Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is one of the most significant celebrations in India, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. In 2024, Diwali will be celebrated on October 31, with Lakshmi Puja being a central ritual during this festive period. The preparations for this auspicious occasion are already underway across the country, as families gear up to welcome Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity.
Main Points
- 1 Significance of Lakshmi Puja
- 2 Rituals and Preparations
- 3 Key Rituals Include:
- 4 Muhurat Timing for Laxmi Poojan Diwali 2024
- 5 Laxmi Poojan Diwali 2024 Specific Timings:
- 6 Laxmi Poojan Diwali 2024 City-wise Timing Overview
- 7 Celebrations Across India
- 8 Common Festivities Include:
- 9 Rituals and Procedures for Lakshmi Puja
- 10 Preparation
- 11 Items Required (Samagri)
- 12 Step-by-Step Procedure
- 13 Tips for Successful Lakshmi Puja
- 14 Significance of Lakshmi Puja
- 15 1. Cleaning the Home
- 16 2. Decorating the Puja Area
- 17 3. Gathering Puja Samagri
- 18 4. Observing Fasting
- 19 5. Choosing the Right Muhurat
- 20 Laxmi Mata Aarti in English
- 21 Laxmi Mata Aarti in Hindi
Significance of Lakshmi Puja
Lakshmi Puja is performed to seek blessings for health, wealth, and prosperity. It is believed that worshipping Goddess Lakshmi on this day brings good fortune for the coming year. Traditionally, devotees clean and decorate their homes to invite positive energy. Many families also perform Shradh rituals to honor their ancestors on this day, as it coincides with Amavasya, a new moon night considered highly auspicious for such rites.
Rituals and Preparations
The rituals for Lakshmi Puja begin early in the morning. Devotees wake up before sunrise to perform Nazar Utarna and offer prayers to their family deities. Homes are adorned with marigold flowers, diyas (oil lamps), and colorful rangoli designs at the entrance.
Key Rituals Include:
- Fasting: Many devotees observe a day-long fast, breaking it only after performing the puja in the evening.
- Puja Setup: A red cloth is placed on a raised platform for Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha’s idols. A white cloth is used for Navgraha (nine celestial bodies) worship.
- Offering Items: Devotees prepare various offerings such as sweets, fruits, and special dishes made from rice and wheat flour.
Muhurat Timing for Laxmi Poojan Diwali 2024
The timing for Lakshmi Puja is crucial to maximize its benefits. In 2024, the Pradosh Kaal, which is considered the most auspicious time for performing the puja, will start after sunset and last approximately two hours and 24 minutes. This period is believed to be particularly favorable as it coincides with Sthir Lagna, a fixed astrological position that enhances the blessings received during the puja.
Laxmi Poojan Diwali 2024 Specific Timings:
- Pradosh Kaal: Begins at approximately 6:06 PM
- Duration: Lasts until around 8:30 PM
These timings may vary slightly based on geographical location, so it’s advisable for devotees to check local timings specific to their city.
Laxmi Poojan Diwali 2024 City-wise Timing Overview
Here’s a brief overview of the Lakshmi Puja timings in major Indian cities:
City | Lakshmi Puja Timing |
---|---|
New Delhi | 6:06 PM – 8:30 PM |
Mumbai | 6:10 PM – 8:32 PM |
Bengaluru | 6:05 PM – 8:29 PM |
Kolkata | 6:15 PM – 8:35 PM |
Chennai | 6:20 PM – 8:40 PM |
Hyderabad | 6:12 PM – 8:34 PM |
These timings are essential for devotees who wish to perform the rituals at the most auspicious moment.
Celebrations Across India
Diwali celebrations vary across different regions in India. In Gujarat, many businesses conduct Chopda Pujan, inaugurating new account books in front of Goddess Lakshmi to ensure prosperity in business ventures. In North India, families gather for communal prayers and festive meals.
Common Festivities Include:
- Lighting Diyas: Homes are illuminated with diyas and electric lights.
- Fireworks: The night sky lights up with fireworks, symbolizing joy and celebration.
- Family Gatherings: Families come together to share meals and exchange gifts.
Rituals and Procedures for Lakshmi Puja
Preparation
Before starting the puja, devotees are advised to clean and decorate their homes. Common decorations include marigold flowers and mango leaves. A Mangalik Kalash, often adorned with an unpeeled coconut, should be placed at the entrance.
Items Required (Samagri)
The essential items needed for Lakshmi Puja include:
- Idols of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha
- Red cloth (for the main altar)
- White cloth (for Navagraha)
- Akshata (unbroken rice)
- Wheat or wheat flour
- Diyas (lamps) and candles
- Incense sticks
- Sweets and fruits as offerings
These items create a sacred atmosphere conducive to worship.
Step-by-Step Procedure
- Set Up the Altar: Place a red cloth on a raised platform. Install idols of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha on it.
- Navagraha Setup: On a white cloth, prepare nine slots of Akshata for Navagraha deities.
- Offerings: Prepare sixteen slots of wheat or flour on the red cloth.
- Lighting Diyas: Light diyas around the altar as an offering to invite divine energy.
- Chant Mantras: Recite specific mantras dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi for blessings.
- Aarti Ceremony: Conclude with an Aarti, singing praises while rotating a lighted lamp in front of the idols.
Tips for Successful Lakshmi Puja
To ensure a smooth puja experience, consider these tips:
- Start Early: Begin preparations well in advance to avoid last-minute rushes.
- Maintain Cleanliness: A clean environment is crucial as it symbolizes purity.
- Invite Family Members: Involve all family members in the rituals for collective blessings.
- Focus on Positivity: Keep a positive mindset during the puja; it enhances spiritual energy.
Significance of Lakshmi Puja
Lakshmi Puja not only symbolizes wealth but also represents prosperity, health, and happiness in life. It is believed that performing this puja with devotion can help eliminate financial woes and attract abundance into one’s home.
Here are the top five essential preparations for Lakshmi Puja on Diwali 2024.
1. Cleaning the Home
One of the most critical steps in preparing for Lakshmi Puja is cleaning your home. A clean space is believed to invite Goddess Lakshmi into your home. According to tradition, clutter and dirt are thought to repel positive energy. Therefore, start by decluttering and thoroughly cleaning every corner of your house. Pay special attention to the entrance, as it symbolizes welcome and prosperity.
2. Decorating the Puja Area
After cleaning, focus on decorating the puja area. Cover a wooden stool or platform with a red cloth, which is considered auspicious. Place the idols of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesh on this platform along with a Shree Yantra, which represents wealth and prosperity. Flowers, especially marigolds, can be used to adorn the space as they are considered sacred. Lighting diyas (oil lamps) around the puja area enhances the festive atmosphere and symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness.
3. Gathering Puja Samagri
Before you can perform the puja, gather all necessary items or puja samagri. This typically includes:
- Idols or images of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesh
- Fresh flowers
- Fruits and sweets (like laddoos)
- Incense sticks or dhoop
- A plate for offerings
- Rice and grains
- A bell for ringing during prayers
Having these items ready ensures that you can perform the rituals smoothly without any last-minute rush.
4. Observing Fasting
Many devotees observe a fast on the day of Lakshmi Puja to purify their minds and bodies. This fast can vary; some choose a Nirjal fast (without water), while others may have a Phalahar fast (only fruits). The purpose of fasting is to show devotion and seek blessings from Goddess Lakshmi for prosperity in the coming year.
5. Choosing the Right Muhurat
Timing is crucial for performing Lakshmi Puja effectively. The best time to conduct the rituals is during Pradosh Kaal, which occurs after sunset and lasts for about two hours and twenty-four minutes. This period aligns with Sthir Lagna (fixed or stable), making it ideal for invoking blessings from Goddess Lakshmi. Make sure to check local timings as they may vary based on your location.
Laxmi Mata Aarti in English
Om Jai Lakshmi Mata, Maiya Jai Lakshmi Mata, Tumako Nishidin Sevat, Hari Vishnu Vidhata..!!
Om Jai Lakshmi Mata..!!
Uma Rama Brahmani, Tum Hi Jag-Mata, Surya-Chandrama Dhyavat, Naarad Rishi Gata..!!
Om Jai Lakshmi Mata..!!
Durga Roop Niranjani, Sukh Sampatti Data, Jo Koi Tumako Dhyavat, Riddhi-Siddhi Dhan Pata..!!
Om Jai Lakshmi Mata..!!
Tum Patal-Nivasini, Tum Hi Shubhdata, Karma-Prabhav-Prakashini, Bhavanidhi Ki Trata..!!
Om Jai Lakshmi Mata..!!
Jis Ghar Mein Tum Rahti, Sab Sadgun Aata, Sab Sambhav Ho Jata, Man Nahi Ghabrata..!!
Om Jai Lakshmi Mata..!!
Tum Bin Yagya Na Hote, Vastra Na Koi Pata, Khaan-Paan Ka Vaibhav, Sab Tumase Aata..!!
Om Jai Lakshmi Mata..!!
Shubh-Gun Mandir Sundar, Kshirodadhi-Jata, Ratna Chaturdash Tum Bin, Koi Nahi Pata..!!
Om Jai Lakshmi Mata..!!
Mahalakshmi Ji Ki Aarti, Jo Koi Jan Gata, Ur Anand Samata, Paap Utar Jata..!!
Om Jai Lakshmi Mata..!!
Laxmi Mata Aarti in Hindi
ॐ जय लक्ष्मी माता,मैया जय लक्ष्मी माता। तुमको निशिदिन सेवत,हरि विष्णु विधाता॥
ॐ जय लक्ष्मी माता॥
उमा, रमा, ब्रह्माणी,तुम ही जग-माता। सूर्य-चन्द्रमा ध्यावत,नारद ऋषि गाता॥
ॐ जय लक्ष्मी माता॥
दुर्गा रुप निरंजनी,सुख सम्पत्ति दाता। जो कोई तुमको ध्यावत,ऋद्धि-सिद्धि धन पाता॥
ॐ जय लक्ष्मी माता॥
तुम पाताल-निवासिनि,तुम ही शुभदाता। कर्म-प्रभाव-प्रकाशिनी,भवनिधि की त्राता॥
ॐ जय लक्ष्मी माता॥
जिस घर में तुम रहतीं,सब सद्गुण आता। सब सम्भव हो जाता,मन नहीं घबराता॥
ॐ जय लक्ष्मी माता॥
तुम बिन यज्ञ न होते,वस्त्र न कोई पाता। खान-पान का वैभव,सब तुमसे आता॥
ॐ जय लक्ष्मी माता॥
शुभ-गुण मन्दिर सुन्दर,क्षीरोदधि-जाता। रत्न चतुर्दश तुम बिन,कोई नहीं पाता॥
ॐ जय लक्ष्मी माता॥
महालक्ष्मीजी की आरती,जो कोई जन गाता। उर आनन्द समाता,पाप उतर जाता॥
ॐ जय लक्ष्मी माता॥