If you are wondering how to do Lakshmi Puja on Diwali at home, here is the simple sequence: prepare a clean altar, arrange the puja samagri, offer opening prayers, and worship Lakshmi Devi with water, flowers, incense, a lamp and food offerings. Complete the puja with aarti, pranams and prasadam distribution.
Knowing the sequence beforehand helps you prepare everything without interrupting the worship. The following guide explains each offering, including how to adapt the procedure when using a picture instead of a bathing murti.
Lakshmi Devi is the eternal consort of Lord Narayana. In the Vaishnava understanding, we seek Her mercy to serve the Lord and use our blessings responsibly. You can maintain this prayerful mood throughout the puja.
This guide gives the steps followed in most homes, with notes on how ISKCON devotees worship Lakshmi Devi together with Lord Narayana.
When to Perform Lakshmi Puja on Diwali
Lakshmi Puja is the main evening worship of Diwali, the third of the five days of Diwali. Lakshmi Puja on Diwali is generally performed during the evening Pradosh Kaal, after sunset. Check the Diwali Lakshmi Puja muhurat to plan your worship.
Prepare the altar, food offerings and puja vessels beforehand so you can begin at the chosen time without interruptions.
Many families gather the samagri a little earlier, around Dhanteras, so nothing is missing on the evening of the puja.
Diwali Lakshmi Puja Samagri List
| Category | Items to Arrange |
|---|---|
| Worship arrangement | Picture or murti of Lakshmi Devi, a clean chowki and cloth; a Lakshmi Narayana picture if worshipping Them together |
| Opening worship | Picture or murti of Lord Ganesha for the Ganesh-first procedure |
| Water offerings | Clean water, a small vessel, spoon and an empty receiving plate |
| Flowers and tilak | Fresh flowers, garland, chandan, kumkum and akshata |
| Incense and lamp | Incense, holder, diya, ghee, cotton wicks and matches |
| Food offerings | Fruits, sweets, suitable cooked bhoga and drinking water |
| Arati | Bell and arati plate |
| For kalash sthapana | Kalash, water, mango leaves and coconut |
| For bathing a suitable murti | Milk, curd, ghee, honey, sugar, clean water, bathing tray and soft cloth |
| Additional customary offerings | Deity clothes, ornaments, betel leaves, betel nuts and coins |
Lakshmi Puja in ISKCON Homes
In ISKCON and other Vaishnava homes, the same steps are followed with a few points of focus:
- Lakshmi with Narayana: Lakshmi Devi is worshipped together with Lord Narayana, using a combined picture or Their individual pictures.
- Mood of service: Devotees pray for Her mercy to serve the Lord and to use their blessings in His service, not only for wealth.
- Pure bhoga: Food is fresh and vegetarian, cooked without onion or garlic, and offered to the Lord before anyone tastes it.
- Kirtan: Families chant the Hare Krishna maha-mantra during the arati and afterwards.
What to Avoid During Lakshmi Puja
- Onion and garlic in the bhoga: Keep all offerings fresh and vegetarian.
- Tasting before offering: Offer the food first; then share it as prasadam.
- Pouring liquids on a picture: Present water with a spoon and collect it in a plate.
- Leaving lamps unattended: Keep flames away from curtains, decorations and children.
- Rushing the worship: Arrange everything beforehand so the puja is calm and focused.
Conclusion
Performing Lakshmi Puja on Diwali at home becomes easier when you arrange the samagri beforehand and follow the offerings step by step. Gather your family, offer prayers to Lakshmi Devi and Lord Narayana, and conclude with arati and prasadam distribution. Seek Their mercy to use the blessings you receive with gratitude, generosity and a spirit of service.
Adapted from the Gupt Vrindavan Dham blog: How to Do Lakshmi Puja on Diwali: Simple Home Vidhi.
