LAKSHMI PUJAN

Puja Description

Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is one of the most widely celebrated festivals in India and is marked by various rituals and customs. One such significant ritual is the Lakshmi Puja, which is performed on the third day of the five-day Diwali festival. Ma Lakshmi, as per Hinduism is goddess of wealth, prosperity, and fortune, is worshipped during the Lakshmi Puja. The puja is performed to seek the blessings of the goddess for prosperity, success, and good fortune. It is believed that worshipping Lakshmi on this auspicious day brings financial stability and success in business. The preparations for Lakshmi Puja begin several days in advance. People clean their homes and decorate them with lights, flowers, and rangoli. Not just Hindus but Europeans are spell bound with this rituals. On the day of the puja, people wake up early and take a bath to purify themselves. They dress up in their new clothes and begin the puja by lighting diyas or lamps, which symbolize the victory of good over evil and the triumph of light over darkness. The Lakshmi Puja is performed in the evening, after the sun sets. The puja is traditionally performed by the women of the household, who decorate the puja room with flowers, fruits, and other offerings. The puja begins with the invocation of Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles, followed by the worship of Goddess Lakshmi. The goddess is offered flowers, fruits, and sweets, and devotees recite hymns and mantras to seek her blessings. After the puja, people offer prayers to Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the universe, and seek his blessings. The prasad, which is blessed food, is then distributed among family members and guests. The prasad typically consists of sweets such as ladoos, pedas, and kheer, and is considered to be a divine offering from the goddess herself. The Lakshmi Puja is also celebrated in temples and community centers, where people gather to perform the puja and seek the blessings deity. The puja is traditionally celebrated by lighting fireworks, which is believed to ward off evil spirits and bring joy and happiness. In addition to the traditional rituals, the Lakshmi Puja also holds a deep spiritual significance. It is believed that by worshipping the goddess, one can attain inner peace, happiness, and spiritual enlightenment. The puja is a reminder to lead a life of righteousness, to work hard, and to share one's wealth and blessings with others.