by Teetant

Created on: October 12, 2009

How is Laxmi Puja done on Diwali?

Diwali is the most important and commonly celebrated festival of Hindus in India and around the world. Diwali, derived from the Sanskrit word Dipawali, literally means a row of lamps. It is a celebration of the blessings of all good things we are fortunate to have, and the expression of hope that with effort and determination all the difficulties and obstacles of life will be overcome.

In its most elaborate and inclusive version, Diwali extends over a period of six specific consecutive days of Hindu lunar calendars. However, the fourth day of Diwali, which falls on the last no moon day of the Ashwin month in the Indian National (Hindu Lunisolar) calendar, is by far the most important and universally celebrated day of the festival across all regions, and is referred to as Laxmi Pujan day.

Laxmi is by far the most popular and commonly worshiped goddess, and perhaps the second most popular deity among Hindus, next only to Ganesha. Therefore, she is often worshiped along with Ganesha.

Considering the importance of material wellbeing in peoples' lives, it is not surprising that worship of Laxmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, holds a unique place in Diwali celebrations. Laxmi Pujan therefore is by far the most important and most commonly celebrated day of Diwali across all regions. Interestingly, this is the only day celebrated not only in homes and temples, but also in businesses to seek her blessings for the financial wellbeing of the business ventures in the years to come.

The Rituals of Laxmi Puja

The word Pujana (worship) means adoration, reverence, honor, expression of gratitude, complete submission, appeasement, and imploration for a blessing. Puja is one aspect of worship, and normally refers to the religious ritual ceremony constituting the worldly aspect of worship, often accompanied by presentation of material offerings, personal services, and spiritual devotion to the deities. The core idea is to surrender to the deities, present gifts or offerings, and pray for their blessings for success in important ventures. Puja is done on a variety of occasions and in various settings: in homes and temples, at major festivals, and at other places where new ventures are located.

The specific rituals involved in a Puja can vary from very simple needing no preparations and taking only a few seconds, to very intricate, involving long periods of preparations, and ceremonies extending over many days or even months. Whether

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