  The first is represented by Lokacarya (1213–1323). For Lokacarya, the divine consort’s role is subordinate and, perhaps, ultimately, nonessential. Lakshmi displays the “three essential attributes of a mediator: mercy … , dependence on the Lord, … and non-subservience [to] another [than the Lord].” Her ability to mediate between souls and their Lord is thus ultimately dependent on her relation to Vishnu. In other words, Shri Lakshmi “mediates not as an equal partner of the Lord … but only as his dependent and subordinate.” There is even a suggestion that Vishnu can himself function as a mediator without Lakshmi’s assistance. Thus, Lokacarya “points out that in the Mahabharata, Krishna himself becomes the mediator, whereas in the Ramayana, Sita becomes the mediator.” (The relevance of this remark becomes clear when one recalls that both Krishna and Sita’s consort, Rama, are avataras or “descents” [very roughly, incarnations] of Vishnu.) (Kumar 102–07) Lokacarya, then, preserves monotheism by more or less downgrading Lakshmi’s status.