Lakshmi Puja Vidhi (लक्ष्मी पूजा विधि) — Hindu Philosophy Explained

Lakshmi Puja Vidhi — Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Goddess Lakshmi (लक्ष्मी) is the divine mother of wealth, fortune, and abundance. Performing her puja with devotion brings blessings of prosperity into the home.

Best Time to Perform Lakshmi Puja

• Daily: Evening, after sunset (pradosh kaal)
• Weekly: Friday (Shukravar) is sacred to Lakshmi
• Monthly: Purnima (full moon) and Amavasya (new moon)
• Annually: Diwali — the most auspicious Lakshmi Puja of the year

Samagri (Materials Needed)

Step-by-Step Puja Method

Step 1: Shuddhi (Purification) Begin with a bath and clean clothes. Clean the puja space. Sprinkle Ganga jal or clean water to purify the area.

Step 2: Sankalp (Intention) Sit facing east or north. Hold water in right palm, speak your name, location, and intention:

“Om Vishnu Om Vishnu Om Vishnu. Aum adya brahmano dwiteeye parardhe… Asya Shri Lakshmi Puja mahapunyam karma karomi.”

Step 3: Avahana (Invocation) Offer flowers and invite the Goddess:

“Aayahi Varade Devi tryambake gauri sundari. Trailokya matar devi Lakshmi pujam grihana me.”

Step 4: Shodashopachara (16 Offerings)

1. Padya — Wash feet with water
2. Arghya — Offer water in cupped hands
3. Achamana — Sipping water for purity
4. Snana — Panchamrit bath of the idol
5. Vastra — Offer red cloth
6. Yajnopavita — Sacred thread (or substitute with flower)
7. Gandha — Apply sandalwood paste
8. Pushpa — Offer lotus, rose, marigold
9. Dhupa — Light incense
10. Deepa — Wave the diya
11. Naivedya — Offer sweets (kheer, modak, panchamrit)
12. Achamana — Water again
13. Tambul — Betel leaf and areca nut
14. Dakshina — Offer coins
15. Aarti — Wave camphor flame in circular motion
16. Pushpanjali — Shower flowers with mantra

Step 5: Lakshmi Mantra

Chant 108 times with a mala:

ॐ श्रीं ह्रीं श्रीं कमले कमलालये प्रसीद प्रसीद ॐ श्रीं ह्रीं श्रीं महालक्ष्म्यै नमः॥

Om Shreem Hreem Shreem Kamale Kamalalaye Praseed Praseed Om Shreem Hreem Shreem Mahalakshmyai Namah

Meaning: O Lotus-born Goddess Lakshmi, dwelling in the lotus, be pleased with me.

Step 6: Lakshmi Aarti

Sing or recite Jai Lakshmi Mata aarti while waving the diya.

Step 7: Pradakshina and Pranama Circumambulate the idol 3 times. Prostrate and offer your prayers.

Step 8: Visarjan (Conclusion) Thank the Goddess and request her continued presence in your home:

“Yantam tvam pravishaami sada mama grihe sthita. Lakshmi tvam labhasthaanam.”

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Do not use broken or wilted flowers
• Do not perform puja in a state of impurity
• Do not use black or white flowers (use red, yellow, pink)
• Never turn your back to the idol during puja
• Do not blow out the diya with your mouth — use a fan

Lakshmi Puja on Diwali

On Diwali (the main annual puja), perform this ritual between 6 PM and 8 PM during Pradosh Kaal. Light diyas in every room of the house. Keep the main entrance clean and decorated with rangoli to welcome Lakshmi.