1838- COURAGE

 Once upon a time in a kingdom, there lived a king who performed Ashtalakshmi pooja with devotion. Owing to his devotion, the **eight goddesses (Lakshmis) blessed him with their vision whenever the king desired . With their blessings, he ruled the country happily. His kingdom was blessed with all kinds of wealth and hence all the citizens were happy and prosperous.

One day, the **eight Lakshmis appeared in the king's dream and told him,“Oh King! All eight of us should not be staying in one place at the same time. You can choose one among us to stay in your country and let us know your decision.” The next day, the king put forward the question in the Royal Court and asked for their opinion. The Minister said, “We have to retain the goddess of wealth for proper governing of the kingdom.” Next the farmers opined that the goddess of grains (DhAnya Lakshmi) be retained so that there will be not be any food scarcity. People in general said, “We have to retain the goddess of issue (SantAnaLakshmi).”

After hearing everyone’s opinion, the king prayed the goddess of courage (Dhairya Lakshmi) to stay back.

Everybody wanted to know the reason for the king's decision. The king replied, “The man who possesses courage alone can do any job and fulfill his responsibilities. It is indeed vain if one has the blessings of the other Lakshmis except for the goddess of courage."

Hearing this and acknowledging the King’s decision all the eight Lakshmis entered the kingdom!
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(**NOTE:
prayer Shri Ashta Lakshmi Stotram lists the Ashta Lakshmi as follows:

1)Adi Lakshmi (Sanskrit: आदि लक्ष्मी, Ādi Lakṣmī, "Primeval Lakshmi") or Maha Lakshmi (Sanskrit: महा लक्ष्मी, Mahā Lakṣmī, "Great Lakshmi") : an ancient form of Lakshmi and incarnation of Lakshmi as daughter of the sage Bhrigu.
2)Dhana Lakshmi (Sanskrit: धन लक्ष्मी, Dhana Lakṣmī, "Money Lakshmi"): for money and gold
3)Dhanya Lakshmi (Sanskrit: धान्य लक्ष्मी, Dhǎnya Lakṣmī, "Lakshmi as goddess of grain"): Giver of agricultural wealth.
4)Gaja Lakshmi (Sanskrit: गज लक्ष्मी, Gaja Lakṣmī, "Elephant Lakshmi"): Giver of animal wealth, like cattle and elephants.
5)Santana Lakshmi (Sanskrit: सन्तान लक्ष्मी, Santāna Lakṣmī, "Progeny Lakshmi"): Bestower of offspring.
6)Veera Lakshmi (Sanskrit: वीर लक्ष्मी, vīra lakṣmī, "Valourous Lakshmi") or Dhairya Lakshmi (Sanskrit: धैर्य लक्ष्मी, Dhairya Lakṣmī, "Courage Lakshmi"): Bestower of valour in battles and courage and strength for overcoming difficulties in life.
7)Vijaya Lakshmi (Sanskrit: विजय लक्ष्मी, Vijaya Lakṣmī, "Victorious Lakshmi") or Jaya Lakshmi (Sanskrit: जय लक्ष्मी, Jaya Lakṣmī, "Victorious Lakshmi"):Giver of victory, not only in battles but also in conquering hurdles in order to beget success.
8)Vidya Lakshmi (Sanskrit: विद्या लक्ष्मी, Vidyā Lakṣmī, "Knowledge Lakshmi"): the bestower of knowledge of arts and sciences)
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