The eight forms of Lakshmi and their mantras
The forms are listed below in the order most commonly used. The Shri Ashtalakshmi Stotram praises the same eight in its own order, beginning with Adi Lakshmi and ending with Dhana Lakshmi, and calls Veera Lakshmi by her other name, Dhairya Lakshmi.
1. Adi Lakshmi
Mantra: ॐ आदिलक्ष्म्यै नमः
The first, primeval form, also called Mahalakshmi, who stays with Narayana. She is worshipped for peace of mind, spiritual welfare and liberation, the wealth that does not run out.
2. Dhana Lakshmi
Mantra: ॐ धनलक्ष्म्यै नमः
Lakshmi of money and gold, shown with a pot of wealth. She is worshipped for steady income and for freedom from debt.
3. Dhanya Lakshmi
Mantra: ॐ धान्यलक्ष्म्यै नमः
Lakshmi of grain and food, shown with sheaves of paddy. She is honoured by never wasting food and by feeding those in need.
4. Gaja Lakshmi
Mantra: ॐ गजलक्ष्म्यै नमः
Lakshmi seated on a lotus with two elephants pouring water over her. She stands for rank, respect, livestock and the prosperity of the land.
5. Santana Lakshmi
Mantra: ॐ सन्तानलक्ष्म्यै नमः
Lakshmi with a child in her lap. She is worshipped for children and for their health and long life.
6. Veera (Dhairya) Lakshmi
Mantra: ॐ वीरलक्ष्म्यै नमः
Lakshmi of courage and patience. She is worshipped for the strength to stay steady in hard times.
7. Vijaya Lakshmi
Mantra: ॐ विजयलक्ष्म्यै नमः
Lakshmi of victory, seated on a lotus. She is worshipped for success in an undertaking and for freedom from fear.
8. Vidya Lakshmi
Mantra: ॐ विद्यालक्ष्म्यै नमः
Lakshmi of knowledge and the arts, dressed in white. Students, teachers and artists worship her.
Ashta Lakshmi mantras at a glance
Each mantra is said once with a flower or a few grains of akshat during the puja, or 11 or 108 times on a mala for the form you most need. Together with them, the Mahalakshmi mantra ॐ श्रीं ह्रीं श्रीं कमले कमलालये प्रसीद प्रसीद श्रीं ह्रीं श्रीं ॐ महालक्ष्म्यै नमः is chanted for all eight at once; its meaning is on our Mahalakshmi mantra page.
| Form | Mantra |
|---|---|
| Adi Lakshmi | ॐ आदिलक्ष्म्यै नमः |
| Dhana Lakshmi | ॐ धनलक्ष्म्यै नमः |
| Dhanya Lakshmi | ॐ धान्यलक्ष्म्यै नमः |
| Gaja Lakshmi | ॐ गजलक्ष्म्यै नमः |
| Santana Lakshmi | ॐ सन्तानलक्ष्म्यै नमः |
| Veera (Dhairya) Lakshmi | ॐ वीरलक्ष्म्यै नमः |
| Vijaya Lakshmi | ॐ विजयलक्ष्म्यै नमः |
| Vidya Lakshmi | ॐ विद्यालक्ष्म्यै नमः |
Puja samagri
- A chowki with a red or yellow cloth, and an image of Ashta Lakshmi or Lakshmi
- A kalash of water with mango leaves and a coconut
- Eight ghee lamps, one for each form, and incense
- Lotus or red flowers, kumkum, haldi, akshat (unbroken rice) and a mala
- Kheer or a white sweet, fruits, and a few coins or a piece of gold or silver
Ashta Lakshmi puja vidhi, step by step
- Prepare: clean the house and the puja corner, bathe and wear clean clothes. Set the image on the chowki, facing east or north.
- Ganesha first: worship Ganesha with durva and a sweet, so the puja goes without obstacles.
- Kalash and sankalp: place the kalash, then take water in the right palm and state your name, the day and the purpose of the puja.
- Invite the Goddess: offer kumkum, haldi, akshat and flowers to Lakshmi, and light the eight lamps in a row or a circle before her.
- Ashta naam archana: say each of the eight mantras above in turn, offering a flower or akshat with each.
- Stotra: recite the Ashtalakshmi Stotram. The Kanakdhara Stotram or the Sri Suktam may be added.
- Naivedya and aarti: offer the kheer and fruits, perform the Om Jai Lakshmi Mata aarti, and share the prasad with the family.
For the general order of Lakshmi worship, see our Lakshmi puja vidhi; for a longer archana, the 108 names of Lakshmi.
When to do the Ashta Lakshmi puja
- Diwali night: Sunday, 8 November 2026, in the pradosh kaal after sunset. The muhurat is in our Diwali 2026 guide.
- Fridays: Friday is Lakshmi's day; the puja is done in the evening, after sunset.
- Sharad Purnima and the Thursdays of Margashirsha, which many families keep for Mahalakshmi.
For the auspicious hours of any day in your own city, check the daily panchang.
Ashta Lakshmi puja: FAQs
What are the eight forms of Lakshmi?
Adi Lakshmi, Dhana Lakshmi, Dhanya Lakshmi, Gaja Lakshmi, Santana Lakshmi, Veera (Dhairya) Lakshmi, Vijaya Lakshmi and Vidya Lakshmi.
What is the mantra of each Ashta Lakshmi?
Each form has a short name mantra: Om Adilakshmyai Namah, Om Dhanalakshmyai Namah, Om Dhanyalakshmyai Namah, Om Gajalakshmyai Namah, Om Santanalakshmyai Namah, Om Veeralakshmyai Namah, Om Vijayalakshmyai Namah and Om Vidyalakshmyai Namah.
Can the Ashta Lakshmi puja be done on Diwali?
Yes. Many families do it on Diwali night, Sunday, 8 November 2026, in the pradosh kaal, lighting one lamp for each of the eight forms.
Which Lakshmi should students worship?
Vidya Lakshmi, the form of knowledge and the arts. Her mantra is Om Vidyalakshmyai Namah.
Which kind of wealth your own chart supports, and when, shows in your free kundli; for a personal reading, talk to an astrologer.
