"Wealth eludes the insecure."
- Lakshmi = goddess of wealth, provides sustenance for beings
- Does not discriminate, restless
- Described as coming from the ground - lives in Patala
- Subterranean realms = realm of Asuras
- Grandfather (Brahma) - Father (Kashyapa) - Mother (Diti)
- Demons who withhold Lakshmi under the earth
- Devas (gods) help release Lakshmi - halfbrothers of Asuras
- Acts of mining, hunting, fishing, farming, and harvesting (which generate wealth) are so violent because it basically symbolizes Devas killing Asuras to release Lakshmi from her subterranean prison.
- Indra was Lakshmi's husband.
- She brought him a wish fulfilling tree, cow, and gen.
- Insecure that she will leave him for a worthier husband - acts out as hedonist
- She leaves him and turns into the "milk of the ocean"
- Asks Vishnu for help - he says to create a beautiful mandala and churn the ocean of milk
- Thought it was impossible for it to stay together/afloat
- Kurma (AKA Vishnu) appears as a turtle to help circle the mountain - Indra also had to make the Asura help churn the milk as well.
- Devas and Asuras work together to get back Lakshmi because both need her - two opposing sides working together for a common goal
- Milk - represents the material world full of possibilities
- Vishnu demands butter or ghee - Shiva is content with raw, unboiled milk
- After Lakshmi appears, the Devas and Asuras wait for her to choose who she wants to be with.
- She declares Vishnu because he is enterprising, gets enemies work together, and does not attempt to control her.
- Vishnu does not chase her, but she always follows him - her character completely changes from her original restless, random movement self.
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