Lakshaṇā

Lakshaṇā, simply known as Lakshana, Sanskrit: लक्षणा, Telugu: లక్షణ, Hindi: लक्षणा.

Lakshaṇā, also called Sulakshaṇā or Sulakshmaṇā, is one of the eight mahā-patnīs (chief wives) of Bhagavān Kṛshṇa.

In her earlier birth she was the daughter of Agni and had every auspicious lakshaṇa (mark). She saw that only Bhagavān Kṛshṇa holds all good qualities (śubha-guṇas) in full, and she gave herself wholly to him. She was born again as the daughter of the king of Madra. Bhagavān Kṛshṇa married her when he struck the matsya-yantra (the turning fish-target) at her svayaṃvara (a bride’s choice of husband).

Her teaching

Lakshaṇā is remembered for the teaching she gave her father about doing all dāna (giving) and other acts of dharma with vishṇu-bhāva (the feeling that all is for Bhagavān Vishṇu). She taught that Mādhava comes in the form of the one who receives the gift, and takes in all that is offered. Her teaching is that every dharmic act, when offered to Bhagavān Nārāyaṇa, becomes bhakti (loving devotion). It is the wisdom of the gṛhastha (householder). (Garuḍa Mahā Purāṇa, Brahma Khaṇḍa, Chapter 22)

Sources

• Garuḍa Mahā Purāṇa, Brahma Khaṇḍa, Chapter 22