The Rising
As the cosmic ocean was being churned by gods and demons together, the treasures of the deep rose one by one. Among the last and most magnificent was Shri Lakshmi — the goddess of beauty, abundance, good fortune, and grace.
She rose from the waters seated on a great lotus, dressed in the purest white, holding lotus flowers, her form described in the *Bhagavata* as more beautiful than anything that could be imagined.
The Choice
Every being present — gods, demons, gandharvas, the great sages watching from above — immediately wanted her. She was not just beautiful; she was everything desirable in creation embodied in one form.
She looked around.
She walked to Vishnu and placed her lotus garland around his neck. She rested against his chest.
Vishnu and Lakshmi are eternal consorts — the two principles of the Vaishnava tradition, consciousness and beauty, being and becoming, preservation and abundance. The *Bhagavata* says they were always together and always will be.
The Eternal Vow
Lakshmi is Chanchala — the restless one. She does not stay where there is adharma, where there is ingratitude, where there is pride. She moves where there is virtue, generosity, and worship.
The *Vishnu Purana* says: "Lakshmi is never far from Vishnu. And Vishnu is never far from his devotees. So Lakshmi is never far from those who truly walk the path of dharma."
She is worshipped on Diwali — the night when she is said to visit every home that has been lit with lamps, clean, and prepared to receive her.