Discover how to perform Diwali Lakshmi Puja at home with this simple step-by-step guide. Perfect for beginners in the US, UK, Canada, Australia, South Africa etc.
Performing Lakshmi Puja during Diwali is believed to bring prosperity, happiness, and good fortune. Whether you’re celebrating Diwali in the US, UK, Canada, Australia, South Africa, or elsewhere, you can perform this ritual easily at home. This guide simplifies the process, ensuring you don’t miss any essential steps in welcoming Goddess Lakshmi into your home.
When is Diwali 2024: Celebrating Dhanteras, Lakshmi Puja, Bhai Dooj from 29 October to 3 November
Why Perform Lakshmi Puja on Diwali?
Lakshmi Puja honors Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth, and is believed to invite prosperity into the home. This ritual also includes worshiping Lord Ganesha to remove obstacles, ensuring success in life. Diwali night is considered the most auspicious time to perform this puja, aligning with the belief that the Goddess visits only clean and well-lit homes during this period.
How to Perform Diwali Lakshmi Puja at Home (Preparation)
Before learning how to perform Diwali Lakshmi Puja at home, you need to prepare by gathering all essential items and making the environment welcoming.
1. Clean the House Thoroughly
- Sweep and mop all rooms, especially the entrance and puja area.
- Clean spaces symbolize purity, attracting the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi.
2. Decorate the Puja Area
- Draw rangoli patterns at the entrance and near the altar using colored powders or flowers.
- Light diyas (oil lamps) throughout the home to dispel darkness.
- Use torans (flower garlands) at the doorway and windows to invite positivity.
3. Collect Puja Essentials
Make sure you have the following:
- Idols or images of Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Ganesha, and Saraswati
- Flowers and garlands (marigold is ideal)
- Fruits, sweets (ladoos), and dry fruits for offerings
- Puja items: Kumkum, rice, incense sticks, diya (lamp), camphor, coins, turmeric
- A new notebook or money to symbolize financial prosperity
How to Perform Diwali Lakshmi Puja at Home
Step 1: Set up the Altar
- Place the idols of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha on a clean cloth or wooden platform.
- Arrange the puja items neatly on the altar: coins, flowers, sweets, fruits, and a diya.
Step 2: Start the Puja by Invoking Ganesha
Begin by praying to Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles.
- Apply kumkum and turmeric to the idol and offer a flower.
- Chant the Ganesha mantra:
“Om Gan Ganapataye Namah.” - Light an incense stick and wave it in front of the idol three times in a clockwise direction.
Step 3: Worship Goddess Lakshmi
Now, move on to the main part of the ritual – Lakshmi Puja.
- Apply kumkum and turmeric to the idol of Lakshmi.
- Offer flowers, fruits, and sweets to the Goddess.
- Place coins near the idol and sprinkle rice over them to symbolize wealth.
- Light a ghee lamp (diya) and place it in front of the deity.
Step 4: Chant Lakshmi Mantras
Reciting Lakshmi mantras helps invoke her blessings. You can chant the following:
“Om Shreem Hreem Shree Mahalakshmiyai Namah.”
Step 5: Perform the Aarti
- Light camphor and wave it in a clockwise direction in front of the idols.
- Sing the Lakshmi Aarti with your family to express gratitude and devotion.
- Offer prasad (sweets) to the deities and distribute it among family members after the puja.
Step 6: Symbolic Offerings and Lighting Diyas
- After the puja, place lit diyas throughout your home, especially at windows, balconies, and entrances.
- Keep the main diya (lamp) burning overnight if possible.
- Place silver or gold coins in your money safe to symbolize continuous financial growth.
Auspicious Time for Lakshmi Puja (Diwali Muhurat)
In 2024, Diwali Lakshmi Puja will be observed on Friday, November 1, 2024. According to the Hindu calendar, this day coincides with Amavasya Tithi, and the puja should ideally be performed during the Pradosh Kaal (early evening) when the Sthir Lagna (stable period) prevails. The recommended muhurat for Lakshmi Puja is between 5:44 PM and 8:19 PM (local time) on November 1.
The significance of Lakshmi Puja lies in welcoming prosperity, health, and happiness into the household. People clean their homes thoroughly and decorate them with diyas (earthen lamps), candles, and rangoli patterns, believing that Goddess Lakshmi blesses homes that are neat and well-lit.
This day is also part of a larger series of festivities:
- Dhanteras on October 29, 2024
- Narak Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali) on October 31, 2024
- Govardhan Puja on November 2, 2024
- Bhai Dooj on November 3, 2024.
Performing the puja during the suggested timings enhances the spiritual benefits, ensuring that blessings of wealth and good fortune fill the household.
To maximize the benefits, it is ideal to perform Lakshmi Puja during the Pradosh Kaal, which is two hours after sunset on Diwali night. Check the local time zone to align with the correct muhurat for your region.
Shree Laxmi Mata Aarti
Om Jai Lakshmi Mata, Maiya Jai Lakshmi Mata,
Tumko Nishdin Sevat, Har Vishnu Vidhata.
Om Jai Lakshmi Mata
Uma Rama Bharmani, Tum Hi Jag Mata,
Surya Chandrma Dhyavat Naard Rishee Gata.
Om Jai Lakshmi Mata
Durga Roop Niranjani, Sukh Sampati Data,
Jo Koi Tum Ko Dhayata, Riddhi Siddhi Pata.
Om Jai Lakshmi Mata
Tum Patal Nivasini, Tum Hi Shubh Data,
Karam-Prabhav-Prakashini, Bhav Nidhi Ki Trata.
Om Jai Lakshmi Mata
Jis Ghar Main Tum Rahti, Sub Sadgun Aata,
Sub Sambhav Ho Jata, Man Nahi Ghabrata.
Om Jai Lakshmi Mata
Tum Bin Yagya Na Hove, Vastra No Koi Pata,
Khan-Pana Ka Vaibhav, Sub Tumse Pata.
Om Jai Lakshmi Mata
Shubhgun Mandir Sundar, Sheerodadhi Jata,
Ratan Chaturdhsh Tum Bin, Koi Nahi Pata.
Om Jai Lakshmi Mata
Mahalakshmi Ji Ki Aarti, Jo Koi Nar Gata,
Urr Anand Samata, Pap Utar Jata.
Om Jai Lakshmi Mata
Sthir Char Jagat Bchaye Shubh Karam Nar Lata,
Ram Pratap Maiya Ki Shubh Drashti Chahta.
Om Jai Lakshmi Mata
Lakshmi Puja Kahani (Story)
A traditional Lakshmi Puja Kahani (story) is narrated during the ritual to explain the significance of Diwali and why Lakshmi is worshipped. Here’s a popular version:
Long ago, there was a poor but hardworking merchant who was devoted to Lakshmi. One Diwali night, as he cleaned his house and lit diyas, he invited Goddess Lakshmi to bless his home. Pleased with his sincerity, Lakshmi entered his house and granted him immense wealth and prosperity.
The next day, his envious neighbors tried to copy his rituals without genuine devotion. Lakshmi noticed their insincerity and did not visit them. This story emphasizes that cleanliness, light, and true devotion are essential for Lakshmi’s blessings.
This story is shared during the puja to remind participants of the values associated with Diwali.
Post-Puja Practices
- After the puja, enjoy the festive spirit by sharing prasad with neighbors and friends.
- Participate in charitable activities by donating food or clothes to those in need, a tradition believed to enhance your blessings.
Tips for Performing Diwali Lakshmi Puja Abroad
Celebrating Diwali away from India? Here are some tips to help you know How to Perform Diwali Lakshmi Puja at Home
- Use LED diyas if you live in a country with fire restrictions.
- Substitute traditional Indian sweets with locally available treats.
- Connect with your family in India via video calls to celebrate together.
- Share pictures of your decorated altar on social media to keep the festive spirit alive.
FAQs about How to Perform Diwali Lakshmi Puja at Home
Q: Can I perform Lakshmi Puja alone?
A: Yes, you can perform the puja alone or with your family. It’s your devotion that matters most.
Q: What if I don’t have all the traditional puja items?
A: You can use local alternatives, such as using scented candles instead of incense sticks.
Q: How long does the Lakshmi Puja take?
A: The puja can take between 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how elaborate the rituals are.
Conclusion
Performing Diwali Lakshmi Puja at home is a meaningful way to invite wealth and prosperity into your life. With this easy-to-follow guide, you can perform the puja confidently, no matter where you are in the world. Remember, the essence of the ritual lies in your devotion and the joy of celebrating with loved ones.
Make this Diwali memorable by embracing the traditions, lighting up your home, and sharing love and happiness. Happy Diwali!
How to perform Diwali Lakshmi Puja at Home