The festival of Mahalaxmi Vrat holds a very special place in Hindu tradition. It is believed that the blessings of Goddess Mahalaxmi, the Goddess of wealth, prosperity, and abundance, can remove financial troubles and bring happiness to the home. This year, the sixteen-day vrat (fast) began in the month of Bhadrapada Shukla Ashtami and concludes today, on Ashwin Krishna Ashtami, September 14, 2025.
Also known as Gajalaxmi Vrat, this ritual is unique because devotees worship Goddess Laxmi in her form seated on an elephant, symbolising prosperity, dignity, and power. Throughout these sixteen days, people observe fasting, perform daily puja, and recite stories related to the Goddess. Today marks the conclusion of this critical vrat, and devotees across the country are completing the puja and paran (ritual closing of the fast) with great devotion.
The Importance of Mahalaxmi Vrat
According to Hindu beliefs, observing Mahalaxmi Vrat brings blessings that ensure there is never a shortage of food, wealth, or happiness in the house. The vrat is considered especially powerful in overcoming economic difficulties and ensuring long-term prosperity. It is said that when Goddess Mahalaxmi is pleased, she not only grants material wealth but also fills life with peace and spiritual balance.
How to Perform Mahalaxmi Puja and Paran
The puja for Goddess Mahalaxmi can be done at any time according to one’s faith, but the pradosh kaal (evening twilight) is considered especially auspicious. Some devotees choose to complete the paran today on Ashtami, while others prefer to do it tomorrow on Navami.
Here is the step-by-step method of performing the puja and concluding the vrat:
- Preparing the Puja Space: Place a small table or chowki in the northeast (Ishan) direction of your home. Spread a yellow cloth on it and place an image or idol of Gajalaxmi.
- Offerings to the Goddess: Devotees offer roli, chandan (sandalwood), akshat (rice), fresh flowers, betel leaves, betel nuts, coconut, and white sweets.
- Special Offerings: Offer 16 cowrie shells and 16 turmeric knots (haldi ki gath) to the Goddess. After this, light 16 pure ghee lamps. Along with the idol, worship the Shree Yantra, which is a powerful symbol of Goddess Laxmi’s energy.
- Sacred Thread: Worship a thread with 16 knots and then tie it on your right wrist as a symbol of the vrat.
- Story and Aarti: Read the vrat katha (story of Mahalaxmi Vrat) and perform aarti to complete the puja.
- Feeding Girls: If possible, feed 16 young girls and offer them gifts or dakshina. This is believed to be very auspicious.
Offering Arghya to the Moon
In the evening, another important part of Mahalaxmi Vrat is the worship of the Moon. Devotees light 16 lamps for Goddess Laxmi, and one of these lamps is offered to Chandra Dev (Moon God) at the time of moonrise. Along with this, milk mixed with rice grains is offered as arghya.
Devotees can perform this ritual at the time of moonrise to complete their observance.
Paran (Breaking the Fast)
The fast is concluded with the paran, which may be done either on Ashtami or on the following day, Navami, depending on family tradition and personal faith. Paran is performed by offering final prayers to Goddess Laxmi, thanking her for her blessings, and then breaking the fast with prasad.
A Festival of Faith and Prosperity
Mahalaxmi Vrat is not just about fasting; it is about devotion, discipline, and faith. Through prayers, offerings, and rituals, devotees strengthen their spiritual connection with Goddess Laxmi, while also bringing harmony, positivity, and prosperity into their lives.
As the vrat concludes today, households across India are filled with the fragrance of flowers, the glow of 16 lamps, and the hope that the blessings of Goddess Mahalaxmi will guide them towards abundance and peace in the days to come.