Vedic Katha
A simple step-by-step guide to performing Lakshmi Puja at home on Diwali night, preparing the home and altar, worshipping Ganesha first, invoking…
On the new-moon night of Kartik, the main night of Diwali, households welcome Lakshmi, goddess of wealth and fortune, into a clean and brightly lit home.
Clean the whole house during the day, Lakshmi is said to visit only where it is swept and bright. In the evening, light diyas at the door, windows and along the walls.
Light the lamp and incense, then invoke Ganesha first, for an auspicious and obstacle-free worship, with "Om Gan Ganapataye Namah". Offer him flowers, durva and a sweet.
Invite Lakshmi with folded hands and the mantra "Om Shreem Hreem Shreem Kamale Kamalalaye Praseed Praseed, Om Shreem Hreem Shreem Mahalakshmyai Namah".
End by singing Om Jai Lakshmi Mata, circling the lamp before the goddess, then offer the flame to everyone present and distribute the prasad. Leave a lamp burning through the night to light Lakshmi's way.
The puja asks for prosperity, but its older meaning is gratitude and care, a clean home, a lit lamp, a settled mind.
Lakshmi Puja is a prayer for prosperity whose older meaning is gratitude and care, a clean home, a lit lamp, a settled mind.
Vedic Katha
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