Puja Vidhi/Lakshmi Puja

Lakshmi Puja

लक्ष्मी पूजा

Goddess Lakshmi1-2 hours

Significance

Lakshmi Puja is performed for wealth, prosperity, and abundance. It is the central ritual of Diwali (the main night). Also performed every Friday and on Sharad Purnima. Lakshmi is always worshipped alongside Ganesha — Ganesha removes obstacles so Lakshmi's blessings can flow freely.

Samagri (Materials Needed)

Lakshmi-Ganesh Idol or Photo (लक्ष्मी-गणेश मूर्ति)
Lotus Flowers (कमल के फूल)
Red Cloth (लाल कपड़ा)
Gold/Silver Coins (सोने/चांदी के सिक्के)
Rice / Akshat (अक्षत)
Kumkum, Haldi, Sindoor
Ghee Lamp and Camphor (घी का दीपक, कपूर)
Incense Sticks (अगरबत्ती)
Sweets — Kheer, Laddoo (खीर, लड्डू)
Coconut (नारियल)
Betel Leaves (पान)
Cloves and Cardamom (लौंग, इलायची)

Puja Vidhi (Step by Step)

  1. 1

    Preparation

    Clean the entire house. Set up the puja area facing east or north. Place Lakshmi-Ganesh idols on a clean platform with red cloth. Draw a swastik with kumkum.

  2. 2

    Ganesh Puja First

    Always worship Ganesha first. Offer modak and durva grass. Recite Om Gam Ganapataye Namah 11 times.

    ॐ गं गणपतये नमः

  3. 3

    Lakshmi Puja

    Invoke Goddess Lakshmi. Offer lotus flowers, kumkum, haldi. Place coins near the idol. Pour panchamrit on the idol and offer vastra (red cloth).

    ॐ श्रीं महालक्ष्म्यै नमः

  4. 4

    Kuber Puja

    Worship Kubera (treasurer of the gods) alongside Lakshmi. Place a locker or safe near the puja area. Apply kumkum on account books/ledgers.

    ॐ यक्षाय कुबेराय वैश्रवणाय धनधान्याधिपतये नमः

  5. 5

    Aarti & Prasad

    Perform aarti with Om Jai Lakshmi Mata. Light all diyas in the house. Distribute kheer and sweets as prasad.

Best Time to Perform

Diwali night (Pradosh Kaal after sunset), every Friday evening