Lakshmi Devi is the Goddess of Wealth in the Vedic tradition. She is Miss Universe and the consort of Lord Venkateshwara who resides at the Tirupati Temple in South India. This temple is so rich, even the roof is made of gold! Devotees love giving to this temple because they receive back. Venkateshwara shows himself in all his glory, a sight to be seen if you have ever visited you know, if not, plan on doing it at least once during your lifetime. Lakshmi has such inner beauty that is reflected at the outside, and no other goddess surpasses her. Lakshmi is often shown seated on a pink lotus blossom, a symbol of transformation, and holds two lotus flowers in her hands. She blesses devotees and is also known by the name Sree.

Why we Celebrate Diwali – Festival of Light

On Diwali, the Festival of Light, which this year falls on Thursday, November 4, we celebrate Lakshmi and the victory of good over evil, we celebrate the Eternal Light within. The greatest wealth is this inner light we all have. Victory of our inner light, of fulfillment over negativity, patterns, limiting beliefs, and conditioning, our incompletions. The Festival of Light is a celebration of the unveiling of our inner light to shine like a thousand suns.

How we Celebrate This Auspicious Festival

First we clean the house because Lakshmi likes to come to a clean place. We also wear new clothes or at least freshly laundered clothing. Lights, small clay lamps called diyas, are lit througout the house or outside. Fire works goes up in the air. Mantras to the praise of the goddess of infinite abundance are chanted along with puja rituals and prayers to invite the Light within us to reveal itself. This is a good time to visit a temple where Lakshmi Devi is respectfully celebrated. Special sweets are made and offered along with a little money, just a penny is enough. It’s a joyous occasion to celebrate for family and friends to come together.

Quick and Easy Diwali Sweets

Here is a quick recipe for sweets with ingredients readily available at an Indian grocery store. To keep it quick and easy, this recipe does not require any cooking. It’s a well-balanced sattvic vegetarian recipe.

RAVA BESAN LADOO

• ¼ cup ground and roasted chana dal or dhalia
• ¼ cup roasted upma rava
• ¼ cup jaggery powder
• 1 Tbsp roasted and powdered walnuts
• 1-2 tsp roasted and powdered pistachios
• 2 pinches of cardamom powder
• 2 pinches nutmeg powder
• ¼ cup melted ghee, the less the better

Roll round balls between palms to palm size.

Poke a small depression in the ball, add a golden raisin and/or small pistachio piece, sprinkle pistachio powder.

Enjoy! Happy Diwali to you and your loved ones!

If Lakshmi is happy with your efforts and heartfelt devotion, she will shower you with sweetest blessings of auspiciousness, health, and wealth. If you have doubts, it’s time to let go of this negative state of mind. Let’s explore where your doubts are coming from and what you can do about it. Click here to chat.