New Delhi: Mahalakshmi Vrat is a special ritual dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi and is traditionally observed with prayers for wealth, prosperity and happiness. The vrat begins on Bhadrapada Shukla Ashtami and is observed for 16 days, with daily worship and a few specific rituals followed throughout the period.
The Mahalakshmi Vrat beginning on September 19 includes several customs, from taking the sankalp on the first day to performing the Udyapan, or concluding ceremony, on the final day. One of the key traditions involves tying a thread with 16 knots, while the concluding rituals include specific offerings, prayers, food and charity. Here is a look at the complete puja and closing procedure.
Tie the 16-knot thread on the first day
The 16-knot thread holds a special place in Mahalakshmi Vrat traditions. On the first day, devotees can prepare the thread after taking a bath using raw cotton thread or kalava. Make 16 knots in it, chanting a mantra dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi while tying each knot.
The thread is then offered at the feet of the deity. Men can tie it around their right wrist, while women can tie it around their left wrist. Traditionally, the thread is kept on throughout the 16-day vrat.
Daily Mahalakshmi Vrat puja vidhi
Devotees should take a bath and worship Goddess Lakshmi during all 16 days of the vrat. On the first day, take the sankalp, or formal vow, in front of the deity. Place an idol or picture of Goddess Lakshmi on a chowki decorated with red cloth.
Keep a kalash nearby with water, a coin, mango leaves and a coconut. After purifying the puja space and yourself with Gangajal, apply a tilak using roli and akshat. Light a ghee diya every day and offer red flowers, lotus flowers, akshat, fruits and sweets to Goddess Lakshmi.
Read the vrat katha and Lakshmi mantras
During the puja, devotees can listen to or read the Mahalakshmi Vrat katha. This can be followed by the recitation of the Shri Mahalakshmi Ashtakam. Devotees may also recite the Shri Suktam according to their faith and practice.
The puja concludes with Goddess Lakshmi’s aarti. Kheer or panchmeva can then be offered as naivedya and distributed as prasad among family members.
How to perform Mahalakshmi Vrat Udyapan
Ashwin Krishna Ashtami is considered the final day of the vrat. On this day, devotees should bathe, wear clean clothes and perform special puja for Goddess Mahalakshmi.
The 16-knot thread worn during the vrat should be carefully untied and offered before the deity. This is followed by the traditional offering of 16 flowers, 16 fruits, 16 sweets, 16 supari and other prescribed puja materials.
Feed 16 people during Udyapan
During the Udyapan, devotees traditionally light 16 ghee diyas and recite the Mahalakshmi Ashtakam and Shri Suktam. The ritual is followed by the tradition of feeding 16 people.
Traditionally, Brahmins are invited for the meal, while many families may choose to feed guests or families in need according to their own convenience.
Complete the vrat with charity and Dakshina
After the meal, married women may be given Dakshina and puja materials. Some of the remaining puja items can also be donated to a temple or people in need.
The Mahalakshmi Vrat is then formally concluded by offering thanks to Goddess Lakshmi and completing the sankalp taken at the beginning of the vrat.
