Laxmi Puja is primarily dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity. However, this worship is not limited only to Maa Lakshmi. It also includes worship of Lord Ganesha, Goddess Gauri, the Navagraha (nine planets), the Shodash Matrikas (sixteen mother goddesses), Mahalakshmi, Mahakali, Mahasaraswati, and Kubera, along with symbolic elements such as scales, coins, and lamps. This sacred worship is performed on the new moon day (Amavasya) of the Krishna Paksha in the Kartik month.
Laxmi Puja Samagri List
Idols of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha, a gold or silver coin symbolising Lakshmi, a clean cloth for bathing the coin, one large and two small towels, account books, a pouch of coins, pen, inkpot filled with black ink, three plates, a clean cloth, incense sticks, incense cones, large and small earthen lamps, cotton wicks, matchsticks, mustard oil, pure ghee, milk, curd, honey, and pure water.
Panchamrit is prepared by mixing milk, curd, honey, ghee, and pure water.
Madhupark is prepared by mixing milk, curd, honey, and pure water.
Other required items include turmeric powder, lime powder, roli, sandalwood powder, sacred thread (kalava), half a kilogram of whole rice grains, a kalash (sacred pot), two metres of white cloth, two metres of red cloth, a hand towel, camphor, coconut, betel nuts, dry fruits, flowers, garlands of rose or marigold, durva grass, betel leaves, sugar candies, sweets, fruits, clothes or saree, puffed rice (kheel), cloves, green cardamom, saffron, vermilion, kumkum, glasses, spoons, bowls, ladles, three round plates, and a decorative toran for the entrance.
It is important to remember that plain rice grains should not be offered directly to Goddess Lakshmi. Instead, puffed rice, apples and bananas, and two lotus flowers are offered. During Lakshmi havan, lotus seeds (kamalgatta) soaked in ghee should be offered. Chanting Lakshmi mantras using a kamalgatta rosary is considered highly auspicious.
Preparation for the Puja
Place the idols of Lakshmi and Ganesha on a wooden platform so that they face either east or west. Goddess Lakshmi should be placed to the right of Lord Ganesha. The person performing the puja should sit facing the idols.
Place the kalash near Goddess Lakshmi on a bed of rice. Wrap a coconut in a red cloth so its tip remains visible, then place it on top of the kalash. This kalash symbolizes Lord Varuna.
Light two large lamps—one with ghee and the other with oil. Place one lamp to the right side of the platform and another near the feet of the idols. An additional lamp should be placed near Lord Ganesha. In front of the main platform, place a smaller platform covered with a red cloth.
Using rice grains, create nine small heaps representing the Navagraha and sixteen heaps representing the Shodash Matrikas. Draw a swastika symbol between them, place a betel nut in the centre, and four rice heaps at the corners. Write “Om” in the centre.
Draw the “Shri” symbol towards Goddess Lakshmi and a trishul symbol near Lord Ganesha using rice heaps. Place the account books, pen, inkpot, and coin pouch alongside.
In front of the small platform, place three plates and a water-filled pot. Arrange the plates as follows:
• Plate one – eleven lamps
• Plate two – puffed rice, sugar candies, sweets, clothes, ornaments, sandalwood paste, vermilion, kumkum, betel nuts, betel leaves
• Plate three – flowers, durva grass, cloves, cardamom, saffron, camphor, turmeric paste, fragrant items, incense, and one lamp
The main worshipper should sit in front, family members to the left, and guests behind.
Brief Puja Method
Begin with purification by sprinkling water from the puja vessel on the idols, puja items, yourself, and the seat while chanting purification mantras.
Purify the place where you are seated, and bow to Mother Earth, requesting that she make the seat sacred.
Perform achaman by sipping a drop of water three times while chanting the names of Lord Vishnu. Clean your hands and lips, apply tilak, and perform pranayama to calm the mind.
Close your eyes, take three deep breaths, and steady your thoughts. Begin with the swasti vachan and offer prayers for well-being using flowers, rice, and water. Take the sankalp (vow) by holding rice, flowers, water, and a small amount of money, stating your intention to perform the puja at a specific place and time.
First, worship Lord Ganesha and Goddess Gauri, followed by Varuna (kalash puja). Then perform the Navagraha puja and Shodash Matrika puja by offering flowers, rice, and sandalwood.
After worshipping the sixteen mother goddesses, perform raksha bandhan by offering the sacred thread to Lord Ganesha and tying it on your wrist, followed by a tilak.
Finally, with a calm, joyful, and fearless heart, begin the worship of Goddess Mahalakshmi, seeking blessings of prosperity, peace, and well-being.