Gomti chakra and cowries kept in Lakshmi puja on Diwali: what the tradition holds

Lakshmi puja on Diwali is regarded as a festival of wealth, prosperity and peace. Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha are worshipped on the day, and in many homes Gomti chakra and cowries are also placed in the puja. Some people keep these items in the safe or at the place where the household's money is kept.

Gomti chakra is a small, round, conch-like shell found in the sea, which looks like a natural shell. A circular, wheel-like pattern is visible on one side, which is why it is called Gomti chakra. By religious belief it is linked to Lord Vishnu's Sudarshan Chakra, so it is considered auspicious.

The belief is that keeping a Gomti chakra at home sustains happiness and prosperity and removes financial hurdles. On Lakshmi puja day it is placed at the feet of Goddess Lakshmi and worshipped. In some families it is kept in the safe or the money cupboard after the puja. It is believed to increase wealth and grain in the household.

Cowries are also small, conch-like shells from the sea. In earlier times they were used in transactions in some places, which is why they came to be associated with wealth and trade. In religious tradition, cowries are regarded as a symbol of Goddess Lakshmi. On Lakshmi puja day, yellow or white cowries are placed before the goddess. In some homes, turmeric and kumkum are applied to them before worship.

Different colours of cowries are considered auspicious. Yellow cowries are linked to wealth and prosperity, while white ones are seen as symbols of purity and auspiciousness. In some religious traditions, cowries are tied in a red cloth and kept in the safe. The belief is that this brings financial stability to the home.

The religious sentiment behind keeping the two together is the attainment of wealth, financial growth and the happiness and prosperity of the home. Gomti chakra is regarded as a symbol of Vishnu's Sudarshan Chakra, and cowries are linked with Goddess Lakshmi. Some devotees therefore believe that worshipping both together keeps the blessings of Lakshmi-Narayan.

The method described is that on Lakshmi puja day the puja space is first cleaned. The Gomti chakra and cowries are wiped with clean water and placed in the puja plate or on a red cloth. Turmeric, kumkum and akshat (rice grains) are offered on them. Goddess Lakshmi is then worshipped with flowers and naivedya (food offering). After the puja, according to some traditions, the Gomti chakra and cowries are kept in the safe or where money is kept.

According to Vastu Shastra and religious belief, keeping them in the safe helps wealth stay in the house, reduces financial hurdles and brings prosperity. However, these are matters of religious understanding and should not be taken as a scientific guarantee of financial benefit.