Lakshmi Puja is an important ritual on Diwali Festival in North and West India. Celebrated on the dark fortnight of Amavasya, the ritual is performed to commemorate the birth of Goddess Lakshmi. The word 'Lakshmi' is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘Laksya’, which means 'aim' or 'goal'. According to Hindu books, she is the goddess of wealth and prosperity. Lakshmi Puja is also known as Chopada Puja and is carried out to throw away the darkness of evil spirits. Goddess Lakshmi is propitiated on the day to seek her blessings. It is believed that Goddess Lakshmi visits every house during Deepavali and blesses the devotees with peace and prosperity. Hence, people light up lamps in the house to welcome the Goddess.
This year Lakshmi Pooja is on 12 November 2023.
Lakshmi Puja
Legend
According to mythology, Goddess Lakshmi, the daughter of sage Bhrigu, is said to have taken refuge in the ocean of milk. She was reborn when the ocean was churned by Gods and demons to get the ‘amrit’. Lakshmi manifested as the consort of Lord Vishnu in all his incarnations, as Sita, Radha and Rukmini. Lakshmi is the Goddess of light, beauty, good fortune and wealth.
The ritual of Lakshmi Puja
Lakshmi Puja is the combined puja of five deities: Lord Ganesha is worshiped at the beginning; Goddess Lakshmi is worshiped in her three forms - Mahalakshmi (the goddess of wealth and money), Mahasaraswati (the goddess of learning), and Mahakali; Kuber (the treasurer of the gods) is also worshiped.
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