Incarnation of Kamala

Kamala is the 26th incarnation of Lakshmi

<strong>Kamala is the 26th incarnation of Lakshmi</strong>


Kamala is an incarnation or manifestation of the divine mother, Goddess Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth, wellbeing, and prosperity. Kamala literally means ‘lotus’ in Sanskrit, and symbolically it denotes purity and auspiciousness. She is also one among the Mahavidyas, one of the most powerful, the Lotus Goddess; the “Tantric Lakshmi.” Kamala is a common epithet of Goddess Lakshmi, who is linked with three important and interrelated themes: prosperity and wealth, fertility and crops, and good luck during the coming year.


Goddess Kamala is the tenth and last Mahavidya. She is considered the Hindu Goddess of consciousness, prosperity, generosity and creation. Her four hands represent four spiritual virtues. Her greatest power is the removal of poverty, both material and spiritual. She sits on a fully blossomed lotus, a seat of the divine truth. Her personal charm is considered par excellence. An atmosphere of divine happiness, mental and spiritual satisfaction, and prosperity always exists around her. Her palm is always extended to bless people. She wears a resplendent crown and a silken dress.


In her Mahavidya form of Lakshmi, Goddess of wealth, wisdom and beauty, Kamala is depicted as a beautiful woman with golden skin, seated or standing on a lotus. She holds two more lotuses, symbols of both fertility and purity. She is accompanied by elephants, who pour jars of nectar on to her, also symbolizing fertility. Kamala, with a golden complexion, is being bathed by four large elephants, who pour kalashas (jars) of amrita (nector) over her. She has four hands. In two hands, she holds two lotuses and her other two hands are in abhayamudra (gesture of giving assurance) and varamudra (gesture of conferring boons) respectively.


Kamala is the Hindu Goddess of consciousness and creation. As a Mahavidya, she represents the unfolding of inner consciousness into the fullness of creation. Her greatest power is the removal of poverty, both material and spiritual. Kamala’s name, which means “she of the lotus,” She is shown as seated in padmasana (lotus posture) on a lotus, symbol of purity.


As the goddess of material and spiritual wealth and beauty, goddess Kamala is worshipped for her most revered power, the power to eliminate poverty. In tough economic times, goddess Kamala or Lakshmi is worshipped in order to bring material wealth and prosperity. The elephants pouring nectar onto her are symbols of sovereignty and fertility.