5 ways to invite Goddess Lakshmi this Dhanteras – Times of India

Dhanteras, also known as Dhanatrayodashi, is a significant Hindu festival marking the beginning of Diwali celebrations. It falls on the 13th lunar day of Krishna Paksha in the month of Kartik, as per the Hindu calendar. The word “Dhanteras” comes from two words– “Dhan” meaning wealth, and “Teras” meaning thirteen. On this auspicious day, devotees worship Lord Dhanvantari, the god of health and Ayurveda, and Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. Traditionally, people buy precious metals like gold and silver, as it’s believed to bring good luck and fortune. Homes are cleaned and decorated, oil lamps are lit, and prayers are offered to invite prosperity and well-being.
In this article, Aarna Jai Madan– Vastu and Interior Consultant, Founder of Siddhhi Arts, shares five tips for people to invite Goddess Lakshmi to thier home this Dhanteras and seek her blessings.
1. Include lotus in puja
Maa Lakshmi is depicted sitting upon a lotus and adorned with lotus at Her hands and feet. Many of Her names, Padmā, Kamalā, and Ambujā, refer to the lotus. So, including Lotus in Dhanteras puja and invoking Her with devotion, shall find Maa Lakshmi bestowing abundance upon you.
The lotus, known as Ashtakamal or the eight-petaled lotus, holds deep significance for Goddess Lakshmi in Hindu mythology. Goddess Lakshmi is said to have emerged from the lotus flower, and this sacred bloom carries profound symbolism. Despite growing from muddy waters, the lotus rises tall, its petals untouched by the dirt below. It represents the ability to rise above worldly attachments, symbolizing spiritual growth, purity, and resilience. Just as the lotus blooms beautifully above the murky depths, Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of Prosperity, guides us to transcend material wealth and strive for spiritual enlightenment. The lotus also embodies beauty, fertility, and purity.
Reciting the following mantra amplifies the effect of your energy:
Om Shreem Hreem Shreem Kamale Kamalalaye Praseed Praseed
Om Shreem Hreem Shreem Mahalakshmaye Namah॥
2. Bring home shree Mahalakshmi yantra
Shree Mahalakshmi Yantra is a revered geometric symbol dedicated to Goddess Mahalakshmi, the goddess of wealth, prosperity, and good fortune. As the bestower of abundance and remover of financial difficulties, Mahalakshmi is worshipped by countless devotees seeking Her blessings for success, happiness, and overall well-being. Mahalakshmi Yantra is fabricated to channel Her divine energy, attracting wealth, financial security,
and success in all areas of life.
Symbol of Wealth and Prosperity: The Shri Mahalakshmi Yantra embodies the divine energy of Goddess Lakshmi, representing wealth, fortune, and abundance. By worshipping this Yantra, you invoke her blessings into your life – home and workfront.
Signifies Divine Feminine Energy: The Yantra signifies the nurturing and creative power of feminine energy, symbolizing the flow of life’s abundance and the grace that clears obstacles to success.
Tool for Manifestation and Fulfillment: Mahalakshmi Yantra is a spiritual tool that assists you in manifesting your desires. It aids you to focus your intentions and align with the vibrations of cosmic bounty, thus achieving both financial and personal goals.
3. Purchase and consume amla (Indian Gooseberry)
Indian gooseberry, also known as amla, is considered sacred and is associated with the goddess of wealth, Lakshmi:
Symbol of wealth, Amla is believed to symbolize good fortune and you should offer it to Maa Lakshmi to seek her blessings for prosperity.
Once it becomes Prasad, you should consume it with your near and dear ones.
Amla is considered the favourite fruit of both Lakshmi and Vishnu.
If you have an Amla tree in your garden, you can decorate it with flowers, akshat, sandalwood, and a yellow or mauli thread.
4. Make rangoli on the main gate of your home
Goddess Laxmi loves going to houses that are well-cleaned and beautifully decorated. Drawing Shripada or Goddess Lakshmi’s footprints at the entrance of the house pointing inwards gives the experience of Bhav, Chaitanya and Anand. Thus, transmitting Shri Lakshmidevitatva and soaking in abundance owing to the Goddess’s grace.
5. Include cowrie in puja
Placing Koudi (Cowrie) shells in a diya is believed to bring prosperity and wealth to your home. Cowrie shells are an important part of Lakshmi Puja.
According to tradition, just as Goddess Lakshmi is said to have emerged from the sea, so too are cowrie shells, making them highly auspicious to keep in the home.
Yellow cowrie shells hold special significance in the worship of both Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Vishnu. Storing yellow cowrie shells in yellow cloth is believed to attract the blessings of Lord Kuber and Goddess Lakshmi. Laxmi Kaudi, or yellow cowries, are offered to Goddess Lakshmi to invoke wealth and prosperity. It’s important to note that yellow cowries should always be used in odd numbers, such as 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 21, or 51.
Yellow cowrie shells can be kept in your prayer room or in your car to invite divine blessings.