Lakshmi is the goddess of prosperity and wealth and is the wife of the Supreme God Vishnu or Narayana. Lakshmi Pooja is celebrated with respect and reverence for the goddess Lakshmi during different times in various parts of India.
New moon day of the month of Ashwayuja (according to the amanta tradition) and on the third day of Deepavali in the Kartika. However, it is celebrated five days after Vijaya Dashami in Assam, Odisha, and Bengal.
On this auspicious day, Goddess Lakhmi roams the realm of earth and visits her devotee’s homes. She blesses them with prosperity, wealth, happiness, and good health.
In this blog, let’s look in detail at the origins, practices, and significance of Lakshmi Pooja.
The Mythological Origins
The origins of Lakshmi Puja are connected to a few of the mythological stories that hold much significance in the Hindu religion.
During the Samudra Manthan, the churning of the ocean arose Goddess Lakshmi, radiating heavenly grace and striking beauty. The story goes that Devas and Asuras endeavoured to churn the ocean in the hopes of attaining Amrita, the nectar of immortality.
With the help of the Serpent Vasuki, they churned the ocean by using the mountain Mandara as the rod. Numerous precious things came to the world along with Halahala, the poison of death that Lord Shiva consumed to save the world.
It is believed that Goddess Lakshmi arose from the ocean of milk during the Churning and chose the blue-skinned Vishnu as her consort. This happening is celebrated as the Lakshmi Pooja, welcoming Lakshmi to receive blessings of wealth and prosperity.
In other beliefs, Lakshmi Pooja is celebrated close to Diwali, the festival of lights. Diwali indicates the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after 14 long years of exile. After the colossal victory over Ravana, the people of Ayodhya lit lamps to welcome the holy trio, Rama, Lakshmana, and Sita.
Diwali is also the night that devotees believe Maa Lakshmi roams the earth and bestows blessings.
The Significance of Lakshmi Pooja
Lakshmi Pooja is one of the most auspicious festivals celebrated in India with reverence to Goddess Lakshmi.
The prime significance of Lakshmi Pooja is that it is performed to invoke the blessings of Maa Lakshmi for wealth and prosperity. It is not only materialistic but also spiritual wealth and well-being.
This festival also signifies the importance of materialistic wealth, especially closely related to age-old traditions. Money is a form of pride that has the power to transform lives and is a necessity to lead a successful life.
It also marks the beginning of a new era for businesses and companies and is culturally seen as a financial new year.
The Rituals of Lakshmi Pooja
It is believed that Goddess Lakshmi will visit the cleanest house first. So, even prior to the rituals, it is important to clean the house.
Rangoli is drawn to invite Maa Lakshmi into the home.
Pujas are done at home, with Aarti, and by giving offerings to the deity.
In temples, huge pujas are taken up, and the mantras of Goddess Lakshmi are sung to receive her blessings. Later, prasad (sweet condiments) is given.
Preparation
Follow the below steps to prepare your home for celebrating Lakshmi Pooja and inviting the deity to your home.
Step 1
Cleaning the home is the first and most essential step to preparing for the festival. Throw out unnecessary items, dust off, and mop the home. If you have Ganga water, you can cleanse your home by sprinkling it inside and around the house.
Step 2
In the Pooja room or the altar, clean the space and place a clean red cloth. Then it is advised to keep a handful of rice grains.
Step 3
On top of the mound of rice, keep a Kalash made up of silver or bronze and fill it 75 percent with water. In the water, place one betel nut, a flower, a coin, and some rice grains. Around the mouth of the Kalash, place five mango leaves in a circular way.
Step 4
Lord Ganesha must be worshipped before any commencement ceremony. So place the idol of Lord Ganesha on the right side of the Kalash in the south-west direction. Place Goddess Lakshmi’s idol in the center. On a small plate, place some rice grains, draw a lotus with haldi, and put some coins in front of the idols.
Step 5
Place items of value—books, laptops, property papers, account books, and such—in the font of the idol.
Step 6
Apply kumkum to the idols and Kalash, and light the lamp. Offer flowers to Lakshmi and Ganesha, and keep flowers in your palm for the prayer.
Step 7
Perform Abishegam to Goddess Lakshmi while chanting the mantra. Also offer seasonal fruits, sweets, coconut, and betel nuts to receive the deity’s blessings.
Conclusion
Lakshmi Pooja is one of the most devotedly celebrated festivities in India to appease and receive the blessings of Maa Lakshmi. It is said that Goddess Lakshmi roams the realm of earth on auspicious days and enters clean and devoted homes to offer blessings of wealth and prosperity.
You can also bring the goddess home with a Lakshmi Tanjore painting.
With decades of history and culture, Lakshmi Devi Tanjore paintings are exquisite pieces of art sketched by devoted craftsmen, using 22 Carat Gold and precious stones from Jaipur.
To learn more about Tanjore Paintings Lakshmi, check out our website.
