- By Kashish Rai
- Wed, 06 Aug 2025 06:01 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Goddess Lakshmi, revered in Hinduism as the divine source of wealth and all that is auspicious, is widely known for her calm and merciful nature. However, according to certain lesser-known legends, she once cursed the Brahmins to remain perpetually poor. This does seem like a contradiction, doesn’t it? How could the very goddess who symbolises prosperity and abundance place such a harsh curse? Let us delve into this fascinating tale to understand the reasoning behind this unexpected turn and explore what led Mata Lakshmi to curse all Brahmins below:
Why Goddess Lakshmi Cursed Brahmins To Remain Poor?
According to a legend, once, the great Sage Bhrigu was tasked with discovering which among the holy trinity - Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva was most deserving of supreme reverence. To test them, he visited each of their abodes. Lord Brahma and Lord Shiva both failed to recognise or welcome him appropriately, showing signs of ego and impatience. However, when he reached Lord Vishnu’s abode, the Lord was in deep rest with Goddess Lakshmi by his side. Without hesitation, Sage Bhrigu kicked Lord Vishnu on the chest to provoke a reaction.
To his surprise, Lord Vishnu calmly welcomed him and lovingly began to massage the sage’s foot, soothing him.
Goddess Lakshmi, however, was deeply offended by Sage Bhrigu’s arrogance and disrespect. The chest of Lord Vishnu was not just any part of his body, it was Lakshmi’s divine abode.
Goddess Lakshmi, the revered Hindu deity, embodies wealth, prosperity and good fortune, bringing light and positivity to devotees' lives always. (Image Source: Canva)
Seeing a Brahmin, who is known as a custodian of dharma, behave with such pride and irreverence shook her. In that moment of divine anger and disappointment, she cursed all Brahmins to suffer poverty and lack her blessings of wealth. She felt that if even the wisest of sages could act with such ego, they were unworthy of her presence. Thus, she withdrew her grace from them, symbolically distancing wealth from spiritual arrogance.
This legend is not merely a tale of punishment but a powerful lesson in humility. Though Goddess Lakshmi is known for her compassion, she also upholds dharma and integrity. Her curse served as a reminder that true wealth is not just material but spiritual too, and that ego and entitlement block divine blessings. The story of Sage Bhrigu underscores the idea that even the most learned must remain humble, or they risk losing divine favour. Through this, Goddess Lakshmi revealed the deeper nature of prosperity, showcasing that it flows only where there is devotion, purity and respect.