Diwali, the festival of lights, is one of the most celebrated and auspicious festivals in Hindu culture. It symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil. Among the many traditions of Diwali, Lakshmi Puja holds a special place. It is believed that Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, prosperity, and fortune, visits homes on this day to bless devotees with abundance.

Performing Lakshmi Puja at home is not just a religious ritual—it’s a way of inviting divine energy, positivity, and prosperity into your life.

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Significance of Lakshmi Puja

Lakshmi Puja on Diwali night falls on Amavasya (new moon day) of the Kartik month in the Hindu calendar. This day is believed to be the most auspicious for worshipping Goddess Lakshmi along with Lord Ganesha, who removes obstacles and ensures success.

Traditionally, the puja is performed during the Pradosh Kaal, after sunset, when the energy is most favorable for invoking the goddess.

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Preparations Before the Puja

To perform Lakshmi Puja at home smoothly, prepare the following items in advance:

Puja Items Needed

• Idol or picture of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha

• Clean cloth for altar covering (preferably red or yellow)

• Oil lamps (diyas) and candles

• Fresh flowers (marigold, lotus, or rose)

• Incense sticks and camphor

• Kalash (metal pot) filled with water, mango leaves, and a coconut

• Sweets and fruits for prasad

• Coins or currency notes (symbol of wealth)

• Rangoli colors for decoration

• Panchamrit (mixture of milk, curd, ghee, honey, and sugar)

• Rice grains, turmeric, kumkum, and betel leaves

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Cleaning and Decoration

Lakshmi is believed to dwell in clean, well-decorated spaces.

• Clean your entire home thoroughly before Diwali.

• Decorate with rangoli at the entrance and near the puja space.

• Light diyas and candles in every corner to remove darkness and invite positivity.

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Step-by-Step Lakshmi Puja Procedure

1. Set Up the Altar

Place a clean cloth on a raised platform or table. Position the idols or images of Goddess Lakshmi in the center and Lord Ganesha on her right. Keep coins or currency notes in front as a symbol of wealth.

2. Light Lamps and Incense

Light diyas and incense sticks to purify the environment and create a sacred atmosphere.

3. Invocation (Avahan)

Begin by chanting prayers or mantras, inviting Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha to accept your worship. Common mantras include:

• “Om Shreem Mahalakshmyai Namah” (for Lakshmi)

• “Om Gan Ganapataye Namah” (for Ganesha)

4. Kalash Sthapana

Fill the kalash with water, add some rice, coins, and a few mango leaves, then place a coconut on top. This symbolizes the presence of divine energy.

5. Offering Panchamrit and Water

Gently wash the idols with Panchamrit and then clean water. This is a symbolic act of bathing the deities.

6. Apply Kumkum and Offer Flowers

Apply turmeric and kumkum to the idols, and offer fresh flowers at their feet.

7. Offerings (Naivedya)

Place sweets, fruits, and dry fruits before the idols. You may also offer kheer, laddus, or other homemade delicacies.

8. Aarti

Perform the aarti with a lit diya, singing Lakshmi and Ganesha aartis. Circle the flame in front of the idols in a clockwise direction.

9. Mantra Chanting and Meditation

Chant Lakshmi Ashtottara Shatanamavali (108 names of Lakshmi) or listen to Lakshmi Chalisa to deepen the spiritual connection.

10. Distribution of Prasad

Once the puja is complete, distribute the prasad among family members and guests as a token of blessings.

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Additional Traditions

• Keep your doors and windows open during the puja so that the goddess can enter freely.

• Light an odd number of diyas (usually 11, 21, or 51) for auspiciousness.

• Place a diya with mustard oil outside the main entrance to ward off negative energy.

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Spiritual Benefits of Lakshmi Puja

Performing Lakshmi Puja at home is said to bring:

1. Wealth and Prosperity – Financial stability and growth in business or career.

2. Happiness and Peace – Harmony within the family.

3. Spiritual Cleansing – Removal of negative energies.

4. Positive Energy Flow – Creating an atmosphere of devotion and gratitude.

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Conclusion

Lakshmi Puja is a beautiful blend of devotion, gratitude, and celebration. It’s not only about wealth but also about inviting goodness, purity, and light into your life. By performing the puja with faith and love, you align yourself with the divine energies of prosperity and well-being.

This Diwali, as you light your diyas and chant the mantras, remember that true wealth lies in kindness, unity, and spiritual abundance.