As Diwali approaches, you can feel the excitement and anticipation around you. And beyond that, this occasion brings light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and prosperity over poverty. There is also a deeper sense of spiritual significance in Diwali, that is the Lakshmi Pooja. It is not only to worship the goddess of wealth but also to open up your heart and home to prosperity, peace, and positivity. Are you ready to welcome these blessings into your life this Diwali?
Significance of Diwali and Lakshmi Pooja
Diwali is celebrated throughout India, and this year, it will be celebrated on November 1, 2024. It marks the return of Lord Rama, Mata Sita, and Lakshman to Ayodhya, reminding all of us about the victory of good over evil. Diwali is a five-day festival celebrated in Ashwin and Kartika, with each day bringing its own significance and traditions.
Lakshmi Pooja is done on the third day of Diwali, where Maa Lakshmi is worshipped as the goddess of wealth, abundance, and fortune. When we perform this puja, we can receive blessings for financial stability and success in all our endeavours. But to truly welcome Maa Lakshmi, creating an environment of cleanliness, harmony, and devotion is essential. Here’s a step-by-step guide on preparing and performing Lakshmi Pooja to be meaningful and filled with devotion.
Preparing for Lakshmi Pooja
- Thoroughly Clean Your Home:
Maa Lakshmi, goddess of wealth, is said to visit those houses which are clean and pure. Start with a thorough cleaning of every corner of your home. Sprinkling Gangajal (holy water from the Ganges) throughout the home purifies the space and makes it more inviting for the goddess. - Decorate with Lights and Flowers:
Brighten up your home with oil lamps, diyas, and candles. Adorn your entrance and pooja room with fresh flowers and rangoli patterns to create a beautiful, welcoming ambience. - Dress Traditionally:
Traditional attire signifies respect and aligns with the festive spirit, creating a sense of unity and worship for the pooja.
Setting Up the Pooja Altar
The altar is the sacred space where the deities are invited to bless your home. Here’s how to set it up for Lakshmi Pooja:
- Prepare the Pooja Platform:
Place a clean, red cloth on a platform or table. In the centre, arrange a small amount of grains and draw a lotus with turmeric powder—a symbol of purity and prosperity. - Install the Kalash (Sacred Pot):
Fill a silver or copper Kalash with water, then add a few coins, betel nut, clove, and dried fruits for good fortune. Place a bunch of mango leaves around the pot’s rim and set a coconut on top, signifying abundance.
Arrange the Idols and Sacred Items:
Position an idol or picture of Maa Lakshmi at the centre of the platform, with Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles, to her right. Place any business or household account books nearby for blessing.
Performing the Lakshmi Pooja: Step-by-Step Guide
With everything in place, it’s time to begin the Lakshmi Pooja.
- Invoke the Deities:
Light a diya (oil lamp) and incense sticks to purify the atmosphere. Begin by chanting prayers or mantras honouring the deities and inviting their blessings into your home. Starting with Ganesh Pooja, ensure a smooth and obstacle-free ceremony is customary. - Offerings and Prayers to Lakshmi:
Next, make offerings to Maa Lakshmi. These include flowers, sweets, fruits, and coins as symbols of abundance. Each offering represents your devotion and desire for Maa Lakshmi’s blessings. - Read the Story of Lakshmi:
To enrich the pooja, have a family elder or enthusiastic volunteer narrate the story of Maa Lakshmi, her generosity, and the significance of her blessings. Listening to her story with devotion adds a deeper meaning to the ritual. - Lakshmi Aarti and Mantras:
Light the diya on the thali, pick up the puja bell, and start the aarti to wrap up the Lakshmi puja. As you move the thali in devotion, sing along to the bhajans for Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha, inviting their blessings into your home.
One of the mantras you can chant is:
Om Shree Mahalakshmyai Cha Vidmahe Vishnu Patnyai Cha Dheemahi Tanno Lakshmi Prachodayat
This mantra translates to: “Maa Lakshmi, we meditate upon you, consort of Lord Vishnu. May you bless us with intellect, wealth, and happiness.”
Distribute Prasad:
Once the pooja concludes, distribute the Prasad among the family and guests. This sacred offering is a gesture of sharing and gratitude.
Tips for a Meaningful Lakshmi Pooja
To ensure a successful Lakshmi Pooja, here are some extra tips to keep in mind:
- Perform the pooja during the auspicious time. As per Drik Panchang, Lakshmi Pooja on November 1, 2024, will be there from 6:10 PM to 8:52 PM. Timing is crucial; hence, start the pooja within this muhurta for the best results.
- Apart from the pooja area, place diyas on every corner of your home, and one diya is directed in the south for Yama, the god of death. This is a traditional way to seek protection for the household.
As you light your diyas and offer your prayers this Diwali, remember that the true essence of the festival lies in embracing a spirit of generosity, kindness, and warmth.
Want a seamless and sacred Lakshmi Pooja experience this Diwali?
With VedaYatra, you get an easy and hassle-free way to experience exclusively on the spiritual essence of the ceremony. Their well-experienced priests ensure all steps, from setting the altar to reciting mantras for Maa Lakshmi’s blessings.
Whether you are new to this ritual performance or want to deepen this experience, VedaYatra will lead you through every point so that you can celebrate Diwali with peace of mind and heart.
May this Diwali bring you joy, light, and blessings from Maa Lakshmi. Through rituals and in the company of your loved ones, may you feel a renewed sense of purpose, gratitude, and connection to the divine.
