|
|
 |
Diwali Lakshmi Puja |
 |
|
|
|
| Lakshmi Puja on Diwali is an integral part of the Diwali celebrations. This day is also known by the name of 'Chopada-Puja'. Lakshmi-Puja is performed for the sole purpose of propitiating Goddess Lakshmi and to thank Her for the bestowal of her blessings on the humans. Lakshmi-Puja falls on the darkest night of Amavasya, though with the help of innumerable lamps and diyas this darkness is reduced to such an extent that it seems as if one is celebrating Diwali in broad daylight. |
Lakshmi Puja on Diwali is a major part of the Diwali celebration in North and West India. According to the legend associated with Lakshmi Puja, there once occurred the churning of ocean by the demons and the deities in order to look for the 'amrit' or the 'drink of immortality'. On this day Goddess Lakshmi manifested herself from the ocean and since then Diwali began to be celebrated and Lakshmi Puja became an important part of the Diwali celebrations in order to commemorate the Goddess Lakshmi.
According to a common belief Goddess Lakshmi walks through the green fields as well as the bye-lanes in order to shower her blessings on the human race for peace, wealth and prosperity. Thus everyone is advised to open the doors and the windows of their homes on the eve of Lakshmi Puja.
Cleanliness forms another important part of the rituals of Lakshmi Puja on Diwali. People try to keep their houses neat and clean on this day, as Goddess Lakshmi is believed to like cleanliness and she visits the cleanliest house first. Another ritual is of lighting the diyas and lamps on the eve of Diwali in order to light up the path of Goddess Lakshmi. Puja for five deities are included in the process of Lakshmi Puja on Diwali. Foremost Lord Ganesha is worshipped in the beginning of the Puja, then Goddess Lakshmi is revered through the Lakshmi Puja, Mahasaraswati who is regarded to be the goddess of books and learning is worshipped for gaining of knowledge and last but not the least Lord Kubera who is the treasurer of the wealth of gods.
|
|
|
|
|
