As we approach Diwali on Thursday 4th November, below we share the timings to perform the auspicious Lakshmi puja and also the reason why we do this special ritual on this day.
Diwali & Lakshmi Puja
Diwali, the festival of lights, which celebrates the ultimate triumph of light over dark, good over evil, is a five-day-long festival and the most important is celebrated as Lakshmi puja. On that day, Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, prosperity and abundance, and the consort of Vishnu, the preserver of the universe, is honored to welcome good luck and prosperity.
Lakshmi is honored on the third day of Diwali, that falls on Amavasya or the new moon, with sincerity and faith that she will watch over us, protect us and provide us with an abundance of wealth that goes beyond monetary value.
Diwali Lakshmi Puja Timings
The puja is done during a special time period to ensure the fortune and prosperity that is showered upon us stays permanently. This is calculated using a specific time during sunset called Pradosh, in conjunction with the exact Amavasya tithi (time period) and Taurus ascendant (the time when Taurus is rising in the sky).
Thursday 4th November
New York – 05:48 PM to 08:33 PM
London – 04:49 PM to 06:27 PM
Germany – 04:51 PM to 06:27 PM
Chennai – 06:21 PM to 08:10 PM
Why is Goddess Lakshmi worshipped on Diwali?
According to the ancient Hindu scriptures, Lakshmi emerged from the water along with the nectar during the churning of the ocean or samudra manthan done by the Gods and the demons (signifying the churning of the mind between opposite values). She emerged along with Kuber, the God of wealth who is worshipped on Dhanteras, the first day of the Diwali festival. When you have Lakshmi, the right type of wealth, then life is filled with nectar.
The Ritual
During Lakshmi Puja we honor Lord Ganesha, who we honor at the beginning of every auspicious ritual or ceremony and Goddesses Lakshmi.
To welcome them into your home and in honour of their visit, it is important to make sure your house is clean and tidy.
Set up a special place with the pictures/idols and everything else you might need for the puja. It doesn’t matter how simple or elaborate, as long as the correct and honorable intention is there.
If you are unable to perform the puja, or if you do not have Ganesh and Lakshmi pictures/idols, it is perfectly fine to close your eyes during the Lakshmi Puja times and first chant the Ganesh mantra “Aum Gam Ganapataye Namah” and then the Lakshmi Mantra “Aum Shreem Mahalakshmaye Namah” 108 times each.
The Intention
As we honor Goddess Lakshmi this Diwali, seek her blessings not just for material wealth but also for the wealth of peace, knowledge and moksha.
Let us honor the energy that is Mahalakshmi. ‘Maha’ implies great. Mahalakshmi denotes a great wealth, a wealth that includes the spiritual wealth that takes care of our well-being in all the three worlds (adibhautik, adidhaivik and adhyatmik).
Through turbulent times it is of great importance for us all to come together with the intention of sharing these blessings – not just for ourselves and our immediate community, but to wish for light for all beings on Earth.
How to perform a simple Lakshmi Puja
1. Welcome Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi into your home by offering them a seat.
2. Offer water to honor the Jala Tattva (water element)
3. Light a lamp to honor the Agni Tattva (fire element)
4. Create a sandalwood paste by mixing sandalwood in water and apply it on the forehead of the deities (if you have an idol or a photo) to honor the Prithvi Tattva (earth element)
5. Offer incense sticks or dhoop to honor the Vayu Tattva (air element)
6. Offer some flowers to honor the Akash Tattva (space element)
7. Chant a simple Ganesha mantra – Aum Gam Ganapataye Namah 108 times
8. Chant a simple Lakshmi mantra – Aum Shreem Mahalakshmaye Namah 108 times.
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