Diwali is also popularly known as the festival of lights. Joy and sorrow are different but indispensable facets of this mortal life, but we need to continue with our onward journey. Just like the wicker of diya battles strong winds to continue to remain lighted, we must face our struggles and win them over, rather than letting unhappiness cloud our being.
A close study of our ancient mythology also conveys the same lessons. Sri Ram, Laxman and Devi Sita were reincarnations of Gods yet they had to undergo mortal struggles to bring forth to the average people the truth about human strife, the fact that suffering is inseparable aspect of our life. Neither should a person lose hope in the face of failure nor should they become proud and arrogant if bestowed with power and riches. Just like you have benevolent beings like Shri Rama, you also have conniving and evil ones like Ravana whose negativity overshadows all positive aspects.
On the 27th of October this year in the month of Kartik, Diwali will be celebrated on the new moon day. It could be dark in the celestial world, but the mortals on earth decorate every corner with a celebratory feeling. According to legends, it is the day that Lord Shri Ram came back to Ayodhya after a long and tiring battle with Ravana. People in the entire city marked the occasion by lighting ghee diya or lamps fueled by Ghee to mark the day.
A special Lakshmi Puja or a prayer to the Goddess of wealth is organised on this day. People offer prayers to Goddess Lakshmi and also Ganesha, Kuber for additional riches, success and good health. So how exactly should devotees go about organising this puja? Here is a ready reckoner:
Necessities and Requirement for Lakshmi Puja
The Goddess appears resplendent in gold and red. The essentials important for puja include:
Earthen lamps or diya
Sandalwood paste
Flowers
A lotus bud decorated on a plate
Custard apple
Sweets
Coconut
Sweets as per choices
A Kalash
How To conduct the puja and all related instruction are dispensed in the following few paragraphs.
The Lakshmi Puja Ritual
First and foremost devotees need to place idols of Goddess Lakshmi, Ganesha on a wooden platform. They all need to face west and Lakshmi’s idol needs to be on Ganesha’s right.
The Kalash needs to be filled with rice and placed in front of Goddess Lakshmi signifying her to be the supreme Goddess of all riches. The coconut is then wrapped in a red cloth and placed above the kalash.
Two earthen lamps are placed in front of Lakshmi and Ganesha. One is filled with ghee and the other one with oil. Swastik sign is drawn with red powder and devotees sit for puja facing east or north. It is important to chant specific mantra hailing Goddess Lakshmi,
“Om Shri Hin, Shrin, Mahalakshamaye Namah.”
The auspicious timing for Lakshmi Puja on 27th October is as follows
Date - October 27th, 2019, Sunday
Lakshmi Puja Muhurat - 6:42 pm to 8:14 pm (27th October)
Amavasya Date Begins - 12:13 pm (27th October)
Amavasya Date Ends - 09:08 am (28th October)
Pradosh Kaal - 5:40 pm to 08:14 pm
Vrishabha Kaal - 6:42 pm to 08:38 pm
Conclusion
Diwali essentially spreads the message of love, tolerance and is a celebration of kinship. The Astroyogi team wishes all of you a happy, safe and prosperous Diwali!
Consult the expert astrologers of Astroyogi for Laxmi Puja guidance this Diwali.