Diwali Puja is much-loved amongst all festivals and auspicious too for every Indian. From Dhanteras to Bhai Dhooj all Hindus will be busy in its preparations and worship different god and goddesses in these five days. However, Hindus celebrate this festival unanimously but rituals vary everywhere according to regions.
Diwali is festival of lights and it won’t be wrong to call it a grandest occasion which is celebrated with enormous enthusiasm. The beauty of this festival is that neither it is limited to a region nor religion which makes it an occasion to flourish secular spirit of India.
In spite of religion, they preach goddess Lakshmi, Lord Ganesha and God Kuber to arrive their adobe and bless them with health, wealth and prosperity.
Table of Contents
History of Diwali Puja
Diwali marks its presence on Hindu Granth since ancient times and falls on the month of Kartika as per Panchang. The festival is stated in Padma Purana and Skanda Purana (Sanskrit Scriptures) which were both completed in second or first half of millennial though its core text has been expanded on an earlier era.
Earthen lamps or diyas are mentioned in Skanda Purana as a symbol of the sun, the energy source of life and a cosmic resource of light which according to Hindu calender transits in the month of Kartika.
Some parts of Indian regions associate Diwali with a legend of Yama and Nachiketa on Amavasya (Diwali night). This story is recorded in Katha Upanishad which was composed in 1st Millenial BC and states victory of right over wrong, knowledge vs. ignorance and true knowledge vs. material knowledge.
In the 7th Century Sanskrit play, King Harsha played Nagananda which mentions Deepawali as Deepapratipada Utsava in which clays lamps were lit and new bride and grooms were given gifts. Later in the 9th century, Rajashekhara stated Diwali as Deepamalika. Similarly, Kavayamimasa referred it as a festival to light lamps, whitewash home, and decorate streets and market in the night.
Legend Of Diwali/Deepawali
As we know India is a diversified nation so each culture has different rituals. Similarly, Diwali is celebrated in different ways across the country. In North Indian states Diwali is associated with the legend of Lord Rama Returning home. Especially states like Haryana, Punjab, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh seeks this day as Lord Rama returning abode after 14 years exile after epic war with MahaGyaani Ravana and seeking Lord Rama as the King of Ayodhya.
On this day Maa Lakshmi emerged from the Ksheer Saga, an ocean which was churned by the goddess evolved to prosper the universe with health, wealth and happiness. Therefore this day remarked a legend on the pages of history and since then for the betterment of mankind thee goddess is thanked and worshipped each subsequent year.
Religious Significance of Diwali
Diwali has a significant place in Hindu Tradition which is not only for the celebration of prosperity and wealth but it is a reminder in the honor of Lord Rama who returned with his beloved wife Sita and brother Laxmana from 14 years of exile.
Diwali is the Last day of the financial year as per Hindu Calenders thus this festival marks as a closing of the financial year for a businessman in a traditional way by greeting the gods of wealth Devi Laxami and Dhan Ke Devta Kuber with intelligence souvenir Lord Ganesha as he is marked as Pratham Pujyaniya Devta.
Businessman and Traders on this day perform Chopada Pujn that is dedicated to the gods of wealth to seek blessings from them and request to fulfill their lives with health, wealth and riches. New account books are sanctified in this puja and worshipped known as BahiKhata Pujan and then used in another financial year and is requested to Maa Laxmi that please bless our business and eradicate all the issues related to borrowings.
Songs and prayers are sung in the honor of Maa Laxmi and the whole day is dedicated to the goddess seeks huge attention.
Why do we celebrate Diwali
We all celebrate Diwali in spite of any religious backgrounds but knowing the legends behind celebrating this festival is worthy and you will know that apart from spiritual side Diwali has many other reasons to celebrate. Let us know about it one by one-
The Victory of Lord Rama – According to Ramayana, Lord Rama with Sita and brother Laxmana was abandoned by a stepmother Kaikai which wanted to see his son be the owner of the Kingdom. She somehow managed to send the elder son Rama for exile for 14years. Where Sita Mata was kidnapped by King Ravana and then a huge legendary battle took place between them and Lord Rama was able to win Sita again. After this tale, they came back to Ayodhya after 14years in honor of his king returning back people of Ayodhya lit earthen ghee lamps and firecrackers to celebrate this moment with happiness.
The Return of Pandavas – The epic Mahabharata also has a story on Diwali. They were also exiled from their adobe by Kauravas as they lose in the gambling but entire kingdom wanted to see Pandavas as their Kings thus when they returned after 13 years they were welcomed with lights and bursting crackers.
The incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi – This is the birth date of Goddess Lakshmi as when the ocean was churned she evolved to bless universe with wealth and prosperity. She was married to Lord Vishnu on the same day and people celebrate this day as her birthday in many parts.
Killing of Narakasura – Another legend states that on this day Lord Krishna killed demon-king Narakasura and rescued many women from his bad fate. Therefore Rangoli is drawn by women across the nation to show respect to Lord Krishna for this bliss.
Coronation of Vikramaditya – On the day of Diwali King Vikramaditya was coroneted thus this day remarks the legend of this king.
Goddess Kali- West Bengal and Orissa dedicate this day in the name of Mahakali Maa. When gods were defeated by demons then Maa Kali emerged from Maa Durga’s forehead and rescued the world. Because of this, her anger burst out and she became uncontrollable and started killing humans. At that moment Lord Shiva intervened and lies down in front of Maa to stop her. This momentous time is celebrated as Diwali.
Goddess Lakshmi was rescued by Lord Vishnu- Goddess Lakshmi was imprisoned by King Bali and Lord Vishnu rescued the goddess from him by taking 5th incarnation. And this took place in Diwali.
Date and Time of Diwali Puja
This year Diwali Puja is on October 31st, 2024 i.e. on Thursday .
- Pradosh Kaal Muhurat- 05:36 PM to 08:11 PM
- Vidarbha Kaal-06:19 PM to 08:15 PM
Lakshmi Puja Muhurat
Amavasya Tithi Starts – 03:52 PM on Oct 31, 2024
Amavasya Tithi Ends – 106:16 PM on Nov 01, 2024
Choghadhiya Puja Muhurat-
Choghadhiya Muhurat is considered auspicious for Lakshmi Pujan on Diwali
- Morning Muhurat ( Labh, Amrit)- 06:33 AM to 10:42 AM
- Morning Muhurat ( Shubh)- 10.48am to 12.10am
- Afternoon Muhurat(Char, Labh)-04:13 PM to 05:36 PM
How to perform Diwali puja at home or shop?
Many people worship Goddess Lakshmi and God Ganesha but ideally, Lord Kuber is also offered prayers for complete puja. So let’s see how do perform this puja ideally for great benefits
Puja Samagri or items
- Ganesh idol, Lakshmi Ji and Kuber idol (all made of mud)
- A temple idol made of mud with four lamps
- Choughada made of mud
- Laayi and Batasha
- Idol of a wealthy couple Sethji and Sethaniji
- Mud idol of horse, cow, elephant, and lion
- Kumkum, turmeric, rice, coconut, betel leaves, fruits, sweets, and mango leaves
- Ganga Jal, coins, incense sticks, diyas, mouli
- One garland of flowers, camphor, havan samagri
These items are significant as it includes everything one needs to be happy and fulfilling home.
Diwali Puja Process (Vidhi)
Diwali is on Amavasya day and on this day idols of Lakshmi, and Kuber is installed and apart from this Bahikhata is also worshipped.
On this day one has to keep fasting all day either without water Nirjal or with fruits Phalahar as per person’s willpower and capability.
Diwali puja should always be performed as per Muhurats and Lagna, Pradosh Kaal and Amavasya Tithi. Diwali puja in the detailed procedure is given below
The following given Mantra at the time of Pujan
Om sarvebhyo gurubhyo namah |
Om sarvebhyo devebhyo namah ||
Om sarvebhyo brahmanebhyo namah ||
Prarambha karyam nirvighnamastu |
Subham sobhanamastu |
Ista devata kuladevata suprasanna varada bhavatu ||
Anujnam dehi ||”
- Atma Shodhana- This is self-purification procedure where you need to sprinkle Gangajal everywhere in the house and yourself.
- Sankalpa- in this you need to take an oath before starting puja rituals that you will complete puja with a pure soul.
- Deep Sthapana– Lighting lamps are the first thing you do to begin puja with. This is done before puja and kept in the place of worship so that god’s blessings are inherited in it and then you will light the house by them after puja. Chant the mantra given blow while lighting diyas
“Atha devasya vama bhage dipa sthapanam karisye |” (light lamp on the left side of the picture, if you have two oil lamps you can place both of them on either side otherwise on the left-hand side of the Devas)
“Om Kesavaya svaha | Om narayanaya svaha | Om madhavaya svaha |”
Given below are the mantras. Do Namskaram with each of the following mantras.
“Om govimdaya namah | om visnave namah | om madhusudanaya namah | om trivikramaya namah | om vamanaya namah | om sridharaya namah | om hrsikesaya namah | om padmanabhaya namah | om damodaraya namah | om sri krisanaya namah | om vāsudevāya namah | om pradyumnaya h| om aniruddhaya namah | om purusottamāya namah | om adhoksajaya namah | om narasiṁhāya namah | om acyutaya namah | om janardanāya namah | om upemdraya namah | om haraye namah | sri krisnaya namah ||”
- Aachaman- Take a spoonful of water in hand and take a sip and revolve three times over your head then wash your hands. Recite following mantras
“Om Kesavaya svaha | Om narayanaya svaha | Om madhavaya svaha |”
Given below are the mantras. Do Namskaram with each of the following mantras.
“Om govimdaya namah | om visnave namah | om madhusudanaya namah | om trivikramaya namah | om vamanaya namah | om sridharaya namah | om hrsikesaya namah | om padmanabhaya namah | om damodaraya namah | om sri krisanaya namah | om vāsudevāya namah | om pradyumnaya h| om aniruddhaya namah | om purusottamāya namah | om adhoksajaya namah | om narasiṁhāya namah | om acyutaya namah | om janardanāya namah | om upemdraya namah | om haraye namah | sri krisnaya namah ||”
Lord Ganesha Pujan
- Pranamayaha- Take a spoonful of water in your hand and chant
“Om pranavasya parabrahma rsih | paramatmadevata | daivi gayatri chandah | pranayame viniyogah ||”
( Say it in one breath)
“Om bhuh | om bhuvah | om svah | om mahah| om janah | om tapah| om satyam | om tatsaviturvarenyam bhargodevasya dhīmahī dhiyo yo nah prachodayāt || Om apojyoti rasomrtam brahma bhurbhuvassuvarom ||”
(offer flowers and unbroken rice or Akshata to Lord ganesha)
“Om Sri mahaganadhipataye namah |”
“Sri gurubhyo namah | Sri sarasvatyai namah | Sri vedaya namah | Sri Vedapurusaya namah | Istadevatābhyo namah | kuladevatābhyo namah | Sthanadevatabhyo namah | Gramadevatabhyo namah | Vastudevatabhyo namah | Sachipuramdarabhyām namah | Umamahesvarabhyam namah | matapitrbhyam namah | Padmavati narayanabhyam namah | Sarvebhyo devebhyo namo namah | Sarvebhyo brahmanebhyo namo namah | Karma pradhana devatabhyo namo namah ||”
- Avighnamastu- Offer water and flowers to the lord and chant –
“Sumukhasca ekadmtasca kapilo gajakarnakah |
Lambodarasca vikato vighna naso gahādhipah || “
“Dhumraketurganadhyakso balacandro gajananah |
Dvadasaitani namani yah pathet srunuyadapi ||”
“Vidyarambhe vivahe ca pravese nirgame tatha |
Samgrame sankatascaiva vighnah tasya na jayate ||”
“Suklambaradharam devam sasivarnam caturbhujam |
Prasanna vadanam dhyayet sarva vighnopa samtaye ||”
“Sarvamangala mangalye sive sarvartha sadhike |
Saranye trayambake devi narayani namostute ||”
“Sarvada sarva karyesu nasti teasam amangalam |
Yesam hrdistho bhagavan mangalayatano harih ||”
“Tadeva lagnam sudinam tadeva tārābalam camdrabalam tadeva |
Vidya balam daivabalam tadeva padmavatipateh temghri yugam smarāmi ||”
“Labhastesm jayastesam kutastesam parajayah |
Yesam indivara śyamo hrdayastho janardanah ||”
“Vinayakam gurum bhanum brahmavisnumahesvaran |
Sarasvatim pranamyadau sarva karyartha siddhaye ||”
Sankalpah (Hold flowers, Akshata, a coin, water drops, betel nut in your both hands together)
“Om purvokta evam guna visesana visistayam subhapunyatithau mama atmanah sruti-smrti-puranokta phala-praptyartham mama sa-kutumbasya ksema sthairya ayu-rrogya caturvidha purusartha sidhyartham dipavalilaksmi pujam aham karisye ||”
“Idam phalam mayadeva sthapitam puratastava |
tena me saphalavaptirbhavet janmani janmani ||” (offer flowers, akshata, a coin, water drops, betel nut in front goddess)
Ganapati puja (hold a spoonful water in your right hand, chant following Mantra and offer the water at the end)
(Offer water in hand to Lord) “Adau nirvighnatasidhyartham maha ganapatim pujanam karisye |”
“Om gananam tva saunako grtsamado ganapatirjagati ganapatyavahane viniyogah ||” (offer water in hand to lord)
“Om bhurbhuvasvah mahaganapataye namah | avahayami |” (offer Akshata)
“Om bhurbhuvasvah mahaganapataye namah | dhyayami | dhyanam samarpayami |” (offer Akshata)
“Om mahagahapataye namah | avahanam samarpayami |” (offer Akshata)
“Om mahaganapataye namah | asanam samarpayami |” (offer flower petals, Akshata)
“Om mahaganapataye namah | padyam samarpayami |” (sprinkle water drops)
“Om mahaganapataye namah | arghyam samarpayami |” (offer flower petals, water drops and Akshata)
“Om mahaganapataye namah | acamaniyam samarpayami |” (offer a spoonful water)
“Om mahaganapataye namah | snanam samarpayami |” (offer a spoonful water)
“Om mahaganapataye namah | vastram samarpayami |” (offer akshata, flowers )
“Om mahaganapataye namah | yajnopavitam samarpayami |” (offer akshata, flowers )
“Om mahaganapataye namah | camdanam samarpayami |” (offer chandan paste)
“Om mahaganapataye namah | parimala dravyam samarpayāmi |” (offer kumkum)
“Om mahaganapataye namah | puspani samarpayami |” (offer flower petals)
“Om mahaganapataye namah | dhupam samarpayami |” (offer agarbatti)
“Om mahaganapataye namah | dipam samarpayami |” (show ghee lamp)
“Om mahaganapataye namah | naivedyam samarpayami |” (offer banana)
“Om mahaganapataye namah | tambulam samarpayami |” (offer betel leaf, betel nuts)
“Om mahaganapataye namah | phalam samarpayami |” (offer some fruits)
“Om mahaganapataye namah | daksinam samarpayami |” (offer coins)
“Om mahaganapataye namah | artikyam samarpayāmi |” (light ghee lamp, do arati three times)
“Om bhurbhuvasvah mahaganapataye namah | mantrapuspam samarpayami |” (offer flowers)
“Om bhurbhuvasvah mahaganapataye namah | pradaksinan namaskaran samarpayami |” (offer akshata, flowers)
“Om mahaganapataye namah | sarva rajopacaran samarpayami ||’ (offer akshata)
“Anaya pujaya vighnaharta mahaganapatih priyatam ||”
Maha Lakshmi Pujan
Lakshmi Puja is an important ritual follow the procedure given below
“Om namo mahalaksmyai namah | avahayami |” (offer akshata)
“Om namo mahālaksmyai namah | dhyayami | dhyanam samarpayami |” (offer akshata)
“Om namo mahalaksmyai namah | avahanam Samarpayami |” (offer akshata)
“Om namo mahalaksmyai namah | asanam samarpayāmi |” (offer flower petals, akshata)
“Om namo mahalaksmyai namah | padyam samarpayāmi |” (sprinkle water drops)
“Om namo mahalaksmyai namah | arghyam samarpayami |” (offer flower petals, water drops and akshata)
“Om namo mahalaksmyai namah | acamaniyam samarpayami |” (offer a spoonful water)
“Om namo mahālaksmyai namah | snanam samarpayami |” (offer a spoonful water)
Chant this mantra 108 times and offer curd, sugar, honey, and milk to the goddess
Once puja is completed wash the LakshmiJi idol with water and offer coins. Chant
“Om namo mahālakṣmyai namah |”
Kuber Pujan
Kuber Puja should be done similarly and following mantra should be recited
Om Yakshaya Kuberaya Vaishravanaya Dhanadhanyadhipataye
Dhanadhanyasamriddhim Me Dehi Dapaya Svaha॥
Om Hreem Shreem Kreem Shreem Kuberaya Ashta-Lakshmi
Mama Grihe Dhanam Puraya Puraya Namah॥
Om Shreem Hreem Kleem Shreem Kleem Vitteshvaraya Namah॥
Duwali puja is comprehensive and take hours to finish thus Lakshmi, Ganesha and Kuber puja should be done under the Muhurat time rest puja can be continued after Muhurat too. Always keep a clay lamp lit till night and next day after puja then do Visarjan in the morning.
This was all about Diwali Puja. If you are facing any issues in life or want to add-on to the good days, we recommend you offer a Puja. Call our customer care and book Hindu Vedic Puja now.
Thank you for publishing this on Diwali Puja. Wasn’t aware of all these rituals to do proper Diwali Laxmi puja.