“Mahalakshmi Jayanti”: Celebrating the Goddess of Wealth and Divine Abundance

Mahalakshmi Jayanti is a sacred Hindu festival dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, the divine embodiment of wealth, prosperity, and auspiciousness. This holy day commemorates the birth of the Goddess and is observed with great devotion, especially in South India. It falls on Phalguna Purnima, the full moon day in the Hindu month of Phalguna, often coinciding with Uttara Phalguni Nakshatra.

This year, “Mahalakshmi Jayanti” is on the 14th March 2025.

As per “Drik Panchang”, the “tithi” for “Mahalakshmi Jayanti” in 2025 is as follows:

• Lakshmi Jayanti on Friday, March 14, 2025
• Purnima Tithi Begins - 10:35 a.m. on Mar 13, 2025
• Purnima Tithi Ends - 12:23 p.m. on Mar 14, 2025

This day is spiritually significant as it marks the emergence of Goddess Lakshmi from the cosmic ocean during the grand churning of the Milky Ocean (Samudra Manthan). Through rituals like Lakshmi Homam, fasting, and charitable acts, devotees seek her divine grace for both material success and inner peace.

The Legend of Goddess Mahalakshmi’s Birth

The Churning of the Milky Ocean (Samudra Manthan)

Hindu Shastras narrate that during the celestial churning of the ocean (Ksheera Sagara Mathanam), Goddess Mahalakshmi emerged as the embodiment of divine prosperity. The story unfolds as follows:

The Devas (gods) and Asuras (demons) once joined forces to churn the Kshirsagar (Milky Ocean) to obtain Amrit, the nectar of immortality. They used Mount Mandara as the churning rod and Vasuki, the celestial serpent, as the rope. Lord Vishnu, in his Kurma (tortoise) avatar, provided support by holding the mountain on his back.

As the churning progressed, several celestial beings and treasures surfaced, including the Kamadhenu (wish-fulfilling cow), Kalpavriksha (divine tree), Airavata (Indra’s elephant), and the deadly poison Halahala, which Lord Shiva consumed. Finally, Goddess Lakshmi arose from the ocean, resplendent in her celestial form, holding a lotus flower in her hands.

She was adorned with divine jewels and golden ornaments, radiating supreme grace. Upon her emergence, she chose Lord Vishnu as her eternal consort, symbolizing the union of Dharma (righteousness) and prosperity. Since then, she has been worshipped as the bestower of material and spiritual wealth.

The Spiritual Significance of “Mahalakshmi Jayanti”

Goddess Lakshmi as the Universal Mother

Lakshmi is not merely a deity of wealth but is revered as the Universal Mother (Jagat Mata). She represents Shakti (divine feminine energy), nurturing and empowering her devotees. She is often depicted seated on a lotus, signifying purity and divine grace.

Her blessings extend beyond monetary riches to include:

• Spiritual Prosperity: A purified mind and righteous thoughts.
• Success and Fortune: Favorable opportunities in life.
• Health and Longevity: Protection from diseases and suffering.
• Moksha (Liberation): Guidance on the path of self-realization.

By worshiping Mahalakshmi, one aligns with higher cosmic energies, ensuring overall well-being and success.

Different Forms of Goddess Lakshmi

Goddess Lakshmi manifests in various divine forms, each symbolizing a unique blessing:

1. Adi Lakshmi – The primordial form, the eternal source of abundance.

2. Dhana Lakshmi – The giver of financial prosperity.

3. Dhanya Lakshmi – Bestower of food and nourishment.

4. Veera Lakshmi – Goddess of courage and strength.

5. Gaja Lakshmi – Bringer of royal power and sovereignty.

6. Santana Lakshmi – The provider of good progeny.

7. Vijaya Lakshmi – The deity of victory and success.

8. Vidya Lakshmi – The bestower of knowledge and wisdom.

On Mahalakshmi Jayanti, devotees invoke these divine forms to receive her universal blessings.

Rituals and Observances of “Mahalakshmi Jayanti”

1. Lakshmi Homam (Sacred Fire Ritual

One of the most significant spiritual practices on this day is Lakshmi Homam, performed to invoke the Goddess’s blessings. During the ritual:

• 1008 or 1000 names of Lakshmi (Lakshmi Sahasranamavali) are chanted.
• The sacred hymn Shri Suktam is recited.
• Lotus flowers dipped in honey are offered into the holy fire as an offering to Lakshmi.

Performing this homam is believed to remove financial difficulties and ensure prosperity in business and personal life.

2. Fasting and Special Puja

Devotees observe a full-day fast, consuming only fruits and milk, and break the fast after sunset. A special Lakshmi Puja is performed, which includes:

• Bathing the Lakshmi idol in milk, honey, and water (Abhishekam).
• Offering sweets, fruits, rice, and turmeric to the Goddess.
• Lighting of ghee lamps (Diyas) to dispel darkness and invite prosperity.

3. Charity and Helping the Needy

An important aspect of Mahalakshmi Jayanti is Daan (charity). Donating food, clothes, and money to the poor is considered highly auspicious, as it reflects Lakshmi’s blessings in selfless giving.

4. Chanting of Powerful Lakshmi Mantras

Chanting Lakshmi Mantras enhances spiritual energy and attracts divine grace. Some powerful mantras include:

• Om Shreem Mahalakshmiyei Namah – Invocation of Lakshmi’s divine energy.
• Om Hreem Shreem Kleem Maha Lakshmi Namaha – For financial prosperity and abundance.
• Shri Suktam – A powerful Vedic hymn for invoking Lakshmi’s blessings.

“Astrological Importance of Mahalakshmi Jayanti”

Mahalakshmi Jayanti is observed on Phalguna Purnima, when the full moon and Uttara Phalguni Nakshatra amplify positive energies. Worshiping Lakshmi on this day:

• Removes financial obstacles and brings prosperity.
• Strengthens planetary influences of Venus (Shukra), the planet of luxury and wealth.
• Enhances wisdom and success in professional life.

Connection Between Mahalakshmi and Lord Venkateswara of Tirumala

Devotees believe that Goddess Mahalakshmi resides in the heart of Lord Venkateswara (Balaji) at Tirumala. Worshiping both deities together ensures:

• Material and spiritual abundance
• Protection from hardships
• Fulfillment of wishes and desires

Many devotees visit the Tirumala temple on Mahalakshmi Jayanti to seek divine blessings.

Conclusion: The Everlasting Grace of Mahalakshmi

Mahalakshmi Jayanti is not just a festival but a spiritual opportunity to align with divine abundance. Through prayers, fasting, homam, and acts of charity, devotees can invite the grace of Mahalakshmi into their lives.

By honoring the Goddess with sincerity, one can attain not only material wealth but also inner peace, wisdom, and spiritual fulfillment. May the blessings of Mahalakshmi illuminate your life with prosperity, happiness, and divine joy!