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LAKSHMI PUJA: PRAYING FOR WEALTH AND PROSPERITY
Auspicious Date: November 9, 2007
Places of Lakshmi Puja Celebrations: Northern and Western India
Who is GODDESS LAKSHMI?
Goddess Lakshmi is known as the Goddess of Wealth. A Hindu Goddess, she governs all forms of spiritual and material wealth. She is an embodiment of beauty, peace, opulence, balance and wisdom. The word 'Lakshmi' is derived from the Sanskrit word 'Laksya' meaning goal or aim. It also comes from the word 'lakh', meaning 'hundred thousand in monetary terms.
Legends of Lakshmi Puja
According to Indian mythology, the incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi has an interesting tale. Daughter of sage Bhrigu, Lakshmi was sent on exile in the oceans by the Gods. During her exile, the devas (minor gods) were on a battleground with Asuras (demons) to win over the amrit (nectar of immorality). To emerge victorious, the devas consulted Vishnu—who was on earth as 'Kurma'—a tortoise'. They decided to churn the oceans to receive the amrit. The devas threaded the serpent Vasuki around Mount Mandara. Kurma, then, dived to the ocean floor and balanced Mount Mandara on his back. In the grip of Kurma's cosmic clutch, the gods received this amrit from Lakshmi Devi who chose one of her fourteen treasures. She, chose Lord Vishnu as Her Consort, who carried Her from the ocean to His heaven.
What is Lakshmi Puja?
For Hindus worldwide, Lakshmi Puja is the most sacred religious occasion. It is performed during the third day of Diwali festival, which falls during the dark night of Amavasya. Preparations begin immediately after Dusshera. Women make sure to upkeep every corner of the home free from dust. They wash the home linens, scrub the floors and discard old belongings from the homes. Likewise, for businessmen and traders, it is the beginning of the accounting year, where old books of accounts are closed.
How to perform Lakshmi Puja rituals?
Lakshmi Puja consists of five pujas of five deities.
- Ganesha
- Lakshmi in three avatars
- Mahalaxmi
- Saraswati
- Mahakali
- Kuber—the treasurer of Gods
Lakshmi Puja is a family affair with close friends and relatives in a illuminated prayer room well lit up with earthen lamps and colorful rangoli.
- Place handful of grains on a platform covered with a new cloth. On the grains, place a kalash (pitcher) filled with three-fourth level water. Place betel nut, a flower, few mango leaves, a coin, and some rice grains in it.
- Draw a lotus with turmeric powder over the rice grains and place the idol of goddess Lakshmi over it, along with coins.
- Place the idol of Ganesha facing the South West direction. Place inkpot and account books on the platform. Light a lamp and begin the puja.
- Invoke the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi, either by reciting the Vedic mantras or the mantras mentioned in the Puranas.
- After the recitation of the mantras, bathe the Lakshmi idol with water, milk, curd, ghee, honey or sugar. Finally, rinse with water containing some gold ornament or a pearl.
- Then offer sandal paste, saffron paste, perfume, haldi, kumkum, abeer, marigold flowers, Bel leaves and gulal to the goddess.
- Light an incense stick and dhoop. Make an offering of sweets, coconut, fruits, and puffed rice.
- Finally, perform the aarti for Goddess Lakshmi with a small bell.
- Serve Prasad, greet everyone 'Happy Diwali' and go out in the open bursting fireworks.