Lakshmi Puja During Diwali: A Celebration of Prosperity and Light

Lakshmi puja is one of the most significant rituals during Diwali, the Festival of Lights. Diwali marks the victory of good over evil, and it is celebrated with grandeur across India and various parts of the world. Among the traditions that make up this festival, the worship of देवी लक्ष्मी, the deity of wealth, prosperity, and abundance, holds a place of deep reverence. This puja is believed to invoke blessings of good fortune and remove any obstacles hindering prosperity. Let’s explore how Lakshmi puja is celebrated during Diwali and the rituals associated with this auspicious occasion.

The Importance Of Lakshmi Puja During Diwali

Goddess Lakshmi is regarded as the source of all wealth and prosperity, both material and spiritual. She is believed to visit homes during दिवाल, bringing fortune to those who invite her with clean homes, prayers, and devotion. Lakshmi puja typically takes place on the third day of the five-day Diwali festival, which falls on Amavasya (new moon night) of the Hindu month of Kartik. It is also considered the most important day of the Diwali festival, as it is believed that Goddess Lakshmi descends to bless homes that are properly lit and clean.

Preparations For Lakshmi Puja

Lakshmi puja begins with extensive preparations, as the belief is that Goddess Lakshmi resides in clean, pure, and well-lit places. Therefore, families spend days before Diwali cleaning, decluttering, and decorating their homes. This includes washing floors, dusting corners, and making sure every part of the house is spotless.

Decoration And Rangoli

One of the highlights of the preparations is the creation of intricate rangolis at the entrance of homes. These rangolis are often made to welcome Goddess Lakshmi. Many families also place small footprints, symbolizing Lakshmi’s arrival, leading from the entrance to the puja area. Homes are illuminated with diyas (oil lamps), candles, and electric lights to remove darkness and create a warm, inviting atmosphere. It is believed that light attracts Goddess Lakshmi, and homes that are well-lit are blessed with wealth and prosperity.

Setting Up The Altar

The altar for Lakshmi puja is carefully arranged with an idol or image of Goddess Lakshmi, with Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles. The presence of Lord Ganesha ensures that there are no hindrances in the path of wealth and success. The altar also includes kalash (a sacred vessel filled with water), betel leaves, rice, and flowers as offerings to the gods.

New Clothes And Sweets

It is customary for family members to wear new clothes on the day of the puja. These new outfits signify the fresh beginnings that Lakshmi’s blessings can bring into their lives. Families also prepare various sweets and delicacies like laddoos, kheer, and barfi, which are offered to the goddess during the puja and later shared among family and friends as prasad (blessed food).

The Ritual Of Lakshmi Puja

Lakshmi puja takes place in the evening, once the new moon rises, and darkness envelops the surroundings. The absence of moonlight symbolizes the triumph of light, wisdom, and prosperity over darkness and ignorance. The entire family gathers to participate in the puja with full devotion.

Invocation Of Lord Ganesha

The puja begins with the worship of Lord Ganesha, as it is believed that his blessings are essential for the success of any endeavor. A short prayer is offered to him, seeking his blessings to remove all obstacles and pave the way for a smooth and prosperous life.

Prayers To Goddess Lakshmi

After invoking Lord Ganesha, the focus shifts to Goddess Lakshmi. The family chants Lakshmi mantras, sings hymns, and offers flowers, sweets, and fruit to the goddess. One popular chant is the Shri Suktam, a hymn from the Rigveda that is considered highly auspicious for invoking the blessings of Lakshmi.

In some households, Lakshmi is worshiped in her eight forms known as Ashta Lakshmi, who represent various kinds of wealth such as material prosperity, fertility, courage, and wisdom.

Offering Of Diya (Light)

Lighting the diya is an important part of the puja. Diyas are placed in front of the deities and around the house, symbolizing the removal of ignorance and the spreading of knowledge. Many homes also perform the आरती (a ritual involving the circular movement of a lamp) to seek divine blessings.

Offerings To Lakshmi

The family then makes offerings to the goddess, which typically include सोने या चाँदी के सिक्के, मिठाइयाँ, चावल और फूल. Some people also offer food grains, symbolic of their wish for abundance in the coming year. Once the puja is complete, the offerings are distributed as prasad, and the family enjoys the food together.

Post-Puja Celebrations

After the formal rituals of the puja, the celebrations continue with the lighting of fireworks and bursting of crackers. पटाखों are seen as a way to ward off evil spirits and bring joy and light into the lives of people. The sound and sparkle of fireworks fill the night, marking the joyful conclusion of Lakshmi puja.

In some families, the day after Lakshmi puja is also observed as भाई दूज या गोवर्धन पूजा, where brothers and sisters strengthen their bonds, and farmers celebrate the bounty of nature.

Lakshmi puja during Diwali is a sacred and joyous occasion that highlights the importance of wealth, not just in terms of material possessions but also in terms of health, happiness, and spiritual well-being. It is a time to reflect on the blessings received, cleanse the heart and home, and invite prosperity for the coming year. With Ghar Mandir, families can divine blessing and prosperity through our online booking services from the comfort of your home.