The Story and Significance of Maa Laxmi and Bhagwan Ganesh Puja on Diwali: A Journey Through Time and Traditions

Namaste Shikshanarthis!

Diwali, the festival of lights, is celebrated across India and beyond. But why do we worship Goddess Maa Laxmi and Lord Bhagwan Ganesh , rather than directly celebrating Lord Rama on this occasion? Join us in uncovering the history, ancient beliefs, and rich meaning behind these rituals. Through this exploration, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of why Maa Laxmi and Bhagwan Ganesh  have a special place in our Diwali celebrations!

Understanding Diwali’s Many Stories

The joy of Diwali is celebrated in many ways, across different cultures and communities. In Hinduism, Diwali has multiple meanings and stories. Most people know the popular tale of Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile. Diwali, then, marks his grand homecoming, celebrated with lamps and lights symbolizing the victory of good over evil. However, Diwali also connects to other deities and events, including Goddess Maa Laxmi, Yama (the god of death), and even Lord Krishna.

According to the Padma Purana, Diwali’s roots extend beyond Lord Rama. The festival begins on Trayodashi (13th day) of the Krishna Paksha (waning phase) in the month of Kartik and continues for five days. Each day has its own importance and symbolism, often linked with multiple deities and traditions.

Why We Worship Maa Laxmi, Not Rama, on Diwali?

Now, this is a common question: if Diwali celebrates Rama’s return, why do we perform Maa Laxmi Puja on this day? Diwali’s core message goes beyond Rama’s story. It encompasses the deeper spiritual victory of light over darkness, wisdom over ignorance, and life over death. This universal theme is symbolized by Maa Laxmi’s blessings of prosperity and knowledge.

According to ancient traditions, Maa Laxmi brings blessings of abundance that allow families to thrive. Her worship on Diwali is not just about wealth but also about achieving balance, focus, and wisdom. Traditionally, Vishnu is worshipped alongside Maa Laxmi, but over time, Lord Bhagwan Ganesh ’s worship took precedence due to his association with removing obstacles.

Maa Laxmi and Bhagwan Ganesh : An Unlikely Pairing?

This brings us to another interesting question: why do we worship Bhagwan Ganesh along with Maa Laxmi? According to a popular tale, Goddess Maa Laxmi once felt that she lacked the fulfillment of motherhood. To remedy this, she approached Goddess Parvati (mother of Bhagwan Ganesh ), who graciously allowed Bhagwan Ganesh  to become Maa Laxmi’s adopted son. This beautiful bond is why we see them worshipped together on Diwali, representing the balance between prosperity (Maa Laxmi) and the removal of obstacles (Bhagwan Ganesh ).

The Ancient Roots of Maa Laxmi Puja

Maa Laxmi’s worship is deeply rooted in ancient Vedic traditions. Her name, derived from the Sanskrit root “Laksh,” means “to focus” or “to achieve a goal.” In the Rigveda (10.71.2), Maa Laxmi is not merely associated with wealth but also with knowledge and wisdom. Over centuries, Maa Laxmi’s representation evolved from a goddess of well-being to one symbolizing wealth, influencing both material and spiritual pursuits.

According to Atharvaveda (12.5.6), Maa Laxmi’s association with prosperity and purity has been long celebrated. She is considered the embodiment of both “Punya Lakshmi” (righteous wealth) and “Paap Lakshmi” (unrighteous wealth), reminding devotees to pursue ethical paths in their pursuits.

Maa Laxmi’s depiction has evolved as well. Initially, she was portrayed in iconography as a goddess who embodies Dharma (righteousness), Artha (prosperity), Kama (desire), and Moksha (liberation). This is why she is often shown with four arms, symbolizing these four life goals. Her lotus seat symbolizes purity and wisdom, unaffected by worldly impurities.

Bhagwan Ganesh  Puja and Its Historical Roots

Bhagwan Ganesh ’s worship, though popular today, evolved over centuries. His presence is first mentioned in Tamil Sangam literature, around the 3rd century BCE. While the Vedas include the term “Ganapati” in reference to divine leaders, it isn’t until texts like the Maitrayani Samhita and Taittiriya Aranyaka (10.1) that we see descriptions closely resembling the modern form of Bhagwan Ganesh  with elephant features and a potbelly.

Bhagwan Ganesh  was widely recognized in literature by the time of the Puranas (5th century CE), where he transformed from Vinayaka, a remover of obstacles, to a deity who presides over wisdom, learning, and new beginnings. His popularity grew especially in the Gupta Period, and his imagery spread to Buddhist and Jain temples as well, highlighting his universal appeal.

Bringing Maa Laxmi and Bhagwan Ganesh  Together: A Symbol of Balance

Worshiping Maa Laxmi and Bhagwan Ganesh  together during Diwali is not just symbolic but deeply meaningful. The combination of Maa Laxmi’s abundance and Bhagwan Ganesh ’s wisdom reminds us that wealth should be pursued with clarity and wisdom. It’s believed that praying to both ensures a balanced life, filled with prosperity and free from obstacles.

This tradition is especially embraced by the business community. Maa Laxmi brings financial success, while Bhagwan Ganesh  removes the obstacles that can arise in the pursuit of goals. Over centuries, this pairing has become a cultural symbol, with families lighting lamps and chanting prayers to welcome both prosperity and peace into their lives.

One popular story explains this combination as a natural evolution within the Vaishya (merchant) community, who first brought these deities together. By aligning prosperity and wisdom, they set a precedent for future generations, teaching that both qualities are essential for true success.

Conclusion: A Celebration of Prosperity, Knowledge, and Unity

Diwali is more than a festival of lights. It’s a celebration of ancient wisdom, evolving customs, and a deep appreciation for the balance of material and spiritual wealth. By worshipping Maa Laxmi and Bhagwan Ganesh  together, we not only honor our traditions but also remind ourselves of the importance of balance in our lives. This Diwali, as we light up our homes, let’s also kindle the light of wisdom and gratitude, inviting the blessings of both prosperity and understanding into our lives.

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