Lakshmi Exhibit: A Goddess Grows in Queens

The grocery store on the corner of Ganesha Temple and Bowne Street has always seemed like a sacred space to step into before going to the temple. Devotees come here to buy milk by the gallons to bring to the temple and offer to Lakshmi, Ganesha, or other deities. The milk is used as part of the abhishekam, which is the ritual washing of the diety. While doing so the priest chants her 108 names. This little store has many specialty foods and ingredients for Indian cooking. They are the last place in the neighborhood to still carry Laxmi Brand products. They changed the label recently from a standing Lakshmi to a more abstract, and sitting Lakshmi. But the products are the same. I thank the owner for allowing me to take these photos.

Appalam are another staple and this brand offers many foods used for dinner and snacks.

These Lakshmi mustard seeds were purchased a while back and they bear the original label.

Corner Grocery Store

Lakshmi Brand Ghee and other products are a staple of households. The packaging went through a redesign. It use to have a standing Lakshmi on the front. It's a bit more abstract now.

Lakshmi Exhibit: A Goddess Grows in Queens

Hinduism's Goddess of Good Fortune is a Universal Divine Mother with Local Roots.

Corner Grocery Store

Meet Goddess Lakshmi

Welcome

Meet Goddess Lakshmi

Lakshmi Worship

A Universal Goddess in Queens

Sacred Sightings & Shopping in Queens

Lakshmi In & Outside of Mandirs

Flushing, Queens - Bowne Street

Jackson Heights

Jamaica, Queens

Glen Oaks, Queens - Hillside Avenue

Richmond Hill, Queens

Eco-Friendly Water Worship in Queens

How to Invite Lakshmi to Your Home

Ideas: Future Digital Humanities Projects

Worth a Trip Across the Bridge

Thank You

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