Tillie Doyle
Lakshmi Puja is a Hindu occasion for the veneration of Lakshmi, the Goddess of Wealth and Prosperity. It is celebrated on the new moon day of the third day of Deepavali in most parts of India. The puja involves various rituals, including cleaning and decorating homes, preparing offerings, and reciting mantras and prayers. One of the key components of the puja is the use of leaves, specifically betel leaves or Paan Pata, which are considered sacred and are used in the worship of Goddess Lakshmi. The number of betel leaves or Paan Pata used in Lakshmi Puja may vary, and it is not specified in the sources. However, it is believed that the use of these leaves brings prosperity and good fortune to the devotees.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Occasion | Veneration of Lakshmi, the Goddess of Wealth and Prosperity |
| Date | Amavasya (new moon day) in the month of Ashwayuja or Kartika, or the third day of Deepavali (Tihar) |
| Rituals | Cleaning the house, drawing rangoli, exchanging affectionate glances with the goddess, offerings of flowers, sweets, fruits, and coins, chanting mantras and aartis, worshipping Lord Ganesha |
| Puja Items | Clay diya, betel leaf, brass wall art, kalasha, panchamrita, special lamp, sandal paste, saffron paste, garlands, lotus, marigold, rose, chrysanthemums, mango leaves |
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What You'll Learn
The significance of Lakshmi Puja
Lakshmi Puja is a Hindu occasion dedicated to the veneration of Lakshmi, the Goddess of Wealth, Fortune, and Prosperity. The occasion is celebrated on the new moon day in the month of Ashwayuja or Kartika, according to the Hindu calendar, and on the third day of Deepavali in Nepal and most parts of India.
Lakshmi Puja holds significant importance in Hindu societies worldwide, not only as a religious duty but also as a cultural tradition. The goddess Lakshmi is believed to roam the earth on the night of Lakshmi Puja, entering the cleanest houses first and spreading prosperity and good fortune. Devotees, therefore, meticulously clean and decorate their homes, wear new clothes, and prepare sweets and delicacies as offerings to the goddess. Diyas and other lights are lit to invite Lakshmi into the homes of her devotees.
Lakshmi Puja is deeply interconnected with Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights. Goddess Lakshmi is revered during Diwali celebrations, and her iconography is rich with symbolic elements, making her a central figure in Hindu rituals and traditions. She is often depicted seated or standing on a lotus flower, symbolizing purity, beauty, and fertility. The lotus grows in muddy water but remains unstained, representing spiritual purity and detachment. Lakshmi is also frequently shown with gold coins flowing from her hands, signifying unending wealth and prosperity.
In certain regions, Lakshmi Puja consists of a combined puja of five deities: Ganesha, the goddess Lakshmi in her three forms (Mahalakshmi, Mahasaraswati, and Mahakali), and Kubera. The worship of Lord Ganesh and Goddess Lakshmi is considered an essential part of any puja ritual in Hinduism, and prayers to Goddess Lakshmi for success and prosperity are customary before beginning any new venture.
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The ideal time to perform the puja
The ideal time to perform the Lakshmi Puja is during the Pradosh Kaal and Vrishabha Kaal periods, which are considered spiritually potent and auspicious. Pradosh Kaal occurs after dusk and spans about two hours and twenty-four minutes. It aligns with twilight, making it an ideal time for performing puja rituals. During this time, a diya facing southwest is offered to Lord Yama outside the house.
Vrishabha Kaal, on the other hand, occurs when the Vrishabha (Taurus) Lagna rises. It is considered the most auspicious time for Lakshmi Puja and falls within the Pradosh Kaal period. Performing the puja during this specific timeframe ensures alignment with positive cosmic energies, attracting wealth, happiness, and well-being.
On Dhanteras, Lakshmi Puja is also performed during the Pardosh Kaal, when Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped. This period begins after dusk and lasts for a similar duration as Pradosh Kaal. It is believed that performing the puja during the Sthir Lagna, which means "fixed" or "immovable," during Pradosh Kaal is ideal as it allows Lakshmiji, the Goddess of Wealth, to reside in one's home.
For Diwali 2024, the recommended date for Lakshmi Puja is November 1, allowing for optimal alignment with astrological muhurats. On this day, the Pradosh Kaal is expected to be from around 5:42 PM to 8:14 PM, while the Vrishabha Kaal will occur within this period from approximately 6:30 PM to 8:14 PM.
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How to prepare an altar
Preparing an altar for Lakshmi Puja is a special and important ritual. The altar is a central part of the celebration, and it is believed that Goddess Lakshmi only enters homes that are clean and well-kept. Here is a step-by-step guide to preparing an altar for Lakshmi Puja:
Clean and Purify the Space
Before setting up the altar, it is essential to clean and purify the space. This includes meticulously cleaning the house and then sprinkling holy water (Gangajal) around the home and the altar to create a pure and serene atmosphere.
Gather the Required Items
Ensure you have all the necessary items for the puja. This includes items like incense sticks, flowers, diyas or lamps, rice, kumkum, silver or gold coins, and an idol or picture of Goddess Lakshmi. You may also want to include items like a kalasha (a pot representing Varuna, the God of the Ocean, and Laxmi as Mother Earth), a red cloth, and other traditional offerings.
Set Up the Altar
Dedicate a small altar space specifically for the puja. Place the idol or picture of Goddess Lakshmi in the centre, along with any other deities you wish to include, such as Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles. Arrange the flowers, diyas, and other offerings around the central idol. Place silver or gold coins at the feet of the Goddess Lakshmi as symbols of wealth.
Invoke the Deities
Begin the puja by invoking Lord Ganesha. Light an incense stick and offer flowers to his idol or picture. Chant a small mantra like "Om Gan Ganapataye Namah" to invoke his blessings. Then, invoke Goddess Lakshmi with a traditional gesture and chant the Lakshmi mantra: "Om Shreem Maha Lakshmiyei Namah" to seek her blessings for prosperity and happiness.
Perform Aarti
Aarti is an important part of any Hindu puja. Using a diya (lamp) or camphor, perform aarti by moving the flame in a circular motion around the deities while singing hymns or playing a recording of the Lakshmi Aarti. This symbolises the removal of darkness and the welcoming of light and positivity.
Preparing an altar for Lakshmi Puja involves creating a sacred space to invite blessings, abundance, and prosperity into your life. By following these steps, you can create a meaningful and spiritual atmosphere for the celebration.
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Offerings to the Goddess Lakshmi
The Goddess Lakshmi is revered by Hindus worldwide as the Goddess of wealth, fortune, and prosperity. She is believed to favour cleanliness and hard work, and her blessings are said to bring good fortune, abundance, fame, knowledge, courage, and strength.
Lakshmi puja is performed on the third day of Diwali, with great pomp and ceremony. The houses are cleaned from top to bottom, and a rangoli is drawn at the entrance to welcome the deity. Various offerings are made to Goddess Lakshmi, including:
- Flowers, especially lotus flowers, roses, red jasmine, hibiscus, and jungle geranium.
- Fruits, milk, and sweets, especially those made from pure milk.
- Currency notes and gold and silver ornaments.
- Objects in red, green, gold, and hot pink, including sarees and blouses.
- Ghee or oil lamps, incense sticks, and camphor.
- Turmeric water in a small pot (a "kumbh" or "lota"), decorated with mango leaves and a coconut smeared with turmeric.
- A thali, or tray, with various items, including flowers, a coconut, silver and gold coins, uncooked rice, vermillion, and kumkum.
In addition to these offerings, devotees may also perform certain rituals to invoke the Goddess Lakshmi, such as the fire ceremony, Abishekam (hydration ceremony), Pooja/Archana (Light and Sound ceremony), Yantra and Mantra (special sounds).
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The importance of the Lakshmi Aarti
The goddess Lakshmi is worshipped with a lot of love and enthusiasm in Indian households. She is the goddess of abundance, fortune, wealth, joy, and beauty. The Lakshmi Aarti is a popular ritual of worship and prayer, involving the lighting of a lamp or Diya, accompanied by songs or mantras. The word 'aarti' comes from the Sanskrit word 'aṛti', meaning the act of worship, adoration, honour, salutation, or prayer.
The Lakshmi Aarti is performed with the hope of fulfilling one's wishes and desires. It is said that singing the Aarti brings good luck and wealth and that the goddess Lakshmi grants both happiness and prosperity. The Aarti also praises the goddess, describing her origin and her virtues.
The Aarti is performed with specific elements and rituals. It is advised to wear pink or white clothes and place an idol of Lakshmi on a red silk cloth. Kumkum is applied to the idol's forehead, and a Diya of pure ghee is lit, with lotus flowers, sandalwood, akshat, and perfume offered. The bell is rung during the Aarti to create vibrations that help connect with the inner self and the divine goddess. The Aarti is often performed on Fridays, considered the day of this deity in Hinduism.
The benefits of performing the Lakshmi Aarti are said to include spiritual happiness and the destruction of sins. The correct pronunciation of the Aarti is important to achieve these results. The Aarti also increases devotion towards the goddess, providing security to the mind and reducing stress in life.
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Frequently asked questions
The Pan Pata, or betel leaf, is used in the worship of Goddess Lakshmi during the Lakshmi Puja.
There is no mention of a specific number of Pan Pata leaves required for the Lakshmi Puja. However, the leaf is considered essential for the worship of Goddess Lakshmi.
Other items used in the Lakshmi Puja include idols or pictures of Goddess Lakshmi, flowers, sweets, fruits, and a small silver or gold coin as a symbol of prosperity. The altar is typically decorated with a clean red cloth and a kalash, and a traditional clay Diya is lit.
