Article
Demystifying Laxmi Pooja: The Hidden Connection Between Wisdom, Wealth, and Prosperity.
It’s Laxmi Pooja here in Nepal. The city feels alive, buzzing with festive energy, and a gentle chill hinting that winter is near. The sky grows darker early, but every house and street glows with strings of lights. Vendors fill the streets, selling fresh marigolds, bhai masala, and colorful lights, their stalls busy with people buying last-minute decorations. Children run around, laughing and setting off small firecrackers that light up the streets. By doorways, families have gathered, carefully creating rangolis with bright colors and fresh flowers. Firecrackers crackle in the distance, lighting up the night sky. Homes are adorned with marigold garlands, and diyas flicker at entrances. Everywhere I look, there’s a feeling of joy and welcome as families prepare their homes to invite the goddess of prosperity for the night.
Amid this lively atmosphere, my sisters too are busy lighting diyas and preparing for the night. But something catches my eye—a beautiful painting of Laxmi, with Ganesha and Saraswati seated beside. A curious question immediately comes to mind: “Why are Ganesha and Saraswati here with Laxmi? Isn’t this day meant for Laxmi Pooja alone?”
Though I’ve seen them together before, tonight it feels like there’s something I hadn’t fully understood. Was this simply tradition, or did it hold a deeper meaning I didn’t know? The curiosity lingers…
My Understanding of Each Deity
I remember what my mom told me as a child: “Babu, Ganesha is the remover of obstacles, and before starting any ritual, you must pray to him first. He helps us clear the path when challenges arise.” So, I've always understood him as the one who clears the way when difficulties arise.
Then there’s Saraswati. Every morning at school, we sang a prayer to her, asking for knowledge and understanding before starting our classes. (It’s been nearly a decade, yet the prayer still lives on the tip of my tongue - what a time lol)So, I’ve always seen her as the goddess who grants us knowledge.
And then there’s Laxmi herself, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. I can’t recall a specific memory of her stories, but I’ve always believed she brings comfort, security, and abundance into our lives.
Now, as I hold this picture, I’m struck by how each of these deities represents something unique, yet they are worshipped together tonight. What’s the connection?
Seeing Beyond
I start by thinking about Ganesha. Since childhood, I’ve heard the famous story of how Ganesha was created by Parvati and later lost his head, which Shiva then replaced with an elephant’s. But there’s more to this story. Ganesha, with his elephant head, symbolizes wisdom and intelligence, which we attain only after cutting off our “head” of ignorance. His image even resembles the shape of a human brain—a reminder that Ganesha represents the power of our intellect, helping us see beyond the limited idea of “I.”
Then I think of Saraswati, sitting gracefully with her book and veena, symbols of knowledge and art. Saraswati embodies more than just traditional knowledge; she represents the passion for learning and the natural flow of creativity. But why does she come before Laxmi? Because, when you devote yourself to acquiring knowledge, and become one with the creative flow, the goddess of prosperity follows.
Consider this: our ancestors, living as cavemen, were intellectually our equals and had access to the same resources as we do today. They lived on the same earth, yet their lives were different. What transformed their lives? - Knowledge. As they learned, they created fire, language, shelters, and ways to live better. They built communities, developed skills, and passed down wisdom. It was knowledge that turned survival into progress and ultimately led to prosperity.
There’s still a missing piece in the puzzle along with a hint, and that’s for you to infer…
The Connection: Mind, Knowledge, and Prosperity
Looking back at the picture in my hands, it starts to make sense. Ganesha, Saraswati, and Laxmi appear together because they represent a journey. First, we need a clear intellect (Ganesha) to recognize what stands in our way and understand what’s true. Then, we need knowledge (Saraswati) to guide us on the journey. Finally, we achieve prosperity (Laxmi), the reward of understanding and wisdom.
Worshipping them together isn’t random. These names and forms serve as reminders that true prosperity doesn’t happen by chance. It starts with a clear mind, grows with learning, and blossoms into abundance.
A Thought for This Laxmi Pooja
Tonight, as I light a diya for Laxmi Pooja, I find myself grateful for the culture reflecting on this new perspective. Prosperity isn’t just about wealth; it’s the harmony of intellect, wisdom, and the blessings that follow. So, as I pray tonight, I honor the Ganesha within for opening our minds, Saraswati for the wisdom and creativity that flows, and Laxmi for the prosperity that follows.
May this festival remind us to be our own light and realize that true abundance begins within and grows by giving. So I gave mine.
Namaste.
