Diwali Night: Maa Lakshmi knocks the door
The columnist is author of 32 books on astrology, numerology, Vaastu, tarot, dreams and moles
Goddess Lakshmi is the deity of wealth. Mythologically, she is described as a fair lady with four arms, seated on a Lotus, dressed in fine garments and precious jewels. Her expression is calm and sacred. The most striking features of the iconography of Lakshmi is her persistent association with the Lotus. The meaning of Lotus in relation to Sri Lakshmi refers to purity and spiritual power.
It is believed that Goddess Lakshmi visits only the pure and spotlessly clean house on the night of Diwali. The Shastras refer that Lakshmi exists in a person with six virtues i.e. Fearlessness, good character, honesty, hardworking, calmness and who respect the women. In worldly sense, Lakshmi is defined as ‘Aishwarya’ which means prosperity. But there are many people who have all the riches and wealth, and endless facilities of life but no comfort, no bliss, no contentment.
Astrologically, if the 4th, 6th, 8th or 11th house is aspected by malefic planets then despite having money and wealth, misfortune exists. It often denotes legal problems, separation, or difficulty caused by own people, children, unexpected ailments, melancholy or trouble caused by speculation, gambling etc. In such situations, one should worship Lakshmi to enhance prosperity. Diwali is considered to be most auspicious and holy day for Lakshmi puja.
According to Vaastu, one should keep the face towards East, North or North East while performing puja. There are many methods for a Diwali puja but simple and accurate system is being given for our readers.
- Place the idol of Lakshmi in a round plate of silver; bathe it with Ganga Jal or Panchamrit (mixture of milk, curds, ghee, honey and sugar).- Light an incense stick and dhoop. Offer sweets, coconut, fruit roli, rice and flowers.- Gambling/ lending/ borrowing money on Diwali is prohibited.- Place silver coins in odd numbers (5, 7, 9, 11, 21) before Lakshmi.- A four wick deepak be lit at the time of puja.- Every member of family must light one candle in puja thali.- Recite this mantra 108 times: Aum Ayen Hrin Lakshmiyae Nameh.
Vaastu tips on Diwali
- Remove all the useless clutter, old newspaper/ clothes, shoes, which have been left unused for many months. - Take a seven clay deepak and light one each in or before: kitchen, tulsi, entrance of home, bath-room, roof-top, puja room, water tank. - Lighting the clay deepak at these places will enhance five tatvas — agni, water, air, aakash, earth. These tatvas are considered to be auspicious to remove Vaastu-Dosha.
Q: My daughter Mridula has done BE. Mech and working for MNC in Mumbai. What are her marriage prospects? — A D Warde ​A: The Moon is weak due to its proximity with the Sun, which brings hassles in marriage. The involvement of Jupiterean influence is a plus point, which holds favourable indication for marriage after August 15, 2018. She should wear Pukhraj of five-carats on index finger on Thursday after Pran Pratishtha.