Worshipping Ashtalakshmi, the eight manifestations of Goddess Lakshmi in Hinduism, is a revered practice for prosperity, spiritual growth, and well-being. Each form of Ashtalakshmi represents unique blessings, including wealth, knowledge, courage, and victory. Here’s a comprehensive guide on worshipping Ashtalakshmi with eco-friendly practices and traditional puja rituals.
1. Understanding the Ashtalakshmi Forms
- Adi Lakshmi: The primal form, representing eternal wealth and strength.
- Dhana Lakshmi: Brings material and spiritual wealth.
- Dhanya Lakshmi: Blesses with abundance in food and sustenance.
- Gaja Lakshmi: Bestows power, royalty, and prosperity.
- Santana Lakshmi: Blesses with progeny and family prosperity.
- Veera Lakshmi: Grants courage and valor.
- Vidya Lakshmi: Bestows knowledge and wisdom.
- Vijaya Lakshmi: Brings victory in endeavors.
2. Benefits of Worship
- Material Prosperity: Gain in wealth and abundance.
- Family Harmony: Blessings of progeny and family happiness.
- Spiritual Upliftment: Greater wisdom and courage to face life’s challenges.
- Health and Longevity: Blessings of sustenance, strength, and well-being.
3. Purity and Cleanliness
- Cleanse yourself by bathing before the puja.
- Clean the puja area with water and use natural incense for fragrance.
- Arrange a clean, dedicated space for the puja to maintain sanctity.
4. Best Time for Worship
- Fridays are ideal for Lakshmi worship.
- Evening is considered auspicious as it is the time of the goddess.
- Full Moon Days (Purnima) and special festivals like Diwali are also very favorable.
5. Dress Code: Color and Fabric
- Yellow, Red, or Pink: These colors are sacred and auspicious for Lakshmi.
- Wear clean, modest traditional attire, preferably in cotton or silk to honor tradition.
6. Eco-Friendly Puja Items
- Kalash (Copper or Clay Pot): Filled with clean water and decorated with mango leaves.
- Coconut: Placed atop the Kalash, symbolizing prosperity.
- Fresh Flowers: Marigold, lotus, or jasmine for fragrance and purity.
- Beetle Leaves and Fruits: For offering as prasad.
- Pure Ghee Lamps: Use clay diyas for the aarti.
- Organic Kumkum, Haldi, and Sandalwood Paste: Eco-friendly and traditional.
- Natural Incense Sticks: To purify the environment.
- Rice (Akshata): Preferably unpolished and used in moderation.
7. Simple Steps of Puja
- Setup: Place a clean cloth and set up the Kalash with water, mango leaves, and a coconut.
- Invocation: Begin by inviting the Goddess with a prayer (Dhyana Shloka) or meditation on her form.
- Offering Flowers: Offer flowers and sprinkle kumkum on the idol or picture of Ashtalakshmi.
- Lighting the Lamp: Light the diyas in ghee or oil, symbolizing purity and divine light.
- Offer Prasad: Place prasad made with devotion, such as kheer or payasam, before the deity.
- Chanting Mantras: Chant Lakshmi mantras like “Om Shreem Mahalakshmiyei Namah” 108 times, or recite Ashtalakshmi Stotra.
- Aarti: Conclude with aarti, moving the lamp in circular motion before the deity.
8. Prasad to Prepare
- Kheer (Rice Pudding): Traditionally offered to Goddess Lakshmi.
- Pongal or Sweet Rice: Made with jaggery, rice, and ghee, symbolizing prosperity.
- Fruits: Offer seasonal fruits like bananas or mangoes, which are naturally eco-friendly.
9. Mantras and Prayers
- Basic Mantra: “Om Shreem Mahalakshmiyei Namah” for invoking blessings.
- Ashtalakshmi Stotra: A prayer specifically dedicated to the eight forms of Lakshmi.
- Lakshmi Gayatri Mantra: “Om Mahalakshmyai Cha Vidmahe Vishnu Patnyai Cha Dheemahi, Tanno Lakshmi Prachodayat” for spiritual blessings.
10. Concluding the Puja
- Offering Final Prayers: Conclude with gratitude, asking for continued blessings and prosperity.
- Sprinkle Water: Around the puja area to signify purification and closure.
- Silent Meditation: Spend a few moments in silence to absorb the positive energy.
11. Eco-Friendly Disposal of Puja Leftover Items
- Flowers and Organic Offerings: Compost or release into a clean natural water body if possible.
- Kalash Water: Use the water to water plants, as it carries the energy of the prayer.
- Edible Prasad: Share with family, friends, or neighbors to spread blessings.
12. Importance of Ashtalakshmi Puja
- Inner and Outer Wealth: This puja helps cultivate both material and spiritual abundance.
- Family Prosperity: Worshipping Ashtalakshmi encourages harmony, health, and prosperity in family life.
- Spiritual Fortitude: Regular worship develops courage, wisdom, and clarity to face life’s challenges.
By following this eco-conscious, simple approach, devotees can honor Ashtalakshmi with respect for both tradition and the environment.