the world as Parashurama, the goddess incarnated herself as Dharani; when he was born as Prince Rama, Lakshmi appeared as Princess Sita; and when he was Krishna, she appeared as Radha or Rukmini. In Vishnu's next incarnation as Kalki that will spell the end of the present Kali Yuga, he will wed Padmavati, who will also be an incarnation of Lakshmi. This dual manifestation of the supreme deities of Vaishnavism is explored in the Ramayana, Mahabharata, Vishnu Purana, Bhagavata Purana, Brahma Vaivarta Purana, Skanda Purana, and in other scriptures. The Purushottama Mahatmya of Skanda Purana (13th century CE) and of Vishnurahasya (16th century CE) referred to the female wooden image between Jagannath and Balabhadra, Subhadra, as Lakshmi. Traditions Sri Sampradaya In the South Indian tradition of Sri Vaishnavism, the deity Narayana is worshipped as the supreme deity, and his consort Lakshmi as the supreme goddess. Lakshmi is regarded to be the source of salvation, Narayana, and is hence revered by adherents in order to reach God. The origin of the tradition's name is sometimes associated with the goddess herself, who is also called Sri. The devotees of this tradition primarily worship Lakshmi-Narayana as the ultimate duality, though they also revere their incarnations in the Dashavatara, including Sita-Rama and Rukmini-Krishna. The Urdhva Pundra, the sacred mark they wear on their bodies, is conceived to be a combination of the white feet of Vishnu, and the red streak in between represents Lakshmi. Swaminarayan Sampradaya In the Vaishnava tradition of the Swaminarayan Sampradaya, a flute-bearing Krishna is worshipped with his consort Radha, and together the deity is referred as Radha Krishna, while Krishna in his four-hands form is identified with Narayana in the text Shikshapatri, and is worshipped with his consort, Lakshmi. The deity is referred as Lakshmi Narayana. The founder of the sect, Swaminarayan, installed the murtis of Radha Krishna and Lakshmi Narayana at the Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Vadtal and Swaminarayan Mandir, Gadhada in Gujarat. Worship Lakshmi Narayana worship is popular among Vaishnavas, who pray to the divine couple at their homes and in temples. There are many sampradayas (sects), that regard Lakshmi Narayana as the ultimate divinity, and grand and exquisite temples have been erected for their veneration. It is believed that worshipping Lakshmi Narayana can get for the devotees the complete blessings of the divine couple and shall bestow welfare, success, prosperity and a fulfilled life for the devotees and