Lakshmi Jayanti (Phalguna Purnima) – March 14, 2025

Significance:
Lakshmi Jayanti, also known as Phalguna Purnima, is a highly auspicious day dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth, prosperity, and good fortune. Celebrated on the full moon day (Purnima) of the Phalguna month, this festival marks the birthday of Goddess Lakshmi. It is believed that worshipping Goddess Lakshmi on this day brings prosperity and wealth into the home and life of the devotee. Lakshmi Jayanti also symbolizes the triumph of good over evil and is an important day for both material and spiritual growth.

Detailed Rituals:
On this day, devotees perform elaborate poojas and rituals to invoke the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi. The rituals for Lakshmi Jayanti are as follows:
1. Preparation of the altar: Clean the house, especially the temple area or pooja room. Place a clean cloth or fresh flowers on the altar and position the idol or picture of Goddess Lakshmi.
2. Lighting lamps (diyas): Lighting oil lamps (diyas) is an integral part of this pooja. It is believed that these lamps dispel darkness and ignorance, inviting Goddess Lakshmi’s blessings.
3. Offerings: Offer fresh fruits, sweets (especially ladoos or kheer), coconut, and flowers to the Goddess. Traditional offerings include lotus flowers and rice, symbolizing abundance.
4. Chanting Lakshmi Ashtakshari Mantra: Devotees chant mantras dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, such as the Lakshmi Ashtakshari mantra:
“Om Shreem Hreem Shreem Maha Lakshmyei Namah”
Chant this mantra 108 times for prosperity and divine blessings.
5. Reciting Lakshmi Stotra or Lakshmi Ashtakshara Stotra: Devotees also recite the Lakshmi Stotra, a sacred prayer, or the Ashtakshara Stotra that praises the goddess and seeks her blessings.

Timings as per Panchang:
– Purnima Tithi begins at 7:02 PM on March 13, 2025, and ends at 5:02 PM on March 14, 2025.
– Auspicious Muhurat for Pooja: The most favorable time for performing Lakshmi pooja is from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, when the moon is fully visible, symbolizing abundance and fulfillment.

Guidelines:
– Begin by cleaning the house and temple area to purify the space for worship.
– Offer prayers and perform rituals with pure devotion, focusing on gratitude and the desire to enhance prosperity.
– Ensure that the offerings are fresh and pure, as they symbolize devotion to the Goddess.

Benefits:
– Material Prosperity: Worshipping Goddess Lakshmi on Lakshmi Jayanti is believed to bring wealth, success, and abundance into one’s life.
– Spiritual Growth: The ritual helps deepen devotion and spiritual awareness, leading to inner peace and harmony.
– Protection: The Goddess offers protection from poverty and adversity, ensuring happiness and health for the entire family.

Accessible to All:
Even if you have limited resources, you can still offer a heartfelt prayer to Goddess Lakshmi. Lighting a single lamp or reciting her mantra with devotion can bring blessings of wealth and prosperity. The Goddess is compassionate and always accessible to those who seek her with pure intentions.

Celebrate this auspicious day with devotion, and let Goddess Lakshmi shower her blessings upon you and your family for a prosperous year ahead!