by Tanu Bhandari

Created on: October 13, 2009

Diwali, the festival of lights, is a five day long celebration. Laxmi puja is done on the third day of diwali. It also marks the main Diwali festivity and always falls on amavasya(new moon) night. One should have the knowledge of Laxmi and its significance in Hindu religion, before knowing how the goddess is worshipped.

Goddess Laxmi

Hindus believe in many gods and hinduism is the only religion in which female deities are also worshipped. Laxmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, sits on a lotus. She is the consort of Lord Vishnu. In hindu mythology all gods are supposed to have a vehicle to ride on, generally it is an animal or a bird. For Laxmi it is an owl, but you will always find her on 'garuda' with Lord Vishnu.

Significance of Laxmi puja

We all know as human being, money is the basic requirement for a living. It is another story some are rich and other are poor in this world. Laxmi is said to bestow material wealth and contentment on her devotees. Hindus worship Goddess Laxmi for prosperity, good fortune and wellbeing.

Before globalization, diwali use to mark the beginning of new financial year. The business community in India did the year end closing of account ledgers. Hence the age old tradition of doing Laxmi puja on diwali, praying for wealth and prosperity for family and friends.

Steps to follow for Laxmi puja on diwali

1. On the day of diwali, the place of worship in the house is thoroughly cleaned. As the legend go, goddess Laxmi visits only sparkling clean homes on diwali to bestow her blessings. Laxmi is worshipped along with Ganesh on diwali. Fresh clay idols of Ganesh and laxmi are placed side by side. Laxmi idol being on the left side of Ganesh idol. Afterwards, the old idols are immersed in holy rivers. People possessing expensive metallic idols wash it clean and worship same idols year after year on diwali.

2. Colorful rangoli (intricate geometric pattern) is made from dry powder and flower petals by womenfolk of the house near the entrance or patio.

3. A puja-thali (plate), consisting of haldi (turmeric powder), roli, rice grain, flowers, fruits and mithais (Indian sweet) is prepared well before puja begins.

4. In the evening, just after sunset, family members spring into festive spirit wearing new clothes for Laxmi puja. Earthen lamps and incense sticks are lit in front of the deities.

5. Few coins(one or five rupee denomination) are placed as offering to Laxmi. Affluent hindus may keep a silver coin. Actually diwali celebration starts two day prior with dhanteras. On dhanteras, people buy some kitchen utensil or a silver coin, just to mark the occasion.

6.When puja-place is all set, then aartis( hymns) are recited by all family members. The most prevalent aartis for diwali are 'Om Jai Jagdish', Ganesh aarti, a hymn in praise of lord Ganesh 'Jai Ganesh Jai Ganesh' and Laxmiji ki aarti.

7.After reciting hymns, tilak is placed on forehead of each member,the offerings made to the goddess in puja-thali becomes the prasad devoured by all devotees.

After Laxmi-puja ,people exchange diwali greetings with neighbors, friends and relatives. Children are soon busy bursting fire-crackers. Elders engage themselves in playing cards. The festivity end with a sumptuous diwali meal.

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