In whose house does Goddess Shri Lakshmi reside ?

One day Dharmaraj Yudhishthira asked Bhishma Pitamaha (Pitamaha means paternal grandfather, but here it is more of a title) – “O’ Pitamaha ! How can one be free from sorrow ? How to know whether an individual is going to be sad or happy or if his future will be bright or he will face a downfall ?” Bhishma Pitamaha replied – “Son, I will narrate to you an ancient story to explain this aspect”.

Once, Deities Indra and Varuna were walking by a river. They reached the banks of the river before the first rays of the sun emerged and saw that Devarshi Narad had also arrived there. Devarshi Narad bathed in the river and offered arghya (Oblation of water to God) to Suryanarayana (Deity Sun) chanting silently.

Just then, the gentle rays of the Sun began to fall on the Earth and the radiant light spread on a lotus. Indra and Narad looked closely at that cluster of rays of light, and realised that Deity Lakshmi had manifested in it. Both of them paid obeisance to Deity Lakshmi and asked Her – “O’ Mother ! You manifested after the churning of the ocean. People everywhere worship You. O’ Mother ! Please tell us, who are You pleased with ? Whose house do You reside in always ? And whose house do You leave ? Who do You tempt with Your wealth and lead them astray in the materialistic world ? And who do You bestow with the real wealth of a meeting with Deity Narayan ?”

Goddess Lakshmi replied – “Devarshi Narad and Devendra (Indra, the King of Gods) ! Both of you have asked these questions for the welfare of the people, for the benefit of the human race; hence, listen. To begin with, I dwelt with the demons; because they believed in accomplishing Purushartha (Four basic pursuits of life), spoke the truth, were true to their words, meaning, they did not retract on their promises. They were firm in fulfilling their duties. They entertained guests, respected the nobles and waged war against the wicked. When their virtues began to turn into vices, I parted ways with them and came to stay with You in Devalok (Region of Deities).

Wise people attain me by doing business. They expand me (read wealth) through donations. With patience they make me stable and strive for God-realisation by using me in doing good deeds. I reside where there are people who rise before sunrise and bathe, who speak the truth, who are firm on their words, who believe in accomplishing Purusharthas, who are steadfast in their duty, who do not punish anyone unnecessarily; where industry, courage, valour and wisdom are developed and where one strives for God-realisation. I reside in a household where the individuals have virtues of upright nature, firm devotion, soft-spokenness, modesty, prudence, promptness.

I like to stay in the homes of those who sweep the house in the morning, who are pious, who speak the truth, whose behaviour will please God and whose every action brings happiness to others. Those who want to me to be with them always, should never sweep the house at night. I am pleased with one who is egoless. I become a part of his life in the form of Bhagyalakshmi, Sukhadalakshmi, Karunalakshmi and Audaryalakshmi (Various forms of Goddess Lakshmi)”.

Goddess Lakshmi resides in a house where men are virtuous, dutiful, temperate, devout followers of Dharma, pious, and forgiving and women are virtuous, chaste and dutiful. However, what do we see today ? Corruption is rampant in every sector; the number of competent individuals in any office is negligible. For most, abiding by Dharma is a distant reality, and hence, immorality and wickedness is their immediate neighbourhood. Under such circumstances, how will Goddess Lakshmi come to live in that house ?

Only when members of the house abide by Dharma, worship God, perform their duties carefully by being vigilant about the Nation & Dharma, Goddess Shri Lakshmi’s grace will ensue and She will come to reside in their house.

– Sadguru (Dr) Charudatta Pingale (National Guide, Hindu Janajagruti Samiti)

Goddess Lakshmi resides in a house where men are virtuous, dutiful, temperate, devout followers of Dharma, pious, forgiving !