In Hinduism, you will often find multiple narratives that vary or even appear to contradict one another. This is due to Kalpa Bheda, varying Sampradayas, or Kula lineages. Ultimately, the Supreme Truth is experienced and described from different perspectives.
According to texts like the Srimad Devi Bhagavatam, the Devi Mahatmya, and Lakshmi Tantra, it is Mahadevi who manifests and assigns consorts to the Tridevas (Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva). Similarly, texts like the Varaha Mahapurana and Padma Purana state that when the Supreme Purusha manifests as the Tridevas, Para-Prakriti simultaneously manifests as the Tridevi.
However, a highly specific and fascinating account is found in the Sri Dakshinamurti Samhita, which states that Sri Hari Vishnu practiced Vaishnavi Vidya to obtain Goddess Lakshmi as his wife.
Sri Dakshinamurti Samhita, Chapter Four:
Translation: "Now, O Great Goddess, I shall describe the deity of supreme empire, by whose worship Vishnu himself became the Lord of Lakshmi (Lakshmipati)."
The Form of the Goddess
The presiding deity of this Vidya is none other than Sarva-Samrajya-Lakshmi. The text provides a Dhyana on her divine form, which Lord Vishnu utilized during his worship:
Translation: "She resembles the Atasi flower (blue flax) and is adorned with gem-studded ornaments. In six of her hands, she holds the Conch (Shanka), Discus (Chakra), Mace (Gada), Lotus (Padma), Bow (Sharnga), and Arrows (Bana). With two other hands, she displays the gestures of Boon-giving (Varada) and Fearlessness (Abhaya). Meditating thus on her eight-armed form, the wise one should perform the recitation."
This is consistent with other sources, which note that Lord Vishnu successfully undertook the Sadhana of Goddess Kamala to gain her as his eternal consort.
Kamalā Kamalā 🌺🪷