Lakshmi Puja in Varanasi

Lakshmi Puja samagri list

• Lakshmi and Ganesha idols or pictures
• Red cloth for the chowki
• Kalash, mango leaves and coconut
• Lotus or red flowers and garlands
• Kamal gatta (lotus seeds)
• Kumkum, haldi, akshat and sandalwood
• Silver or gold coins, if kept by the family
• Clay diyas, ghee or oil and cotton wicks
• Panchamrit and Ganga jal
• Kheel-batashe, sweets and fruits for naivedya
• Betel leaves, supari and cloves
• Incense, camphor and dhoop
• New account books or ledger, for business households
• Material for rangoli

The Pandit confirms the final list for your family's vidhi, and Pandit ji can arrange the samagri in Varanasi at an additional cost, agreed after discussion.

Lakshmi Puja vidhi, step by step

1. 1Cleaning and preparation. The home or shop is cleaned and lit with diyas. A chowki with red cloth is set up with images of Lakshmi and Ganesha, and a rangoli is often made at the entrance.
2. 2Kalash sthapana and Ganesh Pujan. A kalash is established with water, mango leaves and coconut, and Lord Ganesha is worshipped first.
3. 3Sankalp. The Pandit takes the sankalp with the family's names, gotra and intention for the puja.
4. 4Lakshmi avahan and shodashopachara. Goddess Lakshmi is invoked and offered snan, vastra, kumkum, lotus or red flowers, kamal gatta, incense, lamp and naivedya.
5. 5Shri Suktam and stotra path. The Shri Suktam, Lakshmi Ashtottara Shatanamavali or Kanakadhara Stotram are recited as per the family's tradition.
6. 6Worship of wealth and account books. Where relevant, coins, jewellery, new account books (bahi-khata) and the cash box are worshipped with kumkum and swastik markings.
7. 7Aarti and deep daan. The family performs the Lakshmi aarti, and diyas are placed through the home as a sign of welcome.