Meditation on Mahālakṣmī: The coral complexion of Mahālakṣmī, Who presides over the second carita, identifies Her as the Devī’s Rajasic Vyaṣṭi; and Her Lotus Throne, growing out of the mud but Remaining Immaculate, Symbolizes Spiritual Purity and Detachment From Worldliness.
Mahālakṣmī Holds in Her Eighteen Hands the Symbols of Her Attributes and Powers. Six of them- the Mace, Arrow, Bow, Sword, Conch, and Discus-She Shares with Mahākālī. As for the others,
the Prayer Beads symbolize Spiritual Knowledge or Devotion.
The Ax stands for the Ignorance-Destroying Wisdom that Severs Worldly Ties.
The Thunderbolt, associated with Indra and Storm Gods of other cultures, is a Symbol of Invincibility and Illumination.
Another Natural Symbol is the Lotus, which in Hindu tradition represents the Auspicious Qualities of Beauty, Prosperity, Peace, Happiness, Eternal Renewal, Purity, and Spiritual Unfoldment.
The Waterpot can Signify either Fertility and Wealth or Purification; through identification with ascetics it can also stand for Renunciation. In connection with Mahālakṣmī its Primary Meaning is Fertility and Abundance.
The Staff is a Symbol of Discipline;
The Lance, of the Penetrating Power of Knowledge;
The Shield, of Protection.
Among the divergent meanings of the Bell, the one that best fits the Devīmāhātmya’s narrative is the Power to Inspire Fear in Enemies. Its clear tone Symbolizes the Spiritual Insight that Dispels Ignorance.
The Wine Cup is linked to Joy or Bliss.
Usually the Trident’s Three Points are said to Represent the Divine Powers of Creation, Preservation, and Destruction; alternatively they Symbolize the Destruction of Time, Space, and Causation.
The Noose stands for Worldly Attachment.
While in one sense Representing a Deity’s Powers, These Weapons Esoterically Symbolize the internal functioning of human consciousness