by Teetant

Created on: October 12, 2009

Why is Laxmi Puja done on Diwali?

The Importance of Goddess Laxmi

The word Laxmi is derived from the Sanskrit word Laksha, meaning to perceive or observe, and is synonymous with Lakhya, meaning aim or objective. Lakshmi is therefore believed to be the goddess of all objectives, material as well as spiritual. Hindus consider Laxmi as the embodiment of beauty, grace, charm, generosity and courage, and worship her for wealth, prosperity, wisdom, fertility, and resolution of financial problems.

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.

According to the legend, at one time, Devas (gods) and Asuras or Danavas (demons) were both mortal. In order to obtain immortality, they decided to churn the Kshira Sagara (ocean of milk) to bring up Amrit or Nectar of eternal life. To accomplish that, they placed a mountain on the back of Vishnu incarnated as Kurma, the tortoise, and used Vasuki, the great venom spewing serpent, to wrap around it to churn the ocean. As the churning went on, many divine celestial objects came up. Among them emerged goddess Lakshmi, the daughter of the King of Kshira Sagara. The last to come up was Amrit, the nectar of immortality. Having completed his purpose, Vishnu ended the Kurma avatar and emerged from the ocean as Mohini, a beautiful maiden. While the Danavas were distracted by her beauty, she gave the Amrit to Devas, thus giving them immortality. By the time the Danavas realized this, the Amrit was finished, depriving them of immortality forever. Vishnu was taken up by the beauty of Laxmi, and later married her to make her his wife. She stayed with Vishnu in his future incarnations: as Sita with Rama, and as Radha and then Rukmini with Krishna. Since then, Diwali and Laxmi Pujan are celebrated in remembrance of the day Laxmi emerged from the Kshira Saagara.

According to another legend, Vishnu, in his Vamana avatar (incarnation) as a dwarf, banished the demon King Bali to hell and then returned on this day to Vaikuntha to be with his wife Laxmi. Since then, people worship goddess Laxmi on this day hoping to find her in a joyous mood, thank her for her blessings during the just completed harvesting season, and pray for her continued blessings for abundant material wealth and prosperity in the coming year.

The Importance of Laxmi Puja in Diwali Celebrations

Diwali is the most important

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