Lakshmi Pooja

About Lakshmi Pooja

Lakshmi is the Goddess of wealth. She is one among the supreme Goddesses of the Hindu pantheon and the divine consort of Vishnu, the supreme God of protection. She is the universal mother and an embodiment of compassion and is believed to represent auspiciousness, fertility, and fortune. Hence she is hailed simply as ‘Shri’ or ‘Sridevi.’ She remains inseparable from Vishnu or Narayana, and so, the Lord himself is known in the name Lakshmi Narayana, meaning Lakshmi’s Narayana. Though she is said to reside along with her Lord in Vaikunta, she has actually taken the very heart of the Lord as her principal abode. Hence Vishnu himself is known in the name of Shri Nivasa, the place of residence of Shri.

Lakshmi is worshipped with great faith and enthusiasm by people from all over the country, and Lakshmi Pooja is one of the ceremonial worships offered to her. People believe that by performing this pooja and praying to her, they can fill their lives with the immense grace of the Goddess.

Why Perform Lakshmi Pooja

Lakshmi is regarded as an eternal divinity, who has neither a beginning nor an end. However, there are a few legends which speak about her origin or rebirth.

Once, she was said to have born as the daughter of sage Brighu and made the worlds and the beings to thrive and flourish by her mere glimpse. However Indra, the king of the celestial beings once showed disrespect to Lakshmi’s garland presented to him by sage Durvasa, and this made the Goddess take refuge in the ocean of milk. Denied of her presence and blessings, the Devas lost all their power. They repented deeply and sought her pardon, and to win her favor back again, started churning the great ocean of milk, taking help from the Asuras. After stupendous efforts, the Goddess relented and emerged out of the depths of the ocean in all her brilliant glory. As there were celebrations all around, the Devi chose Lord Vishnu as her consort and settled down, casting her benevolent glance on the Devas and others. As the world rejoiced, the Devas regained their lost splendor.

It is believed that by doing the Lakshmi pooja, the commoners too can please the Goddess and get the immense grace of the Goddess and the resultant benefits.

When to Perform Lakshmi Pooja

Traditionally, people have considered Fridays as being very auspicious and highly suitable for worshipping the Goddesses like Lakshmi. Hence it is advisable for performing the Lakshmi pooja also on Fridays. In addition, Panchami and Ekadasi thithis, the fifth and the eleventh lunar days are also recommended for her worship.