🌺 Sri Lakshmi Puja — Worship of Goddess Lakshmi
Sri Lakshmi Puja is a sacred ritual dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth, prosperity, fortune, and beauty. It is one of the most widely performed pujas, especially during festivals like Diwali, Varalakshmi Vratam, and Sharad Purnima, aiming to invoke her blessings for material and spiritual prosperity.
🌟 Significance of Sri Lakshmi Puja
- Goddess Lakshmi is considered the consort of Lord Vishnu, representing the energy that sustains life and wealth.
- Worshipping her brings abundance, prosperity, and good fortune in both personal and professional life.
- The puja symbolizes removal of poverty and darkness, both materially and spiritually.
- It is especially important for business owners, homemakers, and anyone seeking success and growth.
🛕 Deities Worshipped
- Goddess Lakshmi (main deity)
- Sometimes accompanied by Lord Ganesha (remover of obstacles)
- Occasionally Lord Vishnu is also worshipped alongside
🪔 Sri Lakshmi Puja Samagri (Items Needed)
- Idol or picture of Goddess Lakshmi
- Flowers (lotus, marigold, hibiscus)
- Kumkum, turmeric, sandalwood paste
- Incense sticks, oil lamp (diya)
- Fruits, sweets, coconut
- Rice grains, akshata (raw rice mixed with turmeric)
- Panchamrit (milk, curd, honey, sugar, ghee) for abhishekam (optional)
- Coins or gold/silver jewelry (symbolic offering)
- Betel leaves and nuts
- Kalash (holy water pot)
- New cloth for decorating the altar
🕉️ Sri Lakshmi Puja Procedure
- Preparation:
Clean the puja area and decorate with flowers and rangoli. Place the idol or picture on an altar. - Sankalpa (Resolution):
Make a vow to perform the puja sincerely to seek Goddess Lakshmi’s blessings. - Invocation (Avahana):
Invoke Goddess Lakshmi and other deities by chanting mantras and prayers. - Abhishekam (Holy Bath):
If desired, perform abhishekam on the idol with panchamrit or water. - Alankara (Decoration):
Decorate the idol with flowers, sandalwood paste, and vermilion. - Offering Naivedya:
Present fruits, sweets, coconut, and symbolic coins as offerings. - Lighting Incense and Diya:
Light incense sticks and an oil lamp to purify the surroundings. - Chanting Mantras:
Recite Lakshmi mantras such as:- Om Shreem Mahalakshmiyei Namah
- Om Hreem Shreem Lakshmibhayo Namah
- Aarti:
Perform aarti with a diya while singing devotional hymns or bhajans. - Prasad Distribution:
Distribute the blessed offerings to family and guests.
📜 Popular Lakshmi Mantras
- Sri Lakshmi Mantra:
Om Shreem Mahalakshmiyei Namah - Lakshmi Gayatri Mantra:
Om Mahalakshmyai Cha Vidmahe Vishnu Patnyai Cha Dheemahi Tanno Lakshmi Prachodayat
🙏 Benefits of Sri Lakshmi Puja
- Invokes Goddess Lakshmi’s blessings for wealth, prosperity, and success.
- Helps remove financial difficulties and obstacles.
- Brings peace, happiness, and spiritual growth.
- Enhances positive energy and harmony in the home and workplace.
