It is a long-standing custom to worship Goddess Lakshmi during Diwali. The pooja is particularly famous in Gujarat and Maharashtra, where the trading community worships her to be blessed with wealth and fortune.
Special ceremonies are organized, and Lakshmi is invoked on Diwali.
Goddess Maha Lakshmi
Maha Lakshmi or Lakshmi is a popular Goddess associated with Hinduism. She is the wife of Maha Vishnu, one amongst the Trimurtis of Hinduism.
Lakshmi is the Goddess of wealth and fortune and is worshipped widely by the Hindus. Lakshmi Pooja, Varalakshmi Pooja, and Navaratri are special days to honor her.
Lakshmi is worshipped in several forms, of which eight are popular; these eight forms are known as ‘Ashta Lakshmis,’ the eight Lakshmis. The following are the eight Lakshmis.
- Adhi Lakshi
- Dhana Lakshmi
- Dhanya Lakshmi
- Gaja Lakshmi
- Santana Lakshmi
- Vidya Lakshmi
- Vijaya Lakshmi
- Veera Lakshmi
It is believed that worshipping Ashta Lakshmi will bestow eight kinds of fortune upon the individual and the family worshipping her.
The appearance of Goddess Lakshmi
Goddess Lakshmi features a golden complexion and has four hands. Her upper hands hold lotuses, her right lower hand holds a golden pot full of gold coins, and the other hand displays Abhaya mudra (blessing gesture).
Lakshmi is seated on a red lotus and wears red garments, and is decked with precious ornaments. Owl is believed to be her mount. In, Vaikunda, Lakshmi sits at the feet of Maha Vishnu, her husband, and gently presses his legs.
The connection between Diwali and Goddess Lakshmi
There are several legends about the origin of the Diwali festival. Some celebrate Diwali to mark the victory of Krishna over Narakasura; some observe the festival to celebrate the return of Lord Ram along with Sita and Lakshman to Ayodhya after 14-years of exile.
In some parts of India, people observe Diwali celebrate Goddess Laxmi’s wedding with Lord Vishnu. According to some Hindu scriptures, Goddess Laxmi emerged from the Milky Ocean on the full moon day of Kartik, Diwali. Therefore, performing Lakshmi puja on Diwali is considered auspicious.
Lakshmi Pooja Procedure
- Place the statue or portrait of goddess Lakshmi on a pedestal and decorate it with flowers.
- Prepare pure sweets to offer to the Goddess. Rice kheer is the favorite naivedhya for Lakshmi, so ensure you prepare this during the Puja.
- Light five diyas using ghee and place it before the Goddess, do not use other oils for the diyas.
- Chant Lakshmi mantras and recite her shlokas.
- It is auspicious to donate something in green color to your maids, workers, or employees on the day of Diwali.
- Offer lotus flowers to Goddess Lakshmi on this day as this flower is her favorite.
- Ensure your home is clean during the Puja; wear neat clothes. Draw a rangoli at the entrance and pooja room, and decorate your home with some diyas.
- Do not wear black clothes during Lakshmi puja. Wear clothes of bright colors like red, yellow, white.
- Perform the Lakshmi puja peacefully and maintain silence, ensuring there is no unnecessary noise or commotion.
- Offer fruits and sweets to cows as it is believed that Lakshmi resides in cows.
Benefits of Lakshmi Pooja
It is believed that worshipping Lakshmi on Diwali brings several benefits. Some of the important benefits of performing Lakshmi Pooja during Diwali are
- Wealth: Lakshmi is the Goddess of wealth, so invoking her during Diwali is believed to boost your wealth prospects. Thus the majority of the trading community worships Goddess Lakshmi during this auspicious day.
- Harmony: Lakshmi pooja cultivates peace among the couple and the family. Life’s success is not just about being wealthy; harmony existing in the family is also an indicator of your success. Lakshmi pooja brings and maintains harmony amongst family members.
- Health: maintaining good health is very important; many women pray for the health of their husbands during Diwali.
- Bringing positivity: Lakshmi is the Goddess of fortune; praying to her will banish all negativity in your life and bring positivity.
- Growth: growth is the sign of life; every one of us aspires to experience growth from our current situation. Worshipping Lakshmi during Diwali is believed to help you grow.
2021 Diwali Lakshmi Puja Time
Take note of the auspicious time to perform Laxmi Pooja and Lord Ganesha Puja this Diwali.
Date of Diwali – 4th November 2021 (Thursday)
Amavasya Tithi starts – 4th November 2021 from 06:03 am
Amavasya Tithi ends – on 5th November 2021 till 02:44 am
Puja Time: 06:09 pm to 08:20 pm
Duration – 1 hour 55 minutes
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