Alakshmi Devi

Jyestha Devi, Kailasanathar Temple, Kanchipuram, Tamilnadu (A photo clicked by me during my visit to temple, 2023)

During my visit to Kanchipuram, while exploring the town, my attention was drawn to a captivating carving adorning the exterior wall of the Kailasanathar temple — it depicted ‘Jyestha Devi, or Alakshmi,’ the Goddess of Misfortune.

According to Hindu legend, both Lakshmi Devi and Alakshmi Devi emerged during the churning of the sea by the Devas (forces of order) and Danavas (forces of chaos). As Jyestha Devi appeared before Lakshmi Devi, she is considered the elder sister and is known as Moodevi in South India.

This Goddess symbolizes misfortune, dearth, destruction, famine, disease, and more — a complete contrast to what Lakshmi Devi represents. Nevertheless, Lakshmi Devi always accompanies Jyestha Devi.

Though people from the Rigvedic period until the 10th century used to worship her, her worship has declined in more recent times.

Jyestha Devi is often depicted with two attendants, Manthana and Manthi, who are her son and daughter, respectively.