Lakshmi-Ganesh Puja for Diwali

Lakshmi Ganesh Puja is the most significant aspect of Diwali celebrations in India. Hindus observe the elaborate Lakshmi Ganesh Pooja with devotion and sincerity. It is believed that by propitiating Goddess Laxmi on the auspicious Diwali night one is blessed with riches and prosperity.

Significance of Lakshmi Ganesh Puja
On the day of Diwali people celebrate the birth of Goddess Lakshmi or the Goddess of Wealth hence Lakshmi Puja is an integral part of Diwali celebrations. Hindu businessmen regard the day of Diwali as New Year's time. They start new account books on this day and seek blessings from Goddess Lakshmi. Astrologically this day is important as on the Diwali day sun enters its second course and passes Libra which is represented by the balance or scale. Hence, this design of Libra is believed to have suggested the balancing of account books and their closing.

Traditional Lakshmi Ganesh Puja involves a combined worship of five deities. Just as in all other Pujas, Lord Ganesha - the Vighanharta is worshiped in the beginning. Goddess Lakshmi is worshiped in her three forms as Mahalakshmi - the Goddess of Wealth, Mahasaraswati - the Goddess of Learning and Mahakali. There is also a tradition to worship Kuber - the Treasurer of the Gods.

Preparations for Laxmi Ganesh Puja
While preparing for Laxmi Ganesh Pooja utmost stress is laid on the cleanliness. People sincerely believe that Goddess Laxmi visits the cleanest houses first. After ensuring that the house is spotlessly clean, lamps are lit all round to guide the path of the Goddess of Wealth. Colorful Rangolis are also drawn in front of the house to welcome the Goddess. There is also a tradition to worship broom on this day as it helps to clean the house. Puja room of the house is also cleaned properly to make it fit for the Diwali Lakshmi Puja.

Rituals of Lakshmi Ganesh Pooja
Devotees believe that Goddess Lakshmi visit everyone during Diwali and brings peace and prosperity to all. Following this belief an elaborate Lakshmi Ganesh Puja is performed after sunset on Diwali day. Given here are rituals of Lakshmi Ganesh Puja.

When the prior preparation for the Puja are complete all members of the family gather in the worship place to carry out the Puja. Deities of Goddess Lakshmi and Ganesh are placed on a raised platform covered with cloth. Deities are given a ritual bath first with the water, then with panchamitra or rose water, followed by water once more. Diyas are lighted in front of the deities to ward of evil spirits.

The idols are wiped and placed by a kalash filled with rice grains. Fruits, sweets and salty snacks are arranged in a plate which would be used as prasad. Now offering of flowers, abir, sindoor and haldi are made to the Goddess. At this point incense sticks are burnt and lamps filled with ghee are lit.

Devotees also make offerings of fruit, sweets, salty snacks and offer dakshina (token money), which could be given to the poor. Betel leaves and cloves are also offered. Now devotees pray to the Goddess Lakshmi and seek her blessings. Offering of lotus and other flowers is made to the Goddess and arti is sung in her praise. Prasad is distributed amongst all at the end of the Puja.