Laxmi Puja, also known as Lakshmi Puja, is a prominent Hindu festival dedicated to the worship of Goddess Laxmi, the deity of wealth, prosperity, and abundance. This celebration takes place on the third day of Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, typically in October or November, depending on the lunar calendar. Laxmi Puja symbolizes the welcoming of prosperity and happiness into one’s life and home for the coming year.
The Significance of Laxmi Puja
Goddess Laxmi is regarded as the giver of wealth and fortune, making her one of the most revered deities in Hindu culture. During Laxmi Puja, devotees honor her by performing rituals to attract positive energies, success, and material wealth. In Hindu mythology, it is believed that Goddess Laxmi visits clean and well-lit homes on this night, bringing blessings to those who have honored her properly. This belief is the foundation of many traditions associated with Laxmi Puja.
Preparations for Laxmi Puja
In the days leading up to Laxmi Puja, people thoroughly clean and decorate their homes to welcome the goddess. It is believed that cleanliness attracts Goddess Laxmi, and hence, homes are adorned with rangoli (colorful patterns made on the floor), lights, and flowers. Many people place diyas (oil lamps) and candles throughout their homes and workplaces to brighten the evening and symbolize the victory of light over darkness.
Rituals and Customs
On the evening of Laxmi Puja, families gather to perform a series of rituals to invoke the blessings of Goddess Laxmi. The worship often begins with the chanting of mantras and prayers, followed by an elaborate puja involving offerings of sweets, fruits, flowers, and coins. A common custom is the placement of coins or symbolic items of wealth in the puja area, signifying the abundance that devotees hope to receive. Lord Ganesha, the deity of wisdom and remover of obstacles, is also worshiped alongside Goddess Laxmi, as it is believed his blessings ensure that prosperity comes without obstacles.
Symbolism of Laxmi Puja
Each element of Laxmi Puja carries symbolic meaning. The lighting of lamps represents the removal of ignorance and the arrival of knowledge, while rangoli and flowers are expressions of joy and beauty, inviting auspiciousness into the home. The rituals are meant to focus the mind on gratitude, positive intentions, and the appreciation of life's blessings, material and spiritual.
Modern Observance
Today, Laxmi Puja is celebrated across the world by the Hindu community. Many people working in businesses, especially those in financial professions, observe this day with great reverence, hoping for prosperity in their work. Families also share sweets, visit each other, and exchange greetings to strengthen bonds and spread joy.
In essence, Laxmi Puja is not only a call for material prosperity but also a reminder to live with purity, gratitude, and positive intentions. It is a festival that emphasizes balance between wealth and wisdom, encouraging people to pursue prosperity with a spirit of generosity and humility.