Deepavali, or a row of lights, is one of my favorite celebrations. Like every other year, we celebrate this festival of joy with sweets, lights, and decorations. The whole house is beautifully decorated with colorful diyas, candles, and rangoli.
However, the most special celebration is the Lakshmi Puja. In this celebration, we worship Goddess Lakshmi (the goddess of wealth) and Lord Ganesha (the remover of obstacles) together. The elders of my family tell me that if we pray with sincerity, both of them bless our home with joy and prosperity, and the heart of the devotees is always rewarded.
🪔 Preparing for the Puja
Before starting the puja, my mother cleans every corner of the house. She says that Goddess Lakshmi only visits clean and bright homes. We decorate our entrance with rangoli and place diyas on every window and door. Papa brings new idols of Lakshmi and Ganesha and puts them on a red cloth.
For offering, we also keep sweets, fruits, flowers, and a small silver coin. Incense sticks are burned, and the smell offers a sense of peace.
Beginning the Puja
Initially, we all sit and pray with eyes closed, and then, hands folded, we sit as a family. Together, we recite the prayer:
“Om Gan Ganapataye Namah”
This chant is directed to Ganesh we ask for the removing of obstacles before we begin to do anything. My father told me that all pujas begin with worship to Ganesh.
Next, we direct our prayers to Maa Lakshmi. I picture Maa Lakshmi sitting on a lotus and radiating a golden glow and light.
Here is the lovely Lakshmi Puja mantra that I learned from my mother.
“Om Shreem Mahalakshmiyai Namah”
This mantra means we invite Goddess Lakshmi to come and bless our home.
We also recite the quite long as the Lakshmi Gayatri Mantra:
“Om Mahalakshmyai Cha Vidmahe
Vishnu Patnyai Cha Dheemahi
Tanno Lakshmi Prachodayat”
My teacher explained that the mantra makes a request for wisdom, material and spiritual, and peace.
Mantras During Diwali Puja
After the main prayer, my father chants some smaller mantras, which I try to repeat after him, even if I don’t pronounce every word correctly. Here are some of the mantras we say in the Diwali puja: “Om Hreem Shreem Lakshmibhyo Namah” – for blessings of wealth and happiness. “Om Shreem Hreem Kleem Maha Lakshmi Namah” – to invite prosperity and good fortune. “Om Namah Shivaya” – to show respect to Lord Shiva, who protects the world. “Om Jai Lakshmi Mata” – this one is sung like a song and I love singing it with claps!
The togetherness in chanting is an unforgettable experience. The mantras, glowing diyas and the flowers create a sacred and enchanting atmosphere.
Ending the Puja
After finishing all the mantras, father performs the aarti with the thali of ghee diya and flowers and we sing: “Om Jai Lakshmi Mata, Maiya Jai Lakshmi Mata…”
Everyone waves the aarti in front of the idols. The diya light shines on our faces, and I feel very calm inside. Then we touch the feet of our parents and elders to get their blessings.
Finally, we get to enjoy some prasad, which consists of either laddoo, kheer, or kaju katli! This is, without a doubt, the best part for me.
💫 What I Learned from Diwali Puja Mantra – Laxmi Puja Mantra
To me, Diwali is the time to show and appreciate gratitude, and not just about eating sweets or bursting crackers. My parents have always said that the real light from the diyas is just a reminder of the goodness we have in our hearts.
Chanting the mantras:
“Om Shreem Mahalakshmiyai Namah”
and
“Om Gan Ganapataye Namah”
fills me with peace, kindness, and gratitude.
The festival is a reminder to share happiness, extend a helping hand to others, and clear our minds of negativity, just as we remove the darkness from our homes.