Diwali Muhrat :
Diwali, the festival of lights, is a time for joy, festivities, and deep spiritual significance. This year, the auspicious muhrat for Diwali Pooja falls between 5:39 PM to 7:35 PM on 12th November 2023, or alternatively, from 12:10 AM to 2:27 AM at night.
Essentials for Diwali Pooja:
To perform a meaningful Diwali Pooja, gather the following items:
- Gangajal
- Cotton Red Cloth
- Chauki
- Idols of Lakshmi Ji, Ganesh Ji, and Kuber Ji
- Rice, Kumkum, Chandan, Ilachi, Mauli, Haldi
- Diyas, Dhoop, Gold, Silver Coin
- Sweets, fruits, and Meethe Khilone
- Flowers for a Fool Mala
- Books and photos of other deities (Surya Dev, Vishnu Ji, Shiv Ji, and Durga Ji)
- Additional items like Gomati chakra, Supari, Coconut, Cloves, Honey, Shri Yantra, Kuber Yantra, Kesar, Kapoor, Peeli Sarso, Kamalgatta, Ittra, Milk, Gulaal, and Paan.
Diwali Pooja Vidhi:
- Begin the Pooja in the Ishaan Kona (northeast direction).
- Cleanse the space, sprinkle Gangajal, and create a swastik of rice.
- Place the Chauki on the swastik and cover it with the red cloth.
- Arrange the idols of Lakshmi Ji, Ganesh Ji, and Kuber Ji on the Chauki.
- Sprinkle Gangajal and light dhoop and diyas.
- Sit on an aasan and chant the Ganesh Mantra, then call upon Lakshmi Ji with devotion.
- Offer five flowers at her feet, saying “श्री लक्ष्म्यै देव्यै पंच पुष्पाणि समर्पयामि, श्री लक्ष्मी देवि स्वागतम्.”
- Wash her feet with water, perform abhishek with Gangajal and ittra, and then with clean water.
- Offer mauli as clothing and panchamrit as an auspicious offering.
- Present red chandan, kumkum, sindoor, gulaal, ittra, rice, chandan, and flowers at her feet.
- Offer gold, silver, money, followed by Mithai, kheel, batashe, and water.
- Conclude with prayers, namaskar, and the reading of Lakshmi Ji Stuti. Distribute prashad to those present.
Important Points to Remember:
- Ideally, both hands of Lakshmi Ji should be adorned with white elephants.
- Maintain silence during the Pooja.
- Perform the Pooja while seated on the ground on an auspicious seat.
- Create footsteps of Goddess Lakshmi, symbolizing her entry into the home.
- Face northeast, east, or north during the Pooja.
- Light a lamp with seven wicks.
- After the Pooja, place two drops of water under the seat and apply it to your forehead.
May this Diwali Pooja bring prosperity, joy, and spiritual abundance to your life and home. Wishing you a blessed and illuminating Diwali!