Introduction

Lakshmi Puja is a sacred ritual dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, prosperity, and good fortune. This puja is performed during Diwali to seek her blessings for success, happiness, and abundance. Here is a simple and complete guide to performing Lakshmi Puja.

Who is Goddess Lakshmi?

Goddess Lakshmi is the symbol of light, beauty, wealth, and good fortune. According to Hindu mythology, she emerged during the Churning of the Ocean (Samudra Manthan). She chose Lord Vishnu as her consort and is believed to stay with those who are hardworking, sincere, and pure-hearted. She dislikes laziness and greed.

Preparation for Lakshmi Puja

1. Clean and Purify the Home Clean every corner of the house, especially the puja room. Light incense or burn dried cow dung cakes to purify the space.

2. Decorate Your Home Use flowers, rangoli, and lights to make the environment festive and inviting.

3. Prepare Yourself Take a holy bath and wear fresh or new clothes.

4. Gather Puja Items (Samagri) Idols: Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Ganesha, and Ram Darbar (optional). Kalash (pitcher): Gold, silver, copper, or earthen pot.

Offerings:

Flowers (especially marigold and lotus). Kumkum, turmeric, and sandalwood paste. Sweets, fruits, puffed rice, batasha, and kheel. Betel nut, coins, and garlands. Panchamrit (milk, curd, ghee, honey, and sugar).

Steps to Perform Lakshmi Puja

1. Set the Puja Platform Place a clean cloth on a raised platform or table. Spread some grains in the centre and place the kalash on top. Fill the kalash three-fourths with water and add a coin, betel nut, flower, and rice grains. Arrange five mango leaves around the mouth of the kalash.

2. Position the Idols Place Goddess Lakshmi’s idol on the kalash. Draw a lotus with turmeric on the rice grains before placing the idol. Position Lord Ganesha’s idol to the right of the kalash. Keep business-related items like account books near the idols.

3. Invoke the Deities Light a lamp (diya) and incense sticks. Offer kumkum, turmeric, and flowers to the kalash and the idols. Take flowers in your hand, close your eyes, and imagine Goddess Lakshmi showering blessings with elephants beside her. Chant her name or recite mantras.

4. Offer a Ritual Bath to the Idols Bathe the idols with clean water, followed by panchamrit, and finally with water containing a gold ornament or pearl. Wipe the idols clean and place them back

5. Make Offerings Offer sandalwood paste, saffron, flowers, and garlands to the goddess. Present sweets, fruits, kheer, puffed rice, and batasha to the idols. Sprinkle rice, coriander seeds, and batasha over the idols as a symbol of abundance.

6. Perform the Aarti Light a diya and gently wave it in front of the idols. Sing the Lakshmi and Ganesha Aarti. Use only a small bell, as loud noises are avoided during this puja.

Special Diwali Rituals for Lakshmi Puja

1.Begin the ritual with prayers to Lord Ganesha, as he removes obstacles and ensures success.

2.Mark important household items, like tools, jewellery, and appliances, with a tilak to show gratitude.

3.Light diyas (earthen lamps) filled with oil and place them around the house to spread positivity and light.

Prasad Distribution

After the puja, offer the prasad to the goddess first. Then, share it with everyone present. Sharing prasad signifies unity, kindness, and blessings for all.

Conclusion

Lakshmi Puja is a beautiful way to invite prosperity, peace, and positivity into your life. Performing the puja with sincerity and devotion brings blessings from the goddess and ensures happiness for the entire household.