"Lakshmi Pujan"- Invoking Abundance, Prosperity, and Wealth

"Lakshmi Pujan", also known as "Diwali Puja", "Deepavali Puja" and "Lakshmi Ganesh Pujan", is a significant Hindu festival dedicated to the goddess Lakshmi, the symbol of wealth, prosperity, and good fortune. Celebrated annually, it lies on the Amavasya day or the New Moon Day of Krishna Paksha in the Hindu calendar month of Kartik (Ashwin month according to Amantha calendar).

According to the Gregorian Calendar, it falls in the month of either October or November.

This year, "Lakshmi Pujan" is on the 31st of October ‘24.

As per Drik Panchang, the "tithi" for "Lakshmi Pujan" in the year ‘24 is as follows:

Lakshmi Puja on Thursday, 31st of October ‘24

• Amavasya Tithi Begins - 15:52 on 31st of October ‘24

• Amavasya Tithi Ends - 18:16 on 1st of November ‘24

Basically, "Lakshmi Pujan" is the third (3rd) day among five days long Diwali festivities.

Significance of “Lakshmi Pujan”:

As "Lakshmi Pujan" is solely dedicated to Maa Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth, it holds immense importance in Hindu culture.

Goddess Lakshmi is a revered deity in Hinduism. As the consort of Lord Vishnu, she embodies wealth, prosperity, and good fortune. Devotees believe that staying devoted to Lakshmi brings financial peace and blessings.

Maa Lakshmi is believed to visit the homes of her devotees.  If she is pleased with the sanskaras such as pujas, offerings (prasads), and most important clean and happy environment, her happiness blesses the devotees with prosperity and immense wealth.

Symbolizing abundance, Lakshmi's blessings are seen as essential for a comfortable and joyful life. Devotees seek her grace for happiness, health, and overall well-being.

During Diwali, the Festival of Lights, it is believed that Lakshmi enters the Earth and visits homes. This occasion is marked by elaborate decorations, prayers, and preparations to welcome the goddess and invite her blessings into households. Lakshmi Mata holds a central place in Hindu traditions, embodying the aspirations for abundance and prosperity in the lives of her followers.

Observances on "Lakshmi Pujan":

The foremost part of "Lakshmi Pujan" is to keep the home and surroundings clean properly to welcome the goddess. Elaborate rangoli (colorful patterns made on the floor), diyas (oil lamps), and decorations with marigold flowers and Ashoka, mango and banana leaves create a festive ambiance.

Placing Mangal Kalash adorned with unpeeled coconuts on either side of the main entrance is deemed as an auspicious practice, signifying blessings and positive energies for the home.

At night, lamps & Diyas are lit by the people. People also buy & wear new clothes on this day.

On this auspicious day,, particularly the women in each household, are accorded significant importance. They are revered as earthly embodiments of Goddess Lakshmi, the deity symbolizing wealth and prosperity. The well-being and happiness of these women are considered paramount for the overall prosperity of the household.

To prepare for Lakshmi Puja, a red cloth on the right side of a raised platform is set. Then, idols of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha are installed adorning them with silk clothes and jewelry. On the left, a white cloth is placed on a raised platform for Navgraha gods. Then, nine slots with unbroken rice for Navgraha on the white cloth and sixteen slots of wheat or wheat flour on the red cloth are created.

Shubh Muhurat for "Lakshmi Pujan":

During Diwali, it is recommended to conduct Lakshmi Puja within the Pradosh Kaal, commencing after sunset and lasting for approximately 2 hours and 24 minutes. While Mahanishita Kaal is suggested by some sources, it is often considered more suitable for Tantrik communities and experienced Pandits well-versed in the intricacies of Lakshmi Puja during this specific period. For the general populace, we advocate following the Pradosh Kaal Muhurat for conducting the auspicious Lakshmi Puja.

The best time for Lakshmi Puja is during Pradosh Kaal, especially when Sthir Lagna or a stable and fixed period is prevalent. Performing Lakshmi Puja during Sthir Lagna is thought to ensure that Goddess Lakshmi stays in the home for a longer time, making it the most auspicious time for the worship. Vrishabha Lagna, known for its stability, usually coincides with Pradosh Kaal, making it a popular and suitable choice for Lakshmi Puja during Diwali celebrations.

As per Drik Panchang,

Lakshmi Puja Muhurat on 31st of October ‘24, Thursday - 18:54 to 20:33

• Duration - 01 Hour 39 Mins

• Pradosh Kaal - 18:02 to 20:33

• Vrishabha Kaal - 18:54 to 20:54

Don't on "Lakshmi Pujan":

In Hindu tradition, it is advised not to pray to Goddess Tulsi while invoking the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi. This precaution stems from the belief that Tulsi, the sacred basil plant, is considered the wife of Shaligram, an avatar of Lord Vishnu. Since Lakshmi is also the consort of Vishnu, praying to both goddesses simultaneously is thought to bring a conflict of energies, potentially resulting in the loss of Lakshmi's blessings. The intent is to maintain a focus and avoid any inadvertent disruption in the divine harmony associated with these deities.

By respecting this guideline, devotees aim to uphold the sanctity of their prayers and ensure a harmonious connection with the divine energies they seek to invoke. It underscores the intricate nuances within Hindu rituals, encouraging practitioners to be mindful of the specific relationships and associations between deities to foster a more conducive and spiritually aligned worship experience.

Conclusion:

Lakshmi Puja is not just a religious event; it is a celebration of life, prosperity, and the triumph of good over evil. The rituals and customs associated with the festival contribute to the rich tapestry of Hindu culture, fostering a sense of community and gratitude for the blessings bestowed by Goddess Lakshmi.