- By Anushka Shalya
- Thu, 10 Sep 2026 01:07 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Goddess Lakshmi is always seen pressing Lord Vishnu's feet whenever they are depicted in images or idols. This representation is called the Padasevana form of worship of Goddess Lakshmi towards Lord Hari.
According to the renowned Hindu spiritual guru Swami Sivananda, the Padasevana form of worship is believed to destroy all worldly attachments and allows the mind to think exclusively of God.
Let's understand in detail why Goddess Lakshmi presses Lord Vishnu's feet and what the scriptures say about this act.
Why Goddess Lakshmi Presses Lord Vishnu's Feet?
Goddess Lakshmi pressing Lord Vishnu's feet holds immense spiritual significance.
1. Represents The Cosmic Dance Of Purusha (Vishnu/Consciousness) And Prakriti (Nature/Manifestation)
According to the Vishnu Purana, Goddess Lakshmi is the spiritual energy called Prakriti. She represents wealth and material prosperity, while Lord Vishnu represents the universe and maintains its cosmic balance. When the Goddess presses his feet, she symbolically grounds material prosperity in the hands of the preserver.
This representation is also believed to reflect the Padasevana form of worship of Goddess Lakshmi towards Lord Hari, as stated by Lord Brahma in the Srimad Bhagavatam. It’s a lesson that wealth should always be guided by wisdom and order(Vishnu).
According to the Vishnu Purana, Goddess Lakshmi is the spiritual energy called Prakriti (Image: Facebook/LordVishnu)
2. The Emotional Connection
The spiritual significance of touching Lord Vishnu's feet symbolically represents complete surrender. The feet of the divine represent the ultimate refuge from the chaos of the material world. By pressing feet, Lakshmi isn't just 'serving', but anchoring her soul to the source.
3. The Cosmic Balance
By serving Lord Vishnu at his feet, Goddess Lakshmi is not setting any stereotype of men being above women; instead, she is depicted as his ‘Shakti' (power). Without Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Vishnu has no sustenance.
Similarly, without his feet, which symbolically represent dharma, her energy has no direction. It’s a story of balance, not hierarchy.
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4. Unification Of Wealth (Lakshmi) With Dharma (Vishnu)
Goddess Lakshmi pressing Lord Vishnu's feet also symbolically represents the unification of wealth (Lakshmi) with dharma (Vishnu). The act of pressing feet aligns material prosperity with righteous purpose. It means true wealth is only meaningful when it serves the preservation of cosmic order.
Is There A Story Behind Goddess Lakshmi Serving Lord Vishnu?
According to the Padma Purana, Goddess Lakshmi had a sister named Alakshmi who wished to marry Lord Vishnu. She was extremely jealous of Goddess Lakshmi’s fortune and beauty, and she used to follow her wherever she went.
Goddess Lakshmi had a sister named Alakshmi who wished to marry Lord Vishnu (Image: Facebook/LordVishnu)
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Alakshmi vowed to stay only in places of dust, dirt, and impurity. So, Goddess Lakshmi always sits near lord Vishnu's feet and presses them to ensure Alakshmi never come close to her husband.
FAQs
1. Is Lakshmi pressing Vishnu's feet a sign of subservience or power?
No, Goddess Lakshmi pressing Vishnu's feet is not a sign of subservience or power but a sign of surrender and devotion. The feet of the Divine represent the ultimate refuge from the chaos of the material world. By pressing his feet, Lakshmi isn't just 'serving ' but anchoring her soul to the source.
2. How does Padasevana tradition relate to the concept of Dharma?
Goddess Lakshmi's actions symbolically represent her Dharma (righteous duty/role) and support for Lord Vishnu's role in maintaining cosmic order and righteousness.