Majority of Hindus perform Lakshmi puja at their homes, it is the festival of lights and performing Lakshmi puja during Diwali is said to bless the household with health, wealth, prosperity and happiness. Here we discuss the significance of Lakshmi Puja and the procedure to perform the Puja.

The time when the Puja is performed

It is believed that two and half hours immediately after the sun sets Lakshmi visits every household to bless them, this time is very well known as Pardosh time. The best time to perform Lakshmi puja is during Pardosh time on the Diwali Day.

Components required

Images of Lord Ganesh, Lakshmi and Vishnu, kalash and a lamp.

Currency notes, whole turmeric, silver coin, seeds of lotus flower, cotton seeds, coriander seeds, red color cloth and rice.

Camphor, lamp, ghee or oil, incense and match box.

During this puja, students can keep their books and notebooks, account books and tools used for business. If a copy of business license is obtained it can be kept ready as well in front of the altar during the puja.

Preparations for the Puja

The puja altar should be prepared in the evening after having a bath. Make a platform with a red cloth on it, place three heaps of rice on it and place images of the idols Ganesh, Lakshmi and Vishnu. If the kalash has to be set up, place it in the copper pot with rice inside, mango leaves on the neck and inverted coconut on the kalash. Also, decorate the images as well as the kalash with turmeric paste, sandal paste, vermilion, rice, flowers and garlands.

Procedure to be followed

The lamp should be lit with ghee or oil and an incense stick.

Start with the Ganesh puja to remove the obstacles on the way of completing the Lakshmi puja. Offer some dry fruits, betel leaves and nuts to Lord Ganesh.

With all the family members chant Lakshmi mantra for 108 times and offer a tilak to Lakshmi inviting her to your household, also offer Prasad, betel leaves and nuts.

Along with Lakshmi worship lord Vishnu as well to be present in the household along with her and make offerings to lord Vishnu as well.

Do aarti and pray for welfare of the family, happiness, wealth and prosperity.

Arrange some gifts for married women and maiden girls after the puja.

In preference, the lamp is left to burn the whole night after the puja.