Why Do We Celebrate Lakshmi Puja on Diwali?
Introduction: Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is one of the most widely celebrated festivals in India and around the world. While the festival is known for its fireworks, sweets, and family gatherings, the spiritual significance of Diwali is deeply rooted in Hindu traditions. One of the key rituals of Diwali is the Lakshmi Puja, a sacred prayer dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, prosperity, and good fortune. But have you ever wondered why Lakshmi Puja is performed on Diwali? In this blog, we will delve into the significance, rituals, and beliefs that make Lakshmi Puja an integral part of Diwali celebrations.
The Significance of Lakshmi Puja on Diwali
1. Goddess Lakshmi: The Embodiment of Prosperity Goddess Lakshmi is one of the principal deities in Hinduism, worshipped as the goddess of wealth, abundance, and fortune. She is believed to bring prosperity, both material and spiritual, and is also considered the provider of good health, success, and happiness. It is believed that she resides in places that are clean, well-lit, and organized.
2. The Connection Between Diwali and Goddess Lakshmi Diwali is celebrated on the 15th day of the dark fortnight of the Hindu month of Ashvin (October-November), which marks the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. According to Hindu mythology, it is believed that on this night, Lord Rama returned to his kingdom of Ayodhya after defeating the demon king Ravana. The people of Ayodhya lit oil lamps (diyas) to welcome him home, signifying the triumph of good over evil.
However, the association of Lakshmi Puja with Diwali goes deeper into mythological and historical roots. It is believed that on the night of Diwali, Goddess Lakshmi descends from the heavens to bless her devotees with wealth, prosperity, and good fortune. Since this night is considered the most auspicious time of the year to invite the goddess into one’s home, Diwali and Lakshmi Puja are inextricably linked.
Mythological Story Behind Lakshmi Puja on Diwali
The roots of Lakshmi Puja on Diwali are found in ancient Hindu mythology. According to one popular legend:
1. The Churning of the Ocean (Samudra Manthan) In Hindu mythology, the gods and demons once churned the ocean (Samudra Manthan) to obtain the nectar of immortality (amrita). During the churning, many precious objects came forth from the ocean, including Goddess Lakshmi herself, who emerged as the symbol of wealth and beauty. As she stepped out of the ocean, she chose Lord Vishnu as her consort. Since then, she has been closely associated with abundance, prosperity, and happiness.
2. Lakshmi’s Visit During Diwali Another legend connects Lakshmi’s visit to the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana. After the defeat of Ravana, as Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya, the people lit diyas to celebrate his return. It is believed that Goddess Lakshmi, pleased by the light and devotion, visited the homes of those who were sincere in their prayers and who illuminated their homes with oil lamps. Since then, worshipping Lakshmi during Diwali has become a tradition.
Why Lakshmi Puja Is Important on Diwali
1. The Arrival of Wealth and Prosperity One of the most important reasons Lakshmi Puja is observed during Diwali is to invite wealth and prosperity into one’s life. The worship of Goddess Lakshmi during this auspicious time is believed to attract both material and spiritual wealth. It is said that Goddess Lakshmi visits homes that are clean, well-lit, and full of joy. Therefore, performing Lakshmi Puja is seen as an essential step to ensure a prosperous year ahead.
2. Celebrating the Victory of Light Over Darkness Diwali is also known as the festival that celebrates the victory of light over darkness. By lighting diyas (oil lamps) and candles during Lakshmi Puja, devotees symbolize the removal of darkness (ignorance and negativity) and the arrival of light (knowledge, wealth, and positivity) into their lives. This aligns perfectly with the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi, who is considered the harbinger of good fortune.
3. A Time for New Beginnings Diwali marks the beginning of a new financial year in many regions of India. As part of the Diwali celebrations, many businesses perform “Chopda Pujan”—a ritual to worship their account books and ledgers, symbolizing a fresh start for the upcoming year. Lakshmi Puja, therefore, also has a symbolic significance of bringing new beginnings and positive changes, both personally and professionally.
Rituals and Practices During Lakshmi Puja
To ensure that Goddess Lakshmi blesses the home with wealth and prosperity, the following steps are typically followed during the Lakshmi Puja on Diwali:
1. Cleaning and Decorating the Home:
- Cleanliness is of utmost importance as Goddess Lakshmi is believed to enter only pure and clean spaces. Homes are thoroughly cleaned, and some people even repaint their houses during this time.
- The house is decorated with rangoli (colorful floor patterns), flowers, and diyas (oil lamps) to create an inviting atmosphere for the goddess.
2. Setting Up the Puja Area:
- A designated place, usually in the north or northeast part of the house, is cleaned and decorated for the puja.
- A small idol or image of Goddess Lakshmi is placed on the altar, along with idols or images of Lord Ganesha (the remover of obstacles) and Lord Kubera (the god of wealth).
- The puja thali contains offerings like fruits, sweets, flowers, incense sticks, and a diya.
3. Reciting Mantras and Prayers:
- Devotees offer prayers to Goddess Lakshmi, invoking her presence and blessings.
- The most popular mantra for Lakshmi Puja is:
- “Om Shreem Hreem Shreem Mahalakshmaye Namah” – A chant for invoking Lakshmi’s blessings for wealth, health, and prosperity.
4. Offering Sweets and Coins:
- Sweets are offered to the goddess as a token of gratitude. Coins, especially gold or silver ones, are often kept on the altar, as it’s believed that they represent prosperity and are blessings from Lakshmi.
- A few coins are often given as gifts to family members and friends to share the wealth.
5. Lighting Diyas:
- Diyas or lamps are lit in every corner of the house to dispel darkness and negative energy, making the house radiant with positivity.
Conclusion:
Lakshmi Puja on Diwali is a significant and joyous occasion that celebrates the divine blessings of wealth, prosperity, and well-being. Whether you are seeking material success, spiritual growth, or simply happiness in your life, performing Lakshmi Puja on Diwali is believed to bring abundant blessings into your home. By following the rituals with devotion and sincerity, you invite Goddess Lakshmi to shower her grace on your life and pave the way for a prosperous future.
May Goddess Lakshmi bless you with health, wealth, and happiness this Diwali and beyond!
