Kojagari Laxmi Puja Vidhi 2023: The Kojagari Laxmi Puja, also known as Kojagari Purnima, is a highly auspicious day celebrated in various parts of India. It is dedicated to the worship of Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth, prosperity, and happiness. This year, Kojagari Purnima falls on October 28, 2023. To ensure a successful and blessed puja, it is essential to follow the proper Kojagari Laxmi Puja Vidhi, or the rituals and procedures of the worship. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the significance of Kojagari Laxmi Puja, the timings, the samagri (material) required, and the step-by-step vidhi (procedure) to perform this sacred puja.
Overview Of Kojagari Laxmi Puja:
Kojagari Laxmi Puja, which is also referred to as Sharad Purnima or Bengali Laxmi Puja, is observed with utmost devotion in various regions of India, including West Bengal, Odisha, and Assam. The festival signifies the arrival of Goddess Lakshmi on Earth to bless her devotees with wealth, happiness, and prosperity. Believers consider Kojagari Purnima as a night of awakening and perform special rituals to seek the divine blessings of Goddess Lakshmi.
Significance Of Kojagari Laxmi Puja Vidhi:
Kojagari Laxmi Puja holds great importance in the Hindu tradition, particularly in regions like Orissa, West Bengal, and Assam. Devotees believe that by performing this puja with utmost devotion, they can seek the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi and invite wealth, prosperity, and good fortune into their lives. The day of Kojagari Purnima is considered to be a night of awakening, as it is believed that Goddess Lakshmi descends to Earth on this auspicious day to bless her devotees. By observing the Kojagari Laxmi Puja, devotees express their gratitude and devotion to the goddess and seek her divine blessings.
Timings For Kojagari Laxmi Puja 2023:
To ensure that the Kojagari Laxmi Puja is performed at the most auspicious time, it is essential to be aware of the timings. The following are the timings for Kojagari Laxmi Puja 2023:
- Kojagari Puja Nishita Kaal: 11:39 PM to 12:31 AM on October 29, 2023
- Moonrise: 5:20 PM on October 28, 2023
- Purnima Tithi Begins: 4:17 AM on October 28, 2023
- Purnima Tithi Ends: 1:53 AM on October 29, 2023
It is advisable to perform the puja during the Nishita Kaal, which is considered the most auspicious time for worship. Devotees should prepare in advance to ensure that they can complete the puja rituals within this time frame.
Samagri (Material) Required For Kojagari Laxmi Puja Vidhi:
Before performing the Kojagari Laxmi Puja, it is essential to gather all the necessary samagri, or materials, required for the puja. Here is a list of the items you will need:
- Murti (Idol) of Goddess Lakshmi
- Chunari (Red or Yellow Cloth)
- Rice Pudding (Kheer)
- Kalash (Pot)
- Sesame Oil
- Clean Clay or Soil
- Turmeric Powder
- Kumkum (Vermilion)
- Perfume (Ittar)
- Grains (Rice, Wheat, etc.)
- Flowers
- Five Types of Fruits
- Yogurt
- Ghee
- Eleven Diyas (Clay Lamps)
- Incense Sticks and Camphor
- Betel Leaves and Betel Nuts
- Supari (Areca Nut)
- Sacred Thread (Moli)
- Akshat (Unbroken Rice)
- Red Cloth for the Altar
Ensure that all the samagri is arranged neatly before the puja begins. This will make the process smoother and more organized.
Kojagari Laxmi Puja Vidhi (Procedure):
Now let’s delve into the step-by-step Kojagari Laxmi Puja Vidhi, which will guide you through the entire process of worshiping Goddess Lakshmi on this auspicious day:
- Preparation: Begin by taking a bath and wearing clean clothes. Cleanse the puja area and place a clean cloth on the altar.
- Kalash Sthapana: Fill the Kalash with water and place it on the puja altar. Decorate it with turmeric powder, kumkum, and flowers. Place a coconut on top of the Kalash.
- Ganesh Puja: Invoke Lord Ganesh, the remover of obstacles, by chanting his mantra and offering flowers, incense, and sweets.
- Invocation of Goddess Lakshmi: Light the diya (lamp) and invoke the presence of Goddess Lakshmi by chanting her mantras and offering flowers, incense, and sweets.
- Offerings: Offer the rice pudding, grains, fruits, yogurt, ghee, and other items to the Goddess. Place the betel leaves, betel nuts, and supari in front of the idol.
- Aarti: Perform the aarti of Goddess Lakshmi by moving the diya in a circular motion in front of the idol. Sing the aarti song and offer your prayers to the Goddess.
- Prayers and Mantras: Recite the Lakshmi Chalisa or other prayers dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi. Chant her mantras and seek her blessings for wealth, prosperity, and happiness.
- Distribution of Prasad: Offer the prasad (blessed food) to Goddess Lakshmi and then distribute it among family members and devotees.
- Aarti to Family Members: Perform aarti for all family members, seeking the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi for their well-being and prosperity.
- Conclusion: Conclude the puja by expressing gratitude to Goddess Lakshmi for her presence and blessings. Seek her permission to depart and bid her farewell.
Celebration Of Kojagari Laxmi Puja Vidhi:
The celebration of Kojagari Laxmi Puja is marked by enthusiasm, devotion, and a sense of spiritual upliftment. Here are some key aspects of the festive celebrations:
Lighting Clay Lamps and Decorations:
- On the day of Kojagari Laxmi Puja, devotees light clay lamps or diyas to attract the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi into their homes.
- Beautiful decorations, including rangoli and alpana patterns, are made to welcome the goddess and create a festive ambiance.
Staying Awake All Night:
- Many devotees observe a vigil throughout the night, staying awake and engaged in devotional activities.
- They sing bhajans, chant mantras, and read sacred texts to express their devotion and seek blessings from Goddess Lakshmi.
Fasting and Offering Prayers:
- Some devotees observe a fast on the day of Kojagari Laxmi Puja, abstaining from food and water until the completion of the puja rituals.
- They offer prayers and perform rituals with unwavering faith, seeking the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi for prosperity and well-being.
Sharing Joy and Prasad:
- Share the festive spirit with family, friends, and neighbors by exchanging greetings and offering prasad to each other.
- Consider prasad, typically comprising sweets and fruits, a blessed offering believed to bring good fortune.
Additional Information – Kojagari Laxmi Puja Vidhi:Â
It is important to note that the Kojagari Laxmi Puja Vidhi may vary slightly across different regions and families. Some may have additional rituals or specific customs that they follow. It is advisable to consult with a priest or an experienced person in your community to ensure that you perform the puja according to your traditions.
Remember to maintain a positive and devotional mindset throughout the puja. Offer your prayers with sincerity and faith, and believe in the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi.
May the Kojagari Laxmi Puja bring immense prosperity, happiness, and success into your life and the lives of your loved ones. May Goddess Lakshmi shower her blessings upon you abundantly.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) – Kojagari Laxmi Puja Vidhi:
Can Kojagari Laxmi Puja be performed at home?
Yes, Perform Kojagari Laxmi Puja at home by following the prescribed rituals and using the necessary puja samagri.
What is the significance of staying awake all night during Kojagari Laxmi Puja?
Believers stay awake throughout the night during Kojagari Laxmi Puja to show devotion and symbolize awareness of the goddess’s presence.
Is fasting mandatory during Kojagari Laxmi Puja?Â
Fasting is not mandatory but is considered a personal choice. Many devotees choose to observe a fast as a mark of their devotion and seek the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi.
Kojagari Laxmi Puja is a joyous and sacred celebration dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, the bestower of wealth and prosperity. By performing the prescribed rituals and observing the puja with utmost devotion, devotees seek the divine blessings of Goddess Lakshmi and invite abundance and happiness into their lives. This auspicious occasion brings families together, strengthens bonds, and instills a sense of spiritual upliftment. May the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi bring prosperity, happiness, and fulfillment to all who observe Kojagari Laxmi Puja.
*Note: The information provided in this article is based on the Kojagari Laxmi Puja Vidhi 2023 and is subject to regional variations and personal customs.
