The Sacred Heart of Diwali: Lakshmi Puja

The main day of Diwali is dedicated to the worship of Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth, prosperity, and fortune. It is believed that on this night, Lakshmi visits homes that are clean, well-lit, and full of devotion. Performing Lakshmi Puja with sincerity invites her blessings into your household for the year ahead.

The Significance of Lakshmi Puja

According to Hindu mythology, Diwali marks the night Goddess Lakshmi emerged from the cosmic ocean during the churning of the seas (Samudra Manthan). It is also the night Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile. The lighting of lamps and the worship of Lakshmi are ways of welcoming both prosperity and righteousness into one's life.

What You Will Need (Puja Samagri)

  • Idol or image of Goddess Lakshmi (and Lord Ganesha)
  • Red cloth to place under the idols
  • Flowers — marigolds, roses, lotuses if available
  • Incense sticks (agarbatti) and camphor (kapoor)
  • Diyas filled with mustard oil or ghee and cotton wicks
  • Panchamrit (mixture of milk, curd, honey, ghee, and sugar)
  • Fresh fruits and sweets as prasad (offerings)
  • Coins and currency notes to place before the deity
  • Roli (red powder), haldi (turmeric), and chawal (rice grains)
  • A conch shell (shankh) if available
  • Kalash (copper or brass pot filled with water)

Step-by-Step Puja Procedure

1. Cleanse and Prepare the Space

Begin by cleaning your home thoroughly — this is not just ritual but symbolic. A clean home is considered welcoming to Lakshmi. Set up the puja on a raised platform or clean table, covered with a fresh red cloth. Place Ganesha on the left and Lakshmi on the right.

2. Sankalpa (Setting Intent)

Before beginning, sit quietly and mentally dedicate the puja — state your name, family, and the purpose of the worship. This is the sankalpa, your conscious intention.

3. Light the Diyas and Incense

Light the diyas and incense. The lamp represents the dispelling of darkness and ignorance. Keep the main lamp (the akhand diya) burning throughout the night if possible.

4. Invoke Ganesha First

Always begin by honouring Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles. Offer flowers, sweets, and chant "Om Ganeshaya Namaha" several times.

5. Invoke Goddess Lakshmi

Offer flowers at the feet of the Lakshmi idol. Apply roli and chawal to the forehead. Pour a small amount of panchamrit over the idol (if a small idol), then clean with water. Offer fruits and sweets. Light camphor and perform the aarti by moving the flame in a circular motion before the deity.

6. Chant the Lakshmi Mantra

The most commonly recited mantra is:
"Om Shreem Hreem Shreem Kamale Kamalalaye Praseed Praseed
Shreem Hreem Shreem Om Mahalakshmyai Namaha"
Chant this 108 times with a rosary (mala) for full effect, or as many times as feels right.

7. Aarti

Sing or recite the Lakshmi Aarti — "Jai Lakshmi Mata" is the most beloved version. All family members should be present and participate.

8. Distribution of Prasad

Distribute the offered sweets and fruits as prasad to all family members and neighbours. This act of sharing is an integral part of the puja.

Regional Variations

Lakshmi Puja traditions vary across India. In Bengal, the puja is performed on the full moon following Diwali (Kojagari Lakshmi Puja). In Gujarat and Maharashtra, the Diwali puja also incorporates worship of account books (Chopda Puja) by business communities, marking the new financial year.

The Deeper Meaning

Beyond the rituals, Lakshmi Puja is a moment of gratitude — for what you have, and hope for what is to come. It's a time to reflect on the dharmic ways of earning and using wealth, to share with others, and to invite abundance through virtue rather than greed.