Guest guest Posted November 17, 2004 Report Share Posted November 17, 2004 "Some sculptures depict Lakshmi with an owl as her vaahana (carrier). This oddity can be appreciated when the symbology is unraveled. In Sanskrit, Uluka stands for an owl. Uluka is also one of the names of lndra, the king of gods, personifying the wealth, power and glory. Thus, Lakshmi, the goddess of fortune, could not have found a better person to ride on, than the king of gods. This comparison of Indra's glory to a partially blind and uncouth bird warns the seekers of secular instead of spiritual wealth. When the owl is compared to the sthitha prajna, the enlightened person described in Bhagavadgita (Ch.2.69), the symbol means that Lakshmi is the mistress of spiritual wisdom. Another interpretation is "Shut not thy eyes to the light of wisdom from the Sun of knowledge". Out of consideration for mankind, the all compassionate mother has kept this personification of ignorance under her control." Om srim laksmyai namah (Citation for quoted text is available.) The all-new My – Get yours free! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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