She is Ardhangini of Sriman Narayan. The Mahalakshmi is one only. The inherent power of Sriman Narayana is Maa Narayani who is swayam Sri Mahalaksmi.
The following is a rare sloka from a hymn on Goddess Mahalakshmi and Lord Narayana by Lord Rudra and Devas taken from Padma Puranam, Uttara Khanda, and Chapter 232 titled Lakshmi Utaptti (Origin of Lakshmi). The hymn on Goddess Lakshmi was recited when Goddess Lakshmi emanated from the milk ocean and was offered to Lord Narayana.
īśvarīṁ sarva bhūtānāṁ mātaraṁ padma mālinīm |
nārāyaṇīṁ jagaddhātrīṁ nārāyaṇa hṛdālayām ||
Any name that ends with Mahalaksmi is her only. It's the one single power that gives rise to a many other forms of the same Mahalakshmi. There's always a war between Vaishnavas and Shaktas as to Mahalakshmi is their own property. But fact is she is own her own swatantra Shakti - The Param Brahman, the Absolute Brahman - who is Maha Saraswati (Saraswati no difference), Mahalakshmi (Laksmi no difference), Mahakaali (Kali no difference).
Just like there is zero difference between Sriman Narayana & Maha Vishnu or only Vishnu.
There is zero difference between Maa Narayani & Maa Mahalakshmi or only Laksmi.
She is one single power for the Supreme Para brahman Sriman Narayana.. You must have read about Brahman.. Once try to read what Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa said about it.. He gave the best answer to it. If time permits, we will work on it.
And as Sri Krishna says in Kurukshetra, that which ever form you choose, you will ultimately reach him only.. That's truth!
And its upto your own sadhana where you realise the Supreme truth to be omnipresent everywhere.
It seems funny to write also that Vaishnavs also make futile arguments that Sri Krishna came with all 16kalas and Sri Rama with 12kalas. Point is what will you get if they came with whatever kalas. The only point to note is you need to attain self realization or God Realisation if you are on path of sadhana. So, always remember, which ever God one sees in whatever form - the form is true.. And they exist.. Its not like Sri Jagannatha isn't Vishnu and he is Bhairava.. Etc.. He is as much everyone has realised in their own sadhana.. So in order to realise your own truth, don't depend on anyone. There is no one to guide anyone. Only your Ishta Devata guides you. And they are the only saviour. Rest all are just translators and those who just protect their own beliefs and sects.... Sri Mahalaksmi is mula Swaroopam of Maa Narayani.. And the Shaktas cannot tell it otherwise. They defined Siva & Sivaa as One, but when it came to Narayani, they very smartly changed it to being sister of Sriman Narayan.. How? They used the theory of Mahabharta, where the Adishakti came in form of his sister.
So always strive to know the truth, using your own logical deductions.
And most importantly your own Ishta Devata they guide you if you are inherently seeking them.
Rest, every truth will come out when you surrender to the Devata with your full heart.
No experiences can be same. Whatever you experience, you should share with your Guru. May they guide you.
Always remember, don't completely over go confident reading an article or a book. You yourself verify it through your own Sadhana.
Jaya Maa Bhagavati!
A write up by Devi