Significance of goddess Lakshmi in Diwali Lakshmi is the goddess of wealth and prosperity. The word ''Lakshmi'' is derived from the Sanskrit word Lakshmi, meaning "goal". She is also called "shri", the female of the supreme being. She is worshipped for promotion, success and personal virtues. Devi Lakshmi was emerged during the churning of the celestial milky ocean by the gods and demons. Lakshmi chose Vishnu as her consort. Vishnu carried Lakshmi from the ocean into his heaven. Each time Vishnu descends on earth as an avatar. He is accompanied by an avatar of Lakshmi. She was born as sita when Vishnu appeared as rama, she was Rukmini when Vishnu appeared as Krishna and she was Padma when her husband came as vamana. Lakshmi puja is performed for prosperity, material abundance and spiritual prosperity. She is worshipped to remove troubles that prevent us from starting a spiritual path or business. Hindus worship goddess Lakshmi in houses and temples by her devotees. A special worship is offered to her annually on the auspicious day of Diwali, with religious rituals and colorful ceremonies specifically devoted to her. Significance of Ganesh in Diwali lord Ganesh is also called the elephant-headed god. He symbolizes auspiciousness and wisdom. Lord Ganesh is worshipped by the Hindus on Diwali. Lord Ganesh is the son of Shiva and parvati. He is the lord of success and destroyer of evils and obstacles. He is also worshipped as the god of education, knowledge, wisdom and wealth. In fact, Ganesh is one of the five prime Hindu deities (brahma, Vishnu, Shiva and durga being the other four) whose idolatry is glorified as the panchayatana puja.