Today, Mahalakshmi will be worshipped on Deepawali. Worshipping Mahalakshmi on the festival of lights, Deepotsav, brings blessings of wealth and prosperity, but very few people would know that Mahalakshmi also has an elder sister whose name is Alakshmi. Worshipping Alakshmi is prohibited in religious scriptures. Especially on the day of Deepawali, special care has to be taken while worshipping Mahalakshmi. Are we not worshipping Alakshmi with our actions, conduct and behavior? Worshipping Alakshmi is considered prohibited in religious scriptures. There are many stories in the scriptures about this. Who is Alakshmi, why is she not worshipped. Where does she reside… scholars have different opinions about this.
Origin of Lakshmi's elder sister Alakshmi from Samudra Manthan
It is mentioned in religious scriptures that Mother Lakshmi was born from Samudra Manthan. She chose Lord Vishnu as her husband. But before the birth of Goddess Lakshmi, her elder sister was also born during the churning of the ocean. Her name is Alakshmi. Alakshmi is also called Jyeshtha Lakshmi at some places. Her nature is completely opposite to that of Goddess Lakshmi.
Goddess Lakshmi is known as Sadlakshmi, Mahalakshmi and Vishnupatni. Goddess Lakshmi gives us wealth, happiness and prosperity along with bravery. On the contrary, Alakshmi is called the goddess of poverty, suffering, discord and infamy. It is believed that at the time of Alakshmi's birth, no goddess or god adopted her. On the orders of Lord Vishnu, Alakshmi made the place of discord, infamy, poverty and demerits her abode.
That is why Alakshmi is not worshipped
It is said that once Alakshmi reached Brahma ji. She said that we are not liked by the people of the world. In such a situation, Brahma Ji said Alakshmi, we like you. On this Alakshmi asked Lord Brahma Ji why he considers har good although others do not like her. On this Brahma Ji called both the sisters Mata Lakshmi and her elder sister Alakshmi. Told them that both of you are the same for him. He does not discriminate against anyone.
This is how Brahma Ji dispelled Alakshmi's confusion
Alakshmi urged Brhma Ji to tell her how she looks good to him. In response, Brahma Ji suggested that both sisters, Maa Lakshmi and Alakshmi, visit a household on Earth and return to him. Following his advice, the two sisters went to a home and then came back. Once they returned, Alakshmi asked Brahma Ji for his opinion on their looks. Brahma Ji replied, "Alakshmi, you look good when you leave, and Lakshmi looks good when you enter a home."
(Prakash Kumar Pandey)