Introduction:
Lakshmi Puja, is a Hindu ritual, that falls on the third day of Diwali celebration (Thursday , 19 October 2017). According to Hindu mythology, Goddess Lakshmi, wife of Lord Vishnu, visits her devotees on this special occasion and bless them with Wealth and Prosperity. In order to welcome the Goddess, we clean our homes and decorate them with lights and sweets are prepared and offered to the Goddess on this day. This festival is the main part of Diwali celebrations in Northern and Western parts of India. It is also believed that Goddess Lakshmi visits the cleanest house first, which makes her happy, as a result of which she bless them with health and wealth.
Puja Methodology and Timing:
The third day of Diwali, is celebrated as the auspicious time for Lakshmi Puja. The celebration begins in the evening time of the day known as the pradosh kaal. During this time, the sun enters the second course and passes the constellation of Libra. In Nepal, this is celebrated as a five day ritual and during this time people purchase silver, gold, new utensils as a sign of good luck. Lakshmi Puja, is combination of puja for five deities like Lord Ganesha worshipped for beginning of the auspicious act. Following this, Goddess Lakhmi is worshipped for wealth, Goddess Saraswati for Knowledge and Goddess Mahakali for power. Later Kubera is also worshiped as a treasurer for Gods.
Materials required for Lakshmi Puja:
These are the following materials required for Lakshmi Puja:
- Silver and Gold coins
- Ten betel nuts
- Rice grain
- Five pan or mango leaves
- Coconut
- Water
- Red Vermillon
- Oil Lamps
- Colour powders
- Sweets
- Incense sticks
- Dry Fruits
- Flowers
- Piece of Red cloth
- Rose water
- Deity Statues
Step by Step Procedure:
- Step 1: The house is cleaned properly and Ganga water is sprinkled all over the house, in order to purify the surroundings
- Step 2: We have to set up the platform for Puja by spreading a red cloth in a table or a platform.
- Step 3: Place a handful of rice grains in the centre of the table.
- Step 4: We have place the Kalash in the centre on top of the grains, after filling the Kalash with 75% of water with one supari, marigold flower and few rice grains.
- Step 5: Place 5 mango leaves in the neck of Kalash and place a coconut on top of it.
- Step 6: Place Goddess Lakshmi over a Lotus and place few coins in front of her
- Step 7: In the South-West direction, place Lord Ganesha’s idol. He is given the first priority in all the
- Step 8: Place books right after Goddess Lakshmi or anything related to business.
- Step 9: Light Diya and the Diya should consist of 5 wicks.
- Step 10: Start the puja by applying Tilak to Kalash and offering flowers. Diwali puja mantra is chanted and we are required to meditate for few minutes.
- Step 11: Bath the Goddess Lakshmi idol by placing the idol in a plate. First wash it with water and then with Panchamrita and again with water.
- Step 12: Now place the idol on the platform and decorate it with garland.
- Step 13: Offer sweet and coconut. Following this, worship with a Puja Aarti.
Conclusion:
With this Puja, we are welcoming the Hindu New Year with Health, Wealth and prosperity. Even though, few steps may vary according to the region, the motive of this Puja remains the same.