Mahalaxmi Vrat is one of the most important Hindu observances dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity. This 16-day-long vrat (fast) is believed to remove all obstacles and attract Goddess Lakshmi’s blessings. The culmination of this vrat takes place on the Ashtami Tithi (eighth day) of the Ashwin month in the Hindu calendar. This year, the final day of Mahalaxmi Vrat falls on September 24, 2024.
Mahalaxmi Vrat holds immense significance in Hindu culture. It is believed that fasting and worshiping during this period brings divine blessings, wealth, and happiness to the devotee’s household. Traditionally, worshipers offer prayers to Goddess Lakshmi, depicted in her ‘Gaja Lakshmi’ form, seated on a lotus atop an elephant. Devotees perform rituals with great devotion to honor the goddess and seek her blessings.
Important Dates and Timings for Mahalaxmi Vrat 2024
According to the Hindu Panchang, the Mahalaxmi Vrat for 2024 began on the evening of September 24 at 5:45 PM and will continue until the evening of September 25, 4:44 PM. Some devotees may choose to observe the vrat on either of these days, depending on their convenience.
Rituals and Puja Vidhi (Procedure)
To perform the Mahalaxmi Vrat Puja, devotees begin by cleansing themselves and their homes early in the morning. The following are key steps to the puja:
- Prepare the Puja Area: Create a lotus design using turmeric at the place of worship.
- Install the Idol: Place an idol or image of Goddess Lakshmi seated on an elephant (Gaja Lakshmi form) at the puja site.
- Offerings: Devotees offer fruits, flowers, and various delicacies like Malpua, which symbolizes sweetness and prosperity.
- Kalash Setup: Place a clean water-filled Kalash (a sacred pot) with a betel leaf and coconut on top.
- Worship Essentials: Include sacred items such as the Shree Yantra (a geometric symbol associated with Lakshmi), coins, and a lotus garland.
- Prasad: Prepare special offerings like kheer (rice pudding) and light 16 diyas (lamps) to conclude the ritual.
After the puja, devotees chant the mantra “Om Shri Mahalakshmyai Namah” to focus their minds and deepen their connection with the goddess.
What to Do During Mahalaxmi Fast
- Maintain physical and mental purity.
- Consume only Satvik (pure) food such as fruits, vegetables, yogurt, and milk.
- Offer daily prayers to Goddess Lakshmi and donate to the needy.
- Speak truthfully and engage in virtuous conduct.
Suggested Foods During Mahalaxmi Vrat
Devotees observing the Mahalaxmi Vrat can consume the following:
- Fruits: Banana, apple, grapes, orange, etc.
- Vegetables: Boiled or steamed vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and beans.
- Dairy Products: Milk, yogurt, paneer, and buttermilk.
- Dry Fruits: Almonds, cashews, raisins, etc.
- Kuttu Flour: Dishes like dhokla and pakoras made from buckwheat flour.
- Sattu: A refreshing drink made from roasted gram flour.
Foods to Avoid
- Grains: Rice, wheat, millet, etc.
- Lentils: All kinds of lentils and pulses.
- Non-Vegetarian Foods: Meat, fish, and eggs.
- Onions and Garlic: These ingredients are considered impure during the vrat.
- Spicy and Fried Foods: Avoid heavily spiced and fried dishes.
- Pickles and Papad: These are best avoided during the vrat.
महालक्ष्मी की आरती (Mahalaxmi Ki Aarti)
महालक्ष्मी नमस्तुभ्यं, नमस्तुभ्यं सुरेश्वरि ।
हरि प्रिये नमस्तुभ्यं, नमस्तुभ्यं दयानिधे ॥
पद्मालये नमस्तुभ्यं, नमस्तुभ्यं च सर्वदे ।
सर्वभूत हितार्थाय, वसु सृष्टिं सदा कुरुं ॥
ॐ जय लक्ष्मी माता, मैया जय लक्ष्मी माता ।
तुमको निसदिन सेवत, हर विष्णु विधाता ॥
उमा, रमा, ब्रम्हाणी, तुम ही जग माता ।
सूर्य चद्रंमा ध्यावत, नारद ऋषि गाता ॥
॥ॐ जय लक्ष्मी माता…॥
दुर्गा रुप निरंजनि, सुख-संपत्ति दाता ।
जो कोई तुमको ध्याता, ऋद्धि-सिद्धि धन पाता ॥
॥ॐ जय लक्ष्मी माता…॥
तुम ही पाताल निवासनी, तुम ही शुभदाता ।
कर्म-प्रभाव-प्रकाशनी, भव निधि की त्राता ॥
॥ॐ जय लक्ष्मी माता…॥
जिस घर तुम रहती हो, ताँहि में हैं सद्गुण आता ।
सब सभंव हो जाता, मन नहीं घबराता ॥
॥ॐ जय लक्ष्मी माता…॥
तुम बिन यज्ञ ना होता, वस्त्र न कोई पाता ।
खान पान का वैभव, सब तुमसे आता ॥
॥ॐ जय लक्ष्मी माता…॥
शुभ गुण मंदिर सुंदर, क्षीरोदधि जाता ।
रत्न चतुर्दश तुम बिन, कोई नहीं पाता ॥
॥ॐ जय लक्ष्मी माता…॥
महालक्ष्मी जी की आरती, जो कोई नर गाता ।
उँर आंनद समाता, पाप उतर जाता ॥
॥ॐ जय लक्ष्मी माता…॥
ॐ जय लक्ष्मी माता, मैया जय लक्ष्मी माता ।
तुमको निसदिन सेवत, हर विष्णु विधाता ॥
Jai Devi – Mahalaxmi Aarti
जय देवी जय देवी जय महालक्ष्मी।
वससी व्यापकरुपे तू स्थूलसूक्ष्मी॥
करवीरपुरवासिनी सुरवरमुनिमाता।
पुरहरवरदायिनी मुरहरप्रियकान्ता।
कमलाकारें जठरी जन्मविला धाता।
सहस्त्रवदनी भूधर न पुरे गुण गातां॥
जय देवी जय देवी…॥
मातुलिंग गदा खेटक रविकिरणीं।
झळके हाटकवाटी पीयुषरसपाणी।
माणिकरसना सुरंगवसना मृगनयनी।
शशिकरवदना राजस मदनाची जननी॥
जय देवी जय देवी…॥
तारा शक्ति अगम्या शिवभजकां गौरी।
सांख्य म्हणती प्रकृती निर्गुण निर्धारी।
गायत्री निजबीजा निगमागम सारी।
प्रगटे पद्मावती निजधर्माचारी॥
जय देवी जय देवी…॥
अमृतभरिते सरिते अघदुरितें वारीं।
मारी दुर्घट असुरां भवदुस्तर तारीं।
वारी मायापटल प्रणमत परिवारी।
हें रुप चिद्रूप दावी निर्धारी॥
जय देवी जय देवी…॥
चतुराननें कुश्चित कर्मांच्या ओळी।
लिहिल्या असतिल माते माझे निजभाळी।
पुसोनि चरणातळी पदसुमने क्षाळी।
मुक्तेश्वर नागर क्षीरसागरबाळी॥
जय देवी जय देवी…॥