How to perform Lakshmi Puja at Home?

Lakshmi Puja (prayer ritual) is one of the auspicious rituals which is performed during the day of Diwali. This auspicious ritual is performed to invite Goddess Lakshmi into one’s home and seek her blessings. Prayers are offered to the Goddess for seeking blessings, so that the New Hindu Financial Year is filled with peace, wealth and prosperity.

A simple Guideline to perform Lakshmi Puja during Diwali

Diwali Lakshmi Puja is on 12 November 2023.

1. Clean the area which is selected for puja.

2. The direction of the puja area should be selected on the east wall of your house.

3. Keep the idol of Lord Ganesha on the left of the idol of Goddess Lakshmi The idols placed in the puja should face east direction to enhance the energy of the puja rituals. Sit facing north-east direction while performing the puja. If you don’t have an idol, you can print a picture or just keep the image in your mind.

4. Steps for performing Lakshmi Puja

• Decide the place for the platform: Cover the platform with a red cloth. If red is not available then use any other bright color; avoid black or deep blue.
• Create a bed of raw uncooked rice on the red cloth.
• Place a kalash [pot] on the bed of rice
  • Fill the kalash with 75% of water. Put a betel nut, flower, a clean coin, and some rice in the kalash.
  • Now arrange the mango leaves around the neck of the kalash.
  • Place a small plain plate over the kalash.
  • Place the kalash on the chowki covered with red cloth.

  If this is not available then you can make do with a pot of water too.

• Take a large plate
  • Draw the sign of SWASTIK on it. Place the idol of Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi with reverence on the right side of the Kalash. Some coins or jewellery are included in the puja for wealth prosperity.
  • Take some water and sprinkle on all puja items to purify them.
  • Start the puja by applying Tilak with Kumkum [red powder] and flowers on the kalash. Kumkum should also be applied to the idol of Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi; also place some flowers.
• Light a Diya or a lamp.

Lighting a Guggal Dhoop is considered auspicious during Diwali which brings peace to the environment. In the absence of all other material, you could use a candle also.

• Offerings for Goddess Lakshmi

Batasha [a spherical crispy sugar candy], laddoos, fruits of your choice, dry fruits, and sweets can be offered to the Goddess. This offering is called Prasad which will be distributed to all after the Puja. In the absence of traditional Diwali sweets, you could use plain sugar or any other sweet offering that doesn’t have any egg or non-vegetarian component.