Friday (Shukravar) is traditionally Lakshmi's day, and many households light a lamp in the evening and keep the entrance clean as a mark of welcome. Lakshmi is worshipped for prosperity in its widest sense: well-being, harmony and a sufficiency for the family.
A simple Friday puja
- Clean the home and the puja space first; cleanliness is central to Lakshmi worship.
- Set up an image of Lakshmi, often with Ganesha, on a clean cloth.
- Offerings. The lotus is Lakshmi's flower; red or pink flowers, rice, kumkum and sweets such as kheer or sugar candy are commonly offered. Light a ghee lamp.
- Mantras and hymns. Om Shreem Mahalakshmyai Namah is a common mantra. The Sri Suktam, a hymn from the Rig Veda appendix, is the classical text; the Kanakadhara Stotram, attributed to Adi Shankaracharya, is also widely recited.
- Aarti. Sing the Lakshmi aarti, Om Jai Lakshmi Mata.
Friday traditions
Some families keep a Friday vrat, and many women-led households observe Varalakshmi Vratam in the month of Shravan in South India, with Lakshmi invited into a decorated kalash. Diwali is the great annual Lakshmi Puja.
What Lakshmi worship is, and is not
The tradition frames Lakshmi as a presence to be honoured with diligence, honesty and gratitude, not as a purchase. A puja does not replace work, planning or prudence.
Frequently asked questions
Which direction should the image face? Many families place the puja space in the north-east; family custom differs.
Can I do this puja in the evening? Yes; many households do it at dusk with a lamp.
Related on Darshya
This guide describes common tradition. Practices differ by region, sampradaya and family; if your family follows a different custom, follow that, and ask your family priest when in doubt.