Lakshmi puja falls on Amavasya, the new moon day, of Krishna Paksha, the third day of Diwali.  Sri Lakshmi is the consort of Sri Vishnu and the Deity of wealth and prosperity.  On the spiritual side, Lakshmi is given an exalted status as the doorway for all souls to obtain eternal salvation or Moksha. The word Sri also indicates Lakshmi. 

The legend of Lakshmi started when Indra crossed paths with Sage Durvasa. Indra was the Lord of Indra Loka, the divine world of Devas. Devas, also known as Suras, were righteous followers of Vishnu. Opposed to the Devas were the Asuras (demons), who were evil.  

Once, when Indra was riding on his elephant Airavata, Sage Durvasa presented him with a flower garland representing Lakshmi.  Indra placed it on the elephant Airavata’s head to show he was humble and unselfish.  The fragrance of the garland upset the elephant, who flung it on the ground.  This enraged Sage Durvasa, who cursed Indra to lose his wealth and prosperity because he had insulted Lakshmi.  

Soon Devas lost their strength, and Asuras, under their King Bali, attacked and defeated them.  Indra, the King of Devas, along with Brahma, approached Vishnu for help. Following the suggestion of Vishnu, Devas and Asuras churned the Divine Milky Ocean. They understood that churning the ocean would give up numerous Celestial Gifts that the two sides would share. For this churning, the mountain Mandara was the stirring rod and the great Serpent King Vasuki, the rope. Taking the Avatara (incarnation) of Kurma (tortoise), Vishnu provided the base for the churning rod. Asuras took the head side of the rope Vasuki and Devas took the tail. Devas and Asuras proceeded to churn the Milky Ocean. 

After churning for many years, Vasuki emitted a deadly poison, Halahala, which would kill everyone and ruin the nectar to emerge later.  The Devas appealed to Sri Shiva to save them, who swallowed all the poison and protected the universe. After many precious gifts, Amruta, the nectar of immortality, appeared from the waters. With the help of Vishnu, the Devas got all of the Amruta, giving nothing to the Asuras. The strength of the Devas was not only restored, but they also became immortal. The most divine gift from the King of Oceans was Lakshmi, who rose out of the waves seated on a full-bloomed lotus.  For this reason, Lakshmi has many names, such as Jalaja (born of water), Padma, and Neeraja (Lotus). All the heavenly lords and Deities were assembled to view the churning of the Milky Ocean. After considering all of them, Goddess Lakshmi chose Vishnu and married him.   

How to celebrate 

Lakshmi puja is one of the significant rituals performed during the festival of Diwali. This ritual is performed to invite Lakshmi home.  

Items required for puja 

• Picture or Icon of Lakshmi in the Pooja room 
• A dupatta or sari to offer to the Deity 
• Plain water in Kalash (a pitcher) 
• Fresh and washed mango leaves 
• Sandalwood 
• One coconut 
• Kumkum 
• Turmeric 
• Red sacred thread 
• Rice 
• Betel leaves and betel nuts 
• Flowers 
• Clean the house and purchase the above materials. 
• Draw Rangoli in front of the house. 
• Take a bath and clean Lakshmi’s Icon, and place her on an altar.   

Shodasha Upachara vidhi (process) 

This is a 16-step service to be executed during worship.  It is usually rendered with Vedic chants.  Devotees can perform this mentally by closing their eyes, called the Manasa puja. 

• Lower than the platform, draw Rangoli and place a Kalash on a plate with some rice. 
• Place mango leaves on the top of the Kalash.  Place coconut on the rim. 
• On a plate, keep betel leaves, nuts, fruits, and flowers. 
• Light diya’s in front of the platform. 
• Start Kalash puja, place turmeric, kumkum, and flowers. 
• Place turmeric, kumkum, and flowers on Lakshmi. 
• Start with Ganesh puja.   
• Next start, Lakshmi puja. 
• Dhyanam (meditating on Lakshmi to invoke her). 
• Recite a short prayer specific to Lakshmi and engage the mind into the lotus feet of Sri. 
• Avahanam (inviting Lakshmi into the altar). 
• Invite Lakshmi to come into the place of worship or Icon by chanting the Vedic verse as though you are inviting a loveable guest inside your home. 
• Asanam (Giving Lakshmi a seat). 
• Offer Lakshmi a seat. Like inviting a guest to your house, you would offer a comfortable chair to relax. Similarly, by chanting the Vedic verse, provide a seat for Lakshmi. 
• Padyam (Washing Lakshmi’s feet with water). 
• Wash the feet of Lakshmi by pouring water at Her feet. Imagine you are washing the delicate, lotus feet of Sri. 
• Arghya (offering Lakshmi water to rinse hands and mouth). 
• Achamanam (offering Lakshmi water to drink). 
• Snanam (bathing Lakshmi with only water or Panchamrutha abhishekam (Milk, Curds, Honey, Sugar & Ghee) (keep this aside). 
• Wash Lakshmi with water and wipe clean. 
• Vastram (dress Lakshmi in new clothes). 
• Yagnopaveetam (offering Lakshmi sacred thread) (Janevu). 
• Gandha (spreading fresh sandalwood paste on Lakshmi). 
• Turmeric & Kumkum offering. 
• Pushpa (offering flowers). 
• Recite 108 names of Lakshmi while offering flowers. 
• Dhoopam (offering incense smoke) (Due to allergic reactions, this could be eliminated).  
• Deepam (offering a lit lamp). 
• Naivedyam (offering Lakshmi food).  
• Thambulam & Dakshina (offering betel leaves and nuts & money). 
• Perform aarti. 
• Pradakshina and namaskaram (circumambulating the altar, request forgiveness for any omission.  
• Take the holy water or Panchamrutha (request Lakshmi’s grace and blessings for everyone.  Request Lakshmi to return when the Avahana is offered next time. 

 Suggested Chants 

• Ganesh Mantra 
• Lakshmi Gayatri Mantra 
• 108 names of Lakshmi