Maha Lakshmi Pooja
On August 21, 2024In Hinduism, Goddess Mahalakshmi is the one who bestows auspiciousness, abundance, wealth, beauty, good fortune, prosperity, and fertility. She is the wife of Lord Vishnu, and took different forms to be with her husband whenever he incarnated on earth. Mythology says that she emerged during the churning of the Milky Ocean to find Amrit, or the divine nectar of immortality. She is a symbol of divine grace.
She is referred to as Prakriti in the Garuda Purana and Vishnu Purana. Her 3 forms are Sri, Bhu, and Durga. In the Lakshmi Tantra, a Pancharatra text, one of her forms is Durga. She gets the name as she slew a demon called Durgamasura.
She is said to have 8 forms collectively called Ashtalakshmi. Each form represents a particular aspect of her grace. The Ashta Lakshmis are Adi Lakshmi (the first form of Lakshmi), Gajalakshmi (signifying wealth and prosperity; Gaja’ means ‘elephant’), Vijayalakshmi (signifying victory), Dhaanya Lakshmi (giver of grains; ‘Dhaanya’ means ‘grains’), Dhana Lakshmi (giver of wealth; ‘Dhana’ means ‘wealth’), Vidya Lakshmi (giver of knowledge; ‘Vidya’ means ‘knowledge’), Veera Lakshmi (giver of courage; ‘Veera’ means ‘courage’), and Santana Lakshmi (giver of progeny; ‘Santana’ means ‘children’).
Significance of Goddess Mahalakshmi
'Lakshmi' is from the Sanskrit word, ‘Lakshya’, which means ‘ambition, target or goal.’ It reminds us to be focused in life in order to achieve our goals.
Though most people associate the Goddess with money, fortune, and prosperity, the wealth she bestows is both material and spiritual. It includes noble virtues, moral and ethical values, and intellect. Our sadgunas or innate virtues represent her divine qualities.
Purusha and Prakriti are important concepts in Hinduism. While Purusha is the source of everything that exists and dwells in the center of all things, Prakriti is energy and represents movement. It is nature or everything that we see around us. In the Vaishnava tradition, Vishnu is Purusha, and Lakshmi is Prakriti. Both are responsible for all existence.
Goddess Lakshmi in the Scriptures
The Rig Veda is one of the first Hindu texts to mention Lakshmi. There is mention of her in the Atharva Veda too. Vishnu Purana and other Puranas have many stories about her. One of the Upanishads, Saubhagya Lakshmi Upanishad, is exclusively about her. It talks about her characteristics and powers.
Festivals for Lakshmi
Lakshmi Pooja is an important part of the Diwali festival. On this day, people clean and decorate their houses and light diyas to welcome Goddess Lakshmi into their homes. She is also worshipped as Gajalakshmi on Sharad Purnima in Ashwin month. People thank her for a bountiful harvest on this day. Varalakshmi Vratham is another important observance that pays homage to Lakshmi.
Maha Lakshmi Pooja
This Pooja is a powerful ritual to invoke Goddess Lakshmi’s blessings. People perform it to gain wealth, prosperity, success, and abundance in life.
It is a very auspicious ritual for those who seek material wealth and success. Lakshmi embodies good fortune and abundance. This Pooja can bestow success in business, financial stability, and overall prosperity.
Things Needed for Mahalakshmi Pooja
1. Idols of Ganesha and Lakshmi
2. Account books or 'Bahi-Khata'
3. A yellow cloth, a red silk cloth to cover the idol of the Goddess, and an inkpot with a pen.
4. A red cloth to be kept where Ganesha's idol is to be placed.
5. A wooden stool to keep the idols of Ganesha and Lakshmi.
6. Five big earthen lamps or 'diyas' for worship.
7. 25 small earthen lamps or 'diyas'.
8. A kalash.
9. Three garlands of freshly plucked flowers.
10. Leaves plucked from tulsi and Bilva plants.
11. Sweets, fruits like banana and apple, and parched rice.
12. Three pans made from betel leaves.
13. A stick that can be used as a pan. It should be made of pomegranate or bilva plant.
14. Durva grass.
15. Twigs of Peepal, Banyan, Bakul, Palash and Mango trees.
16. Ten herbs for performing the rituals - Musta, Champak, Sunhi, Daru Haradi, Haradi, Shaileya, Kustha, Bach, Jatamasi and Mura.
17. Mud taken from the following different places: Horse stable, Elephant stable, cow shelter, ant heap, royal palace, lowland and a river confluence.
Mahalakshmi Pooja Vidhi
Maha Lakshmi Pooja involves various rituals like the following:
Significance of Goddess Mahalakshmi
'Lakshmi' is from the Sanskrit word, ‘Lakshya’, which means ‘ambition, target or goal.’ It reminds us to be focused in life in order to achieve our goals.
Though most people associate the Goddess with money, fortune, and prosperity, the wealth she bestows is both material and spiritual. It includes noble virtues, moral and ethical values, and intellect. Our sadgunas or innate virtues represent her divine qualities.
Purusha and Prakriti are important concepts in Hinduism. While Purusha is the source of everything that exists and dwells in the center of all things, Prakriti is energy and represents movement. It is nature or everything that we see around us. In the Vaishnava tradition, Vishnu is Purusha, and Lakshmi is Prakriti. Both are responsible for all existence.
Goddess Lakshmi in the Scriptures
The Rig Veda is one of the first Hindu texts to mention Lakshmi. There is mention of her in the Atharva Veda too. Vishnu Purana and other Puranas have many stories about her. One of the Upanishads, Saubhagya Lakshmi Upanishad, is exclusively about her. It talks about her characteristics and powers.
Festivals for Lakshmi
Lakshmi Pooja is an important part of the Diwali festival. On this day, people clean and decorate their houses and light diyas to welcome Goddess Lakshmi into their homes. She is also worshipped as Gajalakshmi on Sharad Purnima in Ashwin month. People thank her for a bountiful harvest on this day. Varalakshmi Vratham is another important observance that pays homage to Lakshmi.
Maha Lakshmi Pooja
This Pooja is a powerful ritual to invoke Goddess Lakshmi’s blessings. People perform it to gain wealth, prosperity, success, and abundance in life.
It is a very auspicious ritual for those who seek material wealth and success. Lakshmi embodies good fortune and abundance. This Pooja can bestow success in business, financial stability, and overall prosperity.
Things Needed for Mahalakshmi Pooja
1. Idols of Ganesha and Lakshmi
2. Account books or 'Bahi-Khata'
3. A yellow cloth, a red silk cloth to cover the idol of the Goddess, and an inkpot with a pen.
4. A red cloth to be kept where Ganesha's idol is to be placed.
5. A wooden stool to keep the idols of Ganesha and Lakshmi.
6. Five big earthen lamps or 'diyas' for worship.
7. 25 small earthen lamps or 'diyas'.
8. A kalash.
9. Three garlands of freshly plucked flowers.
10. Leaves plucked from tulsi and Bilva plants.
11. Sweets, fruits like banana and apple, and parched rice.
12. Three pans made from betel leaves.
13. A stick that can be used as a pan. It should be made of pomegranate or bilva plant.
14. Durva grass.
15. Twigs of Peepal, Banyan, Bakul, Palash and Mango trees.
16. Ten herbs for performing the rituals - Musta, Champak, Sunhi, Daru Haradi, Haradi, Shaileya, Kustha, Bach, Jatamasi and Mura.
17. Mud taken from the following different places: Horse stable, Elephant stable, cow shelter, ant heap, royal palace, lowland and a river confluence.
Mahalakshmi Pooja Vidhi
Maha Lakshmi Pooja involves various rituals like the following:
- Sankalpa/Resolution: The devotee has to make a vow to perform the Pooja with the aim of seeking wealth and success.
- Purification: The Pooja area and participants are purified using holy water and by chanting Mantras.
- Invocation: The priest invokes the goddess’ blessings by reciting specific Mantras and chants.
- Offerings: Offerings including sweets, fruits, flowers, and incense are made.
- Lakshmi Aarti: The Pooja ends with the singing of Lakshmi Aarti, after which Prasad is distributed to everyone who is present.
- Helps Attract Wealth: It helps attract financial abundance and prosperity.
- Brings Success: It brings success in personal life and professional endeavors, growth, and achievement.
- Eliminates Financial Hurdles: Helps one to overcome financial hurdles and challenges.
- Bestows Peace and Harmony: It brings peace and harmony, both at home and work.
- Boosts Material Comforts: It bestows material wealth, luxuries, and comforts.
