Diwali is a five-day festival that begins on Dhanteras, the thirteenth day of the dark fortnight of the Hindu month of Kartika. Dhanteras is a day to worship Lord Dhanvantari, the god of medicine and healing, and to purchase new utensils and other items for the home. The main day of Diwali is the third day, which is known as Amavasya or Lakshmi Puja. This is the day when Lakshmi Puja is performed to invoke the blessings of the goddess Lakshmi.
Lakshmi Puja is typically performed in the evening, during the Pradosh Kaal, which is the time between sunset and dusk. This is considered to be the most auspicious time to worship Lakshmi. In 2023, the Pradosh Kaal on Diwali will be from 5:40 PM to 7:36 PM.
Lakshmi Puja Timings on Diwali 2023:
The most auspicious time to perform Lakshmi Puja is during the Pradosh Kaal, which is the twilight period between sunset and nightfall. In 2023, the Pradosh Kaal for Lakshmi Puja will be from 5:40 PM to 7:36 PM.
However, if you are unable to perform Lakshmi Puja during the Pradosh Kaal, you can also perform it during the Nishita Kaal, which is the midnight period. The Nishita Kaal for Lakshmi Puja in 2023 will be from 11:45 PM to 12:20 AM on November 13.
Performing Lakshmi Puja
To perform Lakshmi Puja, you should first place the idol or image of Lakshmi on a clean and elevated platform. Then, light the diya and incense sticks. Place the nakshatra, flowers, fruits, sweets, coins, and other offerings before the idol or image.
Once you have placed all of the offerings, you should begin chanting the Lakshmi Mantra or Lakshmi Aarti. You can also recite the Lakshmi Stuti or Lakshmi Yantra. After chanting the mantras, you should pray to Lakshmi and ask for her blessings.
Significance of Lakshmi Puja:
Lakshmi Puja is performed to invoke the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi on Diwali. It is believed that worshipping Goddess Lakshmi on this day brings wealth, prosperity, and good fortune to the devotees.
Lakshmi Puja is also performed to pray for new beginnings and a bright future. It is a time to reflect on the past year and to make resolutions for the year ahead.
Lakshmi Puja Rituals:
Lakshmi Puja is a simple yet elaborate ritual. The puja is performed at home or in temples. Puja altar is decorated with flowers, diyas, and other auspicious items.
The puja begins with the invocation of Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles. The worship of Goddess Lakshmi and other deities, such as Lord Kubera, the god of wealth, and Goddess Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge follows this.
During the puja, devotees offer prayers and hymns to Goddess Lakshmi. They also offer her their favorite foods and sweets. After the puja, devotees distribute prasad (blessed food) to all present.
Other Important Details:
Here are some other important things to keep in mind for Lakshmi Puja:
The significance of Lakshmi Puja
Lakshmi Puja is performed to invoke the blessings of the Hindu goddess Lakshmi, who is the goddess of wealth, prosperity, and good fortune. It is believed that worshipping Lakshmi on Diwali can help to bring wealth, abundance, and happiness into one’s life.
The benefits of performing Lakshmi Puja
There are many benefits to performing Lakshmi Puja, including:
- Increased wealth and prosperity
- A happy and harmonious home life
- Success in business and career
- Protection from financial worries and debts
- Good health and well-being
Lakshmi Puja recipes
Here are some popular Lakshmi Puja recipes:
- Kheer is a sweet rice pudding that is often offered to Lakshmi as prasad.
- Puran Poli is a sweet flatbread that is stuffed with a mixture of lentils, jaggery, and spices.
- Motichoor Ladoo is a sweet ball made with gram flour, sugar, and ghee.
- Gulab Jamun is a sweet made with milk solids, sugar, and rose syrup.
- Jalebi is a deep-fried sweet made with a batter of all-purpose flour and sugar syrup.
Lakshmi Puja wishes
Here are some Lakshmi Puja wishes that you can send to your friends and family:
- The blessings of Goddess Lakshmi be upon you and your family. Happy Diwali!
- May Goddess Lakshmi shower you with wealth, prosperity, and good fortune. Happy Diwali!
- May the light of Diwali fill your life with joy and happiness. Happy Diwali!
- We are wishing you a prosperous and happy Diwali. May Goddess Lakshmi bless you with all the wealth and happiness.