Lakshmi Puja Vidhi at Home: Step-by-Step Puja with Mantras
Begin Lakshmi Puja at home with Ganesh prayer, achaman and sankalp. Then offer water, rice, flowers, incense, light and bhog to Maa Lakshmi.
After aarti, offer flowers and read the closing prayers. The mantras below include English readings and Hindi meanings. Family customs may differ from the order followed here.
What You Need for Lakshmi Puja at Home (पूजा की सामग्री)
Gather the Puja Materials (लक्ष्मी पूजा सामग्री)
Gather the Lakshmi Puja samagri (पूजा का सामान) before you begin. Check what you already have at home, then arrange the remaining items. Place Maa Lakshmi on a chowki or another firm surface.
Place rice, flowers and the spoon within reach while you sit. Leave enough space to move the aarti plate without touching other items. Place the food away from the bowl that collects used water.
Arrange the Water and Offering Bowls (जल के पात्र)
Fill one cup with drinking water for your opening achaman sips. Fill another cup with clean water for the offerings to Maa Lakshmi.
Place an empty bowl in front of the picture or idol. Pour water into this bowl after presenting each spoonful to Maa Lakshmi. Set aside a small plate for the water offered after Kayena Vacha. Do not drink the water collected in the bowl for used water.
Check the Picture or Idol Before Offering Water
You can worship Maa Lakshmi with a picture or an idol. Check the material before placing water or chandan on it. Sprinkle water only on an idol made for water offerings.
Protect printed pictures, paper backings and painted surfaces from water and paste. For picture worship, follow the snan and chandan practice taught in your family. Water can also damage clay and wooden idols.
Prana pratishtha (प्राण प्रतिष्ठा) is a ceremony that formally installs a deity. If your idol has undergone this ceremony, follow its established daily worship practice. Using a picture for daily prayer is different from formal installation.
Our Diwali Puja Kit includes chandan, roli, akshat, ghee, cotton wicks and dhoop bati. Arrange the picture or idol, fresh flowers, fruit, bhog, lamps and bowls separately.
For Diwali, check the Lakshmi Puja date and muhurat (पूजा का शुभ समय). Choose the timing listed for your city in the local panchang (पंचांग).
Begin with Ganesh Prayer, Achaman and Sankalp (पूजा की शुरुआत)
Ganesh Prayer (गणेश स्मरण)
Sit facing Maa Lakshmi with the prayer text within reach. Begin with the Ganesh prayer below, before taking the achaman sips.
प्रसन्नवदनं ध्यायेत् सर्वविघ्नोपशान्तये॥
Prasanna Vadanam Dhyayet Sarva Vighnopashantaye.
हिंदी भावार्थ: सफेद वस्त्र पहने, चन्द्रमा जैसे उजले, चार भुजाओं और प्रसन्न मुख वाले गणेश जी का ध्यान करते हैं। उनसे बाधाएँ दूर करने की प्रार्थना करते हैं।
Achaman (आचमन): Sip Water Before the Puja
During this achaman, you take 3 small sips of drinking water. Curve your right index, middle and ring fingers to form a hollow in your palm. Leave your thumb and little finger extended.
Pour a little drinking water into your right palm with the spoon. Read each mantra below, then take its sip:
After the 3 sips, rinse your right palm over the bowl for used water. Touch your right ear with that palm while saying Om Govindaya Namah. Do not take a fourth sip.
मंत्र: ॐ गोविन्दाय नमः।
English reading: Om Govindaya Namah.
हिंदी भावार्थ: पहले तीन मंत्रों में केशव, नारायण और माधव का स्मरण करते हैं। अंतिम मंत्र में भगवान गोविन्द को प्रणाम करते हैं।
Pranayama (प्राणायाम): Breathing Before the Puja
Pranayama (प्राणायाम) is a breathing practice performed before sankalp. Practise it only as taught under a qualified teacher. Do not try unfamiliar breath-holding during the puja.
Sankalp (संकल्प): State the Puja Intention
In sankalp, you state why you are performing the puja. Pray for knowledge, humility and the blessings of your guru. This mantra has no name or gotra (गोत्र) blanks to fill.
Read the Lakshmi Puja sankalp mantra before starting the offerings. Ring the bell after the mantra.
अस्मिन् शुभदिने शुभमुहूर्ते ज्ञानवैराग्यसिद्ध्यर्थं विद्याविनयप्राप्त्यर्थम्।
श्रीसद्गुरुप्रसादसिद्ध्यर्थं च ध्यानावाहनादिषोडशोपचारैः
श्रीभगवतीदेवीपूजां करिष्ये॥
Asmin Shubha Dine Shubha Muhurte Jnana Vairagya Siddhyartham Vidya Vinaya Praptyartham.
Shri Sadguru Prasada Siddhyartham Cha Dhyana Avahanadi Shodashopacharaih
Shri Bhagavati Devi Pujam Karishye.
हिंदी भावार्थ: इस शुभ दिन और समय में माँ की प्रसन्नता के लिए पूजा करता हूँ। पाप दूर होने, ज्ञान, विद्या, विनम्रता और सद्गुरु की कृपा की प्रार्थना करता हूँ। मन का अनावश्यक लगाव कम हो। इसी भाव से ध्यान और पूजा के अर्पण करता हूँ।
Ganesh and Guru Remembrance (गणेश और गुरु स्मरण)
After ringing the bell, read Vakratunda Mahakaya to remember Ganesh ji. Then read the guru prayer before starting the Lakshmi offerings.
निर्विघ्नं कुरु मे देव सर्वकार्येषु सर्वदा॥
Nirvighnam Kuru Me Deva Sarva Karyeshu Sarvada.
हिंदी भावार्थ: हे गणेश जी, आपकी सूँड मुड़ी हुई है और आपका शरीर विशाल है। आपका तेज करोड़ों सूर्यों जैसा है। मेरे सभी कामों की बाधाएँ दूर करें।
गुरुरेव परं ब्रह्म तस्मै श्रीगुरवे नमः॥
Gurureva Param Brahma Tasmai Shri Gurave Namah.
हिंदी भावार्थ: गुरु में ब्रह्मा, विष्णु और महेश्वर का रूप देखते हैं। गुरु को परम ब्रह्म का रूप मानकर प्रणाम करते हैं।
Prepare before the 16 steps
Keep Your Lakshmi Puja Samagri Ready
Compare the Diwali Puja Kit contents with the materials required for your Lakshmi-Ganesh Puja before beginning the step-by-step Vidhi.
View Diwali Puja KitHow to Do Lakshmi Puja at Home: 16 Main Steps (लक्ष्मी पूजा विधि)
Begin the 16 main steps after the Ganesh and guru prayers. Before each offering, say Om Shri Mahalakshmyai Namah. Then make the offering while saying the mantra beside that step.
मंत्र: ॐ श्री महालक्ष्म्यै नमः।
English reading: Om Shri Mahalakshmyai Namah.
हिंदी भावार्थ: माँ महालक्ष्मी को प्रणाम।
Dhyan (ध्यान): Pray to Maa Lakshmi
Look towards Maa Lakshmi and focus on her form. Read Sarvamangala Mangalye while praying to Maa Lakshmi. This is a Devi prayer, also used during other forms of Devi worship.
शरण्ये त्र्यम्बके गौरि नारायणि नमोऽस्तु ते॥
Sharanye Tryambake Gauri Narayani Namostu Te.
हिंदी भावार्थ: हे माँ, आप हमारा भला करने वाली हैं। आप हमें सहारा देती हैं और भक्तों के शुभ काम पूरे करती हैं। हे गौरी, नारायणी, आपको प्रणाम।
Avahan (आवाहन): Invite Maa Lakshmi
Invite Maa Lakshmi to accept your worship during avahan. Place your left palm on your chest, over your heart. Gently touch the picture frame or idol with your right palm. Say Om Shri Mahalakshmyai Namah, followed by Devim Avahayami.
मंत्र: देवीम् आवाहयामि।
English reading: Devim Avahayami.
हिंदी भावार्थ: माँ, आपको इस पूजा में आमंत्रित करता हूँ।
Asan (आसन): Offer a Seat
Offer yellow akshat as a seat for Maa Lakshmi during asan. Take a pinch in your right hand and place it at the feet of the idol. For a picture, place it on the offering plate in front of the frame. The asan offered here is for Maa Lakshmi, separate from your own seat.
मंत्र: आसनं समर्पयामि।
English reading: Asanam Samarpayami.
हिंदी भावार्थ: माँ, आपको बैठने के लिए आसन अर्पित करता हूँ।
Padya (पाद्य): Offer Water for the Feet
During padya, offer water for the feet of Maa Lakshmi. Take a spoonful from the cup of offering water. Hold the spoon in your right hand before the picture or idol.
Say Padyam Samarpayami as you present the water. Pour it into the bowl for used water after the offering. The water goes into the bowl without wetting a printed picture.
मंत्र: पाद्यं समर्पयामि।
English reading: Padyam Samarpayami.
हिंदी भावार्थ: माँ, आपके चरण धोने के लिए जल अर्पित करता हूँ।
Arghya (अर्घ्य): Offer Water for the Hands
Here, arghya is the water offering for the hands of Maa Lakshmi. Take another spoonful and hold it before the picture or idol. Say Arghyam Samarpayami, then pour the water into the bowl for used water.
मंत्र: अर्घ्यं समर्पयामि।
English reading: Arghyam Samarpayami.
हिंदी भावार्थ: माँ, आपके हाथ धोने के लिए जल अर्पित करता हूँ।
Achaman (आचमन): Offer Drinking Water to Maa Lakshmi
Now offer water for Maa Lakshmi to drink. You took the earlier achaman sips before sankalp. During this achaman, present the water to Maa Lakshmi without sipping it yourself.
Take a fresh spoonful and hold it before the picture or idol. Say Achamanam Samarpayami, then pour the water into the bowl for used water.
मंत्र: आचमनं समर्पयामि।
English reading: Achamanam Samarpayami.
हिंदी भावार्थ: माँ, पीने के लिए जल अर्पित करता हूँ।
Snan (स्नान): Offer Water for Bathing
For snan, first place a tray beneath an idol made for water offerings. Dip a flower into clean offering water and sprinkle a little on the idol. Say Snanam Samarpayami while making the bathing offering.
Do not sprinkle water on a printed picture or an idol that water can damage. For a picture, follow the snan practice taught in your family.
मंत्र: स्नानं समर्पयामि।
English reading: Snanam Samarpayami.
हिंदी भावार्थ: माँ, स्नान के लिए जल अर्पित करता हूँ।
Vastra (वस्त्र): Offer Cloth
Offer the small cloth as vastra, saying Vastram Samarpayami. Place it at the idol or on the plate in front of the picture. You can also offer a piece of cotton or some akshat as vastra. Place this offering away from the lamp and water bowl.
मंत्र: वस्त्रं समर्पयामि।
English reading: Vastram Samarpayami.
हिंदी भावार्थ: माँ, आपको वस्त्र अर्पित करता हूँ।
Gandha (गंध): Offer Chandan or Kumkum
Offer chandan or kumkum to Maa Lakshmi during gandha. Take a little chandan on your right ring finger (अनामिका). Apply it gently as a tilak on an idol made for such offerings.
Do not apply chandan or kumkum directly to a printed picture. Follow the chandan offering taught for picture worship in your family.
मंत्र: दिव्यगन्धान् धारयामि।
English reading: Divya Gandhan Dharayami.
हिंदी भावार्थ: माँ, आपको चंदन या कुमकुम अर्पित करता हूँ।
Akshat (अक्षत): Offer Whole Rice Grains
Take a pinch of akshat in your right hand. Offer the rice at the feet of the idol or on the plate in front of the picture. Say Akshatan Samarpayami as you place the grains.
मंत्र: अक्षतान् समर्पयामि।
English reading: Akshatan Samarpayami.
हिंदी भावार्थ: माँ, आपको साबुत चावल अर्पित करता हूँ।
Pushpa (पुष्प): Offer Flowers
Place flowers at the idol or on the plate in front of the picture. Say Pushpam Samarpayami while offering them. You will offer flowers and akshat again while reading the Lakshmi names.
मंत्र: पुष्पं समर्पयामि।
English reading: Pushpam Samarpayami.
हिंदी भावार्थ: माँ, आपको फूल अर्पित करता हूँ।
Archana (अर्चना): Worship with the Names of Lakshmi
During archana, read the 27 names of Maa Lakshmi below. With each name, offer a small portion of akshat and flowers. Place the offerings at the idol or on the plate in front of the picture.
You can divide the flowers into petals for these offerings. A whole flower for each name is not required.
हिंदी भावार्थ: माँ लक्ष्मी के इन नामों को बोलकर प्रणाम करते हैं। हर नाम के साथ पूजा का अर्पण करते हैं।
Dhoop (धूप): Offer Incense
Light dhoop or agarbatti and present it before Maa Lakshmi. Say Dhoopam Aghrapayami while offering the incense. Return it to its holder, away from paper and loose cloth.
मंत्र: धूपम् आघ्रापयामि।
English reading: Dhoopam Aghrapayami.
हिंदी भावार्थ: माँ, आपको धूप की सुगंध अर्पित करता हूँ।
Deep (दीप): Offer the Lamp
Light the diya and place it on a firm plate. Present the lamp before Maa Lakshmi while saying Deepam Sandarshayami.
Set the lamp down before handling the bhog plate. This deep offering comes before bhog; aarti follows in step 16.
मंत्र: दीपं सन्दर्शयामि।
English reading: Deepam Sandarshayami.
हिंदी भावार्थ: माँ, आपको दीपक का प्रकाश अर्पित करता हूँ।
Naivedya (नैवेद्य): Offer Bhog
Place fruit, sweets, nuts or cooked bhog before Maa Lakshmi. This food offering is called naivedya. Say Naivedyam Nivedayami, then read the 6 mantras below.
मंत्र: नैवेद्यं निवेदयामि।
English reading: Naivedyam Nivedayami.
हिंदी भावार्थ: माँ, आपको भोग अर्पित करता हूँ।
Touch the finger named beside each mantra with your thumb. Read the mantra during that gesture, with the food plate before Maa Lakshmi:
हिंदी भावार्थ: भोग अर्पित करते समय प्राण, अपान, व्यान, उदान, समान और ब्रह्म का स्मरण करते हैं।
Leave the bhog plate before Maa Lakshmi during aarti and the closing prayers. After the puja, share this offered food as prasad (प्रसाद).
Aarti (आरती): Perform Aarti with the Lamp
Stand facing Maa Lakshmi with the lit lamp on the aarti plate. Move the plate clockwise (घड़ी की सुइयों की दिशा में) while reading the prayer. Continue until the prayer ends, then say Mangala Nirajanam Samarpayami.
नेमा विद्युतो भान्ति कुतोऽयमग्निः।
तमेव भान्तमनुभाति सर्वं
तस्य भासा सर्वमिदं विभाति॥
Nema Vidyuto Bhanti Kutoyam Agnih.
Tameva Bhantam Anubhati Sarvam.
Tasya Bhasa Sarvam Idam Vibhati.
हिंदी भावार्थ: वहाँ सूर्य, चन्द्रमा, तारे, बिजली या अग्नि प्रकाश नहीं देते। उस परम ज्योति के चमकने से सब चमकता है। उसी के प्रकाश से सब प्रकाशित होता है।
अर्पण मंत्र: मङ्गलनीराजनं समर्पयामि।
English reading: Mangala Nirajanam Samarpayami.
हिंदी भावार्थ: माँ, आपको आरती अर्पित करता हूँ।
Set the aarti plate down on a firm surface. Pass your palms above the lamp without touching the flame. Bring your hands towards your closed eyes and then your head. After receiving aarti, offer flowers and read the closing prayers.
After Aarti: Flowers, Namaskar and Closing Prayers (आरती के बाद)
Pushpanjali (पुष्पांजलि): Offer Flowers
Take flowers in your hands after receiving aarti. Offer them at the idol or on the plate in front of the picture. Say Pushpam Samarpayami as you place the flowers.
मंत्र: पुष्पं समर्पयामि।
English reading: Pushpam Samarpayami.
हिंदी भावार्थ: माँ, आपको फूल अर्पित करता हूँ।
Pradakshina and Namaskar (प्रदक्षिणा और नमस्कार)
For pradakshina, turn clockwise 3 times where you are standing. Join your hands above your head and read the prayer while turning. Stand far enough from the lamp and plates to turn without touching them.
Say Pradakshina Namaskaran Samarpayami, then bow to Maa Lakshmi. Do not attempt the standing turns if you cannot perform them safely.
तानि तानि विनश्यन्ति प्रदक्षिणपदे पदे॥
प्रदक्षिणनमस्कारान् समर्पयामि।
Tani Tani Vinashyanti Pradakshina Pade Pade.
Pradakshina Namaskaran Samarpayami.
हिंदी भावार्थ: इस पाठ में परिक्रमा के प्रत्येक कदम पर पाप दूर होने की प्रार्थना है। माँ को परिक्रमा और प्रणाम अर्पित करते हैं।
Bhajan and Silent Prayer (भजन और प्रार्थना)
Sing a bhajan or stotra (देवी की स्तुति) after pradakshina and namaskar. Then sit before Maa Lakshmi and pray silently.
Dedication Prayer and Water Offering (समर्पण प्रार्थना)
Read Kayena Vacha to offer your actions to God. The prayer addresses Narayana, a name of Lord Vishnu.
बुद्ध्यात्मना वा प्रकृतेः स्वभावात्।
करोमि यद्यत्सकलं परस्मै
नारायणायेति समर्पयामि॥
Buddhyatmana Va Prakriteh Svabhavat.
Karomi Yadyat Sakalam Parasmai.
Narayanayeti Samarpayami.
हिंदी भावार्थ: शरीर, वाणी, मन, इन्द्रियों, बुद्धि और स्वभाव से किए गए सभी काम भगवान नारायण को अर्पित करते हैं।
After Kayena Vacha, take a spoonful of offering water. Pour it into the small plate while saying Om Tat Sat, Brahmarpanam Astu.
मंत्र: ॐ तत् सत्। ब्रह्मार्पणमस्तु।
English reading: Om Tat Sat. Brahmarpanam Astu.
हिंदी भावार्थ: यह अर्पण ब्रह्म को समर्पित हो।
Udvasan (उद्वासन): Read the Closing Prayer
Place your left palm on your chest, over your heart. Gently touch the picture frame or idol with your right palm. Read the prayer below, asking Maa Lakshmi to reside in your heart.
यत्र ब्रह्मादयो देवाः सर्वे तिष्ठन्ति मे हृदि॥
Yatra Brahmadayo Devah Sarve Tishthanti Me Hridi.
हिंदी भावार्थ: हे माँ, मेरे हृदय में निवास करें। पूजा का समापन करते हुए आपको प्रणाम करता हूँ।
Leave the picture or idol in its worship place after this prayer. Udvasan does not require you to discard or immerse it. For an idol with prana pratishtha, follow its established worship practice.
Shanti Prayer (शांति प्रार्थना)
Pray for happiness, health and freedom from suffering for everyone. Read Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah and the final salutations below.
सर्वे सन्तु निरामयाः।
सर्वे भद्राणि पश्यन्तु।
मा कश्चिद्दुःखभाग्भवेत्॥
ॐ शान्तिः शान्तिः शान्तिः।
हरिः ॐ। श्रीगुरुभ्यो नमः। हरिः ॐ।
Sarve Santu Niramayah.
Sarve Bhadrani Pashyantu.
Ma Kashchid Duhkha Bhag Bhavet.
Om Shantih Shantih Shantih.
Harih Om. Shri Gurubhyo Namah. Harih Om.
हिंदी भावार्थ: सब सुखी हों। सब रोग से मुक्त हों। सबका शुभ हो। कोई दुख का भागी न बने। शांति की प्रार्थना और गुरुओं को प्रणाम।
Share Prasad and Put Away the Used Items (प्रसाद और पूजा के बाद)
Share prasad after completing the closing prayers. Wash your hands before serving the food to everyone present. Serve cooked food with clean utensils.
Do not leave the burning lamp unattended after the puja. Empty and wash the used bowls and plates, then wipe up spilled water. Put away loose materials while leaving the picture or idol in its worship place.
Questions About Lakshmi Puja at Home
Do These Steps Require a Kalash or Havan?
These 16 steps do not include kalash installation or havan. Your family practice may include those rituals. Materials supplied in a kit do not make every ritual compulsory.
Do I Have to Read the Full Sri Sukta?
You can follow these steps without adding the full Sri Sukta. Your family practice may include it as another reading. Follow that custom when performing your family puja.
