Diwali, the joyous Festival of Lights, is a significant celebration dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity. On this special day, families come together to perform Lakshmi Puja, a ritual believed to invite blessings of abundance, happiness, and well-being. In 2024, Lakshmi Puja will take place on Friday, November 1, and is celebrated as the primary day of Diwali.
Lakshmi Puja Muhurat in Melbourne
Timing is essential for Lakshmi Puja to maximize the blessings received. In Melbourne, the Shubh Muhurat for Lakshmi Puja falls in the evening during Pradosh Kaal and Vrishabha Kaal:
Deepavali Lagna Puja on Friday, November 1, 2024
Vrishchika Lagna Muhurat (morning) – 07:02 AM to 08:53 AM
Duration – 01 Hour 50 Mins
Kumbha Lagna Muhurat (afternoon) – 01:38 PM to 04:06 PM
Duration – 02 Hours 28 Mins
Vrishabha Lagna Muhurat (evening) – 09:03 PM to 11:26 PM
Duration – 02 Hours 24 Mins
Amavasya Tithi Begins – 09:22 PM on Oct 31, 2024
Amavasya Tithi Ends – 11:46 PM on Nov 01, 2024
It’s ideal to start Puja during the Pradosh Kaal, and the specific Muhurat from 9:03 PM to 9:58 PM is considered the most auspicious for performing the rituals.
Lakshmi Puja Mantras
Chanting mantras during Lakshmi Puja adds spiritual energy and enhances devotion. Here are three powerful mantras for invoking Goddess Lakshmi’s blessings:
- Lakshmi Beej Mantra
– ॐ ह्रीं श्रीं लक्ष्मीभयो नमः
– _Om Hreem Shreem Lakshmibhayo Namah_
- Mahalakshmi Mantra
– ॐ श्रीं ह्रीं श्रीं कमले कमलालये प्रसीद प्रसीद ॐ श्रीं ह्रीं श्रीं महालक्ष्मयै नमः
– _Om Shreem Hreem Shreem Kamale Kamalalaye Praseed Praseed Om Shreem Hreem Shreem Mahalakshmaye Namah_
- Lakshmi Gayatri Mantra
– ॐ श्री महालक्ष्यै च विद्महे विष्णु पन्यै च धीमहि तन्नो लक्ष्मी प्रचोदयात् ॐ
– _Om Shree Mahalakshmyai Cha Vidmahe Vishnu Patnyai Cha Dheemahi Tanno Lakshmi Prachodayat Om_
Preparations and Rituals for Lakshmi Puja
The rituals begin in the morning, as devotees prepare to welcome the Goddess into their homes.
- Morning Preparations: Devotees wake early, offering prayers to their ancestors as part of the Amavasya observance.
- Home Cleaning and Decoration: Cleaning symbolizes purification, and homes are decorated with marigold flowers, Ashoka leaves, banana leaves, and mango leaves to welcome the Goddess.
- Creating Rangoli: Colorful Rangolis at the entrance invite good fortune. The entrance is also adorned with Manglik Kalash, which are pots topped with unpeeled coconuts, symbolizing prosperity and protection.
Items Needed for Lakshmi Puja
– Roli (red powder for tilak)
– Akshat (uncooked rice grains)
– Puja Thali (offering plate)
– Flower garlands
– Dhoop sticks (incense)
– Scent or perfume
– Idols/photos of Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Ganesha, and Goddess Saraswati
– Red cloth, chowki (small platform), supari (betel nuts), coriander seeds, cotton seeds, lotus seeds, dry turmeric, a silver coin, sweets, and currency notes.
Step-by-Step Guide for Performing Lakshmi Puja
- Set Up the Puja Area: Cover a small platform with a red cloth and place the idols or photos of Lakshmi, Saraswati, and Ganesha. Place three small heaps of rice before Goddess Lakshmi, representing Lord Vishnu, Kuber (wealth), and Indra (prosperity).
- Invoke Lord Ganesha: Begin by lighting a lamp and dhoop stick. Apply a tilak of roli and akshat on Ganesha’s forehead, and offer flowers, sweets, and a lamp to seek his blessings for a smooth Puja.
- Worship Goddess Lakshmi: Offer roli, rice, flowers, dhoop, sweets, and a lamp to Lakshmi, along with coriander seeds, cotton seeds, dry turmeric, a silver coin, currency notes, and lotus seeds as symbols of wealth.
- Prayers to Other Deities:
– Lord Vishnu for well-being and support.
– Lord Kuber for wealth.
– Lord Indra for prosperity.
- Worship Goddess Saraswati: Apply tilak on her forehead and offer flowers, sweets, and a lamp, seeking wisdom and knowledge.
- Conclude the Puja: Finish with an Aarti dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, singing her praises to invite her blessings for the upcoming year. You may also recite the mantra “Shreem Swaha” 108 times for added spiritual significance.
DOWNLOAD LAXMI PUJA MANTRAS AND VIDIS
Diwali Festival Calendar Highlights
The Diwali festival includes several important days, each with its own cultural significance:
– Day 1: Govatsa Dwadashi, Vasu Baras
– Day 2: Dhanteras, Dhanvantari Trayodashi
– Day 3: Yama Deepam, Kali Chaudas, Narak Chaturdashi
– Day 4: Diwali Main Day – Lakshmi Puja
– Day 5: Gowardhan Puja, Gujarati New Year
– Day 6: Bhaiya Dooj (celebrating sibling bonds)
Lakshmi Puja on Diwali brings together families in Melbourne and worldwide, inviting blessings of wealth, happiness, and prosperity into their lives for the year ahead.