Diwali, the festival of lights, is not just about lighting diyas and decorating homes — it’s about inviting positivity, prosperity, and blessings into our lives. Among all the rituals celebrated during this festival, Lakshmi Pooja holds the most special place.
It is believed that Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, visits every home that is clean, pure, and filled with devotion on this auspicious night.
If this is your first time performing Lakshmi Pooja and you’re not sure where to start — don’t worry. This detailed guide will take you through the entire process, from preparation to final prayers, so you can perform the pooja with confidence and devotion.
Significance of Lakshmi Pooja on Diwali
Lakshmi Pooja is performed on the third day of Diwali, known as Amavasya of Kartik month. This night symbolizes the victory of light over darkness — both literally and spiritually. People believe that Goddess Lakshmi blesses homes where she is welcomed with cleanliness, light, and devotion.
The pooja is usually performed during Pradosh Kaal (after sunset) when it’s considered the most auspicious time for worship.
Preparation Before the Pooja
Before you begin, preparation is key. Goddess Lakshmi is said to reside where there is purity and discipline, so start by setting the right atmosphere.
a. Clean and Decorate Your Home
- Clean every corner of your house, especially the main entrance.
- Decorate the doorway with toran (mango leaves or marigold garlands) and rangoli to welcome Goddess Lakshmi.
- Light a few diyas at the entrance — it’s believed to guide the goddess into your home.
b. Pooja Samagri List (Items You’ll Need)
Keep all the items ready before you start:
- Idols or photos of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha
- Kalash (small pot) filled with clean water
- Mango leaves and coconut
- Red or yellow cloth for pooja setup
- Rice, kumkum, haldi, chandan (sandalwood paste), flowers, and coins
- Diyas, incense sticks, camphor
- Sweets, fruits, dry fruits, and betel leaves for offering
- Aarti thali with diya, bell, and small bowl for ghee
c. Setting Up the Pooja Space
- Choose a quiet, clean area in your home for the pooja.
- Spread the red or yellow cloth on the table or platform.
- Place Lord Ganesha on the left and Goddess Lakshmi on the right (facing you).
- Keep the kalash near them, filled with water and topped with mango leaves and a coconut.
- Arrange diyas, incense sticks, flowers, and offerings neatly in front of the idols.
Step-by-Step Lakshmi Pooja Vidhi
Now that everything is ready, follow this step-by-step pooja vidhi — explained in a way even first-timers can follow easily.
Step 1: Light the Diyas and Incense
Start by lighting diyas and incense sticks. This purifies the environment and signifies the removal of darkness and negativity.
Step 2: Worship Lord Ganesha
Always begin any pooja with prayers to Lord Ganesha — the remover of obstacles.
- Offer rice, flowers, and sweets.
- Chant: “Om Gan Ganapataye Namah”
This step ensures your Lakshmi Pooja proceeds smoothly and successfully.
Step 3: Kalash Sthapana (Placing the Kalash)
- Sprinkle some Ganga water (or clean water) around the pooja area.
- Fill the kalash with water, add some rice and coins inside, place mango leaves on top, and finally keep a coconut on it.
This symbolizes creation, purity, and abundance.
Step 4: Invoke Goddess Lakshmi
Now, gently place your hands in a namaste position and pray to Goddess Lakshmi to visit your home and bless your family.
- Offer flowers, rice, and sprinkle a few drops of water on the idol or picture.
- Apply kumkum and haldi.
- Keep a few coins or currency notes as a symbol of wealth.
- Chant: “Om Shreem Mahalakshmyai Namah.”
Step 5: Offer Naivedya (Food Offerings)
Offer sweets, fruits, dry fruits, or homemade delicacies like kheer or laddoo to the goddess. You can also place some sugarcane or pomegranate as traditional offerings.
Step 6: Perform Aarti
Perform the Lakshmi Aarti and Ganesh Aarti.
Wave the diya in circular motions in front of the idols and let every family member participate.
During the aarti, the atmosphere should be filled with joy, clapping, and devotion.
Step 7: Distribute Prasad
After the aarti, distribute the prasad among family members and neighbors. Sharing symbolizes abundance and unity.
Important Lakshmi Mantras for Pooja
Goddess Lakshmi is revered as the deity of wealth, fortune, and prosperity. Chanting her mantras is believed to attract abundance and remove financial worries. Here are some of the most important and popular Lakshmi Mantras:
- Lakshmi Beej Mantra (The Seed Mantra):
- Mantra: “Om Shreem Hreem Lakshmibhayo Namah”
- Meaning: “Om, Salutations to Goddess Lakshmi, the Supreme Power of Wealth.”
- Benefit: Considered very powerful for attracting fortune and prosperity.
- Mahalakshmi Mantra:
- Mantra: “Om Shreem Hreem Shreem Kamale Kamalalaye Praseed Praseed, Om Shreem Hreem Shreem Mahalakshmaye Namah”
- Meaning: “O Mahalakshmi, the one who resides in a lotus, may you shower your blessings upon me. Salutations to the great Goddess Lakshmi.”
- Benefit: Chanting this mantra is believed to bring wealth, peace, and prosperity into life.
- Lakshmi Gayatri Mantra:
- Mantra: “Om Shree Mahalakshmyai Cha Vidmahe Vishnu Patnyai Cha Dheemahi, Tanno Lakshmi Prachodayat Om”
- Meaning: “Om, let us meditate on Shri Mahalakshmi, the consort of Lord Vishnu. May Goddess Lakshmi enlighten us.”
- Benefit: Recited for enlightenment, intellect, prosperity, and success in all endeavors.
- Mantra for Wealth and Removal of Poverty:
- Mantra: “Om Shring Hring Kling Tribhuvan Mahalakshmyai Asmaakam Daaridray Naashay Prachur Dhan Dehi Dehi Kling Hring Shring Om”
- Meaning: “O Great Goddess Mahalakshmi, the ruler of the three worlds, remove my poverty and bless me with abundant wealth.”
- Benefit: Specifically aimed at destroying poverty and granting ample wealth and prosperity.
It is traditionally recommended to chant these mantras 108 times, often using a mala (rosary beads), especially during the morning, on Fridays, or during auspicious times like Diwali. Devotion and correct pronunciation are considered key.
Also Read: How to Perform Lakshmi Kubera Pooja at Home?
After the Pooja: What to Do
Once the pooja is done:
- Keep diyas lit throughout the night — it’s believed that Goddess Lakshmi never enters a dark home.
- Avoid arguments, lending money, or doing negative activities.
- Offer gratitude to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha for their blessings.
Tips for First-Time Worshippers
If this is your first Lakshmi Pooja, remember:
- Devotion matters more than perfection — don’t stress about missing small rituals.
- Prepare everything in advance so you can focus calmly on prayers.
- You can play recorded aarti or mantra chants if you don’t know them by heart.
- Keep children involved — it helps them understand and value traditions.
Conclusion
Diwali Lakshmi Pooja is not only about inviting wealth but also about cleansing your surroundings, thoughts, and heart. Even if it’s your first time, your devotion and sincerity will make it meaningful.
Let your home shine with diyas, your mind glow with positivity, and your heart fill with gratitude.
✨ May Goddess Lakshmi bless your family with happiness, prosperity, and peace. Happy Diwali! ✨