As the night sky fills with the gleam of fireworks and homes shimmer with the glow of diyas, we are once again reminded of the grandeur of Diwali. Often termed the ‘Festival of Lights’, Diwali stands as a symbol of hope, prosperity, and the triumph of light over darkness.
A crucial component of this celebration is the Laxmi Puja, a time when devotees seek the blessings of Goddess Laxmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity. Through the ritual of arti, we pay our respects, showing our devotion and seeking blessings. This guide aims to shed light on the dos and don’ts while performing the Laxmi Arti during Diwali 2023.
The Significance of Laxmi Puja:
Goddess Laxmi, often depicted gracefully seated on a lotus, is revered as the goddess of wealth, prosperity, and well-being. On Diwali, it’s believed she visits homes, bestowing her blessings on her devotees. The ritual of Laxmi Puja seeks not just materialistic prosperity but also spiritual wealth. This ceremony’s essence is about showing gratitude for what we have and seeking blessings for a prosperous future.
Also Read – Diwali Puja Vidhi and Samagri for Home: A Comprehensive Guide
Preparing for the Laxmi Arti:
The ambiance during Laxmi Puja should resonate with devotion, love, and respect. Preparations typically begin with:
- Cleansing the House: Beyond the physical cleaning, this act symbolizes purifying our environment and lives of negativity.
- Setting up the Altar: Choose a clean spot, preferably in the northeast corner of your home. Adorn it with idols, photos, and symbols of Laxmi and Lord Ganesha.
- Gathering Essential Items: The ritual demands specific items such as diyas filled with ghee, fresh flowers, incense sticks, sweets or prasad, a bell, and an arti thali.
Dos While Performing Laxmi Arti:
- Begin with a Clear Intention: Engage in the ritual with sincerity. Understand why you’re performing it and what you’re seeking from the divine.
- Follow the Traditional Sequence: Paying respects to Lord Ganesh first is essential as he’s regarded as the remover of obstacles. Only then is it apt to proceed to Laxmi Puja.
- Chant with Focus: Whether you’re reciting mantras or singing bhajans, do it with clarity and concentration.
- Use Pure Ingredients: The purity of your offerings resonates with your sincerity. Opt for ghee diyas and fresh offerings.
- Involve Family: A collective prayer holds immense energy. Ensure that all family members participate.
- Rotate the Arti Thali Clockwise: This movement is in harmony with the universe’s natural order and is believed to invoke positive energies.
Don’ts While Performing Laxmi Arti:
- Avoid Distractions: This is a sacred time. Keep gadgets away and ensure a quiet environment, devoid of interruptions.
- Do Not Rush: This isn’t just a task to be ticked off. Take your time, letting the devotion flow.
- Avoid Synthetic Ingredients: Artificial incense or oils might be convenient but try to stick to natural offerings.
- Do Not Break the Chain: Keeping a constant rhythm while singing or chanting amplifies the energy.
- Avoid Wearing Inappropriate Attire: Traditional attire not only honors the ritual but also helps you connect better with the essence of the festival.
- Refrain from Negative Thoughts: Keep your mind calm and positive. Remember, your thoughts have energy.
Concluding the Arti:
After completing the arti, distribute the prasad among all participants. It’s customary to light diyas around the house, symbolizing the illumination of our hearts and homes. Take a few moments to meditate or offer silent prayers. Sharing legendary tales related to Diwali and Laxmi can also add more depth to the celebration.
Bonus Tips:
- Rangoli and Laxmi Puja: Drawing rangoli at your doorstep is not just an art but an invitation to Goddess Laxmi. The vibrant colors and patterns beckon positivity and prosperity.
- Music and Bhajans: Incorporating soulful bhajans can elevate the spiritual ambiance. You can consider classics or even contemporary bhajans that resonate with your heart.
- Mantras and Shlokas: If you’re keen on incorporating mantras, ‘Om Shreem Hreem Shreem Kamale Kamalalaye Praseed Praseed’ is a powerful Laxmi mantra to consider.
Conclusion:
Laxmi Puja during Diwali is more than just a ritual. It’s a beautiful confluence of gratitude, hope, and divine blessings. By adhering to the dos and being wary of the don’ts, you can ensure a harmonious and meaningful Laxmi Arti. Remember, it’s the sincerity and heart’s devotion that matter the most. So, this Diwali, let’s embrace the spirit of the festival with joy, love, and reverence.