Lakshmi Puja, an integral part of the Diwali festival, is a time-honoured Hindu tradition where devotees worship Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity. It's a day filled with rituals and fervent devotion, and observing certain dos and don'ts during Lakshmi Puja can ensure that the worship is performed with respect and authenticity. Lakshmi Puja 2023 Date in Diwali Week: Know Laxmi Pujan Timings, Shubh Muhurat and Significance of Auspicious Hindu Festival.

Diwali Lakshmi Puja Dos

  • Cleanliness: Before commencing the puja, ensure that your home and the place of worship are clean and well-maintained. It is believed that Goddess Lakshmi prefers to visit and bless clean and pure environments.

  • Altar Setup: Create a dedicated area or altar for the puja, often referred to as the "Lakshmi Ghar." Decorate it with flowers, rangoli designs, and symbols of wealth like gold and silver ornaments or coins. A central focus can be a silver or gold coin with the image of Goddess Lakshmi.

  • Offerings: Prepare a variety of offerings, such as sweets, fruits, and other vegetarian dishes. Traditional sweets like kheer, puris, and mithai are often included. You can also offer betel leaves, betel nuts, and fragrant flowers to the goddess.

  • Light Lamps and Incense: Light oil lamps or diyas and incense sticks (agarbatti) during the puja. The illumination symbolises the triumph of light over darkness and the arrival of divine grace. From Flower Decoration to Fancy Lanterns, Beautiful Ways To Decorate the House for Deepavali.

  • Mantras and Chants: Recite Lakshmi mantras and shlokas to invoke the blessings of the goddess. A commonly recited mantra is "Om Shreem Hreem Shreem Kamale Kamalalaye Praseed Praseed Om Shreem Hreem Shreem Mahalakshmi Namaha."

Diwali Lakshmi Puja Don'ts

  • Non-Vegetarian Food: Avoid offering or consuming non-vegetarian food on the day of Lakshmi Puja, as it is considered impure during this auspicious occasion.

  • Lending or Borrowing Money: It's advisable not to lend or borrow money on the day of the puja, as it's believed to lead to financial instability.

  • Negative Thoughts: Maintain a positive and respectful mindset during the puja. Avoid arguments, negative thoughts, or harsh words, as they can diminish the positive energy of the ceremony.

  • Inauspicious Activities: Refrain from engaging in inauspicious activities like cutting your hair or nails on the day of the puja, as these actions are believed to bring bad luck.

  • Wasting Resources: Be mindful of wasteful spending. Avoid extravagant expenses or displays that may not be sustainable or in keeping with the goddess's blessings.

  • Interrupting the Puja: Once the puja has commenced, avoid unnecessary disruptions or interruptions. Maintain a sense of reverence and devotion throughout the ceremony.

Lakshmi Puja is a sacred tradition that brings families and communities together to seek the blessings of the goddess of wealth. By adhering to the dos and don'ts of this important ritual, you can ensure that your worship is not only spiritually meaningful but also in accordance with traditional practices. Lakshmi Puja is an opportunity to express gratitude for prosperity and seek the goddess's continued blessings for financial well-being.

(The information provided here is based on beliefs and legends only. Before applying any information in real life, consult the concerned expert.)

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 12, 2023 10:41 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).