Whom do you prefer…Lakshmi or Narayana…?

Whom do you prefer…Lakshmi or Narayana…?

How much have we utilised His Presence when He chose to walk amongst us, loving and serving, teaching and preaching  the Supreme Path Of Truth to Sanathana Dharma? Has mankind ever understood the supreme potential of this Mighty Lord? Hinting upon man’s folly in going after Lakshmi, leaving Narayana out Bhagawan narrated a beautiful story involving Lord Narayana, His consort Goddess Lakshmi and Devarishi Narada.

This is a story about the Gods. It deals with the greed of men. It was a fine day in heaven; Sriman Narayana and His consort Lakshmi were talking away the hours, when Narada, the wandering minstrel, entered and attracted their attention. Narayana asked Narada whether the denizens of Earth were happy. Narada replied that since they worshipped Him and won His Grace, men everywhere were quite happy and prosperous.

At this, Lakshmi (who was the Goddess of Wealth) was afflicted with jealousy and anger for, Her share in conferring happiness on man was not acknowledged. She challenged Narada to prove that Narayana was more adored than Herself down on Earth.

Narayana accepted the challenge. Donning ochre robes, He transformed Himself into a monk and went down amongst the villages and towns, preaching the Path. Thousands flocked at these meetings and listened to the enchanting oratory. They followed Him from place to place and adored Him with effusive enthusiasm. He was being carried along on a huge wave of devotion and adulation.

Lakshmi saw this and could not contain herself: She was overwhelmed by envy. So, She too donned the Sanyasi (ascetic person) robe and came down to the very region which Narayana had conquered for Himself. The people were drawn towards Her by the effulgence of Her presence, many came away from the meetings addressed by Narayana to bask in Her Presence.

A few invited Her to their homes for dinner. She agreed but, declared that it was a vow she had undertaken, not to eat out of plates other than her own. She said, she would bring Her own plate, cup, drinking vessel etc. The host was only too glad to comply with Her request, for, that helped him to overcome one bother among many!

Lakshmi took with Her when She went to the houses of Her hosts, a plate of gold, a cup and a water-vessel, all three of gold! The host admired and adored Her the more for this display of pomp and wealth. But, he was astounded and delighted, when, after dinner, Lakshmi said that She was leaving the plate etc., at the host’s home, since that too was part of Her vow!

When the news spread that it was highly profitable to invite Lakshmi to dinner and to adore Her, there was a huge clamour for Her Grace and millions deserted Narayana’s discourses and hovered around the Giver of Gold. People prayed to Narayana to go back to whence He came, for, they had no time to receive’ Him or listern to Him. Lakshmi was monopolising their attention!

So, Lakshmi came back to Heaven, to meet Narayana who was already there. She asked Narada, “Who is being worshiped more, Narayana or Lakshmi?”

Narada replied with another question: “Whom are You worshiping, please?” Lakshmi answered, “Why? I worship Narayana.” Then, said Narada, “Know that it is Narayana’s grace that is helping you to bestow those gifts of gold, which make men worship you.”

Lakshmi’s pride was humbled; but, man’s foolishness continues. He worships vasu-deva (vasu = gold, meaning Lord of wealth), not Vasudeva (Indwelling Divinity), Lakshmi, not Narayana!

II Samastha Lokah Sukhino Bhavantu II

Whom do you prefer—Lakshmi or Narayana?

In spiritual life, devotees are often presented with a thought-provoking question: Whom do you prefer…Lakshmi or Narayana…? At first glance, it may appear to be a choice between prosperity and the Supreme Lord. However, great saints and spiritual masters have explained that the question carries a much deeper meaning. The answer reveals the maturity of one’s devotion and understanding of divine truth.

When people seek material comfort, success, wealth, and worldly happiness, they naturally feel attracted toward Goddess Lakshmi, who is the embodiment of prosperity and abundance. There is nothing wrong in praying for necessities and well-being. Yet, spiritual wisdom teaches that material blessings alone cannot provide lasting peace. Wealth may come and go, but inner contentment remains elusive unless one develops a connection with the Divine.

This is where the question, Whom do you prefer…Lakshmi or Narayana…?, becomes significant. Narayana represents the Supreme Reality, the eternal source of all creation and all blessings. When a devotee seeks Narayana with sincerity and love, everything required for life arrives at the proper time by His grace. Seeking the Lord is like approaching the root of a tree; when the root is nourished, every branch, leaf, and flower flourishes naturally.

Sri Sathya Sai Baba often emphasized that devotion should not be based on desires or expectations. True devotion arises from selfless love for God. A devotee who longs only for divine proximity discovers a joy far greater than material achievements. Such a person understands that worldly possessions are temporary, while the relationship with God is eternal.

The deeper message behind Whom do you prefer…Lakshmi or Narayana…? is not about rejecting prosperity. Rather, it is about recognizing priorities. If one chooses God, divine grace brings both spiritual and material welfare according to what is beneficial. If one seeks only worldly gains, the heart may remain restless despite external success. Therefore, wise devotees pray not merely for wealth but for devotion, wisdom, and righteousness.

Throughout Indian spiritual traditions, Goddess Lakshmi is always found at the feet of Narayana, symbolizing that prosperity follows the Divine. This beautiful imagery teaches that when God occupies the center of life, all other blessings find their rightful place. Spiritual growth, peace of mind, noble character, and even material necessities become aligned with divine purpose.

The teachings shared on Devotional India remind seekers that life’s greatest treasure is not what we possess but what we become. Through faith, prayer, and service, devotees gradually move from desire-driven worship to pure love for God. Such transformation brings lasting happiness and fulfillment.

Ultimately, the answer to Whom do you prefer…Lakshmi or Narayana…? depends on one’s spiritual aspiration. Those who seek temporary gains may choose prosperity alone, but those who seek eternal joy choose Narayana, knowing that all blessings flow from Him. This understanding leads to a life filled with gratitude, devotion, and inner peace. As taught by Sri Sathya Sai Baba, when God is attained, everything else worth having is attained as well.

May this timeless wisdom inspire every seeker associated with Devotional India to place divine love above all worldly attractions and experience the bliss that comes from surrendering to the Supreme.