It is believed that Devas and Asuras performed Samudra manthan (Churning of ocean) with the help of a mountain on the advise of Lord Vishnu to extract rare gifts, called Ratnas. In all 14 such ratnas were extracted and were equally divided by the Devas and Asuras. These ratnas were, Halahal (poison), a horse named Uchaswah, a white elephant called Airavat, a rare gemstone called Kaustubhmani, parijat vriksh (tree), Panchjanya shankh, Shaag dhanush, a holy cow called Kamdhenu, Chandrama (the Moon), Mahapadma Nidhi, Rambha, Varuni madira, Amrit and Dhanwantari vaidya. Goddess Lakshmi emerged as fifteenth ratna in the bridal attire with lotus mala in her hand for Lord Vishnu or Narayana. Everyone hailed the Laxmi-Narayana and Goddess Laxmi set her foot on haven. Her feet had in all 15 symbols, which brought prosperity in haven. All gods took impressions of Lakshmi’s feet, called Lakshmi Paduka and installed at their places and celebrated by lighting lamps. This marked the festival of Diwali.

The symbols and the importance of each one of them is given below:

Left foot:

a) Teer Kaman (Bow & Arrow) – It is weapon of gods and good to achieve one’s Lakshya or objective.
b) Matsya (Fish) – Symbolises prosperity & health.
c) Kumbha (Pot) – Symbolises good health and fulfillment of desires.
d) Chandra – Brings light & purity in your lives.
e) Tilak – Symbolises victory, bhagya (luck) and sanman (respect)
f) Trikonakar mangal bindu (Triangle) – Good for achieving objective
g) Chakra rekha – Symbolises Soubhagya and Swasthya

Right foot:

a) Swastika – Symbolises Lord Ganesha and also blessings and knowledge
b) Chakra – Saves from Devils forces
c) Shankh – Brings energy and purity in life
d) Surya – Brings success and prosperity
e) Kumbha - Symbolises good health and fulfillment of desires
f) Dhwaja (Flag) – Gives right direction. Present on all temples
g) Vajra – Its Lord Indra’s weapon. It does not allow you to loose focus.
h) Kamalpushpa (Lotus) – Health, prosperity and blessings
i) Trishul – Symbolises Brahma, Vishnu, Mahesh. It gives you strength and religious purity

It is believed that by installing Laxmi paduka at place of worship at home, office or at place of work, everyone gets health, wealth and prosperity.

Shuddhikaran Vidhi:

Perform following vidhi before installing at place of worship at home or workplace:

Wash the Laxmi Paduka with Panch Kavya (Mixture of milk, curds, ghee, go-mutra & go-dhan) and then wash with water. Alternately it can be washed with Panchamrut (Mixture of milk, curds, ghee, honey and sugar) and then washed with water.