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How To Keep Ashtalakshmi In Golu In Hinduism?

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Keeping the Ashtalakshmi set in a Golu (a festive display of dolls) during Navaratri is a beautiful way to celebrate the divine forms of wealth and prosperity in Hinduism. Here's a detailed guide on how to prepare, display, and incorporate Ashtalakshmi in Golu, along with practical tips, prayers, and spiritual practices:

1. Understanding Ashtalakshmi:

The eight forms of Goddess Lakshmi represent different aspects of wealth and prosperity:

  1. Adi Lakshmi: Primeval Goddess, wealth of eternal prosperity.
  2. Dhana Lakshmi: Wealth of material prosperity.
  3. Dhanya Lakshmi: Wealth of grains and food.
  4. Gaja Lakshmi: Wealth of animal and agricultural prosperity.
  5. Santana Lakshmi: Wealth of progeny and family.
  6. Veera Lakshmi: Wealth of courage and valor.
  7. Vijaya Lakshmi: Wealth of success and achievements.
  8. Vidya Lakshmi: Wealth of knowledge and education.

2. Display in Golu:

Steps for Setting Up the Golu:

  1. Prepare the Golu Steps:

    • Traditional Golu is displayed on odd-numbered steps (3, 5, 7, or 9).
    • Arrange the Ashtalakshmi idols on the middle or topmost tiers to signify their importance.
    • Use decorative materials like vibrant fabrics, lights, and rangoli to enhance the sanctity.

  2. Arrangement of Idols:

    • Place the idols of Ashtalakshmi systematically.
    • Use kalashas (sacred pots) filled with water, rice, or grains near each deity to symbolize abundance.

  3. Themes and Decoration:

    • Complement the display with miniature representations of temples, palaces, or agricultural landscapes to evoke the essence of each Lakshmi form.
    • Add lamps, flowers, and traditional accessories like bells.

3. Prayers and Mantras for Ashtalakshmi:

Daily Routine of Prayers:

  1. Morning: Clean the area, light a ghee lamp, and offer fresh flowers and fruits to the idols.
  2. Evening: Perform aarti (lamp ceremony) with devotion. Chant mantras specific to each form of Lakshmi.

Mantras:

Here are the primary mantras for Ashtalakshmi worship:

  1. Om Shreem Mahalakshmyai Namah (General invocation).
  2. Adi Lakshmi: Om Hreem Shreem Hreem Kamale Kamalalaye Praseeda Praseeda Om Shreem Hreem Shreem Mahalakshmyai Namah.
  3. Dhana Lakshmi: Om Hreem Shreem Kleem Namah Dhana Lakshmyai Namah.
  4. Dhanya Lakshmi: Om Shreem Hreem Kleem Dhanya Lakshmyai Namah.
  5. Gaja Lakshmi: Om Shreem Gaja Lakshmyai Namah.
  6. Santana Lakshmi: Om Hreem Shreem Kleem Santana Lakshmyai Namah.
  7. Veera Lakshmi: Om Dum Durga Lakshmyai Namah.
  8. Vijaya Lakshmi: Om Shreem Vijaya Lakshmyai Namah.
  9. Vidya Lakshmi: Om Aim Saraswatyai Namah.

4. Daily Discipline and Routine:

  1. Purity and Cleanliness: Clean the puja area daily. Ensure the idols are spotless.
  2. Offering Food: Prepare sattvic (pure) food such as payasam, fruits, and coconut to offer as prasad.
  3. Lighting Lamps: Keep a lamp lit continuously (akhand deep) if possible.
  4. Rangoli and Kolam: Create fresh designs near the Golu setup to invite prosperity.

5. Practical Suggestions:

  1. Involve the Family: Engage children and elders in arranging and explaining the significance of Ashtalakshmi.
  2. Environmentally Friendly Practices: Use clay idols or biodegradable decorations.
  3. Thematic Additions: Highlight traditional crafts or cultural stories related to wealth and prosperity.
  4. Community Engagement: Invite neighbors and friends to join in the prayers and storytelling.

6. Lesser-Known Facts:

  • The Ashtalakshmi concept is rooted in Vaishnavism, emphasizing Vishnu and Lakshmi's eternal union as preserver and sustainer.
  • Each form of Lakshmi is believed to emanate from different parts of Goddess Durga during the cosmic creation.
  • Worshiping Ashtalakshmi during Navaratri, especially on Fridays, amplifies prosperity.

7. Additional Prayers and Songs:

  1. Lakshmi Ashtottara Shatanamavali: Chanting 108 names of Goddess Lakshmi.
  2. Sri Suktam: A hymn from the Rigveda dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi.
  3. Vishnu Sahasranamam: Complementary chant for Vishnu, Lakshmi's consort.

8. Benefits of Worshiping Ashtalakshmi:

  • Financial stability (Dhana Lakshmi).
  • Harmony and family prosperity (Santana Lakshmi).
  • Health and nourishment (Dhanya Lakshmi).
  • Success and valor in ventures (Veera and Vijaya Lakshmi).
  • Intellectual growth (Vidya Lakshmi).

By integrating these spiritual practices with devotion and discipline, keeping Ashtalakshmi in Golu becomes a deeply rewarding experience, fostering material and spiritual prosperity.