Plants to bring home before Diwali, said to invite Lakshmi's blessings in Vastu tradition

Diwali, the festival of lamps and joy, is only a few days away. As it nears, people busy themselves cleaning their homes, and many also take steps for happiness and prosperity. It is said that planting certain saplings at Diwali helps drive negative energy out of the home.

According to Swami Kanhaiya Maharaj, an astrology and Vastu expert from Kashi, to keep happiness, peace, prosperity and wealth in the home during Diwali, one can plant a few new saplings in the courtyard, drawing room and balcony.

First, tulsi. If there is no tulsi plant at home, one should be planted in the courtyard, on the balcony or on the terrace before Diwali. The tulsi plant is regarded as a form of Goddess Lakshmi. According to religious belief, a home with a thick tulsi plant is considered the abode of Goddess Lakshmi. Tulsi is held sacred in Hinduism, and there is a tradition of growing it at home and worshipping it daily.

Along with tulsi, a bamboo plant can be kept on the balcony, in the drawing room or on the terrace. It is a symbol of progress and prosperity. Some Vastu traditions regard the bamboo plant as auspicious. It is said that a growing bamboo plant in the drawing room helps maintain positive energy and keep negative energy away.

A money plant can also be grown at home. It can easily be raised in a pot or in a glass bottle. According to Vastu Shastra, keeping this plant at home is considered auspicious. It is said that a money plant placed in the south-east, or Agneya, direction of the house brings Goddess Lakshmi into the home.

Besides these, a rose plant should also be grown on the balcony or terrace. The rose is a favourite flower of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. It is therefore said that planting it keeps positive energy in the house and keeps Goddess Lakshmi pleased.

A harsingar plant can also be grown at home. According to religious belief, when the harsingar tree at home begins to flower, it should be understood that the negative energy of the house is slowly ending. The flower is very dear to Lord Ram, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. It is said to help maintain positivity in the home.