Maa Lakshmi Puja is an important ritual in Indian religious traditions, dedicated to the goddess Maa Lakshmi, who represents prosperity, wealth, and peace. Here is a brief overview of the procedure for Maa Lakshmi Puja:
|| Om Shreem Mahalakshmyai Namah. |
Significance: Maa Lakshmi Puja is performed to worship Maa Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity, wealth, and peace. This puja is especially observed on occasions such as Dhanteras, Diwali, and on the auspicious days of Shukla Paksha. Worshiping Maa Lakshmi is believed to improve financial conditions, maintain peace in the home, and bring prosperity into life.
Why is Maa Lakshmi Worshiped on Fridays?
Special Significance of Friday:
Friday is dedicated to Maa Lakshmi. It is associated with the planet “Shukra,” which symbolizes wealth, love, and peace. Performing puja on this day is believed to invoke the special blessings of Maa Lakshmi.
Attainment of Wealth and Prosperity:
Maa Lakshmi is considered the goddess of wealth and prosperity. Worshiping her on Fridays is said to improve financial conditions and ensure peace and happiness in the home.
Procedure for Maa Lakshmi Puja
1. Preparation:
-
- Wake up early on the day of the puja, take a bath, and wear clean clothes.
- Clean the puja area, spread a cloth, and place the picture or idol of Maa Lakshmi.
2. Begin with Ganesh Puja:
-
- Start the puja by worshiping Lord Ganesha to remove any obstacles. Offer him laddus, modaks, and flowers.
3. Worship Maa Lakshmi:
-
- Offer fragrant flowers, a lamp, incense sticks, and rice to the idol or picture of Maa Lakshmi.
- Present sweets, fruits, and donations to Maa Lakshmi.
4. Chanting and Prayers:
-
- Recite mantras such as “Om Mahalakshmyai Namah.”
- Specifically recite the “Shri Sukta,” which praises the goddess Lakshmi.
5. Lighting the Lamp and Aarti:
-
- Light a lamp at the puja site and perform the aarti for Maa Lakshmi.
- While performing the aarti, sing “Jai Lakshmi Mata” and move the lamp in all four directions.
6. Offering Food and Prasad:
-
- At the end of the puja, distribute the offered food (bhog) as prasad among the devotees, and serve food to everyone with a joyful heart.
7. Meditation and Resolution:
-
- After the puja, pray to Maa Lakshmi for wealth, happiness, and prosperity. Take a vow for peace and prosperity in your home.
8. Special Attention:
-
- Maintain cleanliness in the house and ensure that every corner is tidy on the day of the puja. Especially on the night of Lakshmi Puja, welcome peace and prosperity into the home.
What to Do in the Puja Procedure:
- Maintain Cleanliness: Clean the puja area and spread a cloth.
- Bathing and Clothing: Wake up early, bathe, and wear clean clothes.
- Ganesh Worship: Worship Lord Ganesh and take a vow for the fast.
- Worship Maa Lakshmi: Offer flowers, lamps, and incense sticks to the picture or idol of Maa Lakshmi.
- Mantra Chanting: Recite “Om Mahalakshmyai Namah” and “Shri Sukta.
- Aarti: Light a lamp and perform the aarti for Maa Lakshmi, moving the lamp in all four directions.
- Offer Food: Present sweets and fruits, and distribute prasad.
- Prayers: Pray to Maa Lakshmi for wealth, happiness, and prosperity.
What Not to Do in the Puja Procedure:
- Avoid Obstacles in Worship: Do not let any obstacles arise during the puja.
- Avoid Dirt or Impurity: Do not keep dirt or impurities in the puja area or your clothing.
- Negativity: Avoid negative thoughts and anger during the puja.
- Avoid Negative Thoughts: Steer clear of disputes, arguments, or any other negative activities during the worship.