See the Deepawali date for 2024
Lakshmi Puja on Friday, November 1, 2024
Muhurt details are as follows for Sydney according to Drik Panchang
Lakshmi Puja Muhurat - 08:29 PM to 09:29 PM
Pradosh Kaal - 07:23 PM to 09:29 PM
Vrishabha Kaal - 08:29 PM to 10:50 PM
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Diwali is deeply symbolic of various spiritual concepts:
- Victory of Good Over Evil: The legends associated with Diwali, whether it’s Lord Rama defeating Ravana or Lord Krishna vanquishing Narakasura, emphasize the eternal triumph of righteousness over malevolence.
- Light Over Darkness: The lighting of diyas, candles, and fireworks symbolizes the dispelling of ignorance and negativity, bringing enlightenment, hope, and joy into life.
- Wealth and Prosperity: Worship of Goddess Lakshmi during Diwali reflects the importance of material and spiritual prosperity. It is a time for new beginnings, financial growth, and success.
4. Social and Cultural Importance
Diwali is not just a religious festival; it has deep social and cultural relevance. It is a time for family reunions, the exchange of gifts, and festive meals. The streets and markets are bustling with activity as people shop for clothes, sweets, decorations, and gifts. The festival fosters a sense of community and togetherness as neighbors, friends, and family come together to celebrate.
- Gift-Giving and Sweets: Diwali is a time for exchanging gifts, sweets, and tokens of love and gratitude. Families visit each other, share meals, and strengthen their relationships.
- Charity: Diwali is also considered an auspicious time for acts of charity. People donate food, clothes, and money to those in need, as it is believed that sharing your wealth increases its flow.
5. Environmental and Ethical Considerations
In recent years, there has been increasing awareness about the environmental impact of the fireworks that are traditionally used during Diwali celebrations. Fireworks cause air and noise pollution, affecting the health of humans, animals, and the environment.
- Eco-Friendly Diwali: Many families now opt for eco-friendly celebrations, using organic colors for rangoli, natural diyas, and refraining from or reducing the use of firecrackers to minimize their environmental footprint.
Conclusion
Diwali is a festival that beautifully intertwines religious devotion, cultural celebration, and familial bonding. It reflects the core values of Hindu philosophy — the constant battle between good and evil, the importance of light and knowledge in overcoming darkness, and the blessings of wealth and prosperity. Through the rituals and the joy it brings, Diwali continues to unite people in a celebration of life, hope, and spiritual enlightenment.
Laxmi Aarti Lyrics
Om Jai Lakshmi Mata
Om Jai Lakshmi Mata,Maiya Jai Lakshmi Mata।
Tumako Nishidin Sevat,Hari Vishnu Vidhata॥
Om Jai Lakshmi Mata॥
Uma Rama Brahmani,Tum Hi Jag-Mata।
Surya-Chandrama DhyavatNaarad Rishi Gata॥
Om Jai Lakshmi Mata॥
Durga Roop Niranjani,Sukh Sampatti Data।
Jo Koi Tumako Dhyavat,Riddhi-Siddhi Dhan Pata॥
Om Jai Lakshmi Mata॥
Tum Patal-Nivasini,Tum Hi Shubhdata।
Karma-Prabhav-Prakashini,Bhavanidhi Ki Trata॥
Om Jai Lakshmi Mata॥
Jis Ghar Mein Tum Rahti,Sab Sadgun Aata।
Sab Sambhav Ho Jata,Man Nahi Ghabrata॥
Om Jai Lakshmi Mata॥
Tum Bin Yagya Na Hote,Vastra Na Koi Pata।
Khan-Pan Ka Vaibhav,Sab Tumase Aata॥
Om Jai Lakshmi Mata॥
Shubh-Gun Mandir Sundar,Kshirodadhi-Jata।
Ratna Chaturdash Tum Bin,Koi Nahi Pata॥
Om Jai Lakshmi Mata॥
Mahalakshmi Ji Ki Aarti,Jo Koi Jan Gata।
Ur Anand Samata,Paap Utar Jata॥
Om Jai Lakshmi Mata॥
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This famous Aarti of Mahalakshmi Mata is recited on most occasions related to Goddess Lakshmi.
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Sri Suktam is a revered hymn from the Rig Veda, dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth, prosperity, and well-being. It is recited during Deepawali and other auspicious occasions to invoke her blessings for abundance and spiritual growth.
The Sri Suktam is part of the Khila portion of the Rig Veda and consists of a series of verses that glorify Goddess Lakshmi in various forms. The hymn praises her as the embodiment of beauty, fortune, and fertility, and it is believed that reciting these verses can remove poverty and bring wealth, success, and happiness into one's life.
