Diwali is the festival to appease Goddess Lakshmi, focusing on the pursuit of wealth acquired righteously. Such wealth embodies Lakshmi and grows steadily, signifying Lakshmi's presence in the home.
Goddess Lakshmi is known for her fickle nature, rarely staying in one place. Scriptures mention that she once resided with demons but soon left and returned to the heavenly abode of King Indra as the divine Lakshmi.
The Secret Revealed to King Indra by Goddess Lakshmi
When asked by King Indra, Goddess Lakshmi herself revealed the secrets of her abode, as documented in the Mahabharata's Shanti Parva. According to this conversation, homes that neglect these virtues suffer from poverty.
Included in Mahabharata's Shanti Parva
As per the account in Mahabharata, when Goddess Lakshmi left the demons and took refuge in King Indra's domain, Indra questioned her reasons. In response, Lakshmi explained the rise of gods and the fall of demons.
Source: aajtak
Waking Up Late Post-Sunrise Could Displease Goddess Lakshmi
Goddess Lakshmi advises fasting and waking before sunrise, avoiding curd and roasted grain at night, and witnessing clarified butter and sacred objects early morning. Such disciplined individuals embody her residence. Once demons upheld these virtues, thus, I resided among them. As they departed from these paths, so did I.
Prahlad and Bali Observed Righteousness Even as Demons
Hiranyakashipu's son Prahlad upheld righteousness in the demon lineage, a tradition continued by King Bali. Bali's virtuousness drew Goddess Lakshmi to reside in the netherworld, earning her the name Underworld Lakshmi. When demons deviated from these principles, she withdrew.
Then King Indra asked Goddess Lakshmi why she wouldn't favor demons. Mahalakshmi shared that homes of charitable, wise, devoted, and truthful men harbor her, while the opposite lack her presence. In the past, demonic realms housed her, but with rising impurity, she chose the gods.
King Indra Inquired About Keeping Goddess Lakshmi Pleased
Upon Indra's inquiry, Mahalakshmi noted the absence of reverence for ancestors, charity, and religious rituals banished her presence. Demons were once generous and learned but have now succumbed to sins, prompting her departure.
Where fools are revered, where women act indecently, where cleanliness lacks—Lakshmi does not reside. She equates herself with wealth, splendor, reverence, insight, victories, stability, achievement, prosperity, sacrifice, ancestral offerings, and memory. Her grace shines on warriors who do not flee battles and conquer foes with valor.
Defiling Ghee With Dirty Hands Upsets Goddess Lakshmi
Ignoring culinary sanctity, touching ghee with unclean hands, or bahu mistreating in-laws in any capacity repels her. Homes where disharmony persists between couples, where ethical violations occur, fall out of her favor, leading to destitution. These overlooked blunders cause poverty unbeknownst to many.
Resolve to Adopt Pure Conduct This Diwali
Thus, during Diwali, along with worshiping Goddess Lakshmi, ensure your life mirrors her virtues. Lakshmi signifies auspicious characteristics, becoming our prosperity through our actions, leading to her annual worship on Diwali.
