Lakshmi Poojan

Lakshmi ,the daughter of the sage Bhrigu and took refuge in the ocean of milk due to involvement of curse. Lakshmi was reborn during the Churning of the Ocean. The amavasya of Kaartik month in lunar calendar is considered as the best night to perform the pooja for godess of wealth.
Step 1- Select the most auspicious muhurat for pooja. The “Praodosh kaal” with Sthir lagna is best time to perform the pooja. As per “Choghariya muhurat chart” it should be “shubh” or “laabh” choghariya.
Step 2- select the direction of pooja in North , East or North East.Spread a new red color cloth on a raised platform. Place the picture of godess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha with garland of flowers.
Step 3- On a clean plate, draw a ‘Ashta-Dal” lotus with kesar and chandan. Place a silver coin on it.
Step 4- Five pieces of ghee diyas (lamps) are lit in front of the deities. Place a kalash of
Water with “mauli” tied around it. Draw a swastika on it with “roli”.
Step 5- Apply tilak to lord Ganesha first and then godess lakshmi.
Step 6- Declaration ceremony or called “Sankalp” is to be performed holding rice,flower and water in hand. In which the name ,father’s name, Gotra, address is recited. After that offer the same in front of deity.
Step 7- Idol of godess Lakshmi is to be cleaned with panch-amrit(milk, curd, ghee (clarified butter), sugar & Honey)
Step 8- Generally 21 offerings are made as follows
a) Gangajal
b) Pachamrit
c) Rose scent
d) Mauli
e) Janeu
f) Roli
g) Rice
h) Termuric
i) Roli
j) Lotus
k) Dhoop
l) Lamp
m) Sweets
n) Dry fruit
o) Fruit
p) Paan
q) Supari
r) Laung/Elaichi
s) Coins
t) Batasha
u) Coconut

Step 9- “The sri suktam” mantras considered as the best for praying godess Lakshmi
Step 10- Perform the Aarti.

Jeetay Raho

Exactly one week before diwali, i.e. Ashtami tithi is considered very important. On this day mothers observe fast. This vrat is kept by mothers for the longevity of her sons. The fast begins at the sunrise and terminates after glimpse of moon in the evening. At that time prayers are offered to Ahoi mata. There is a legend behind it. In a village there lived a woman who had 7 sons. Once she decided to renovate her house. She went to forest to bring some soil. While digging a huge error she committed. Her axe fell on the den of cub and were killed. She returned home with the soil. But she got a rude shock when she found her seven sons dead at home. On advise she kept the fast with full devotion on the 8th tithi of kaartik month. Eventually she get back all her sons. Since then it is believe that a mother who kept fast on this day, deity protect her sons from ailments and grant longevity and good health.