Laksmi Puja- Importance of Lakshmi Puja in Diwali

Posted on August 13, 2007 in Diwali In Hinduism

Esoteric Significance of Diwali
Why is Goddess Lakshmi Worshipped?

While Deepavali is commonly referred to as the “festival of lights”, the most important esoteric significance is “the awareness of the inner light”.


Beyond the Physical State

Integral to Hindu philosophy, is the affirmation that there is something above the physical body and mind which is uncontaminated, endless, and perpetual, known as the Atman. Similar to the celebration at the birth of man’s physical being, Deepavali is the commemoration of this Inner Light, specifically the knowledge of which surpasses all darkness. This inner light eliminates all hindrances and drives out all ignorance. It also makes an individual conscious of one’s true nature, not as the body, but as the ageless, endless, and inspiring reality. With the awareness of the Atman, come universal empathy, love, and the knowledge of the oneness of all things resulting in Ananda or inner joy or peace.


Deepavali commemorates this by means of celebratory fireworks, lights, flowers, sweets, and reverence. While the anecdote behind Deepavali differs from region to region, the spirit is the same; to exult in the Inner Light or Atman or the fundamental reality of all things.


Significance of the Five Days

In most parts of India, Diwali is celebrated for five days with each day having its own significance.


The First day is referred to as Dhanteras or Dhantrayodashi which is observed on the thirteenth day of the month of Kartik. The word “Dhan” denotes wealth and hence this day of the five-day Diwali festival has special significance for the wealthy business community of Western India. Residential as well as business premises are refurnished and adorned. Exquisite traditional motifs of Rangoli designs are used to decorate the entrances of households as well as business houses to greet Lakshmi, the Goddess of riches and opulence. To signify her long-anticipated arrival, small footprints are made with rice flour together with vermilion powder in almost every part of the house and lamps are lit as part of the ritual to welcome the goddess.

On this auspicious day it is a custom for women to buy some gold or silver and those who cannot afford to buy them try to buy one or two new utensils. In the evenings “Lakshmi-Puja” is performed and small diyas made of clay are lit to expel the shadows of evil spirits. “Bhajans” or religious songs dedicated to Goddess Laxmi are sung with a “Naivedya” of traditional sweets made available to the Goddess.


The second day of diwali is known as Narka Chaturdashi or Choti Diwali which is observed on the fourteenth day of the month of Kartik.


The third day of Diwali is the most significant day for Lakshmi Puja and is completely dedicated to the worship of Goddess Lakshmi. This day is also referred to as the day of “Chopada-Puja”.


The fourth day of Diwali is known as Padwa or Varshapratipada and is observed in commemoration of King Vikramaditya’s coronation and Vikaram-Samvat was initiated from this Padwa day.


The fifth day of Diwali is called “Bhayya-Duj” and is a ceremony in which sisters pray for the well-being of their brothers.

Comments

One Response to “Laksmi Puja- Importance of Lakshmi Puja in Diwali”

  1. Kathy Says:
    February 17th, 2008 at 8:07 pm

    I was in Kolkta on October 26, 2007 and was at a ceremony where they were returning the statues of a godess (I thin Lashmi) to the river. I can’t find any information about that part of the festival. Can you explain the significance of this and verify which godess it was.
    Thanks you,
    Kathy

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