How the Diwali muhurat is calculated
Lakshmi Puja on Diwali is performed during pradosh kaal on Amavasya, ideally when sthir lagna (a fixed ascendant such as Vrishabha) overlaps with it. Because sunset time and the Amavasya tithi shift each year and by city, the muhurat window differs across India — a Delhi muhurat is not the same as a Varanasi one.
Preparing the home before the puja
Preparation is part of the ritual, not separate from it.
- Deep clean the house, especially the entrance and puja room
- Rangoli and diyas at the main door, kept lit through the night
- A clean chowki with red cloth for Lakshmi, Ganesh and the Shri Yantra
- Account books, cash box and jewellery placed for pujan
Lakshmi Puja vidhi in brief
Ganesh puja first, then Kalash sthapana, Lakshmi sthapana and shodashopachar puja, Shri Suktam and Kanakdhara path, Kuber pujan, bahi-khata pujan, and finally aarti with prasad.
FAQs
- Should Lakshmi Puja be done before or after sunset?
- After sunset, during pradosh kaal. Performing it in daylight is not the prescribed practice for Diwali.
- Where should the Shri Yantra be placed?
- In the north or north-east of the puja room, facing east or north, on a clean elevated surface after prana pratishtha by a pandit.