Why is Shri Panchami Puja done in Margashirsha month

The festival of Shri Panchami is celebrated on the fifth day of Shukla Paksha of Margashirsha month. On this day, Lakshmi ji is worshiped as "Shri". Goddess Lakshmi is considered a form of "Shri". Both the incarnations are one and the same. Worshipping Lakshmi on this day is very important. Worshiping Goddess Lakshmi on Shri Panchami on this day brings all kinds of happiness and good fortune.

Mythological significance of Shri Panchami

Goddess Lakshmi is considered an incarnation of "Shri Sampatti". Different forms of Lakshmi are worshipped on this day. This festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm. Shri Panchami festival sets an auspicious and prosperous example for everyone. This is a festival which can be celebrated by one and all.

According to religious beliefs, Shri Panchami is related not only to Lakshmi but also to Saraswati. Panchami Tithi has been linked to the day when "Shri" came to earth. There is also a need to understand Lakshmi Panchami’s birth time. There are many stories related to Lakshmi’s birth. A good number of them are also derived from folklife. Simultaneously, this day is also associated with Lakshmi-Vishnu marriage.

When and why is Sri Panchami worshiped?

Lakshmi Panchami festival has been linked to the marriage of ShriLakshmi with Sri Vishnu marriage. This day is celebrated with utmost enthusiasm and devotion. Goddess Lakshmi is worshiped on this day every year. Bhajans and Kirtans are organised in temples on this occasion.

Shree Panchami Puja Procedure

Find out how to conduct Puja, what should be offered to the Goddess on the day of Shri Panchami, let us know in detail the method of fasting and Puja-

  • On the day of Shri Panchami, one should wake up early in the morning, take a bath and recite Lakshmi ji’s name.
  • Lord Vishnu should be worshiped along with Goddess Lakshmi.
  • Puja should be conducted by offering Akshat (rice), Kumkum, Dhoopbatti, Ghee lamp and Ashtagandha.
  • Goddess Lakshmi should be gifted with red and white flowers.
  • Aarti of Lakshmi ji should be conducted while chanting the Mantra "Om Mahalakshmai Namah".
  • Mishthan, Kheer, coconut, Panchamrit etc. should be offered as Prasad.
  • After the Puja, Prasad should be distributed to everyone and should be consumed together along with the entire family.

Shri Panchami Puja increases profits

Worshiping Shri Panchami brings good luck, economic growth and prosperity. This day is especially important for all the women especially those who are married. Married women observe this fast for the long life of their spouse. It is also important for unmarried women. Worshiping and fasting on Shri Panchami helps in finding a good groom.

Worshiping Shri Panchami improves progeny and marital happiness. If one suffers from financial stress, then observing a fast on this day goes a long way in eliminating financial problems. Sri Panchami Puja and fast are very effective ways to overcome the sufferings of life.

Sri Panchami Vrat Mythological Story

Goddess Lakshmi is the Goddess who gives wealth, fame and happiness and prosperity. Lakshmi ji is Vishnupriya. She is very dear to Shri Vishnu. Traditionally Goddess Lakshmi is worshiped on the fifth day of Shukla Paksha of Margashirsha month. A fast is also kept on this day to appease her. Hence this Panchami is also called Lakshmi Panchami and Shri Panchami.

Shri Panchami Maa Saraswati’s Puja is also called Basant Panchami. Goddess Lakshmi is considered another name of Shree. For this reason, Lakshmi Panchami is also called Shri Panchami. This festival of worshiping Goddess Lakshmi is very important for the fulfillment of happiness, prosperity and wealth in the family.

According to the stories found in various mythological texts, Goddess Lakshmi gets separated from Devtas due to some reason. She curses the Devtas and takes off their “Shree” title. The Devtas then try to win over Goddess Lakshmi again. They get absorbed in her worship. They go to Ksheer Sagar and observe difficult penances. They follow all the rituals in a disciplined manner to appease Goddess Lakshmi.

Finally, Goddess Lakshmi accepts their prayers. In many places, this story is also depicted in Amrit Manthan Katha, where Lakshmi emerges from the sea and is married to Shri Vishnu. Hence this date has been celebrated as the festival of Shri Panchami and fast is observed for the same.

Importance of Shri Panchami Pujan

Worshiping Shri Panchami always brings happiness and wealth in life. One should worship the Goddess in the temple, light a lamp in front of her and pledge to fast. The use of red colored clothes and flowers during Puja is considered very auspicious. If one does not have red coloured clothes then any coloured clothes as per one's capacity can be used. The Goddess should be offered ornaments. One should worship with the purity of heart. When one worships with complete devotion, he/she will always be blessed with material comforts.

Those who conduct Puja and observe a fast on Shri Panchami by following all the rituals will never be troubled by lack of money in life. There is no debt situation in his life. If a girl or a woman performs this fast as per all the rituals then, she is blessed with good luck, marital happiness, children and wealth. According to the religious scriptures, by worshiping and fasting on this day brings desired results.