India is a diverse country, reflected by various cultural celebrations through festivals held almost throughout the year. Each festival strengthens the bonds of society and brings joy into ordinary people’s lives while preserving the essence of their traditions and cultural heritage. For example, Diwali, or the Festival of Lights, is one of the most significant festivals, denoting the triumph of good over evil. Eid enhances communal harmony and compassion in people. Similarly, Navratri is celebrated by many people to honour feminine strength.
The Significance and Origin of Lord Ganesh and Goddess Laxmi
Lord Ganesh: He is the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Popular mythological stories showcase his creation from Parvati’s turmeric paste and subsequently getting an elephant’s head as a consequence of Shiva’s anger. Lord Ganesh is popular as the bestower of wisdom, remover of obstacles, and harbinger of new beginnings. Besides an elephant head signifying his intelligence, his unique features include a giant belly representing adaptability and prosperity. People worship Lord Ganesh before starting anything new and seek his blessings for success and removing problems.
Goddess Laxmi: She holds high regard in Hinduism as the Goddess of prosperity, wealth, and auspiciousness. She originated from the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan) and is the consort of Lord Vishnu. Goddess Laxmi’s images are portrayed with four hands, representing wealth, righteousness, desire, and liberation. Goddess Laxmi’s importance goes beyond materialistic things and wealth, as she also epitomises righteousness for a fulfilling life.
Why are Laxmi and Ganesh Worshipped Together?
There is great significance in worshipping Lord Ganesh and Goddess Laxmi together, especially during the Diwali festival. The two deities are worshipped together because they complement each other in bestowing boons. Lord Ganesh is worshipped for an unbridled start to any venture and showcases wisdom, whereas Goddess Laxmi represents wealth and prosperity. The two deities enjoy a mother-son relationship, and worshipping them together is said to bless the devotee with a successful life by bestowing fortune and removing hurdles. Those who worship Ganesh and Laxmi are believed to utilise their wealth wisely.
During Diwali, the pooja is initiated by seeking the blessings of Lord Ganesh for removing all obstacles and giving a fresh and promising start. Then we worship Goddess Laxmi, who brings good fortune and prosperity and guides people on the path to spiritual well-being. When we pray to Ganesh Laxmi on Diwali, all obstacles get removed, strengthening our value system, bringing prosperity, and creating an environment of joyfulness and goodness.
Ganesh Laxmi Murti Position
The placement of the Ganesh Laxmi Murti is very important. The positioning is based on traditional customs and their symbolic significance. Lord Ganesh should always be placed on the left side of Goddess Laxmi.
To enhance the flow of positive energy, here are some more recommendations for placing the Ganesh Laxmi Murti in your pooja room as per Vastu:
- Place the Ganesh Laxmi murti in the northeast or Ishan corner (or east quadrant) of the house.
- The idols should face east or west from the central point of the house. The east is most preferable for praying and meditating.
- Goddess Laxmi should always be placed on the right side of Lord Ganesh.
- The Ganesh and Laxmi murtis should not be directly facing each other.
- You should always keep the pooja room area clean and brightly lit.
Note: Please keep in mind that these recommendations and the layout of the house also play a unique role in the final placement of the Laxmi Ganesh Murti in the house.
Conclusion
Those who worship Lord Ganesh and Goddess Laxmi with a pure heart find their lives transforming and their wishes coming true. Lord Ganesh removes all obstacles and bestows the seeker with wisdom. Similarly, Goddess Laxmi blesses the earnest seeker with financial abundance, growth, and success, creating an ultra-positive environment at home.
