Diwali is one of the most awaited festivals in India. The entire nation celebrates it with great pomp and shows. It marks the victory of good over evil. Moreover, Lord Rama along with Mata Sita and Lakshman came back to Ayodhya after completing 14 years of exile. So, the residents of Ayodhya were extremely happy. So, they lighted the entire region of Ayodhya with earthen lamps and Diyas. Additionally, they decorated the area using flowers. Nevertheless, Indians continue to practice this tradition.
So, if Diwali is all about Lord Rama then the question arises why Laxmi and Ganesh puja plays a major role?
Why we do Laxmi puja on Diwali?
There is an interesting story behind Laxmi pooja on Diwali. Once, there was a very poor brahmin who was in the constant need of wealth. So, he went to a priest to seek a solution. The priest advised him to worship the goddess Laxmi to gain wealth. Currently, we live in Kalyug where people desire wealth and prosperity more than anything else. Thus, worshiping Laxmi on this auspicious occasion is quite sensible.
Another reason why people worship the goddess Laxmi on Diwali is that it falls during that period when Lord Vishnu is sleeping. Many people believe that Lord Vishnu, husband of the goddess Laxmi sleeps from Shayani Ekadashi to Prabodhini Ekadashi. Furthermore, Diwali symbolizes the death of several demons like Narkasur by Lord Krishana, arrogant Bali as well as Ravana. Prosperity comes by the victory of good over evil. Thus, Shastras recommended worshiping the goddess of prosperity i.e Mata Laxmi on this holy day.
Why do we worship Lord Ganesha on Diwali?
On the occasion of Diwali Lord Ganesha – the elephant-headed god is also worshiped. According to Hindu mythology, Maa Laxmi adopted Ganesha from Maa Parvati because Mata Laxmi was childless. Moreover, out of her love for her only child Ganesha she proclaimed that all her prosperity, accomplishments and luxury belongs to Lord Ganesha as well. People also believe that whosoever does not worship Lord Ganesha along with Maa Laxmi will face scarcity of wealth and success in his life.
Even, it is right to say that what is the use of wealth without prosperity? Money without the wisdom to use it accurately?
So, people worship Lord Ganesha to maintain a proper balance between the two forces. Additionally, Hindus consider Lord Ganesha to be the most righteous god.
All in all, the above reasons illustrate why we do Laxmi and Ganesha puja on Deepavali.
Laxmi Ganesh puja
Laxmi puja comprises of a combined puja of five deities:
- Ganesha
- Mahalakshmi
- Mahakali
- Mahasarswati
- Kubera
Ganesha is also known as Vighneshvara. At the beginning of any ritual people worship Lord Ganesha
To ensure wealth, money, books, learning, and bravery people worship the three forms of Maa Laxmi.
To protect the treasure of wealth, Hindus worship the god of treasures Kubera.
How Hindus perform Laxmi Ganesha Puja?
Before beginning the Puja, it is mandatory to clean and purify the area using coal or cow dung. To clean the aura we can also use readymade dhoops available in the market.
So, to welcome the goddess Laxmi devotees thoroughly clean their houses and decorate them with lights. Devotees offer a variety of sweet and delicious desserts. Even, people believe that the happiness of the goddess Laxmi is directly proportional to her blessings.
Bengalis perform Laxmi puja on Sharada Purnima. On this day women worship Mata Laxmi after cleaning and decorating their houses.
People draw a lotus over the rice grains using turmeric powder (Haldi). Then, they place the idol of the goddess Laxmi on the top of the Kalash. Devotees place some coins around the idol to honor Maa Laxmi.
The idol of Lord Ganesha is placed on the right-hand side pointing towards the south-west direction. A special lamp is placed in front of Lord Ganesha for Laxmi and Ganesh puja. During the puja, devotees place ink, business account, silver coins near the idols.
First of all, devotees offer turmeric and flowers to the goddess Laxmi and then to the water. Moreover, Maa Saraswati is invoked to be part of this holy ritual. After that holy prayers are recited. Next, devotees wash the idol of Maa Laxmi with the water containing an ornament. Finally, people offer perfume, turmeric, sweets, and so on to the goddess Laxmi and Lord Ganesha.
Hindus draw the Swastika symbol on the safe to worship Lord Kubera.
Lastly, In a silent and sublime atmosphere, devotees do Aarti.
Conclusion
All in all, these are the dominant reasons why Laxmi and Ganesh puja is very important on the day of Diwali. So, it is very crucial to perform puja by following all the prescribed rituals. Indo-China also performs this holy ritual of Laxmi and Ganesha puja.You can start designing a Diwali banner here.
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