DIWALI OR DEEPAVALI: Diwali is popularly known as the festival of lights. It is celebrated on the amavasya / moonless night also known as the MAHANISHA RATRI. On this occasion Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped. It is believed that Goddess Lakshmi resides in the heart of Lord Narayana. In the entire year, this is the only night when the Mother Goddess descends to the Earth and blesses the devout. Goddess Lakshmi is also known as the Goddess of wealth. This festival is celebrated over three days.


This festival is celebrated over three days.

TRIYODASHI/DHANTERAS

Dhanteras is celebrated on the 13th day of the dark fortnight (shukla paksha) in the Hindu month of Kartik. On this day Lord Ganesha is invoked as he is the Lord of all auspicious beginnings. The Ganapathi Homa is performed on this day.

After the Ganapathi Homa, Lord Narayana is invoked by performing the Narayana Homa. Lord Narayana (Vishnu) is the God of preservation.

Next, the ruler of the wealth on earth and of the treasures that lie buried inside the earth, blessings of lord KUBER are invoked by performing the Kuber Homa.


NARAK CHATURDASHI

The next day of Trayodashi is Narak Chaturdashi, also known as Roop Chaudas. On this day Lord Narayana, in his Lord Krishna avatar, vanquished Narakasur, the demon. On this day, the NAVAGRAHAS or the nine planets are invoked by performing the Navagraha homa. After which the divine disc of the Lord Narayana, the Sudarshan Chakra is prayed to and a Sudarshan Homa is performed.

On this day, one must clean the house/office, remove the cobwebs, collect all the waste and dirt from the house/office and burn it outside the house/office, and get ready to invite the Divine Goddess of Wealth, Mahalakshmi, into the house/office.

DEEPAWALI

This celebrated on the Amavasya or moonless night. The most auspicious night to invoke the Goddess of Wealth, the consort of Lord Narayana, Mahalakshmi. This day is celebrated by performing the Sri Sooktam Homa to invoke the Goddess and seek her blessings.

The third day of the festival of Diwali is the most important day of Lakshmi - and the rituals are entirely devoted to the propitiation of Goddess Lakshmi. On this very day, Sun enters the second course of his journey and passes Libra, which is represented, by the balance or scale. This is indicative of the right time to balance the account books and close them. New account sheets are initiated this day. Despite the fact that this day falls on an Amavasya, it is regarded auspicious.
 

MAHALAKHSMI

Lakshmi is the Goddess who governs all forms of wealth and success. And also the paths, means and results of all forms of prosperity! She bestows the 16 types of wealth:
1) Fame
2) Knowledge
3) Courage and Strength
4) Victory
5) Good Children
6) Valor
7) Gold, Gems and other Valuables Grains in abundance
8) Happiness
9) Bliss
10) Intelligence
11) Beauty
12) Higher Aim, High Thinking and Higher Meditation
13) Morality and Ethics
14) Good Health
15) Long Life

The word "Lakshmi" is derived from the Sanskrit word "Laksya", meaning 'aim' or 'goal', and she is the goddess of wealth and prosperity, both material and spiritual.
Also 'laksh' which means "one hundred thousand' as a monetary unit in India, is the first part of Lakshmi's name, symbolizing her blessings that pour forth abundantly.
 

Lakshmi or Mahalakshmi or wealth is of 2 kinds
a) Sulakshmi (the Prefix 'Su' in Sanskrit denotes 'good')
b) Alakshmi (the Prefix 'A' in Sanskrit denotes 'without/ lacking')

The absence of Lakshmi or Wealth is known as DARIDYA.

ALAKSHMI: Alakshmi is the elder sister of Sulakshmi. Alakshmi is the wealth gained from unethical practices like cheating, taking bribes, and all illegal activities. Any kind of gains that are begotten from any kind of cheating can be called ALAKSHMI.
 
SYMPTOMS and RESULTS or EFFECTS of ALAKSHMI:

i) ROG or Disease: Any untoward illness or un explained illness, and sudden medical expenses are symptoms of Alakshmi.

ii) SHOK/DUKH or Sorrow: Sudden death of Children, break ups in relationships, or any incidents that lead to sorrow are some of the symptoms of Alakshmi.

iii) KALEH/KALESHA of fights: If there are recurrent fights at home, or frequent quarrels with loved ones, or difference of opinion with parents/Children, these are due to Alakshmi.

iv) Inability to enjoy BHOG/Worldly pleasures

If one is unable to enjoy all or any of the above, it is because of the presence of Alakshmi.

v) Bhaya/Fear: By and large fear from authorities, fear from the law, fear of anything or anybody, is also the manifestation of Alakshmi.

Disappointments from Children, being let down by near and dear ones, are also signs of Alakshmi.

SULAKSHMI: Sulaksmi is form of the Divine Mother that bestows all kinds of wealth. The objective of every individual is to invite the Divine Mother Goddess Lakshmi in this form to ensure all round happiness and to avoid all the negative effects of ALAKSHMI.

 

SULAKSMI has 8 personified forms together known as ASHTALAKSMI.
Those 8 forms are:

Adi Lakshmi (The primal mother goddess): In this form mother is four-armed, carries a lotus and a white flag, other two hands depicting the Abhaya mudra and varada mudra. Aadi means the 1st one. In this form the Mother Goddess blesses an individual with Power and Respect and also blesses with recognition. Mother Lakshmi resides with Lord Narayana in the Vaikuntha, the abode of Lord Narayana. She is known as Ramaa, her name here means – she who brings happiness to mankind. She is also known as Indira (who holds lotus or purity in the hands or heart.) Divine Mother’s this form is normally seen serving Sri Narayana. Lord Narayana is omnipresent. Aadi Lakshmi or Ramaa serving Sri Narayana is symbolic of her serving the whole creation! Though Sri Narayana is attended to, by innumerable devotees, still she personally loves to serve the Lord. Actually mother Aadi Lakshmi and Narayana are not two different entities but one only. In many depictions, we see her form sitting in the lap of Sri Narayana.

 

Dhanyalakshmi (The bestower of Food/ good crop – one who eliminates hunger): In this form, the Mother is Eight-armed, in green garments, carries two lotuses, gadaa (mace), paddy crop, sugarcane, bananas, other two hands depicting abhaya mudra and varada mudra. DHAANYA means food grains. The Mother ensures that there are enough food grains in ones house to not only feed the house members, but also any body who visits the house. Just like ANNAPOORNA. In this form the Divine Mother also gives the blessed, the power to be a Creator of opportunity to others. One is empowered to be a giver just like Lord Narayana. Lakshmi is the Goddess of the harvest and the Devi who blesses with abundance and success in harvest. This symbolizes the inner harvest, that, with patience and persistence, we obtain the abundance of inner Joy we obtain the blessing of Dhaanya Lakshmi.

Dhairyalakshmi or Veera Lakshmi (She who can bless with Courage and Strength): In this form Mother is Eight-armed, in red garments, carries chakra, shankh, bow, arrow, trishul (or sword), gold bar or book , other two hands depicting abhaya mudra and varada mudra. DHAIRYA means Courage and perseverance. This form of mother Lakshmi grants the boon of infinite courage and strength. Mother Lakshmi in this form bestows the courage to face any circumstances or adversities in life. To succeed in any and all undertakings in life, it is important to have courage. Those, who are in tune with infinite inner power, are always bound to be victorious.

 

Gajalakshmi (She who is the giver of Power and Royal Splendour): In this form Mother is four-armed, in red garments, carries two lotuses, other two hands depicting abhaya mudra and varada mudra, surrounded by two elephants bathing her with water pots. Elephants signify splendour and royalty. In this form, the Goddess is capable of blessing one with Royal Splendour - with wealth that cannot be quantified. This blessing is reserved for very-very few. In the holy book of Srimad Bhagavata, the story of the churning of the ocean by Gods and demons is explained in detail. Author, the Sage Vyasa writes that Lakshmi came out of the ocean during the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan). She came out of the ocean sitting on a full-bloomed lotus and also having lotus flowers in both hands with two elephants by her sides, holding beautiful vessels filled with milk and pouring it over Sri Lakshmi. Many a times, we see Sri Lakshmi standing in the lotus and elephants are pouring nectar over her. The divine mother also blesses with protection from evils as well as abundant grace and blessings for additional prosperities!

Santan Lakshmi (She who can bless with progeny): In this form the Mother is six-armed, carries two kalashas (water pitcher with mango leaves and a coconut on it), sword, shield, a child on her lap, a hand depicting abhaya mudra and the other holding the child. The child holds a lotus. SANTAN means children. To be blessed with children who bring joy in your life, children who will make you proud of them, is the blessing of the Divine Mother in this form. Children are the greatest treasure. Those who worship this particular form of Sri Lakshmi, known as a Santan Lakshmi, are bestowed with the grace of mother Lakshmi and have wealth in the form of desirable children with good health and a long life.

 

Vijaya Lakshmi (Mother who can bestow Victory): In this form the Mother is Eight-armed, in red garments, carries chakra, shankh, sword, shield, lotus, paash, other two hands depicting abhaya mudra and varada mudra. Vijay is victory. Vijay is to get success in all undertakings and all different facets of life. Some are strong physically but weak mentally, while others are economically rich but poor in their attitude and cannot exert any influence. Vijay is to have all encompassing victory. Vijay is to rejoice in glory of our real nature – Vijay is to conquer the lower nature. Vijay is the victory in external and internal wars and of course eternal wars! Hence those, with grace of mother Vijay Lakshmi, have victory everywhere, at all time, in all conditions.

 

Vidya Lakshmi (The bestower Wisdom and knowledge): In this for the Mother is four-armed, in white garments, carries two lotuses, other two hands depicting abhaya mudra and varada mudra. Vidya is education. Education is not mere studies, but divine education also. Serenity, Regularity, Absence of Vanity, Sincerity, Simplicity, Veracity, Equanimity, Fixity, Non-irritability, Adaptability Humility, Tenacity, Integrity, Nobility, Magnanimity, Charity, Generosity and Purity are the eighteen qualities imbibed through proper education that only can give immortality. Vidya Lakshmi is the understanding and the knowledge to mould the ordinary life into the Divine Life. A life of Service, a life of feeling for a fellow being, a life of charity and generosity, a life of purity, a life for seeking a soul within the soul and a life with an ultimate aim of the realisation of the ABSOLUTE is the only real education, which can come only with the grace of Vidya Lakshmi.

 

Dhanalakshmi (One who showers wealth): In this form the Mother is six-armed, in red garments, carries chakra (discus), shankha (conch), kalasha (water pitcher with mango leaves and a coconut on it) or Amrita kumbha (a pitcher containing Amrita - elixir of life), bow-arrow, a lotus and one hand depicting abhaya mudra with gold coins falling from it. Dhana is wealth. But as per Rigved’s Purush Sukta, Dhana is not only a wealth in coins and currency, Wealth comes in many forms: Nature, Love, Peace, Health, Prosperity, Luck, Virtues, Family, Food, Land, Water, Will Power, Intellect, and Character etc. With the grace of mother Dhana Lakshmi we will get all these in abundance.
 

Following is the schedule of events that make up the programme:

Deepawali, the festival of lights starts with Dhan trayodashi or Dhanteras that is an auspicious day. It is celebrated on the 13th day of the dark fortnight (shukla paksha) in the Hindu month of Kartik and falls on 24th October this year.

Time: 08:17 am onwards

Ganapati Pooja: This homa marks the commencement of the event. Lord Ganesha is Vighnaharta, the remover of all obstacles. His blessings and powers will be invoked at the outset to ensure smooth conduct of the pooja. Lord Ganesha holds a special significance in the Deepawali poojan also. His grace perpetuates our endeavours and success. This pooja will also include Punyaha and kalasha Sthapana.

This ceremony will be followed by Mrityunjaya japa and homa. Mrityunjaya japa will be essentially done for steadfastness of mind, relief from mental and physical pain. The Homa is a powerful tool to rejuvenate the mind and give it a renewed strength to deal with challenges of life. A strong mind is capable of writing its own success story.

Time: 18:12 onwards

Kuber Homa: Lord Kuber is the ruler of the wealth on earth and of the treasures that lie buried inside the earth. He is the giver of windfall gains, sudden good luck, victory in games of chance like lotteries and success in tasks taken up for wealth gain. He can be propitiated through pooja and his blessings can bring about a complete reversal of fortunes – all bad luck and poor financial situation can be wiped away making way for prosperity. The pooja includes Kuber shodashopchara pooja, Mantra paarayana and homa.

This day is the 'Narak Chaturdashi' called so because Lord Krishna vanquished Narakaasur. Devotees pray to remove negative influences, vanquish enemies and rid themselves of fear of evil spirits and beings. Worship of Kali Ma is also done this day.

Time: 08:23 am onwards

Navagraha Homa: This homa is to invoke the nine planets. In this pooja, the mantras for all the nine planets are chanted and the oblations are offered through the sacred fire to invoke blessings of the planets.

Time: 19:15 onwards

Rudra paarayana and Rudra-abhisheka: This is a pooja, where Lord Shiva is worshiped in his Rudra form to remove all evils, to attain desires and for gain of prosperity and peace in all sectors of life. Rudra-abhisheka is believed to be a very powerful pooja that can wipe out negativity, obliterate the negative karma and bestow happiness in life. It can help the oppressed individuals and alleviate hardships due to illness.

Sudarshan Homa: Lord Sudarshan is the sacred disc of the supreme Lord Mahavishnu. This homa is to resolve long standing disputes, litigation and enemy related problems. Those individuals facing restrictive conditions in life, facing too many legal wrangles and suffering due to jealousy etc. should participate in this homa.

This day marks the festival of lights called Deepawali and is one of the most remarkable occasions. It not only stands for ushering material abundance but also for the illumination of the soul. Goddess Lakshmi visits the house the devout and bestows abundance in all known forms.

Time: Pradosh Kalam Muhurata (07:12 am onwards)

Shree Sukta: The Shree Sukta is a unique composition that is actually the sound manifestation of Goddess Lakshmi herself. A participation in the incantations or mere listening to it with devotion and faith can facilitate a complete change for you, bringing much peace and prosperity.

Nakshatra Homa: This particular homa is performed to invoke the blessings of the constellations/ the Nakshatras.

Time: Midnight

Ashtlakshmi Homa: Goddess Lakshmi is the consort of Lord Mahavishnu and there are eight main forms– Aadi Lakshmi (First), Dhaanya Lakshmi (abundance of food), Dhairya Lakshmi (patience/ courage to persevere), Gaja Lakshmi (elephants/ royal splendour), Santana Lakshmi (children), Vijaya Lakshmi (victory), Vidya Lakshmi (education), and Dhana Lakshmi (wealth and riches). 

In this pooja, archana is done for all the eight forms that can help in the attainment of sixteen different types of wealth. The rituals performed here, conclude the event with a poornahooti – a final offering.