Lakshmi Exhibit: A Goddess Grows in Queens

Ganesh: Lord Ganesh, also called Ganesha and Ganapati, is known as the remover of obstacles. He is a beloved deity who is often evoked in matters related to success, power, new enterprises, and business accomplishments. He is an elephant-headed god who is known to impart wisdom and support intellectual pursuits, authors, and scribes. Lakshmi and Ganesh are often seen seated together and they are often worshipped together. Due to a special tenet in the Hindu faith, Ganesh is the first god that is prayed to in Hindu rituals and worship. He clears the path to call in success. Here's a brief prayer:

To the Holy Son of Shiva and Parvati,
To the remover of all obstacles, Lord Ganesha,
We petition you for your divine blessings,
And ask that you help clear the path to prosperity.

Tridevi: Lakshmi also stands for feminine power in Hinduism's triad of eminent goddesses, known as Tridevi. This triple goddess of love, wisdom, and prosperity includes:

• Devi Parvati (consort of Shiva), the goddess of fertility, love, beauty, marriage, devotion, as well as strength and power. Parvati sometimes manifests in her wilder form as Durga or Kali.
• Devi Saraswati (consort of Brahma), the goddess of knowledge, music, art, speech, wisdom, and learning. 
• And, of course, Devi Lakshmi (consort of Vishnu), who in this form also represents good luck and joy. 

Ganesh, Lakshmi, and Saraswati: These three powerful deities are often depicted together in images and statues. A basic Hindu belief is that in life, we should be free of obstacles, we should be prosperous, and we should have access to learning. Ganesh, as remover of obstacles, Lakshmi, as goddess of good fortune, and Saraswati, as goddess of wisdom, offer a trifecta of spiritual power and grace. There are a number of ways that their relationship is interpreted. For example, some people believe if you get an education and acquire knowledge you will have an easier path to making money.

Kubera: Lord Kubera is the god of wealth and is viewed as the divine force of riches in Hindu mythology. He is an important colleague of Lakshmi's. They are worshipped together on some occasions, especially during Diwali. Honoring Lakshmi with Lord Kubera adds potency to all prosperity prayers and rituals. A traditional mantra devoted to them is, Dear Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kubera, I pray to thee! Bless me with prosperity and wealth.