Diwali

Significance

It is believed that Goddess Laxmi visits everyhouse during Diwali and brings peace and prosperity to all. On the night of Diwali "Lakshmi-Pujan" is performed in the evening. A traditional Pujan is performed after sunset in all the homes and Lord Ganesha and Laxmi are worshipped along with Saraswati and Kali.

History

The religious significance of Diwali varies regionally within India, depending on the school of Hindu philosophy, regional myths, legends, and beliefs. Many see Diwali honouring the return of the god Rama, his wife Sita and his brother Lakshmana from exile of 14 years, as told in the ancient Hindu epic Ramayana.

Determination of Date

Deepawali is celebrated on Kartik Amavasya falling at Pradosh. If Kartik Amavasya falls on two days and falls or does not fall at Pradosh then it is celebrated on second day.

How to Celebrate

Steps of Puja:

Sprinkle Gangajal everywhere at home.

Write Om and Swastik on safe and jewellery boxes.

Arrange Puja Material and Start Puja:

Establish new idols of Laxmi -Ganesha (made of mercury) at place of worship during recommended Muhurat Lagnam.

Sprinkle Gangajal on these idols.

Decorate Puja Thali by placing following articles in it- Gunja, Kalawa, Roli, Mauli, Akshat, Mala, Dhoop, Scent, Deepak, Gangajal, Paan, Supari, Kapur, Laung, ilaichi, Misri, Kamalgatta Seeds, Yagyopaveet, Chandan, Laghu Nariyal, Kauri, Gomati Chakra etc. ( This puja material along with idols of laxmi- ganesha are available in Deepawali Pujan Kit of Future Point.) Write Om and Swastik with Roli in front of Laxmi- Ganesha and place the poster of Ahoi Ashtami along with the idols on a card board frame.

Prepare Panchamrita, Panchameva, Kheer and Besan Laddus for Prasadam. Establish Kalash by placing mango leaves in it. Fill it with water and put Supari, durva, akshat, flowers and coins in it. Tie mauli in it and chant "Om Varunaay Namah" 11 times. Place Laxmi Ganesha coin in a plate.

Begin Puja by offering the puja articles placed in Puja ki thali one by one. Recite following Mantra while offering each article- "Om Laxmiganeshabhyaam Namah"

Now recite following Mantra of Lord Ganesha 108 times- "Om Gang Ganapatye Namah " Recite following Mantra of goddess Laxmi 108 times on a rosary of lotus beads- "Om Shreeng Hreeng Kleeng Mahalaxmyai Namah"

Now do Abhishekam of Laxmi Ganesha coin placed in a separate thali by sprinkling gangajal, milk and honey and reciting "Om Laxmiganeshabhyaam Namah" mantra

Now if possible chant Srisuktam and Laxmi Suktam followed by Aarti of Ganesha and Laxmi ji. Burn kapoor in Puja ki Thali while starting Aarti.

Next day morning after having bath and doing Puja, pick Gomati chakra, kauri, gunja and Laxmi Ganesha coin from place of worship. Touch them on your forehead and place in safe, jewelry box, grain store and wallet.

Deepawali / Laxmi Pujan Vrat (fast)
(For the attainment of Riddhi, Siddhi, Wealth and Prosperity)

According Devraj Indra Goddess Laxmi is Riddhi, Siddhi, Buddhi and Mukti Pradatri means she bestows wealth, intelligence, success, salvation, Mantra Siddhi and power. She is the basis of Yogashakti, therefore nothing can be achieved without her blessings. On this day it is considered very auspicious to worship Goddess Laxmi.

Method of Observing Deepawali / Laxmi Pujan Vrat

On this day people from the evening start making preparation for Laxmi Puja. Sriyantra, Kuber Yantra, Kanakdhara Yantra, Ganpati Yantra and idol of Laxmi Ganesha are worshipped by performing Shodashopchar Puja and by chanting Srisooktam and Laxmi Sooktam. Finally in the end read Deepawali Vrata Katha also.