Diwali is one of the most popular and liked Indian festival. This beautiful festival of light is celebrated by all the Indians around the globe. Lakshmi Pooja is one of the most important features of Diwali celebrations. Lakshmi, who is considered the goddess of light, beauty, good fortune and wealth, is worshiped on the occasion of Diwali to bring prosperity in the family. She is also worshiped to achieve success and fortune. It is however said that she does not reside long with anyone who is lazy and untidy or desire her only as wealth. That is why before the Lakshmi Pooja, people actively clean their home and worship her with immense devotion. 
Lakshmi is said to be the daughter of the sage Bhrigu. Legends say that she took refuge in the ocean of milk when the gods were sent into exile. Lakshmi was reborn when Lord and Demon churned the ocean to get Amrut, the drink of immortality. However as the God had a glimpse of Lakshmi, they all fell in love with her mesmerizing exquisiteness. First of all, Shiva claimed Lakshmi as his wife, but as he had been given the Moon, Lakhshmis marriage was performed with Vishnu, who was also a preferred choice by the Goddess.
Steps of Lakshmi Poojan
Lakshmi Pooja is done in a very specific manner. First of all the entire place for the pooja is cleaned and a higher platform with a new cloth over at it is made really for deitys establishment. A kalash (pitcher) made of gold, silver, copper, or terracotta is then placed over it with handful of grains at the base. Three-fourth of the kalash is then filled with water and a betel nut, a flower, a coin, and some rice is placed in it. The Kalash is then decorated with mango leaves and covered with a plate containing rice grains. It is auspicious to draw a lotus with turmeric powder (haldi) over the rice grains and then place the idol of goddess Lakshmi over it, along with coins.
Once the Goddess is established the Pooja is started in the presence of entire family. At most of the places, Lord Ganesha is also worshiped along with the Goddess. It is said that worshiping two of them together is very auspicious and it brings wisdom and wealth together. The idol of Ganesha is placed in front of the kalash, on the right (South-West direction). It is said that placing ink and books related to your business or occupation on the platform in front of him will bring wisdom and knowledge.
The Pooja begins in the presence of entire family by lighting a lamp or diya. The deities are offered haldi, kumkum, and flowers to the platform on which the kalash is placed. Then Goddess Lakshmi is invoked by reciting the Vedic mantras addressed to her. It is said that even if you do not remember mantras you can also invoke the Goddess by simply closing your eyes and remembering her with full devotion. Like other god and goddesses, you can also offer her flowers and bathe her in panchamrit, a mixture of milk, curd, ghee or clarified butter, honey, and sugar). It is considered auspicious if Goddess Lakshmi is offered some gold ornament or a pearl.
If you want to do an extensive pooja you can offer sandal paste, saffron paste, perfume ( itr ), haldi, kumkum, abeer, and gulal to the goddess along with a garland of cotton beads. Flowers specially marigold and leaves of Bel, wood apple is also considered to be the favorite of Goddess Lakshmi. Along with earthen lamps, you can also light an incense stick, dhoop and perform an elaborate havan. At the end, the aarti for goddess Lakshmi should be performed.
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