Unlock the secrets of a prosperous Diwali by performing these seven powerful Lakshmi Puja rituals with devotion
Diwali, the festival of lights, is celebrated with great joy and enthusiasm across India. It symbolises the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. Families clean and decorate their homes with glowing diyas, colourful rangolis, and flowers. Gifts are exchanged, festive meals are shared, and everyone comes together in the spirit of celebration. A key part of Diwali is the Lakshmi Puja, dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity.
Goddess Lakshmi is highly revered as the one who brings both material and spiritual wealth. She is often shown seated on a lotus, symbolizing purity and growth. Her many incarnations, such as Sri Devi (goddess of wealth) and Bhu Devi (goddess of the earth), are worshipped for blessings. According to Hindu mythology, she emerged during the churning of the ocean, signifying the creation of wealth from cosmic forces.
Lakshmi Puja during Diwali holds special importance as it is believed to invite her blessings into homes for prosperity and happiness. The ritual reminds us of the value of wisdom, hard work, and devotion in managing wealth. By performing this puja, families seek her blessings for a prosperous and peaceful year ahead.
HISTORY BEHIND MATA LAKSHMI
According to ancient tales, a wandering sage desired to live the life of a king, so he decided to worship Mata Lakshmi. Impressed by his dedicated prayers, Mata Lakshmi appeared and blessed him with certain boons and an exalted position.
Blinded by pride from these blessings, the sage reached the king’s court and, disrespectfully dethroned the king. However, what happened next was unexpected. As soon as the king fell after being pushed by the sage, a snake emerged from his crown and escaped. Witnessing this, the king and his ministers stood in awe of the sage, believing he possessed magical powers and had come to save the king. The king, impressed by the sage’s supposed power, thanked him wholeheartedly and offered him a senior minister’s position and a palace to live in.
A few days later, while the king was discussing matters in his court, the sage arrived and took the king outside with him. Confused by this, the ministers followed them. In the very next moment, an earthquake struck, and the king’s palace collapsed into ruins. This act further elevated the sage’s status, and he was hailed as a divine incarnation. His arrogance, however, grew as a result of this, and over time, it only increased.
One day, the sage ordered the removal of the idol of Lord Ganesha from the palace simply because he didn’t find it attractive enough. This act angered Lord Ganesha. As time passed, the sage’s behaviour became increasingly erratic, which infuriated the king. In his rage, the king ordered the sage to be imprisoned. While in jail, the corrupt-minded sage remembered Mata Lakshmi once again.
Goddess Lakshmi appeared and instructed him to worship Lord Ganesha if he sought redemption. The sage then performed extreme penance to impress Lord Ganesha. One day, Lord Ganesha appeared in the king’s dream, instructing him to reinstate the sage in the court and restore his position.
From that point onwards, Mata Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha have been worshipped together. In Hindu tradition, Lord Ganesha, also known as Vinayaka, is revered as the god of wisdom. The story serves as a reminder that no matter how much wealth or money one possesses, without the wisdom to manage it, it becomes meaningless.
The 7 Sacred Diwali Ritual: A Detailed Lakshmi Puja Guide
- Purifying Your Space: Clean your home thoroughly and decorate it with glowing diyas, fresh flowers, and vibrant rangoli patterns. Create a serene and welcoming environment for the divine presence.
- Setting the Kalash: Place a new red cloth on an elevated platform. In the centre, arrange a small mound of grains and position a kalash (metal pot) filled with water. Add a betel nut, flower, coin, and rice grains to the Kalash, and arrange five or five mango leaves around the rim.
- Welcoming the Deities: Using turmeric powder, draw a lotus over the rice grains and place Goddess Lakshmi’s idol on top, along with gold or silver coins. Add the Sri Yantra or Maha Meru Yantra to attract the blessings of Maa Lakshmi.
- Offering to Lord Ganesha: Place Lord Ganesha’s idol to the right of the Kalash, alongside symbols of your profession or business. Light a lamp and present turmeric, vermilion, and flowers in reverence.
- Inviting Goddess Lakshmi: Chant Lakshmi mantras or meditate on her presence to invite her blessings. Perform a ritual bath for the idol using water, followed by Panchamrit, and then water infused with gold or pearls. Offer flowers, incense, and sacred items.
- Worshipping Lord Kuber: Honour your Tijori (safe or jewellery box) as a representation of Lord Kuber, symbolizing wealth and abundance, during the ritual.
- Performing the Aarti: Conclude the puja with a quiet and focused aarti for Goddess Lakshmi, accompanied by a small bell. Keep the atmosphere peaceful, avoiding loud noises and fireworks.
By following these timeless Diwali customs and performing the Lakshmi Puja with sincerity, you invite the blessings of wealth, wisdom, and strength into your life. As you celebrate Diwali, may Goddess Lakshmi’s grace fill your home with happiness and prosperity.
The Many Facets of Goddess Lakshmi
Goddess Lakshmi is a symbol of wealth and prosperity in Hindu culture and can be found in countless homes and businesses across India . She is often depicted gracefully draped in a red sari and adorned with gold ornaments, . Her image, seated on a lotus and flanked by white elephants, represent royal power, while the coins cascading from her hand signify wealth.
As the consort of Lord Vishnu, she plays a vital role in preserving the universe, embodying grace and grandeur, which is highlighted by the honorific title “Sri” attached to her name. In her four hands, Lakshmi holds the essence of the four main goals of human life in Hinduism: Dharma (righteousness), Kama (desire), Artha (material wealth), and Moksha (spiritual liberation).
The relationship between Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Vishnu serves as the ideal model for marriage rituals in Hindu weddings. Their divine union is reflected in ceremonies that celebrate harmony and commitment between the bride and groom. In regions like West Bengal and Odisha, there is a belief that Lakshmi is also an aspect of Goddess Durga, highlighting her multifaceted nature. The concept of Ashta Lakshmi represents Lakshmi in eight different forms, each symbolizing a specific source of wealth. Together, these forms embody the expansive powers of Maha Lakshmi puja, governing various aspects of prosperity and abundance.
In South India, Lakshmi Devi holds a central role in spiritual traditions. Referred to as “Thirumagal” due to her divine attributes, she is venerated as the provider of eight forms of wealth. She is also known as “The Goddess who Gives Strength to the Gods,” underscoring her powerful and sustaining presence.
Lakshmi is closely linked to the lotus flower, which frequently appears in sacred texts and artistic depictions. The lotus symbolizes material wealth, growing from muddy water but remaining untouched by it. Among her many names, those tied to the lotus include Srija, Kamala, Padma, and Padmapriya, all reflecting her association with this sacred bloom.
The eight forms of Ashta Lakshmi illustrate the many aspects of life that people strive for, such as wealth, courage, knowledge, success, and even progeny. One of these forms is Gaja Lakshmi, who is depicted with two elephants showering her with water, symbolizing fertility, animal wealth, and power. Another form, Veera Lakshmi, represents valour and courage, granting her devotees the strength to face challenges and secure victory. These forms reflect the diverse blessings that Lakshmi bestows upon her followers, helping them achieve fulfillment in various areas of life.
Saubhagya Lakshmi, as mentioned in the ancient text “Saubhagya Lakshmi Upanishad,” is the goddess who bestows good fortune, prosperity, and success upon her devotees.
One of the most important rituals associated with her is Lakshmi Puja, which is performed during Diwali, the festival of lights. This day, also known as Dhanteras, is specifically dedicated to seeking Lakshmi’s blessings for wealth and well-being. Another significant occasion is Lakshmi Panchami, or Shri Vrata, celebrated on the fifth day of the bright fortnight in the Hindu month of Chaitra. This festival is considered a particularly auspicious time to start new ventures, with the hope of receiving Lakshmi’s divine favor.
The Lakshmi Tantra, a key text within the Pancharatra Agama, outlines detailed procedures and practices for the worship of Goddess Lakshmi. It serves as an essential guide for understanding the various aspects of the goddess and how she is revered in spiritual rituals. The Lakshmi Upanishad, part of the Vedanta scriptures, delves deeper into her nature, describing her as the consciousness that pervades everything and as the embodiment of all prosperity.
Additionally, the Lakshmi Sahasranama, a hymn from the Skanda Purana, praises her with a thousand different names. Each name reflects a distinct quality, capturing the boundless generosity and magnificence of Goddess Lakshmi, showing the depth of devotion to her across Hinduism.
Thus, Goddess Lakshmi stands as a symbol of both material and spiritual wealth. Her multifaceted nature and benevolent presence make her one of the most cherished and worshipped deities in Hinduism, inspiring devotion and reverence across India.
Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) related to Lakshmi Puja 2024
Q. When is Lakshmi Puja in 2024?
Lakshmi Puja will be celebrated on Friday, November 1, 2024, which is the third day of Diwali, known as the main festival day.
Q. What is the best time (muhurat) to perform Lakshmi Puja in 2024? The best time (muhurat) for Lakshmi Puja on Diwali 2024 is during Pradosh Kaal, which falls in the evening after sunset. The muhurat for Lakshmi Puja is expected to be from 6:10 PM to 8:10 PM. However, it’s recommended to consult a local priest for the exact timings based on your location.
Q. What items are required for Lakshmi Puja?
For Lakshmi Puja, you will need:
- A clean space with a red cloth
- Diyas (lamps)
- Flowers and garlands
- A Kalash (metal pot), water, betel nut, coin, and mango leaves
- Rice grains, turmeric, kumkum, and sandalwood paste
- The idols of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha
- Incense sticks, camphor, and sweets for offering
Q. Why do we worship Goddess Lakshmi on Diwali?
Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped on Diwali as she symbolizes wealth, prosperity, and good fortune. Lakshmi Puja is performed to seek her blessings for a prosperous year ahead.
Q. Can I perform Lakshmi Puja at home?
Yes, Lakshmi Puja can be performed at home by following simple rituals, such as cleaning the house, decorating it with diyas and rangoli, and performing the puja with devotion and faith. You can also invite a priest for guidance.
Q. Is it necessary to perform Lakshmi Puja at a specific time?
While it is ideal to perform Lakshmi Puja during the auspicious muhurat (Pradosh Kaal), the most important aspect is to perform the puja with sincerity and devotion. If you cannot perform it at the exact muhurat, you can do it at a convenient time on Diwali day.
Q. What is the significance of placing Lord Ganesha’s idol during Lakshmi Puja?
Lord Ganesha is worshipped alongside Goddess Lakshmi as he is the remover of obstacles and the god of wisdom. It is believed that without his blessings, prosperity (represented by Lakshmi) cannot be sustained.
Q. Can businesses perform Lakshmi Puja?
Yes, businesses often perform Lakshmi Puja to seek blessings for financial growth and success in the coming year. It is common for business owners to worship their accounting books, cash registers, and tools of trade during the ritual.
Q. What should I offer to Goddess Lakshmi during the puja?
During Lakshmi Puja, you can offer flowers, sweets (especially laddoos), fruits, grains, and items like rice and turmeric. Incense sticks and camphor are lit as part of the ritual, and diyas are placed around the house.
Q. What are the benefits of performing Lakshmi Puja on Diwali?
Performing Lakshmi Puja on Diwali is believed to bring blessings of wealth, prosperity, happiness, and peace. It also helps remove obstacles in life and attracts positive energy into the home.
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