Seven rules for Lakshmi puja and six remedies for prosperity this Diwali

As Diwali nears, the wish in every household is that Goddess Lakshmi enters the home and that happiness, peace and wealth stay. That is why Lakshmi and Ganapati are worshipped wholeheartedly on Diwali. It is said that puja performed from the heart removes financial hurdles at home and brings gains. But the puja is not complete with offering flowers alone, and a few small things need attention.

The first rule is cleanliness. Elders have always said that Lakshmi comes to a clean house. Before Diwali, clear the dust, rubbish and unwanted items out of the house. Keep the main door, the prayer room and the kitchen especially spotless.

The second rule is rangoli at the door. Making a beautiful rangoli in front of the door on Diwali is considered auspicious. Hang a toran of mango leaves or flowers on the door as well. It looks pleasant on entering the house and is believed to bring good energy.

The third rule is the evening lamp. As evening falls, light lamps at the door, in the prayer room and in the courtyard. A ghee or oil lamp is considered good. Do not keep the house in darkness.

The fourth rule concerns clothes for the puja. Wear clean clothes during the Lakshmi puja, preferably in bright colours such as red or yellow. Spread a red or yellow cloth at the place of worship and place the idols of Lakshmi and Ganapati on it. Then offer flowers, akshat, and haldi-kumkum, and present the naivedya.

The fifth rule is not to quarrel at home. Keep the house peaceful on Diwali. Do not argue over small matters or speak in anger. When everyone lives lovingly, Lakshmi stays in the home. It is said that Lakshmi does not stay in a house of quarrels.

The sixth rule is to avoid wasting food and money. Lakshmi is the goddess of wealth, so do not waste food, water or money needlessly during Diwali. Spend only as much as needed. Respect food and do not leave it on the plate.

The seventh rule is to give to the needy. According to your means, give food, clothes, grain or a little money to someone in need. Charity given from the heart is said to please Lakshmi greatly. It also brings peace of mind.

Now, six remedies for wealth. First, offer a lotus flower. The scriptures say Lakshmi likes the lotus most, so offer the goddess one lotus on the day of the puja. Second, chant the mantra "Om Shreem Mahalakshmyai Namah" 108 times during the puja. It focuses the mind and makes the puja heartfelt.

Third, offer the goddess kheer, laddoos or another sweet naivedya and then distribute it to everyone as prasad. This keeps the home happy. Fourth, clean the safe or the place where money is kept. In some homes coins and notes are also worshipped. This is believed to bring financial stability.

Fifth, place a lamp near the main door in the evening. This lamp is to welcome Lakshmi. Keep it in a safe place, away from curtains. Sixth, and most important, perform the puja sincerely and not merely as a ritual. Express gratitude to the goddess instead of asking for things. Try these small rules this Diwali, and the home will feel a different kind of peace and cheer.