📜 Significance:
Lakshmi Poojan, performed on the main day of Diwali (Amavasya), is one of the most sacred and celebrated rituals in Maharashtra. This puja is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth, prosperity, and fortune, along with Lord Kuber and Lord Ganesha.
On this auspicious night, it is believed that Goddess Lakshmi visits homes that are clean, well-lit, and where She is worshipped with devotion, bringing with Her blessings of abundance and peace.
🗓️ When It’s Performed:
On the third day of Diwali, which falls on Amavasya (new moon day) of Kartik month (October–November).
Puja should be done during the Pradosh Kaal (early evening after sunset).
🛐 Who Can Perform:
- Every household, business owner, or shopkeeper in Maharashtra performs Lakshmi Poojan.
- It can be done by the head of the family or by inviting a Panditji for elaborate Vedic rituals.
📦 Puja Samagri (Items Required):
- Silver or brass Lakshmi-Ganesha idols or photos
- Kalash with mango leaves
- Red cloth, clean puja chowki
- Rice, roli, haldi, kumkum
- Coins, currency notes (symbolic for wealth)
- Lotus flowers, garland
- Incense sticks, diya (especially 11 or 21 oil lamps)
- Sweets (especially Karanji, Ladoo, Peda)
- Panchamrit
- Sugarcane, betel leaves, nuts, dry fruits
- Account books (Bahi-Khata) for business owners
🕯️ Main Rituals:
- Cleaning the house thoroughly and decorating with rangoli, torans, and lights
- Installation of Lakshmi-Ganesha idols
- Kalash Sthapana & invoking the presence of Goddess Lakshmi
- Shodashopachara Puja (16-step worship)
- Recitation of Lakshmi Ashtottara or Lakshmi Stotra
- Aarti of Lakshmi, Ganesha, and Kuber
- Offering Bhog and distributing prasad
- Lighting diyas in all rooms to welcome positive energy
⏳ Duration of Puja:
Approximately 1 to 1.5 hours
🎁 Benefits of Lakshmi Poojan:
- Brings financial stability, peace, and prosperity
- Helps in removing debts and losses
- Encourages new beginnings in business or personal life
- Ensures blessings from the divine feminine energy
