Diwali, known as the Festival of Lights, is one of the most important Hindu celebrations. This event is widely observed throughout India, with great excitement. Honoring the god Ganesh and the goddess Lakshmi is one of the most important customs observed during Diwali. Of all the goddesses revered in Hinduism, these two are regarded as the most fortunate and potent.
Ganesh is the son that Lord Shiva and Lady Parvati produced. He is known in every history to be the one who removes obstructions. His lower torso is human, while the upper part contains merely the head of an elephant accomplice and enormous tummy beside His lower torso. Ganesh is always shown with the remains of his broken tusk and a pot belly full of sweet dumplings. He is worshipped at the beginning of every new business.
The goddess Lakshmi is sometimes referred to as the Goddess of Luxury. She is linked to abundance, prosperity, and money. A popular depiction of this goddess shows her sitting on a lotus blossom, one hand clutching a lotus and the other a bag filled with money. Lakshmi is known to bring happiness and riches in abundance.
Why are Ganesh and Lakshmi worshipped together on Diwali?
The main reason why Ganesh and Lakshmi are worshipped together on the auspicious day is because of the following reasons detailed below:
- Complementary nature of Ganesh and Lakshmi
Ganesh and Lakshmi are considered to be complementary deities. Ganesh is the remover of obstacles and no one brings in prosperity as Lakshmi does. When performing puja to the two deities, every one looks forward to clearing all the hurdles on their way and they also help in bringing wealth and abundance.
- Lakshmi cannot come without the blessings of Ganesh
It is said that lakshmi cannot ever enter a home if barriers are present. Ganesh is worshipped first because he clears away barriers to make it possible for Lakshmi to enter.
- Prosperous and auspicious new beginning
Worship festivals signify the onset of fresh starts, which is quite optimistic in nature. Among the Hindu calendar, Diwali is the head of the new year. Therefore, by conducting pooja of both Ganesh and Lakshmi together, one intends to stave off trespass on the day.
- Tradition and symbolism
The Ganesh and Lakshmi puja has been observed since Diwali for many centuries. It is also prominent in the Hindu religion for practical importance.
Symbolism of Worshipping Ganesh and Lakshmi Together
The meaning behind worshipping Ganesh and Lakshmi together cannot be overemphasized. While Ganesh represents wisdom and intelligence, Lakshmi represents wealth and abundance. Worshipping these two deities encapsulates the fact that achievement of prosperity and success should come through the application of wisdom and intelligence. But still others believe that worshiping both Ganesh and Lakshmi together tends to bring balance and harmony in the lives of the people. For instance, while Ganesh tilts towards masculine energy, Lakshmi is tapered toward feminine energy. Hence, while worshipping both gods, people harmonize these two energies that every human being has and gain tranquility.
Significance of Ganesh and Lakshmi idols
Ganesh and Lakshmi idols are widespread in a majority of Hindu households and temples. They are usually made of wood, brass, bronze, or marble. However, the use of brass Ganesh and Lakshmi idols is widely accepted because they are affordable and do not easily get damaged.
Lakshmi Idol Brass
Lakshmi idol brass is very ideal to devotees who worship at home. Brass is known to be an auspicious metal of worship in Hinduism, and therefore to worship Lakshmi in a brass idol is likely to bring luck and wealth.
Brass Ganesh Idol
Brass ganesh idol is the best option to worship at home. People of Hindu religion consider brass as an auspicious metal. As such, people believe that when one worships Ganesh in a brass idol, such worship helps remove obstacles and helps increase success.
Lakshmi Ganesh Idol
The term ‘Lakshmi ganesh idol’ is defined as the form whereby the two idols of the goddess Lakshmi and the god Ganesh are seen together. Therefore, many have faith that having a Lakhmi Ganesh idol at home would bring blessings from both sides.
Significance of Worshipping Ganesh and Lakshmi Together
The day of Diwali when the idols of Ganesh and Lakshmi are worshiped together is a tradition which has existed in Hinduism for centuries. It is held that worshiping these two strong deities will enable people to clear their ways and accumulate wealth, fortune, and all sorts of goodness. The practice of worship of Ganesh and Lakshmi shows the strong belief of the Hindu people towards their gods and goddesses.
Additional considerations
Apart from the above, there are few other things that have to be kept in mind while performing the pooja of Ganesh and Lakshmi together on Diwali: The day of diwali The Festival Of Lights Diwali is celebrated on the fifth day of the month of Kartik, which is the ninth month of the Hindu calendar. The exact date of Diwali 2024 is the english calendar Is 1st November but the twelfth moon always varies from year to year.
- The time of day
The puja for Ganesh and Lakshmi is usually performed at night, following the diyas being lit.
- The rituals
The particular practices carried out whenever Ganesh and Lakshmi are offered prayers during Diwali differ according to the customs of the people. However, they usually require the offering of flowers, fruits, sweets, and incense to the gods and goddesses.
Worshiping Ganesh and Lakshmi on the same day during Diwali is one aspect in the Hindu practice that has serious religious importance. Most people believe that to worship these two forms, the powerful gods, will enable them to remove whatever hinders their strength, invite fortune and wealth to their people and family, as well as the order and peace in their lives. The ritual of worshipping Ganesh and Lakshmi in one worship is an indication of the devotion of Hindus to heavenly beings and their earthly manifestations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Ganesha worshipped with Lakshmi?
It is common to perform Ganesh and Lakshmi puja during Diwali, as the two deities are deemed to be compatible with one another. Because Ganesh is the deity of obstructions, Lakshmi is the deity of all riches. Especially, it is provided that Lakshmi is the goddess of wealth and prosperity. So, before Lakshmi can be welcomed into any abode, all support and entry barriers have to be cleared. This is why, Ganesh, is the one that is worshipped first; its only purpose is to eliminate what is unnecessary, and what is not-needed is Ganesh. This creates a new and promising opportunity that is positive and auspicious for initiation.
Why is Lakshmi celebrated during Diwali?
Diwali is associated with the new Hindu year and is celebrated as the festival of lights. New opportunities and prosperity are presented to all. Lakshmi is also the goddess of wealth, prosperity, and plenty. That is why performing puja of Lakshmi brings good luck, wealth, and prosperity in your life; this way of thinking operates in India during Diwali.
Why do we buy new Ganesh and Lakshmi idols on Diwali?
It is considered alright and auspicious to buy new Ganesh and Lakshmi idols during the festival of Dashera. Such idols are thought to have enormous significance since they are new and most people use them for pooja. People are believed to bring kalasams with new pictures and new idols of these deities and worship such devotees for fresh energy and fresh blessings. Also, it is a way of showing reverence and dedication to the gods.