Vaikuntha Kamalaja
Vaikuntha Kamalaja is the combination of Lord Vishnu and Ma Lakshmi, and this deity can also be called as Lakshmi-Narayana. In this famous form, Lord Vishnu gives a portion of his body to Ma Lakshmi, similar to the famous Ardhanarishvara form of Lord Shiva and Ma Parvati.
Vaikuntha Kamalaja is worshipped by some sects of people in Nepal and Kashmir. From the Vaikuntha Kamalaja form, we can understand that both Lord Vishnu and Ma Lakshmi are one and the same.But this type of form is mentioned in only a few texts of Hinduism. Vaikuntha Kamalaja, is also called as Ardhanari Vishnu, and he is worshipped by the transgender community people also.
In the Shitala Temple in Gaya, the idol of Vaikuntha Kamalaja is found. Shrines of Vaikuntha Kamalaja are also found in the temples of Kashmir, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh. Some rare sculptures of Vaikuntha Kamalaja are kept in some museums.In this form, Lord Vishnu holds the Chakra, Sangu and mace, while Ma Lakshmi holds a beautiful Kalasha and a lotus.
In Hinduism, the male gods used to share their body and their knowledge with their beloved consorts, like Lord Brahma shares his knowledge with his consort Ma Saraswati, and Lord Vishnu shares his features like protective powers, name, fame and wealth with his consort Ma Lakshmi Devi. Similarly Lord Shiva shares his supreme powers with his beloved consort Ma Shakti Devi.
Though these Vaikuntha Kamalaja is not familiarized amongst the Vishnu devotees, this form is considered as a very powerful aspect of Lord Vishnu. By worshipping this form, we would get the grace of both Lord Vishnu and Lakshmi, and we would attain all kinds of goodness in our lives. This form is mentioned in the ancient Rig Veda. Let us chant the names of Lord Vishnu and Ma Lakshmi and be blessed.
“OM”
WRITTEN BY
R.HARISHANKAR