Why We Worship Laxmi Ji and Ganesh Ji on Diwali

Diwali, the festival of lights, is one of the most widely celebrated festivals in India. It's a time of joy, family gatherings, and grand celebrations, but at the heart of this festival lies the worship of two deities: Lakshmi Ji and Ganesh Ji. Both are revered in Hindu culture, and their worship on Diwali is deeply symbolic. But have you ever wondered why? Let's explore the deeper meaning behind this tradition.

The Significance of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesh

Before diving into the "why," it’s important to understand what Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesh symbolise.

• Lakshmi Ji, the Goddess of wealth, prosperity, and fortune, is worshipped by devotees to bring prosperity into their lives, both materially and spiritually. She represents abundance, good fortune, and the fulfilment of wishes.
• On the other hand, Ganesh Ji, the remover of obstacles, the deity of wisdom, and the harbinger of success, is revered for his ability to overcome challenges and bring about success in all ventures.

When worshipped together, these two deities provide a powerful combination of wealth, success, and spiritual growth.

The Story Behind the Worship of Goddess Laxmi On Diwali

To understand why Lakshmi and Ganesh are worshipped on Diwali, we must delve into the ancient myths and stories that have been passed down through generations.

The most popular story of Lakshmi Ji’s association with Diwali comes from the ancient Hindu scriptures known as the Puranas. According to legend, during the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan), the gods and demons worked together to churn the ocean to obtain the amrit(nectar of immortality). As the ocean churned, many treasures and divine beings emerged, including Lakshmi Ji, who rose from the ocean of milk on the new moon night of Diwali. Her arrival was seen as a symbol of abundance and prosperity, which is why she is worshipped during this festival.

The Story Behind the Worship of Lord Ganesh On Diwali

Here’s a key reason why we worship Lakshmi & Ganesh together on Diwali. According to legend, Kubera was entrusted with managing the world’s wealth by Lord Shiva. However, he became arrogant and greedy, hoarding his riches rather than sharing them.

Meanwhile, Goddess Lakshmi noticed that her blessings were not reaching the people as they should. She was concerned that Kubera was keeping the wealth to himself, preventing her gifts from flowing freely to those in need.

Seeing this, Lord Ganesha, known for his wisdom and compassion, decided to intervene. He visited Kubera’s palace and asked for alms. Kubera, proud of his wealth, thought little of Ganesha and offered him a small portion.

But Ganesha, unbothered by the gesture, took a handful of rice and began eating it, declaring that he would not stop until he had consumed all the wealth in the palace.

As Ganesha continued to eat, Kubera’s treasures began to vanish. The once-abundant riches disappeared, leaving Kubera in a state of shock. Realising his folly, Kubera humbly begged Ganesha to stop, apologising for his greed and vowing to be more generous.

From that day, Lord Ganesha also became known as the dispenser of wealth, guiding people to seek prosperity with humility and generosity. As a result, Ganesh Ji became Lakshmi Ji’s partner in prosperity, symbolising that wealth and wisdom should always go hand in hand.

Now that we’ve answered your question—“Why do we worship Lakshmi and Ganesh on Diwali?” —let’s address the role of Lord Rama.

Why Not Lord Rama?

Many wonder why we worship Lakshmi & Ganesh on Diwali and not Rama, especially since Diwali celebrates his return to Ayodhya after his victory over Ravana. While Lord Rama's victory over evil is the underlying theme of Diwali, his worship isn’t the main focus on the day. The reason is that Diwali is primarily a celebration of new beginnings, abundance, and prosperity. Lord Rama, though revered, is not directly associated with the blessings Lakshmi Ji & Ganesh Ji bestow.

In fact, Lord Rama’s return is celebrated with great pomp and joy, but the focus shifts to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesh because they are seen as deities that directly influence the well-being, prosperity, and overall success of individuals and communities.

The Rituals of Worship

On Diwali night, people clean and decorate their homes to welcome Lakshmi Ji and Ganesh Ji, ensuring that the environment is clean and welcoming for the deities. It is customary to light diyas (oil lamps) to ward off darkness and invite in light, symbolising the victory of good over evil.

Ganesh Ji’s idol is placed at the forefront of the worship area, and his blessings are sought for the removal of obstacles in one’s personal, professional, and spiritual life.

Following this, Lakshmi Ji’s idol is placed alongside Ganesh Ji, and prayers are offered for prosperity, wealth, and success in the coming year.

The worship of both deities is accompanied by the lighting of diyas, the offering of sweets, and the singing of devotional songs.

Wrapping Up

Ultimately, Diwali is about more than just rituals; it’s a time to reflect on how we approach success, prosperity, and the challenges in our lives. Worshipping Lakshmi Ji and Ganesh Ji together highlights the importance of not just seeking wealth, but also having the wisdom to manage it. This Diwali, as you light your diyas and seek blessings, remember that it's not just about what you gain, but how you use what you have to create a life of harmony and purpose.