The fragrance of worship is in the air, and so are our high spirits for Lakshmi Puja and Diwali.
As we approach the festive celebration of lights with family and friends, the spiritual aroma of Puja Ghar accompanies us towards prosperity and happiness. It not only helps us bring together all our loved ones under one roof but also heals the minds & bodies of the people around us.
This Diwali, let us make our homes a perfect embodiment of a positive and spiritual setting to invite Goddess Lakshmi in. To express gratitude & wish the best for friends and family, here are some do's & don'ts that we need to follow on this auspicious occasion -
DO'S
1) Auspicious Beginnings with Hari Darshan's Dhoop & Agarbatti
Start your day by lighting a natural handmade fragrant dhoop/agarbatti and a diya to set your intentions right for the day. Repeat your deepest desires to the Goddess of Prosperity with a pure heart and witness them unravel into reality.
2) Get Ready for Ma Lakshmi
Decorate your home with mango leaves, marigolds, and ashoka flowers to invite wealth and prosperity. It is said that Ma Lakshmi only walks into brightly lit homes. A stunning array of diya lights on Diwali dispels the darkness of the night and radiates light and positive energy.
Light your diyas with Til oil, available at Hari Darshan for special occasions like Lakshmi Puja. The Til seed, also known as sesame, is the perspiration of Lord Vishnu and is an effective remedy for Saturn and Rahu-related ill effects and nullifies their adverse impact on one's life.
3) Havan for Purification
A havan is a purifier for both the environment and the devotees. When the puja samagri burns along with the black sesame oil, the anti-bacterial smoke, and fragrance purify the atmosphere. Only when it is of the purest ingredients is it bound to bring positive results, and what is more auspicious than the family favorite festival, Diwali?
It is extremely challenging to source these pure ingredients of havan samagri. But fortunately, there are pre-packed kits available at Hari Darshan that can put your mind at ease.
4) Sacred Placements of Lakshmi Puja
Consider keeping a Mangalik Kalash with one unpeeled coconut on each side of the main gate.
After cleaning the Puja place, on the right side, spread a red cloth on a raised platform and install idols of the adorned Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha. On the left, lay a white cloth on a raised platform and install Navgraha while spreading a red cloth to establish Shodasa Devis.
DON'TS
1) Materials to Avoid
Glass and plaster of paris (pop) idols should not be used for Lakshmi Puja as clay or silver idols are considered auspicious. Avoid using iron utensils for the day.
2) Say No to Crackers
The horrible effects of crackers are never-ending, and there are myriad reasons to avoid them.
- Garbage and pollution caused by crackers are harmful not only to the air, sound, and soil but also to the animals - most of all to humans, both newborns & old alike, as it contains many chemicals.
- We keep hearing countless stories of people getting seriously injured, and young children are the worst hit as they are the cheapest labor. Who would want their karmas to be filled with somebody's ill health?
3) Artificial Fragrances
As they are cheaper to source & make, a lot of products available in the market have artificial fragrances. They have terrible consequences as they have been linked to cancer, birth defects, disrupting hormone activity, nervous-system disorders, obesity, headaches, diabetes, asthma, and allergies.
4) Using Low-Quality Products
When we profess love towards our loved ones, we use high-quality gifts. Then why don't we do the same for our Gods? We need to use high-quality & purest items as only then will the gods be pleased with our honest intentions.
Diwali, being the auspicious festival, is the perfect time to welcome positivity into life. With a beautiful space created inside your homes and your lives outside, get ready to invite Ma Lakshmi into your hearts.
