Lakshmi Puja

Lakshmi is worshipped as the goddess of prosperity and wellbeing. The best-known observance is Lakshmi Pujan on the main night of Diwali. It is also performed on Fridays and at new beginnings.

Who it is for

Families marking Diwali, business owners doing the annual account-book worship, and those wishing to do a regular Friday puja.

Occasions

• Diwali Lakshmi Pujan: main evening muhurat, calculated each year from the Panchang for Mumbai.
• Chopda Pujan: traders worship new account books at the beginning of the new financial year in the Hindu calendar, a tradition widely followed by business communities.
• Fridays and Pournima: a simpler worship.

Simple steps

1. Clean and decorate the home or shop. Draw rangoli at the entrance.
2. Place the Lakshmi and Ganesh images on the altar.
3. Sankalp, followed by worship of Ganesh first.
4. Offer flowers, lamps, sweets and coins or account books, as per custom.
5. Chant Lakshmi mantras or the Shri Suktam.
6. Aarti and prasad.

For shops and offices

Many businesses combine this with the worship of the cash box and ledgers. Keep the lamps safe and follow building fire rules.

Limitations

A devotional practice. It does not guarantee prosperity. Financial wellbeing comes from sound practice and planning.

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