How to do Lakshmi Puja on Diwali?

Lakshmi Puja, or the worship of the goddess of prosperity and wealth, is the main event on Diwali in North and West India. It is believed that Goddess Laxmi visits everyone during Diwali and brings peace and prosperity to all.

It is s extremely important to keep the house spotlessly clean and pure on Diwali. Goddess Lakshmi likes cleanliness, and she will visit the cleanest house first. This is also the reason why the broom is worshiped on this day with offerings of haldi and kumkum (turmeric and vermilion). Lamps are lit in the evening to welcome the goddess. They are believed to light up her path. here is the things which you need to care.

Lakshmi Puja is a significant part of the Diwali celebration, as it is believed to invite Goddess Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth and prosperity, into one's home. Performing the puja with devotion and proper rituals is thought to bring blessings of wealth and good fortune. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do Lakshmi Puja on Diwali:

Before you begin:

1. Clean your home thoroughly to welcome the goddess.
2. Decorate your home with traditional rangoli (decorative patterns made with colored powders or flowers) and light oil lamps (diyas) around the house.

Materials you will need:

1. An idol or image of Goddess Lakshmi.
2. A small idol or image of Lord Ganesha.
3. A platform or altar to place the idols.
4. Incense sticks, camphor, and oil lamps.
5. Flowers, especially marigold and lotus, for offerings.
6. Saffron, sandalwood paste, and kumkum for applying tilak (forehead mark).
7. A new, clean cloth to drape the idols.
8. Rice, grains, and fruits as offerings.
9. Coins and currency notes to symbolize wealth.

Step-by-Step Procedure:

1. Ganesha Puja:a. Begin the puja by invoking Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles. Place the idol or image of Lord Ganesha on the altar. b. Light incense sticks and offer flowers to Lord Ganesha. c. Chant Ganesha mantras and seek his blessings.
2. Lakshmi Puja:a. Place the idol or image of Goddess Lakshmi beside Lord Ganesha. b. Light a diya and incense sticks. c. Apply saffron, sandalwood paste, and kumkum on the forehead of the idols. d. Drape the idols with a clean cloth. e. Offer flowers, fruits, and grains as a symbol of purity and abundance. f. Light the oil lamps (diyas) in front of the idols. g. Chant Lakshmi mantras and hymns, seeking her blessings for wealth and prosperity.
3. Aarti:a. Wave the aarti (lamp) in a circular motion in front of the idols. b. Sing Lakshmi aarti or other devotional songs dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi. c. This is a moment of deep devotion and prayer for blessings.
4. Offerings:a. Place coins and currency notes on the altar as offerings to Goddess Lakshmi. b. You can also offer any valuable items or jewelry as a token of your devotion.
5. Prayers and Mantras:a. Spend some time in meditation and offer personal prayers to Goddess Lakshmi. b. Chant Lakshmi mantras and hymns or simply express your gratitude for the blessings received and those you hope to receive in the future.
6. Distribute Prasad:a. After the puja, distribute prasad (blessed food) to family members and guests. b. It is considered auspicious to share this blessed food with others.
7. Light Firecrackers:a. Diwali is also known for lighting firecrackers. You can celebrate this by safely lighting firecrackers in your designated area.
8. Feasting and Celebrations:a. Diwali is a time for family gatherings, feasting, and exchanging gifts. Enjoy a festive meal with your loved ones and celebrate the occasion.

First, identify a West or South-West facing wall or corner where you will perform the Pooja. The first important step for the Goddess Lakshmi Puja is cleanliness. According to Puranas, Goddess Lakshmi likes neatness and visits the houses which are kept clean. That is why the broom is also worshipped on the day with offerings of turmeric and vermilion.

Clean the house/office and the place where Lakshmi puja is performed. Rangoli designs can be drawn to welcome Goddess Lakshmi Devi. Take a chauki (raised wooden platform) and place 02 cloth over it – one white and one red. The white cloth will represent Ganeshji and Navagraha Poojan, whereas the Red Cloth will represent Lakshmiji.

Take a Copper or Silver Kalash and drop a supari and 01 Re coin in it. Now place a whole coconut, unshelled with a swastik made of kumkum with a colorful roli thread tied around it on the mouth of the Kalash. Also place mango leaves under the coconut. Keep another cloth and put a handfulof rice grains on it and place the Kalash on the rice.

On the chauki divide the left side with white cloth and put the red cloth on the right side. Seat Laxmi Ganeshji photo on the right side and make a navagraha representation with mauli tied around supari and placed on 9 mounds of rice on the white cloth.

Clean the silver coins, apply kesar or saffron paste on it and prepare it on a plate in front of Laxmiji.
Light the lamp and now start your inovcation for first Ganeshji with the mantra.

Vakratunda Mahakaya Surya Koti Samaprabha, Nirvighnam Kurume Devo Sarva Karyeshu Sarvada.