Diwali & Goddess Lakshmi: How to Invite Shree into Your Home

The Divine Story of Lakshmi and Diwali

Diwali, the festival of lights, is intrinsically connected to Goddess Lakshmi, the divine embodiment of wealth, prosperity, fortune, and abundance. According to ancient Hindu scriptures, Diwali commemorates the night when Goddess Lakshmi emerged from the cosmic ocean during the legendary Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean).

The Legend of Samudra Manthan

Long ago, the Devas (gods) and Asuras (demons) joined forces to churn the cosmic ocean, Kshira Sagara, seeking the nectar of immortality (amrita). As they churned using Mount Mandara as the churning rod and the serpent Vasuki as the rope, numerous divine treasures emerged from the depths.

Among these celestial gifts, Goddess Lakshmi appeared, seated on a lotus flower, radiating divine beauty and grace. She chose Lord Vishnu as her eternal consort, and together they represent the perfect balance of sustenance and prosperity in the universe.

The night of her emergence is celebrated as Diwali, when devotees welcome the goddess into their homes with lights, prayers, and devotion.

Why Lakshmi Visits on Diwali

Goddess Lakshmi is believed to visit every home on Diwali night, bestowing blessings upon those who welcome her with pure hearts and prepared spaces. However, she only stays where certain conditions are met—where there is cleanliness, light, devotion, and positive energy.

Understanding Goddess Lakshmi: The Embodiment of Shree

Goddess Lakshmi represents far more than material wealth. She embodies:

• Dhana Lakshmi – Material wealth and prosperity
• Dhanya Lakshmi – Agricultural abundance and food security
• Gaja Lakshmi – Power and royal prosperity
• Santana Lakshmi – Blessing of progeny
• Veera Lakshmi – Courage and strength
• Vijaya Lakshmi – Victory and success
• Vidya Lakshmi – Knowledge and wisdom
• Dhairya Lakshmi – Patience and inner strength

The term “Shree” (also spelled Shri or Sri) is both a name and honorific for Goddess Lakshmi, representing auspiciousness, grace, and divine prosperity.

How to Invite Goddess Lakshmi into Your Home

1. Deep Cleaning and Purification (Shuddhi)

Begin preparations at least a week before Diwali:

• Thorough Cleaning: Clean every corner of your home, including often-neglected areas like storage rooms, behind furniture, and under beds
• Declutter: Remove broken items, unused objects, and anything that blocks positive energy flow
• Repair and Maintain: Fix broken doors, windows, and leaking taps (stagnant or leaking water is believed to drain prosperity)
• Whitewash or Paint: Many families freshly paint their homes, symbolizing a new beginning
• Clean the Entrance: Pay special attention to your main door and entrance, as this is where Lakshmi enters

Why it matters: Goddess Lakshmi is said to avoid homes that are dirty, cluttered, or in disrepair. Cleanliness represents respect and preparation for her divine presence.

2. Illumination (Deepavali)

The name “Diwali” itself means “row of lights”:

• Diyas (Clay Lamps): Light traditional clay lamps filled with ghee or oil at your entrance, in your puja room, and around your home
• Direction Matters: Place diyas facing north and east for maximum auspiciousness
• Keep Lights On: Traditionally, homes remain illuminated throughout Diwali night
• Rangoli with Diyas: Create beautiful rangoli patterns at your entrance and place diyas around them
• Akhand Jyoti: Consider maintaining a continuous lamp in your prayer room

Why it matters: Light dispels darkness and ignorance. Lakshmi is drawn to well-lit homes, and the glow of diyas creates a welcoming divine atmosphere.

3. Creating a Sacred Entrance

Your home’s entrance is the gateway for divine energy:

• Rangoli Designs: Create intricate rangoli patterns using colored powders, flowers, or rice flour. Include traditional motifs like lotus flowers, peacocks, or geometric patterns
• Toran (Door Hangings): Hang fresh mango leaves and marigold flowers above your door
• Footprints: Some traditions include creating small footprints with vermillion paste leading into the home, symbolizing Lakshmi’s entry
• Auspicious Symbols: Draw swastikas, Om symbols, or Lakshmi’s lotus near the entrance

4. The Lakshmi Puja Ritual

On Diwali night, perform Lakshmi puja with devotion:

Prepare the Puja Space:

• Clean a low platform or table for the altar
• Cover it with a red or yellow cloth
• Place an idol or image of Goddess Lakshmi (preferably with Lord Ganesha)
• Arrange a kalash (sacred pot) filled with water, adorned with mango leaves and a coconut

Puja Items Needed:

• Fresh flowers (lotus flowers are especially auspicious)
• Incense sticks and camphor
• Ghee lamps or diyas
• Kumkum (vermillion) and turmeric
• Rice grains (akshata)
• Sweets and fruits as prasad
• New coins or currency notes
• Betel leaves and nuts
• Sandalwood paste

The Ritual:

1. Begin with Ganesh puja to remove obstacles
2. Invoke Goddess Lakshmi with mantras
3. Offer flowers, kumkum, and turmeric while chanting
4. Light the lamp and incense
5. Offer sweets, fruits, and specially prepared dishes
6. Chant Lakshmi mantras or the Lakshmi Ashtottara (108 names)
7. Perform aarti with camphor
8. Seek blessings for prosperity, health, and happiness
9. Distribute prasad to family members

Powerful Lakshmi Mantras:

Om Shreem Mahalakshmiyei Namaha (Salutations to the great Goddess Lakshmi)

Om Hreem Shreem Kreem Shreem Kreem Vitteshwaraaya Namaha (For wealth and prosperity)

Sarva Mangala Maangalye Shive Sarvaardha Saadhike Sharanye Trayambake Gauri Naaraayani Namostute (Universal blessing mantra for the Divine Mother)

5. Maintain Positive Energy and Virtues

Goddess Lakshmi dwells where certain qualities prevail:

• Cleanliness (Shuddhi): Maintain daily cleanliness, not just during festivals
• Honesty (Satya): Practice truthfulness in all dealings
• Hard Work (Udyam): Lakshmi blesses those who work diligently
• Generosity (Daana): Share your wealth and blessings with others
• Gratitude (Kritagyata): Be thankful for what you have
• Harmony (Shanti): Avoid arguments, especially on Diwali night
• Respect for Food (Anna Samman): Never waste food; it’s considered Lakshmi’s form

6. Specific Observances for Lakshmi’s Favor

What Attracts Lakshmi:

• A clean, organized home
• Fresh flowers, especially lotus and marigold
• The sound of devotional music and mantras
• The fragrance of incense and sandalwood
• Hospitality and warmth toward guests
• Feeding the poor and animals
• Keeping tulsi (holy basil) plant in your courtyard
• A well-maintained puja room with daily worship

What Repels Lakshmi:

• Dirt, clutter, and broken items
• Darkness and neglect
• Quarrels and negative speech
• Laziness and procrastination
• Disrespect toward elders and guests
• Wasting food and resources
• Keeping thorny cacti plants near the entrance
• Shoes or brooms left at the entrance

7. The Tijori Puja (Worship of Wealth)

Many families perform a special puja of their safes, lockers, or account books:

• Clean and organize all financial records
• Place new currency notes in your safe
• Offer kumkum and flowers to account books
• Keep business ledgers open to invite new prosperity
• Light a lamp near your workspace or shop

8. Caring for Your Wealth Sustainably

True prosperity means not just inviting Lakshmi, but keeping her blessings:

• Budget Wisely: Practice disciplined spending
• Invest Intelligently: Make your money work for you
• Give Regularly: Donate to worthy causes
• Maintain Assets: Take care of your belongings
• Continue Learning: Invest in knowledge and skills
• Build Relationships: Network and maintain good relations in business

The Day After Diwali: Annakut and Govardhan Puja

The day following Diwali is celebrated as Annakut or Govardhan Puja, commemorating Lord Krishna lifting Govardhan mountain. Prepare 56 or 108 different food items as offering, symbolizing gratitude for abundance.

Modern Adaptations While Honoring Tradition

While maintaining tradition, you can also:

• Use LED lights alongside traditional diyas for safety
• Create eco-friendly rangolis with natural materials
• Perform virtual pujas with distant family members
• Donate to charitable causes in Lakshmi’s name
• Support local artisans by buying handmade diyas and decorations
• Practice mindful consumption and sustainable celebration

The Spiritual Significance

Beyond material prosperity, inviting Lakshmi is about cultivating:

• Inner Abundance: Recognizing the wealth you already possess
• Spiritual Growth: Using resources for dharmic purposes
• Balanced Living: Neither hoarding nor wasting
• Compassionate Giving: Sharing blessings with those in need
• Divine Connection: Remembering that all prosperity comes from the divine

Conclusion: The Eternal Presence of Shree

Goddess Lakshmi doesn’t just visit on Diwali night—she seeks to make her permanent home where she is honored with cleanliness, discipline, devotion, and virtue. The festival is a reminder to prepare not just our physical homes, but our hearts and minds to receive her eternal blessings.

When you light those diyas on Diwali night, remember that each flame represents the light of knowledge dispelling the darkness of ignorance, the warmth of prosperity melting away scarcity, and the glow of divine grace illuminating your path forward.

May Goddess Lakshmi bless your home with wealth, health, happiness, and spiritual abundance. May the light of Diwali shine in your life throughout the year.

Shubh Deepavali! Om Shreem Mahalakshmiyei Namaha!

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