The Art of Diwali Puja: Rituals, Significance, and Traditions

Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is a joyous celebration that spans five days, from Dhanteras to Bhai Dooj. It's a time when we honor the five elements of nature and invite prosperity and abundance into our lives. 

 In this blog, we'll delve into the rich traditions, rituals, and significance of Diwali, with a special focus on the preparations and guidelines for Mahalakshmi Puja.

Preparation: Cleanse and Purify

Before you embark on the Diwali festivities, it's essential to prepare your home, shop, and business spaces. Clean and declutter to make way for the positive energy that Diwali brings. As part of your preparations, consider applying Amrutam Chandan tilak/tripund on your forehead and wearing Itra-infused clothes for all five days. Create an auspicious atmosphere by lighting Amrutam Dhoop and Agarbattis.

 For a natural detox, it's recommended that all family members drink a decoction of Amrutam Detoxkey Herbs during these five days. These herbs are conveniently available in the Amrutam Diwali Puja box.

Dhanteras: The First Day of Diwali

Dhanteras is the auspicious day when Lord Dhanvantari emerged from the ocean with the nectar. Start your day by bathing, applying a tilak of Amrutam Chandan, and offering arghya to the sun while chanting the mantra "।।Om Surya Shivaya Namah।।." This ritual is known to enhance intelligence, success, and mental strength.

In the morning, offer a mixture of Amrutam Thandai and Madhu Panchamrut to a Shivalinga while chanting "।।Om Shambhu Tejase Namah Shivaya।।." This practice helps dispel negative thoughts. Before lunch, have your family consume this mixture to alleviate indigestion and acidity.

To ensure prosperity, light lamps made of wheat flour, urad dal, and desi ghee during the five days of Diwali. If you have Vastu dosh, affliction from Rahu, Ketu, Shani, or Pitru dosh, consider placing five lamps with Raahukey oil on a betel leaf and light them. Recite the mantra to dissolve time-related afflictions.

Chhoti Diwali (Roop Chaturdashi) Puja

On Chhoti Diwali, also known as Roop Chaturdashi, light a lamp with four wicks using Raahukey oil and offer it while reciting a special mantra. Chhoti Diwali is dedicated to alleviating eight forms of poverty, sorrow, and illness. It is believed that on this day, the elder sister of Goddess Mahalakshmi, Jyeshtha, was born. Jyeshtha is considered the deity of Ashta Daridra, representing eight kinds of poverty.

Chhoti Diwali, is a special day to enhance your appearance and beauty. Begin your day by waking up early in the morning. Indulge in a rejuvenating body massage using Amrutam Kayakey Body Oil, which is thoughtfully included in the Amrutam Diwali box. Applying this oil all over your body and taking a moment to relax afterwards can work wonders for your appearance. 

As per the Bhavishya Purana, massaging and bathing with sesame oil enriched with saffron on this day can help enhance your appearance and beauty. According to the Yoga Ratnakara text, Amrutam Kumkumadi Oil, a product crafted from 55 ingredients, including saffron, and formulated by Maharishi Angaraka, can be used for massages to boost your fortune.

Massaging with Kumkumadi oil not only helps in balancing the Vata dosha but also contributes to maintaining a healthy complexion. It not only nurtures your body internally but also enhances your external beauty, promoting a youthful appearance.

After your invigorating massage, make use of Amrutam Face Cleanup, conveniently available in the Diwali Puja Box. Apply it to your face while basking in the gentle rays of the sun. Allow it to dry for a while, and after about half an hour, gently wash your face.

Within the Diwali box, find a neem daatun and Dentkey Manjan and rub the Apamarga (Achyranthes aspera) herb on your head seven times before disposing of it in a trash bin. Following this, take a refreshing shower to complete your beautification ritual.

On Chhoti Diwali, the fear of disease, suffering, anxiety, and poverty can be eliminated. It is a day to drive away Ashta Daridra and welcome the blessings of Mahalakshmi.

The Big Diwali Puja

On the day of Diwali, create a serene puja space within your home, decorate with rangoli, and adorn new clothes. Pranayama is essential before the puja to purify the environment. Offer special rituals to Lord Ganesha and Goddess Mahalakshmi.

 The Kalash establishment procedure includes offerings in a Copper Kalash filled with water, rice, a key, sweets, and a coin. Coconut is placed on top with betel leaves inside. The Amrutam Shree Yantra holds significance and is tied with a Kalava. Fill the Kubera Bag with offerings and keep it in your locker for increased wealth throughout the year. All these elements are added in the Diwali Puja Box for your convenience. 

During Diwali, Lord Ganesha should be bathed and adorned. Offer a variety of dishes, sweets, fruits, and perform aarti with incense and a lit lamp. The entire family can participate in the aarti. 

Light lamps around your house and perform a havan with Amrutam havan samagri. You can also chant the Mahalakshmi Mantra to invoke her blessings for wealth and prosperity.

The Diwali Mahalakshmi Puja is the highlight of the day, and it involves intricate rituals. Pray to Lord Ganesha and Goddess Mahalakshmi with devotion, and chant powerful mantras like "Om Shri Om Aim Shreem Hreem Kleem Aim Kamalvasinyai Swaha" for prosperity. 

After the puja, gather your family to light fireworks and continue your celebrations. Seek the blessings of elders by touching their feet.

The Annakut Govardhan Puja

The Annakut Govardhan Puja is a tribute to Lord Krishna's lifting of the Govardhan mountain. It's also a time to create images of Govardhan using cow dung at your home's entrance.

Yam Dwitiya (Bhai Dooj)

On Kartik Shukla Dwitiya, celebrate Bhai Dooj, where brothers have a meal at their sisters' homes to strengthen their bond.

The Secret of Diwali: Mahalakshmi vs. Lakshmi

Goddess Lakshmi is transient, always coming and going, symbolizing daily sustenance. In contrast, Mahalakshmi, associated with Lord Shiva, brings permanent wealth and prosperity to a household. By following specific rituals dedicated to Goddess Mahalakshmi, you can invite her permanent residence and immense riches.

The Mystery of Rahu and Diwali

Lighting lamps with Raahukey oil pleases Rahu, who is believed to bring comfort, prosperity, wealth, and fortune. On Diwali night, Swati Nakshatra, presided over by Rahu, is celebrated by offering lamps to him.

The Amrutam Diwali Puja Box

Amrutam offers a Diwali Puja Box that contains essential materials and products for your Diwali rituals. These items include Shree Mahalaxmi Yantra, Kuntal Care Spa, Ashtagandha lotion, Face Clean Up, Thandai, Dhoop coin, Raahukey Oil, Madhu Panchamrit, and much more.

Diwali is a festival that goes beyond mere celebrations. It is a time to purify our homes, invite wealth and prosperity, and strengthen our spiritual connection. The rituals and traditions associated with Diwali are deeply rooted in ancient wisdom and have a profound impact on our lives.

So, this Diwali, embrace the traditions and celebrate with devotion. May the light of the diyas dispel darkness and bring abundance, happiness, and prosperity to your life.

Wishing you a Happy and Blessed Diwali!