Origin story
Lakshmi emerged from the churning of the milky ocean seated on a lotus and chose Vishnu as her consort, bringing abundance to the three worlds. She is honoured as the goddess of prosperity, beauty and auspiciousness, and as the nourishing energy of the cosmos.
The lotus she holds signifies purity and unfolding fortune, and the gold that pours from her hand denotes generosity rather than mere wealth. In Kerala households she is invoked at the lamp, in the kalash of festival days and in the daily Sri Suktam, and her presence is inseparable from the worship of Vishnu.
Source: Wikipedia: Lakshmi — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lakshmi
Symbolism
The lotus signifies purity and unfolding fortune; gold coins pouring from her hand denote generosity.
Stotra
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Lakshmi Gayatri
ॐ महालक्ष्म्यै विद्महे विष्णुपत्न्यै धीमहि। तन्नो लक्ष्मीः प्रचोदयात्॥
Oṃ Mahālakṣmyai Vidmahe Viṣṇupatnyai Dhīmahi, Tanno Lakṣmīḥ Pracodayāt
Meaning — May we know Mahalakshmi, may we meditate on the consort of Vishnu. May Lakshmi illumine our minds.
Recited for: Gayatri japa, household welfare
Mahalakshmi Ashtakam (Opening)
नमस्तेऽस्तु महामाये श्रीपीठे सुरपूजिते। शङ्खचक्रगदाहस्ते महालक्ष्मि नमोऽस्तुते॥
Namaste Stu Mahāmāye Śrīpīṭhe Surapūjite, Śaṅkhacakragadāhaste Mahālakṣmi Namo Stute
Meaning — Salutations to you, great maya, seated on the shrine of Sri and worshipped by the gods, holding conch, discus and mace. O Mahalakshmi, I bow to you.
Recited for: Friday pooja, Varalakshmi Vratam
