Diwali, the festival of lights, is a dazzling celebration marked by joy, togetherness, and the illumination of homes with lamps and candles. At the heart of this festival lies a spiritual core, with various rituals and pujas performed to invoke divine blessings. One of the most significant and integral parts of Diwali festivities is Laxmi Puja, a ceremony dedicated to seeking the blessings of Goddess Laxmi, the harbinger of wealth and prosperity.
The Importance of Laxmi Puja
Laxmi Puja holds a special place in Diwali celebrations, and the festival is often deemed incomplete without this auspicious ritual. Apart from Goddess Laxmi, Hindus also worship Lord Ganesha during this puja, seeking his assistance in removing obstacles and ushering in peace and prosperity.
Timing and Muhurat
The timing of Laxmi Puja is crucial, and it is performed during the evening at the auspicious Puja Muhurat. Diwali falls on Amavasya of Kartik Month, and this year, the celebrations are scheduled for November 12, 2023. According to Drik Panchang, the Shubh Muhurat for Laxmi Puja in 2023 is as follows:
– Pradosh Kaal: 05:08 PM to 07:41 PM
– Vrishabha Kaal: 05:19 PM to 07:19 PM
– Amavasya Tithi Begins: 02:44 PM on November 12, 2023
– Amavasya Tithi Ends: 02:56 PM on November 13, 2023
– Laxmi Puja Muhurat: 05:19 PM to 07:19 PM
Rules for Conducting Laxmi Puja
To ensure a successful and auspicious Laxmi Puja, certain rules and rituals must be followed. Here is a step-by-step guide:
- Morning Rituals:
– Take a bath early in the morning to purify yourself.
– Cleanse the house and the Puja room or designated worship area.
- Decoration:
– Adorn the Puja room and the house with vibrant Rangoli, fresh flowers, and bright lights.
- Attire and Preparation:
– Wear clean or new clothes.
– Collect all the required samagri (offerings for the puja).
- Puja Rituals:
– Light 21 earthen lamps during the puja.
– Offer worship to Goddess Laxmi with offerings such as lotus flowers, paan, supari, elaichi, laung, and various sweets.
– Apply tilak to Lord Ganesha and Goddess Laxmi.
– Recite the Laxmi Mantra 108 times.
- Prayers for Wealth:
– Place money, gold jewelry, or coins in front of the Goddess and seek blessings for wealth, finances, and good fortune.
- Aarti:
– Conclude the puja by chanting Goddess Laxmi Aarti and Lord Ganesha Aarti.
- Placement of Earthen Lamps:
– Distribute the 21 earthen lamps, with 5 lit with desi ghee, strategically in different areas of the house.
Laxmi Puja FAQs:
- When is Laxmi Puja in 2023?
– Laxmi Puja will be performed on Diwali celebration day, November 12, 2023.
- Where can people perform Laxmi Puja on Diwali?
– People can perform Laxmi Puja in their homes during the Shubh Muhurat or auspicious time.
Laxmi Puja, with its meticulous rituals and spiritual significance, encapsulates the essence of Diwali, emphasizing the pursuit of prosperity, happiness, and divine blessings. As families gather to celebrate the festival of lights, the tradition of Laxmi Puja adds a deeper, spiritual dimension to the joyous occasion, fostering a sense of gratitude and reverence for the goddess of wealth.
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