Laxmi Puja Vidhi - Diwali 2023

*1. * Preparation:

Clean your house thoroughly, creating a pure and welcoming atmosphere for Goddess Lakshmi.
Decorate the entrance with colorful rangoli and light oil lamps (diyas) to invite positive energy.
Set up a clean and quiet space for the puja, preferably in your home's prayer room.

*2. * Gather Puja Items:
Idol or image of Goddess Lakshmi
Idol or image of Lord Ganesha
Coins
Flowers, especially lotus flowers (considered auspicious for Lakshmi)
Fruits and sweets as offerings
Incense sticks, camphor, and oil lamps
Puja thali (plate) containing turmeric, kumkum, rice, and water
A new notebook and pen for accounting purposes (symbolizing wealth)

*3. * Puja Ritual:
Begin by lighting the oil lamps and incense sticks.
Place the idols or images of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha on a clean cloth on the puja altar.
Offer water, turmeric, kumkum, and rice to the deities while chanting their respective mantras.
Perform aarti (waving of lamps) to the deities while singing hymns or bhajans in their praise.
Offer flowers, fruits, sweets, and coins to the deities as a symbol of devotion and gratitude.

*4. * Goddess Lakshmi's Mantra:
Chant Goddess Lakshmi's mantra: "Om Shreem Hreem Shreem Kamale Kamalalaye Praseed Praseed" while offering flowers.
Recite this mantra with sincerity and devotion.

*5. * Lord Ganesha's Mantra:
Chant Lord Ganesha's mantra: "Om Gam Ganapataye Namaha" while offering sweets or fruits.
Seek the blessings of Lord Ganesha for the successful completion of the puja.

*6. * Accounting Ritual (Chopda Pujan):
Write accounts and business transactions in the new notebook, symbolizing the prosperity of your business or finances.
Offer this notebook to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha as a mark of your dedication to ethical wealth and prosperity.

*7. * Aarti and Prayers:
Perform aarti with camphor, circling it in front of the deities and then seeking their blessings by touching it to your eyes and forehead.
Offer your personal prayers, expressing gratitude, and seeking blessings for your family's well-being and prosperity.

*8. * Distribution of Prasad:
Distribute the blessed prasad (offerings) to your family members and guests, spreading the divine blessings.

*9. * Safe Celebrations:
If you plan to burst crackers, ensure a safe environment following local guidelines and prioritizing safety.

*10. * Charity and Gratitude:
Consider donating to the less fortunate as an act of charity, which is an essential part of Laxmi Puja.
Express gratitude for the blessings in your life and share your wealth with those in need.
Remember, the key to a successful Laxmi Puja is devotion, sincerity, and a pure heart. May Goddess Lakshmi shower her blessings on you and your family, bringing prosperity and happiness into your lives.