Festival & deity
Significance
Diwali Lakshmi Puja celebrates the evening Goddess Lakshmi emerged from the Samudra Manthan (Churning of the Cosmic Ocean) to bless humanity with spiritual wealth, material prosperity, and liberation from poverty.
Festival Samagri Checklist
- Idols/Pictures of Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Ganesha, and Lord Kuber
- Earthen Diyas (minimum 11, 21, or 31), mustard oil or ghee, and wicks
- One large 4-faced oil lamp (Chowmukhi Diya)
- Kheel (puffed rice), Batasha (sugar drops), and Lotus flowers
- Cash, silver coins, ledger books/laptops, and jewelry box
- Coriander seeds (Dhaniya dana) and Kamalgatta (lotus seeds)
Step-by-step procedure
Step 1
Altar Preparation & Kuber Sthapana
Shastri Ji says: Perform this Puja during Pradosh Kaal. Lay a red cloth on a Chowki. Place Goddess Lakshmi in the center, Lord Ganesha to Her right, and a cash box/jewelry/silver coins representing Lord Kuber to Her left.
ॐ श्रीं ह्रीं क्लीं श्रीं सिद्ध लक्ष्म्यै नमः।
Step 2
Pujan of Ledger Books & Wealth
Apply Roli Swastik on account books, laptops, or cash boxes. Place coriander seeds and Kamalgatta near the silver coins. Offer Lotus flowers to Goddess Lakshmi.
ॐ कुबेराय नमःॐ धनेश्वरै नमः
Step 3
Kheel-Batasha Offering & Main Diya Lighting
Offer Kheel and Batasha as the primary seasonal Bhog. Light the large 4-faced Ghee Diya (Chowmukhi Diya) in front of the deities; this central flame must burn throughout the night.
नमस्तेस्तु महामाये श्रीपीठे सुरपूजिते।शङ्खचक्रगदाहस्ते महालक्ष्मि नमोस्तु ते॥
Step 4
Mahalakshmi Aarti & House Diya Distribution
Sing 'Om Jai Lakshmi Mata' Aarti while ringing the bell. Take light from the main altar to light all remaining earthen diyas and distribute them across windows, doors, threshold, and balcony.
ॐ जय लक्ष्मी माता, मैया जय लक्ष्मी माता।