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Largely resonate with this!! from a dear friend.
I'm at an age where taking care of my health has turned into an extreme sport.
If I eat sugar, my glucose spikes. If I eat salt, my blood pressure spikes. If I see the price of medications, both spike.
If I drink water, I’m running to the bathroom every five minutes. If I don’t drink, I get dehydrated. I’m already thinking of putting a TV in the bathroom and just calling it my living room.
If I eat, I gain weight. If I don’t eat, I get weak. If I eat only salad, I get sad. And if I get sad, I eat.
The doctor told me to listen to my body. I did: it’s nothing but complaints. Feels like an Apartment Association meeting.
If I exercise, the next day I need help to sit down. If I don’t exercise, I need help to stand up. I’m paying for a gym membership just to figure out which way I prefer to suffer.
If I sleep too much, my back hurts. If I sleep too little, I turn into a zombie. If I sleep wrong, I spend three days looking to the left.
By the way, I discovered it’s possible to get injured while sleeping. Back in the day, I had to fall off a bike. Now I just pick the wrong pillow.
If I drink coffee, I can’t sleep. If I don’t drink it, I don’t function. My body’s like an old car: takes forever to start, and once it does, no one knows what that noise is.
In the morning, I don’t wake up anymore… I resurrect. First I open my eyes, then I check which parts came with me. I sit on the edge of the bed and wait for the system to recognize my knees.
And my memory? It’s great! I just can’t remember where I left it.
The other day I walked into a room and forgot what I was going to do. I went back to remember and forgot where I’d come from. Since I was already on my feet, I headed to the bathroom.
But we’ve got to take life lightly. Being alone and not talking to anyone isn’t good for you.
I mentioned that to the microwave and the toaster while we were having coffee. They both agreed. The toaster even got emotional and popped the bread.
I don’t talk to the washing machine anymore: she twists everything and then goes in circles on the same topic.
The fridge is cold, but I’ll admit she’s the only one who lights up when she sees me.
The iron is way too hot-headed. The oven, too. And the vacuum only shows up to suck the energy out of me.
My best friend now is the sofa. He welcomes me without asking questions. The problem is he won’t let me go afterward.
So let’s laugh while we still remember the joke!
As for the stages of life, I’ve adopted a really simple classification:
Up to 50, we make plans.
After 50, we get checkups.
After 70, we compare results with friends.
After 90, you can eat the whole cake: anyone who wants to complain will have to make it there first!
And now I’ll wrap this up because I got up to do something.
If anyone knows what it was, let me know.
The Mystery of Numbers in Sanātana Dharma
When Numbers Become Windows to Wisdom
Numbers are among the first things we learn as children. We use them to count, measure, calculate and understand the world around us. But in Sanātana Dharma, numbers have a significance that goes far beyond arithmetic.
They help us understand the universe, the movement of time, the elements of nature, the structure of knowledge and the many dimensions of spiritual life.
Why are there five elements? Why do we speak of three worlds, four Yugas, nine Grahas and eighteen Puranas? Why does the number sixteen appear so often in our worship and traditions?
These are not merely interesting numerical coincidences. Many of these numbers represent carefully preserved traditional classifications, while others have acquired symbolic and philosophical significance over centuries.
Let us take a journey through these numbers and discover the wisdom they carry.
The numbers and their significance
1. One – The Supreme Reality (Ekam)
The number One represents the ultimate Divine Reality.
The Vedic expression Ekam Sat — Truth is One — reminds us that the Supreme Truth is beyond limitation, even though the Divine is worshipped through many names, forms and manifestations.
The Rig Veda says:
Ekam sat viprā bahudhā vadanti.
Truth is One; the wise describe it in many ways.
For a devotee, this One is Bhagavān, the source, sustainer and inner controller of all existence.
2. Two – The Two Fortnights (Pakṣas)
A lunar month is divided into two Pakṣas:
Śukla Pakṣa – the waxing phase, when the Moon grows brighter.
Kṛṣṇa Pakṣa – the waning phase, when the Moon gradually diminishes.
Each phase has fifteen Tithis, or lunar dates.
The two Pakṣas remind us of the rhythms of nature: growth and decline, light and darkness, arrival and departure.
3. Three – The Three Worlds (Triloka)
Traditional Hindu cosmology speaks of three worlds:
Bhūloka – the earthly world.
Bhuvarloka – the intermediate or atmospheric realm.
Svarloka – the celestial world.
These three are also remembered in the sacred Gāyatrī Mantra.
Later Puranic descriptions elaborate the universe into fourteen Lokas. The threefold division is an important traditional framework, not the only one.
4. Four – The Four Yugas (Caturyuga)
Time in Sanātana Dharma is understood through great recurring cycles.
The four Yugas are:
Satya Yuga – the age of truth and righteousness.
Tretā Yuga – the age in which Dharma stands on three parts.
Dvāpara Yuga – the age in which Dharma stands on two parts.
Kali Yuga – the present age, in which Dharma stands on one part.
Together they form one Mahāyuga.
The four Yugas teach us about the changing conditions of human life and the challenges of preserving Dharma.
5. Five – The Five Elements (Pañca Mahābhūtas)
The five fundamental elements are:
Pṛthvī – Earth
Āpas or Jala – Water
Agni – Fire
Vāyu – Air
Ākāśa – Space or Ether
Our bodies, according to traditional Indian philosophy, are constituted through these five elements.
They also remind us of our inseparable relationship with nature. We depend on the earth for nourishment, water for life, fire for energy, air for breath and space for existence.
6. Six – The Six Vedāṅgasn
Rather than simply saying six Shastras, it is more accurate to introduce the six Vedāṅgas, the auxiliary disciplines that help us understand and preserve the Vedas.
They are:
Śikṣā – Phonetics and pronunciation.
Vyākaraṇa – Grammar.
Chandas – Prosody and metres.
Nirukta – Etymology and explanation of words.
Jyotiṣa – Astronomical and calendrical knowledge.
Kalpa – Rules of rituals and ceremonies.
Think of them as six supporting pillars that help preserve the correct recitation and understanding of Vedic knowledge.
7. Seven – The Seven Days of the Week (Saptavāra
Our familiar week has seven days:
Sunday – Ravi vāra
Monday – Soma vāra
Tuesday – Maṅgala vāra
Wednesday – Budha vāra
Thursday – Guru vāra
Friday – Śukra vāra
Saturday – Śani vāra
The traditional names associate the days with celestial bodies.
Seven also appears in many sacred traditions: the seven sacred rivers, Saptarishis and Saptamātṛkās.
8. Eight – The Eight Directions
The eight principal directions are:
East – Pūrvā
South-East – Āgneyī
South – Dakṣiṇā
South-West – Nairṛtī
West – Paścimā
North-West – Vāyavyā
North – Uttarā
North-East – Īśānī
Each direction is traditionally associated with a guardian deity, known as a Dikpāla.
When the upward and downward directions are included, we speak of ten directions.
9. Nine – The Nine Grahas (Navagrahas)
The Navagrahas are:
Sūrya – Sun
Chandra – Moon
Maṅgala – Mars
Budha – Mercury
Guru or Bṛhaspati – Jupiter
Śukra – Venus
Śani – Saturn
Rāhu – ascending lunar node
Ketu – descending lunar node
The traditional Navagraha system includes seven visible celestial bodies and the two lunar nodes.
Navagraha worship is an important part of many Hindu temple traditions.
10. Ten – The Ten Directions (Daśa Diśas)
The eight directions are extended by two more:
Ūrdhva – Above
Adhaḥ – Below
Thus, the ten directions represent the entire expanse of space.
In many Hindu rituals, we invoke the guardians of the directions, acknowledging that the Divine presence is not restricted to one place or one direction.
11. Eleven – The Eleven Rudras (Ekādaśa Rudras)
Rudra is a name associated with Lord Śiva.
The eleven Rudras are described in different Puranic and scriptural traditions, though their names and enumerations can vary.
The number eleven is also important in Śaiva worship. Ekādaśa Rudra worship and Rudrābhiṣekam are familiar forms of devotion to Lord Śiva.
12. Twelve – The Twelve Months (Dvādaśa Māsa)
The traditional Indian calendar recognises twelve lunar months:
Caitra
Vaiśākha
Jyeṣṭha
Āṣāḍha
Śrāvaṇa
Bhādrapada
Āśvina
Kārtika
Mārgaśīrṣa
Pauṣa
Māgha
Phālguna
These months are associated with seasons, festivals, observances and agricultural rhythms.
The Sun's annual journey and the Moon's monthly cycle together give traditional Indian timekeeping its remarkable richness.
13. Thirteen – The Churning of the Ocean and the Ratnas
Here we must correct the infographic slightly.
The celebrated story of Samudra Manthana, the churning of the ocean of milk, is traditionally associated with fourteen Ratnas or treasures, not thirteen.
Among the treasures that emerged were:
Lakṣmī Devi
Airāvata, the celestial elephant
Uccaiḥśravas, the divine horse
Kaustubha, the precious jewel
Pārijāta, the celestial tree
Kāmadhenu, the wish-fulfilling cow
Dhanvantari, carrying Amṛta
The divine nectar of immortality
The lists and their ordering vary across accounts.
The story is much more than a tale of treasures. It tells us that great rewards often emerge only after sustained effort, cooperation and perseverance.
14. Fourteen – The Fourteen Vidyā
An important traditional classification recognises fourteen branches of knowledge.
These comprise:
Four Vedas
Six Vedāṅgas
Four additional branches: Purāṇa, Nyāya, Mīmāṃsā and Dharmaśāstra.
They represent a comprehensive foundation for understanding sacred knowledge, reasoning, language, ritual and righteous living.
Some traditions expand this classification to eighteen Vidyās by including four Upavedas.
Thus, both fourteen and eighteen have an important place in the traditional classification of knowledge.
15. Fifteen – The Fifteen Tithis.
Each Pakṣa of a lunar month has fifteen Tithis.
They are:
Pratipadā
Dvitīyā
Tṛtīyā
Caturthī
Pañcamī
Ṣaṣṭhī
Saptamī
Aṣṭamī
Navamī
Daśamī
Ekādaśī
Dvādaśī
Trayodaśī
Caturdaśī
Pūrṇimā or Amāvāsyā, depending on the Pakṣa.
This is why Ekādaśī, the eleventh lunar day, holds such a special place in Vaiṣṇava tradition.
The lunar calendar connects our festivals and religious observances with the movements of the Moon.
16. Sixteen – Ṣoḍaśa Upacāras and Sacred Completeness
Sixteen is a particularly significant number in Hindu worship.
Ṣoḍaśopacāra refers to the sixteen traditional forms of honouring the deity during Pūjā.
These may include:
Āvāhana – Inviting the deity.
Āsana – Offering a seat.
Pādya – Offering water for the feet.
Arghya – Offering water of welcome.
Ācamana – Offering water for sipping.
Snāna – Ritual bathing.
Vastra – Offering garments.
Ābharaṇa – Offering ornaments.
Gandha – Offering sandal paste.
Puṣpa – Offering flowers.
Dhūpa – Offering incense.
Dīpa – Offering light.
Naivedya – Offering food.
Tāmbūla – Offering betel.
Nīrājana – Showing the sacred flame.
Namaskāra – Offering salutations.
The exact sequence and names vary between traditions and ritual manuals.
The number sixteen also appears in Ṣoḍaśa Saṃskāras, the traditional sixteen rites of passage, and in the idea of Ṣoḍaśa Śṛṅgāra, the sixteen adornments of a woman.
Sixteen, therefore, is associated with completeness, beauty and the fullness of auspicious worship.
17. Seventeen – The Seventeen Constituents of the Subtle Body.
The infographic mentions seventeen as Vasupati. This is not a widely recognised standard classification, and I would not repeat it without a specific scriptural reference.
There is, however, an interesting traditional connection to the number seventeen in Vedānta.
The subtle body is described in one familiar classification as having seventeen constituents:
Five organs of perception (Jñānendriyas)
Five organs of action (Karmendriyas)
Five vital airs (Prāṇas)
Mind (Manas)
Intellect (Buddhi)
Together they constitute seventeen.
This classification helps explain how the individual experiences, thinks, acts and functions beyond the physical body.
18. Eighteen – The Eighteen Mahāpurāṇas
Eighteen is one of the most celebrated numbers in Hindu sacred literature.
The eighteen Mahāpurāṇas are traditionally listed as:
Brahma Purāṇa
Padma Purāṇa
Viṣṇu Purāṇa
Śiva Purāṇa
Bhāgavata Purāṇa
Nārada Purāṇa
Mārkaṇḍeya Purāṇa
Agni Purāṇa
Bhaviṣya Purāṇa
Brahmavaivarta Purāṇa
Liṅga Purāṇa
Varāha Purāṇa
Skanda Purāṇa
Vāmana Purāṇa
Kūrma Purāṇa
Matsya Purāṇa
Garuḍa Purāṇa
Brahmāṇḍa Purāṇa
The number eighteen appears elsewhere too:
The Bhagavad Gītā has eighteen chapters.
The Mahābhārata war lasted eighteen days.
The Mahābhārata describes eighteen Akṣauhiṇīs of armies.
The Mahābhārata itself is traditionally divided into eighteen Parvas.
There is a remarkable recurrence of this number in our sacred literature.
What do these numbers teach us?
When we look at these numbers together, we discover something beautiful.
One reminds us of the Supreme Reality.
Two represents the rhythm of time.
Three introduces us to the cosmic worlds.
Four explains the cycles of existence.
Five connects us with nature.
Six preserves sacred knowledge.
Seven gives rhythm to our days.
Eight and ten help us understand space and directions.
Nine connects us with the celestial order.
Eleven and twelve bring us closer to worship and timekeeping.
Fourteen and eighteen remind us of the vastness of knowledge and sacred literature.
Sixteen represents completeness in worship.
Seventeen offers a glimpse into the subtle workings of human existence.
Numbers are not merely figures in Sanātana Dharma. They are ways of organising knowledge, expressing ideas and remembering wisdom.
A number may lead us to a mantra, a festival, a philosophical concept, a cosmic cycle or a story from our Puranas.
Perhaps that is the real mystery: behind what appears to be a simple number, there is often an entire world of thought waiting to be explored.
The more we learn about our traditions, the more we realise that even the smallest details can open the doors to profound wisdom.
Sri Vaishnava Family Guide for Deepavali
A booklet of prayers, Sanskrit mantras in English transliteration, meanings and the sequence of worship.
1. The significance of Lakshmi Pooja
In Sri Vaishnava sampradaya, Sri Mahalakshmi is not merely the bestower of material prosperity. She is the Divine Mother, eternally united with Sriman Narayana.
She is Karuna Svarupini — the embodiment of compassion — and Purushakara, the compassionate intercessor who guides the souls towards the Lord.
We worship Sri and Narayana together as the Divya Dampati.
Our prayer on Deepavali is for:
Dhana – prosperity and resources.
Dhanya – food and abundance.
Arogya – health.
Vidya – knowledge.
Sadbuddhi – good judgement.
Bhakti – devotion.
Kainkaryam – the opportunity to serve the Lord and His creation.
The greatest blessing is to live with gratitude, compassion and contentment.
2. Materials required
Arrange the following before beginning:
Picture or idol of Sri Mahalakshmi, preferably with Sriman Narayana.
Clean cloth for the altar.
Brass or silver lamp, oil or ghee and wicks.
Flowers, turmeric and kumkum.
Sandalwood paste.
Akshata – rice mixed with turmeric.
Kalasha, water, mango leaves and coconut.
Incense sticks and camphor.
Fruits, milk, sweets or payasam.
Betel leaves and betel nuts.
A small bell.
A plate for offerings.
Coins or jewellery may also be placed before the Goddess as a symbolic offering of one's livelihood and possessions.
3. Preparation and beginning of worship
Clean the Pooja area and decorate the entrance with kolam.
Light the lamp.
Sit facing the altar with a peaceful mind.
Remember your Acharya and offer a mental prayer for his blessings.
If customary in your household, recite:
Śrīmate Rāmānujāya Namaḥ.
Śrīmate Nigamānta Mahādeśikāya Namaḥ.
Remember your own Acharya parampara as taught in your family.
Ganesha Dhyana
Sloka
Śuklāmbaradharam Viṣṇum
Śaśivarṇam Chaturbhujam
Prasannavadanam Dhyāyet
Sarvavighnopaśāntaye.
Word meanings
Śukla – white.
Ambara – garment.
Dharam – wearing.
Viṣṇum – the all-pervading one.
Śaśivarṇam – moon-coloured.
Chaturbhujam – four-armed.
Prasanna – pleasant.
Vadanam – face.
Dhyāyet – may one meditate.
Sarva – all.
Vighna – obstacles.
Upaśāntaye – for their removal.
Meaning: May we meditate upon the auspicious, radiant Lord with a pleasant face, so that all obstacles may be removed.
This is a traditional preliminary prayer used before worship.
You may also recite:
Vakratunda Mahākāya
Sūryakoṭi Samaprabha
Nirvighnam Kuru Me Deva
Sarvakāryeṣu Sarvadā.
Meaning: O Lord with the curved trunk and mighty form, radiant like millions of suns, remove all obstacles from my undertakings.
4. Sankalpa – Declaration of intention
Take a little water and akshata in your right palm.
Say:
Mama upātta samasta duritakṣayadvārā
Śrī Mahālakṣmī prītyartham
Dīpāvalī parvaṇi
Śrī Mahālakṣmī pūjām kariṣye.
Word meanings
Mama – my.
Upātta – accumulated.
Samasta – all.
Durita – shortcomings or sins.
Kṣaya – removal.
Dvārā – through.
Śrī Mahālakṣmī – Divine Mother Lakshmi.
Prītyartham – for the pleasure of.
Dīpāvalī parvaṇi – on the festival of Deepavali.
Pūjām – worship.
Kariṣye – I shall perform.
Meaning: For the removal of accumulated shortcomings and for the pleasure of Sri Mahalakshmi, I undertake this worship on Deepavali.
Add mentally:
May the Lord bless my family with health, happiness, wisdom, devotion and the opportunity to serve others.
5. Kalasha Pooja
Fill a small vessel with clean water. Place mango leaves around its mouth and a coconut on top, if this is your family custom.
Recite:
Gange Cha Yamune Chaiva
Godāvari Sarasvati
Narmade Sindhu Kāveri
Jale'smin Sannidhim Kuru.
Word meanings
Gange – O Ganga.
Cha – and.
Yamune – O Yamuna.
Chaiva – and also.
Godāvari – Godavari.
Sarasvati – Saraswati.
Narmade – Narmada.
Sindhu – Sindhu.
Kāveri – Kaveri.
Jale – in this water.
Asmin – this.
Sannidhim – presence.
Kuru – please establish.
Meaning: May the sacred rivers Ganga, Yamuna, Godavari, Saraswati, Narmada, Sindhu and Kaveri sanctify this water with their presence.
Offer flowers to the kalasha.
The water may subsequently be used for sprinkling and purification.
6. Dhyana – Meditating upon Sri Mahalakshmi
Close your eyes and contemplate the Divine Mother.
Recite:
Mānātīta prathita vibhavām
Maṅgalaṁ maṅgalānām
Vakṣaḥ pīṭhīm Madhuvijayino
Bhūṣayantīm svakāntyā.
This is the opening of Sri Stuti by Swami Vedanta Desika.
The complete verse is given in the stotra section below.
Its central thought is that Sri is the embodiment of all auspiciousness and eternally adorns the chest of Sriman Narayana.
7. Avahanam – Inviting the Divine Mother
Join your palms and pray:
Āgaccha Devi Deveśi
Tejomayi Mahālakṣmi
Kriyamāṇām mayā pūjām
Gṛhāṇa suravandite.
Word meanings
Āgaccha – please come.
Devi – Divine Mother.
Deveśi – Goddess of the Devas.
Tejomayi – full of divine radiance.
Mahālakṣmi – Great Lakshmi.
Kriyamāṇām – being performed.
Mayā – by me.
Pūjām – worship.
Gṛhāṇa – please accept.
Suravandite – worshipped by the Devas.
Meaning: O radiant Mahalakshmi, worshipped by the Devas, please accept the worship offered by me.
This is a simple devotional invocation, not a substitute for an Acharya-prescribed āvāhana procedure.
8. Shodashopachara – Sixteen offerings
Treat the Divine Mother as an honoured guest in your home.
The following is a simple home-worship sequence. Different family and temple paddhatis may arrange or expand the sixteen offerings differently.
At each stage say:
Om Śrī Mahālakṣmyai Namaḥ.
Āsanam Samarpayāmi – I offer a seat.
Āsanam – seat.
Samarpayāmi – I offer.
Pādyam Samarpayāmi – I offer water for washing the feet.
Pādyam – water for the feet.
Arghyam Samarpayāmi – I offer water as a mark of welcome.
Arghyam – ceremonial welcome offering.
Āchamanīyam Samarpayāmi – I offer water for sipping.
Āchamanīyam – water for ritual sipping.
Snānam Samarpayāmi – I offer a ceremonial bath.
Snānam – bathing.
Vas tram Samarpayāmi – I offer clothes.
Vastram – garment.
Ābharaṇam Samarpayāmi – I offer ornaments.
Ābharaṇam – jewellery or ornaments.
Gandham Samarpayāmi – I offer sandalwood paste.
Gandham – fragrance or sandalwood.
Akṣatān Samarpayāmi – I offer sacred rice.
Akṣatān – consecrated rice grains.
Puṣpaiḥ Pūjayāmi – I worship with flowers.
Puṣpaiḥ – with flowers.
Pūjayāmi – I worship.
Dhūpam Āghrāpayāmi – I offer incense.
Dhūpam – incense.
Āghrāpayāmi – I present for fragrance.
Dīpam Darśayāmi – I show the sacred lamp.
Dīpam – lamp.
Darśayāmi – I show.
Naivedyam Nivedayāmi – I offer food.
Naivedyam – food offering.
Nivedayāmi – I submit or offer.
Tāmbūlam Samarpayāmi – I offer betel leaves and nuts.
Tāmbūlam – betel offering.
Nīrājanam Darśayāmi – I offer the sacred waving of light.
Nīrājanam – ceremonial light offering.
Mantrapushpam Samarpayāmi – I offer flowers accompanied by prayer.
Mantra – sacred prayer.
Pushpam – flower.
Samarpayāmi – I offer.
Practical note: If worshipping a framed picture, offer water symbolically in a small vessel. Do not pour water or milk over the photograph. If using an idol, perform abhishekam only if appropriate for the material and according to your family's practice.
9. Lakshmi Archana – The 108 names
Offer one flower or a few akshata grains with each name.
The simplest form of offering is:
Om Śrī Mahālakṣmyai Namaḥ.
You may also recite these ten auspicious names:
Om Prakṛtyai Namaḥ.
Om Vikṛtyai Namaḥ.
Om Vidyāyai Namaḥ.
Om Sarvabhūtahitapradāyai Namaḥ.
Om Śraddhāyai Namaḥ.
Om Vibhūtyai Namaḥ.
Om Padmāyai Namaḥ.
Om Padmapriyāyai Namaḥ.
Om Kamalāyai Namaḥ.
Om Viṣṇupriyāyai Namaḥ.
Meaning of the names
Prakṛti – the primordial divine nature.
Vikṛti – the power of manifestation.
Vidyā – knowledge.
Sarvabhūtahitapradā – one who brings welfare to all beings.
Śraddhā – faith.
Vibhūti – divine glory.
Padmā – the lotus Goddess.
Padmapriyā – one who loves the lotus.
Kamalā – the lotus Goddess.
Viṣṇupriyā – beloved of Vishnu.
For the complete 108 names, use a Sri Lakshmi Ashtottara Shatanamavali text from your family's prayer collection.
10. Important prayers to recite
A. Mahalakshmi Ashtakam
Opening verse:
Namastestu Mahāmāye
Śrīpīṭhe Surapūjite
Śaṅkhachakragadāhaste
Mahālakṣmi Namostu Te.
Word meanings
Namaste – salutations.
Astu – may they be.
Mahāmāye – great divine power.
Śrīpīṭhe – seated upon the sacred seat of Sri.
Surapūjite – worshipped by the Devas.
Śaṅkha – conch.
Chakra – discus.
Gadā – mace.
Haste – in the hands.
Mahālakṣmi – O Great Lakshmi.
Namaḥ – salutations.
Astu Te – to You.
Meaning: Salutations to Mahalakshmi, the divine Mother, worshipped by the Devas and bearing the conch, discus and mace.
The complete eight-verse hymn may be recited if available in your prayer book.
B. Lakshmi Gayatri
Om Mahālakṣmyai Cha Vidmahe
Viṣṇupatnyai Cha Dhīmahi
Tanno Lakṣmīḥ Prachodayāt.
Word meanings
Mahālakṣmyai – upon Mahalakshmi.
Cha – and.
Vidmahe – may we know.
Viṣṇupatnyai – upon the consort of Vishnu.
Dhīmahi – may we meditate.
Tat – that.
Naḥ – our.
Lakṣmīḥ – Goddess Lakshmi.
Prachodayāt – may She inspire or illumine.
Meaning: May we know Mahalakshmi and meditate upon Her, the divine consort of Vishnu. May Lakshmi inspire and illumine our intellect.
C. Sri Suktam
Sri Suktam is a Vedic hymn glorifying Sri Mahalakshmi.
Its opening verse is:
Hiraṇyavarṇām Hariṇīm
Suvarṇarajatasrajām
Chandrām Hiraṇmayīm Lakṣmīm
Jātavedo Ma Āvaha.
Word meanings
Hiraṇya – gold.
Varṇām – coloured or radiant.
Hariṇīm – the radiant Goddess.
Suvarṇa – gold.
Rajata – silver.
Srajām – garlands.
Chandrām – luminous like the moon.
Hiraṇmayīm – golden.
Lakṣmīm – Goddess Lakshmi.
Jātavedaḥ – Agni, the divine fire.
Ma – for me.
Āvaha – bring or invoke.
Meaning: O Jātavedas, invoke for me the radiant golden Goddess Lakshmi, adorned with golden and silver garlands and luminous like the moon.
Sri Suktam is traditionally recited in its complete form. The fifteen-verse recitation has variations between textual traditions. For formal Vedic chanting, follow the recension and svara taught by your Vedic teacher.
D. Sri Stuti of Swami Vedanta Desika
This is especially appropriate for a Sri Vaishnava household.
Opening verse:
Mānātīta prathita vibhavām
Maṅgalaṁ maṅgalānām
Vakṣaḥ pīṭhīm Madhuvijayino
Bhūṣayantīm svakāntyā.
Pratyakṣānuśravika mahimā
Prārthinīnām prajānām
Śreyo mūrtiṁ Śriyam
Aśaraṇaḥ tvāṁ śaraṇyāṁ prapadye.
Word meanings
Mānātīta – beyond measure.
Prathita – celebrated.
Vibhavām – glory.
Maṅgalam – auspiciousness.
Maṅgalānām – among all auspicious things.
Vakṣaḥ – chest.
Pīṭhīm – throne or seat.
Madhuvijayinaḥ – of the Lord who conquered Madhu.
Bhūṣayantīm – adorning.
Svakāntyā – by Her own radiance.
Pratyakṣa – directly perceived.
Anuśravika – declared by scripture.
Mahimā – greatness.
Prārthinīnām – of those who seek.
Prajānām – people.
Śreyaḥ – supreme good.
Mūrtim – embodiment.
Śriyam – Sri, Mahalakshmi.
Aśaraṇaḥ – one without another refuge.
Śaraṇyām – the One who gives refuge.
Prapadye – I surrender.
Meaning: I seek refuge in Sri Mahalakshmi, whose glory is beyond measure, who is the embodiment of all auspiciousness and who adorns the chest of Sriman Narayana with Her divine radiance. She is the embodiment of the highest good and the refuge of those who seek Her grace.
Swami Vedanta Desika composed Sri Stuti in twenty-five verses. Reciting the complete stotra is a beautiful way to conclude the Lakshmi prayers.
11. Naivedyam – Offering food
Place the prepared fruits and sweets before the Goddess.
Offer the food with:
Om Śrī Mahālakṣmyai Namaḥ.
Naivedyam Nivedayāmi.
Then recite the traditional offering mantra:
Om Prāṇāya Svāhā.
Om Apānāya Svāhā.
Om Vyānāya Svāhā.
Om Udānāya Svāhā.
Om Samānāya Svāhā.
Om Brahmaṇe Svāhā.
Meaning
These offerings are made to the five vital airs and ultimately to Brahman, acknowledging that nourishment and life itself are divine gifts.
Allow a few moments for the offering.
12. Kubera prayer – Optional
Kubera is traditionally regarded as the guardian of wealth.
You may offer flowers and recite:
Om Yakṣāya Kuberāya Vaiśravaṇāya
Dhanadhānyādhipataye
Dhanadhānyasamṛddhiṁ Me Dehi Dāpaya Svāhā.
Meaning: O Kubera, Lord of wealth and abundance, may you bless us with the resources and prosperity needed for a good life.
This is optional and need not be included in every household's Lakshmi Pooja.
13. Deepa and Camphor Aarti
Take the lamp or camphor plate and move it gently clockwise before the Goddess.
The family may sing its customary Lakshmi Aarti.
After the aarti, offer flowers and bow before the Divine Mother.
14. Final prayer
Recite this beautiful prayer to the Divine Mother:
Sarvamaṅgalamāṅgalye
Śive Sarvārthasādhike
Śaraṇye Tryambake Gauri
Nārāyaṇi Namostu Te.
Word meanings
Sarva – all.
Maṅgala – auspiciousness.
Maṅgalye – O embodiment of auspiciousness.
Śive – O auspicious one.
Sarvārtha – all worthy purposes.
Sādhike – fulfiller.
Śaraṇye – giver of refuge.
Tryambake – three-eyed Mother.
Gauri – radiant Mother.
Nārāyaṇi – Divine Mother.
Namostu Te – salutations to You.
Meaning: O Divine Mother, the most auspicious among all that is auspicious, the fulfiller of all worthy purposes and the refuge of all beings, salutations to You.
This is a prayer from the Devi Mahatmyam.
15. Sarvam Sri Krishnarpanam
Conclude by offering everything to Sriman Narayana.
Kāyena Vācā Manasendriyairvā
Buddhyātmanā Vā Prakṛtisvabhāvāt
Karomi Yadyat Sakalaṁ Parasmai
Nārāyaṇāyeti Samarpayāmi.
Word meanings
Kāyena – through the body.
Vācā – through speech.
Manasā – through the mind.
Indriyaiḥ – through the senses.
Vā – or.
Buddhyā – through the intellect.
Ātmanā – through the self.
Prakṛti – natural disposition.
Svabhāvāt – according to one's nature.
Karomi – I do.
Yadyat – whatever.
Sakalam – everything.
Parasmai – to the Supreme.
Nārāyaṇāya – to Narayana.
Iti – thus.
Samarpayāmi – I offer.
Meaning: Whatever I do through my body, speech, mind, senses, intellect or natural disposition, I offer everything to the Supreme Lord Narayana.
Offer namaskaram.
Distribute prasadam to everyone.
16. A convenient order to follow every Deepavali
Sequence
Worship
1
Clean altar and light lamp
2
Remember Acharya
3
Ganesha Dhyana
4
Sankalpa
5
Kalasha Pooja
6
Lakshmi Dhyana
7
Avahanam
8
Sixteen offerings
9
Lakshmi Archana
10
Sri Suktam
11
Mahalakshmi Ashtakam
12
Sri Stuti
13
Naivedyam
14
Optional Kubera prayer
15
Aarti
16
Final prayer and namaskaram
17. A family prayer for Deepavali
O Sri Mahalakshmi, Divine Mother, eternally united with Sriman Narayana,
May Your grace enter our homes.
May there be food for the hungry, shelter for the needy, knowledge for those who seek it, and kindness in every heart.
Bless our children and grandchildren with good education, wisdom and humility.
Give us the strength to distinguish between what we desire and what we truly need.
May wealth never make us arrogant, knowledge never make us proud, and devotion never make us indifferent to the suffering of others.
May we use whatever we possess for the welfare of our family, society and all living beings.
May our homes be filled with peace, our hearts with gratitude, and our lives with opportunities for Bhagavad Kainkaryam.
Śrī Mahālakṣmyai Namaḥ.
Śrīmannārāyaṇa Parabrahmaṇe Namaḥ.
Sarvam Śrī Kṛṣṇārpaṇam Astu.
End of family Deepavali Lakshmi Pooja guide.
Note: This is a devotional home-worship guide, not a formal Agama paddhati or a replacement for the procedure taught by one's Acharya. Families should retain their established Acharya and household traditions where these differ.
Lakshmi Pooja on Diwali is one of the most beautiful and meaningful Hindu traditions. It is performed to welcome Mahalakshmi, the Goddess of wealth, prosperity, auspiciousness and well-being, into our homes.
But Lakshmi Pooja is not merely a prayer for money or material prosperity. We pray for Dhana (wealth), Dhanya (food), Arogya (health), Aishwarya (prosperity), Sadbuddhi (good sense), and peace within the family.
The central thought is that wealth should come with wisdom, prosperity with humility, and abundance with gratitude.
Let me explain the traditional procedure, step by step, with the Sanskrit mantras and slokas. I shall keep it practical enough to perform at home.
Diwali Lakshmi Pooja – Complete procedure and slokas.
1. Preparing the house and the Pooja altar
Traditionally, the house is cleaned thoroughly before Diwali. The entrance is decorated with kolam or rangoli, flowers and lamps.
For the Pooja, arrange:
Picture or idol of Sri Mahalakshmi.
A small platform covered with a clean cloth.
Flowers, preferably lotus if available, and tulasi where appropriate to your tradition.
Turmeric, kumkum, sandalwood paste and akshata (rice mixed with turmeric).
A small kalash with water, mango leaves and coconut.
Fruits, sweets, betel leaves and betel nuts.
Incense, camphor and ghee or oil lamps.
Coins or jewellery, if you wish to offer them symbolically.
A bell and a small vessel of water.
Place the account books, keys or instruments of your livelihood nearby if that is part of your family tradition.
2. Begin with prayer to Sri Ganesha
No auspicious undertaking begins without invoking Lord Ganesha.
Ganesha Dhyana Sloka
शुक्लाम्बरधरं विष्णुं शशिवर्णं चतुर्भुजम् ।
प्रसन्नवदनं ध्यायेत् सर्वविघ्नोपशान्तये ॥
Transliteration:
Shuklāmbaradharam Viṣṇum
Śaśivarṇam Chaturbhujam
Prasannavadanam Dhyāyet
Sarvavighnopaśāntaye.
Meaning: I meditate upon the One dressed in white, radiant like the moon, with four arms and a pleasant face, for the removal of all obstacles.
Then recite:
वक्रतुण्ड महाकाय सूर्यकोटि समप्रभ ।
निर्विघ्नं कुरु मे देव सर्वकार्येषु सर्वदा ॥
Vakratunda Mahākāya Sūryakoṭi Samaprabha, Nirvighnam Kuru Me Deva Sarvakāryeṣu Sarvadā.
O Lord with the curved trunk and mighty form, shining like millions of suns, please remove obstacles from all my undertakings.
3. Sankalpa – stating the intention
Take a little water, flowers and akshata in your right palm and mentally state your intention.
You may say:
मम उपात्त समस्त दुरितक्षयद्वारा
श्रीमहालक्ष्मी प्रीत्यर्थं
दीपावली पर्वणि श्रीमहालक्ष्मी पूजां करिष्ये ॥
Meaning: For the removal of all accumulated shortcomings and for the pleasure and blessings of Sri Mahalakshmi, I undertake this Lakshmi Pooja on the auspicious occasion of Deepavali.
You can add your family's welfare and the well-being of all beings to your prayer.
4. Kalasha Pooja
The kalasha represents sacredness, abundance and the presence of the divine.
Place the kalasha before the Goddess, with water, mango leaves and a coconut.
Recite:
गङ्गे च यमुने चैव गोदावरि सरस्वति ।
नर्मदे सिन्धु कावेरी जलेऽस्मिन् सन्निधिं कुरु ॥
Transliteration:
Gange cha Yamune chaiva
Godāvari Sarasvati
Narmade Sindhu Kāveri
Jale'smin Sannidhim Kuru.
Meaning: O sacred rivers Ganga, Yamuna, Godavari, Saraswati, Narmada, Sindhu and Kaveri, may your presence sanctify this water.
This water is then used for the worship.
5. Dhyānam – Meditating upon Mahalakshmi
Before offering anything, contemplate the divine form of the Goddess.
A beautiful Lakshmi Dhyana Sloka is:
या सा पद्मासनस्था विपुलकटितटी पद्मपत्रायताक्षी ।
गम्भीरावर्तनाभिः स्तनभरनमिता शुभ्रवस्त्रोत्तरीया ॥
या लक्ष्मीर्दिव्यरूपैर्मणिगणखचितैः स्नापिता हेमकुम्भैः ।
सा नित्यं पद्महस्ता मम वसतु गृहे सर्वमाङ्गल्ययुक्ता ॥
Transliteration:
Yā sā padmāsanasthā vipula-kaṭitaṭī padmapatrāyatākṣī
Gambhīrāvartanābhih stanabhara-namitā śubhravastrōttarīyā
Yā Lakṣmīr divyarūpair maṇigaṇa-khachitaiḥ snāpitā hemakumbhaiḥ
Sā nityaṁ padmahastā mama vasatu gṛhe sarvamaṅgalyayuktā.
Meaning: May that divine Lakshmi, seated on a lotus, with lotus-petal-like eyes, adorned with beautiful ornaments and holding a lotus in her hand, always reside in my home, bringing every auspicious blessing.
6. Āvāhanam – Inviting Goddess Lakshmi
Join your palms and invite the Goddess with devotion.
आगच्छ देवि देवेशि तेजोमयि महालक्ष्मि ।
क्रियमाणां मया पूजां गृहाण सुरवन्दिते ॥
Transliteration:
Āgaccha Devi Deveśi Tejomayi Mahālakṣmi
Kriyamāṇāṁ Mayā Pūjāṁ Gṛhāṇa Suravandite.
Meaning: O Mahalakshmi, worshipped by the Devas, please come and accept the worship offered by me.
You can also simply chant:
ॐ श्रीं महालक्ष्म्यै नमः।
Om Śrīṁ Mahālakṣmyai Namaḥ.
7. Shodashopachara – The sixteen traditional offerings
This is the heart of the traditional Lakshmi Pooja.
Shodashopachara means worshipping the deity through sixteen services, treating the Goddess as an honoured divine guest.
The sixteen offerings are:
No. Offering Meaning
1 Āsanam Offering a seat
2 Pādyam Water for washing the feet
3 Arghyam Water for welcoming
4 Āchamanīyam Water for sipping
5 Snānam Sacred bath
6 Vas tram Offering clothes
7 Ābharaṇam Ornaments
8 Gandham Sandalwood paste
9 Akṣatam Sacred rice
10 Puṣpam Flowers
11 Dhūpam Incense
12 Dīpam Light
13 Naivedyam Food offering
14 Tāmbūlam Betel leaves and nuts
15 Nīrājanam Camphor or lamp waving
16 Mantrapushpam Flowers offered with prayers
At each stage, you may say:
ॐ श्रीमहालक्ष्म्यै नमः।
आसनं समर्पयामि।
Om Śrī Mahālakṣmyai Namaḥ, Āsanaṁ Samarpayāmi.
This means: I offer a seat to Sri Mahalakshmi.
For the other offerings, replace the word Āsanam with Pādyam, Arghyam, Snānam and so on.
A practical point: If you have a metal idol, you may perform the ceremonial bath with water and panchamrit, followed by clean water. If you have a framed photograph, do not pour water over it; offer water symbolically in a small vessel or sprinkle it before the picture.
You need not perform elaborate bathing rituals if your family follows a simpler daily worship tradition.
8. Lakshmi Archana – Offering flowers and chanting her names.
This is a particularly beautiful part of the Pooja.
Offer flowers or akshata while reciting the names of the Goddess.
You may chant the following names:
Om Prakṛtyai Namaḥ
Om Vikṛtyai Namaḥ
Om Vidyāyai Namaḥ
Om Sarvabhūtahitapradāyai Namaḥ
Om Śraddhāyai Namaḥ
Om Vibhūtyai Namaḥ
Om Padmāyai Namaḥ
Om Padmapriyāyai Namaḥ
Om Kamalāyai Namaḥ
Om Viṣṇupriyāyai Namaḥ
These are among the traditional names found in Sri Lakshmi Ashtottara Shatanamavali.
If you have time, recite all 108 names.
9. Important Lakshmi Stotras.
There are three beautiful prayers you can include.
A. Mahalakshmi Ashtakam
This is an eight-verse hymn traditionally attributed to Indra.
The opening verse:
नमस्तेऽस्तु महामाये श्रीपीठे सुरपूजिते ।
शङ्खचक्रगदाहस्ते महालक्ष्मि नमोऽस्तु ते ॥
Namastestu Mahāmāye Śrīpīṭhe Surapūjite
Śaṅkhachakragadāhaste Mahālakṣmi Namostu Te.
Meaning: Salutations to Mahalakshmi, the divine power, worshipped by the Devas, holding the conch, discus and mace.
B. Lakshmi Gayatri
ॐ महालक्ष्म्यै च विद्महे
विष्णुपत्न्यै च धीमहि ।
तन्नो लक्ष्मीः प्रचोदयात् ॥
Om Mahālakṣmyai Cha Vidmahe
Viṣṇupatnyai Cha Dhīmahi
Tanno Lakṣmīḥ Prachodayāt.
Meaning: May we meditate upon Mahalakshmi, the divine consort of Vishnu. May Goddess Lakshmi illuminate and guide our intellect.
C. Sri Suktam
This is especially significant in Sri Vaishnava worship.
It is a Vedic hymn from the Rigvedic tradition, glorifying Sri, the Goddess of auspiciousness, abundance and divine grace.
Its opening verse:
हिरण्यवर्णां हरिणीं सुवर्णरजतस्रजाम् ।
चन्द्रां हिरण्मयीं लक्ष्मीं जातवेदो म आवह ॥
Hiraṇyavarṇāṁ Hariṇīṁ Suvarṇarajatasrajām
Chandrāṁ Hiraṇmayīṁ Lakṣmīṁ Jātavedo Ma Āvaha.
Meaning: O Jātavedas, invoke for me Lakshmi, golden-hued, radiant, adorned with gold and silver ornaments, luminous like the moon.
If you already recite Sri Suktam, Diwali is a particularly auspicious occasion to include it.
10. Naivedyam – Offering food
Prepare a small plate with:
Fruits
Payasam or sakkarai pongal
Milk
Coconut
Sweets
Betel leaves and betel nuts
Offer the food with this mantra:
ॐ प्राणाय स्वाहा ।
ॐ अपानाय स्वाहा ।
ॐ व्यानाय स्वाहा ।
ॐ उदानाय स्वाहा ।
ॐ समानाय स्वाहा ।
ॐ ब्रह्मणे स्वाहा ॥
You may then say:
ॐ श्रीमहालक्ष्म्यै नमः।
नैवेद्यं समर्पयामि ॥
Om Śrī Mahālakṣmyai Namaḥ, Naivedyaṁ Samarpayāmi.
Meaning: I offer this food to Sri Mahalakshmi.
Ring the bell gently and allow a few moments for the offering.
11. Kubera Pooja
Some families worship Kubera along with Lakshmi on Diwali.
Kubera is regarded as the guardian of wealth.
You can offer flowers and akshata while chanting:
ॐ यक्षाय कुबेराय वैश्रवणाय धनधान्याधिपतये ।
धनधान्यसमृद्धिं मे देहि दापय स्वाहा ॥
This is a prayer seeking prosperity and the resources necessary for a good life.
Worshipping Kubera is optional and is not a compulsory part of every family's Lakshmi Pooja.
12. Lakshmi Aarti
Now comes the most joyous part.
Light camphor or take the aarti lamp and move it clockwise before the Goddess.
The popular aarti begins:
ॐ जय लक्ष्मी माता, मैया जय लक्ष्मी माता ।
तुमको निशदिन सेवत, हरि विष्णु विधाता ॥
You may sing the complete Lakshmi Aarti with the family.
13. Final prayer and Namaskaram
After the aarti, offer flowers and bow before the Goddess.
A beautiful concluding prayer is:
सर्वमङ्गलमाङ्गल्ये शिवे सर्वार्थसाधिके ।
शरण्ये त्र्यम्बके गौरि नारायणि नमोऽस्तु ते ॥
Sarvamaṅgalamāṅgalye Śive Sarvārthasādhike
Śaraṇye Tryambake Gauri Nārāyaṇi Namostu Te.
Meaning: O Divine Mother, the most auspicious among all that is auspicious, the fulfiller of all worthy purposes, the refuge of all beings, salutations to You.
This is a Devi prayer, traditionally found in the Devi Mahatmyam.
Conclude with:
कायेन वाचा मनसेन्द्रियैर्वा
बुद्ध्यात्मना वा प्रकृतिस्वभावात् ।
करोमि यद्यत् सकलं परस्मै
नारायणायेति समर्पयामि ॥
Kāyena Vācā Manasendriyairvā
Buddhyātmanā Vā Prakṛtisvabhāvāt
Karomi Yadyat Sakalaṁ Parasmai
Nārāyaṇāyeti Samarpayāmi.
Meaning: Whatever I do through my body, speech, mind, senses, intellect or by my natural disposition, I offer everything to the Supreme Lord Narayana.
This concluding sentiment is especially beautiful in Sri Vaishnava worship.
In Sri Vaishnava sampradaya, Sri Mahalakshmi is not viewed merely as the Goddess who grants material wealth. She is the Divine Mother, inseparably associated with Sriman Narayana, and the compassionate Purushakara — the one who intercedes on behalf of the jivatmas.
Therefore, Lakshmi worship is understood in the context of Sriyaḥpati, Sriman Narayana.
You can include:
Sri Suktam.
Lakshmi Ashtakam.
Sri Stuti of Vedanta Desika.
A prayer to Sri and Narayana together.
Kavi samelan in North and patimadram in South. For best language.
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