Lakshmi was the daughter of the sage Bhrigu and took refuge
in the ocean of milk when the gods were sent into exile. Lakshmi was reborn
during the Churning of the Ocean. As soon as the gods saw Lakshmi, they all
fell in love with her beauty. Shiva claimed Lakshmi as his wife, but since he
had already taken the Moon, her hand was given to Vishnu, whom Lakshmi herself
preferred.
Lakshmi is the goddess of light,
beauty, good fortune and wealth. While Laxmi is generally worshiped to achieve
success, she does not reside long with anyone who is lazy or desire her only as
wealth.
Laxmi Puja Muhurat:
On Diwali, Laxmi Puja is of great
significance and so do it’s Mahurat to begin with. Laxmi Puja on Diwali should
be done during Pradosh Kaal that begins with sunset and last for 2 hours and 24
minutes approximately. Many sources also propose Mahanishita Kaal for
performing Laxmi Puja. It is one of the best times for Tantrik community and
practicing Pandits who are well versed about performing Laxmi Puja during this
period. However for common people Pradosh Kaal Muhurat is the much preferred
time to conduct Laxmi Puja.
Steps of Lakshmi
Pooja:
- Spread a new cloth on a raised
platform: Place a handful of grains in
the center and, on this, place a kalash (pitcher) made of gold, silver, copper,
or terracotta. Fill three-fourth of the kalash with water and place a betel
nut, a flower, a coin, and some rice grains in it. Arrange five kinds of leaves
or mango leaves in the kalash. Place a small dish on the kalash and fill it
with rice grains. Draw a lotus with turmeric powder ( haldi ) over the rice
grains and place the idol of goddess Lakshmi over it, along with coins. - Place the idol of Ganesha: In front of the kalash, on the
right (South-West direction), place the idol of Ganesha. Also place ink and
books related to your business or occupation on the platform. Light a lamp and
begin the puja by offering haldi, kumkum, and flowers to the platform on which
the kalash is placed. Then offer haldi, kumkum, and flowers to the water that
is to be used for the puja. Invoke the river goddesses to be part of this
water.
- Invoke goddess: Lakshmi by reciting the Vedic
mantras addressed to her. One can also recite the mantras mentioned in the
Puranas or simply take some flowers in your hands, close your eyes, and think
of goddess Lakshmi being showered with gold coins by two elephants standing on
either side of Her and chant Her name. Then offer the flowers to the idol. - Place the idol of Lakshmi: Place the idol of Lakshmi in a
plate and bathe it with water, panchamrit (a mixture of milk, curd, ghee or
clarified butter, honey, and sugar) and then with water containing some gold
ornament or a pearl. Wipe the idol clean and place it back on the kalash.
Alternately, you can just sprinkle water and panchamrit on the idol with a
flower. - Offerings: Offer sandal paste, saffron
paste, perfume ( itr ), haldi, kumkum, abeer, and gulal to the
goddess. Offer a garland of cotton beads to the goddess. Offer flowers,
especially the marigold flowers and leaves of Bel (wood apple tree). Light an
incense stick and dhoop. Make an offering of sweets, coconut, fruits, and
tambul. Make an offering of puffed rice and batasha. Pour some puffed rice,
batasha, coriander seeds, and cumin seeds over the idol. Safe where you keep
money and jewelry; Worship this safe as a symbol of Lord Kuber. - Aarti: Finally, perform the aarti for
goddess Lakshmi. Always remember that She abhors loud noise. So the aarti
should be accompanied only by a small bell. Do not clap hands, as is the
practice when performing aarti for other gods. A peaceful and sublime
atmosphere should prevail during the diwali day pujan. Do not light crackers
while the puja is on or immediately after it.
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