Lakshmi Aarti Should not be done on Diwali Pujan
Why Lakshmi Aarti Should Not Be Done During Diwali Pujan: A Fresh Perspective
Diwali is synonymous with lights, joy, and, most importantly, Lakshmi Puja—inviting the goddess of wealth and prosperity into our homes. The act of performing the Lakshmi Aarti, a devotional hymn sung while offering light, is a cherished ritual for many. However, some traditions argue that Lakshmi Aarti should not be done during the main Diwali Puja itself. This viewpoint revolves around the concept that the Aarti symbolizes closure, and performing it too early could disrupt the flow of blessings.
This blog explores distinct reasons why Lakshmi Aarti should be avoided during the actual puja, focusing on different beliefs and interpretations.
1. Aarti Represents the Conclusion of Worship
The fundamental purpose of Aarti in any puja is to signify the end of a worship ceremony. It is an offering of light that marks the closure of the ritual, symbolizing the worshippers' expression of gratitude and a respectful farewell to the deity. Diwali Pujan, on the other hand, is focused on inviting Goddess Lakshmi into the home. By performing Aarti during the main puja, devotees could be unintentionally signaling the conclusion of her stay when, in fact, they want her presence to linger.
2. Clashing Symbolism
Lakshmi Puja is about creating a welcoming space for the goddess of wealth, while Aarti is typically a farewell gesture. This clash of symbolism creates a dissonance: on one hand, you are inviting the goddess into your home; on the other hand, performing Aarti too soon might symbolize asking her to depart. This can confuse the spiritual intention of the puja, where the goal is to retain the divine presence of Lakshmi, not to bid her farewell immediately.
3. Disturbance of Spiritual Focus
Lakshmi Puja, particularly on Diwali, is an act of serenity and reflection. The atmosphere is supposed to be one of quiet devotion, where the mind and soul focus on invoking Lakshmi’s blessings. The Aarti, with its louder, celebratory nature—clapping, singing, and bell-ringing—can disrupt this meditative and contemplative state. By introducing the Aarti during the main puja, the quiet, reverent space needed for deep spiritual focus is disturbed, weakening the connection between the worshippers and the deity.
4. Breaking the Ritual Sequence
Rituals in Hindu worship often follow a specific sequence, where each act has its distinct time and meaning. Lakshmi Puja involves invoking Lord Ganesha to remove obstacles, invoking Goddess Lakshmi, and then concluding with Aarti at the end of the entire ritual. Breaking this flow by introducing the Aarti in the middle can interrupt the sacred order, diminishing the intended energy of each step. Performing the Aarti too early may send mixed spiritual signals, disrupting the harmony and effectiveness of the puja.
5. Respect for Goddess Lakshmi’s Arrival
According to traditional beliefs, Goddess Lakshmi is believed to descend on Diwali night to bless her devotees with prosperity. This arrival is seen as sacred, and the focus is on welcoming her into the home with peace and respect. The loudness of Aarti might be viewed as unsettling to the goddess when she is meant to be in a calm and graceful presence. Maintaining a tranquil environment during the puja ensures that the goddess is honored in a manner that reflects her peaceful and benevolent nature.
6. Timing and Energy Flow
The timing of each step in Hindu puja is crucial because it is believed to affect the flow of divine energy. Aarti is an act of devotion that signifies completeness and accomplishment, which is why it is performed last. By performing it during the main puja, devotees might unintentionally block or shift the flow of energy that is meant to bring Goddess Lakshmi’s blessings into the home. The uninterrupted flow of energy is essential to ensure that her grace is fully received, and performing Aarti too soon can disrupt this process.
7. Cultural Variations and Beliefs
Different communities and regions have their own interpretations of Diwali rituals. Some believe that quiet reverence is essential during the Lakshmi Puja, while the Aarti should only be performed at the end. In some spiritual traditions, it is considered improper to perform Aarti until the deity has fully settled in the home. These cultural variations further emphasize the importance of timing and respecting the divine process of invocation before introducing celebratory elements like Aarti.
Conclusion: The Importance of Ritual Order and Intention
Lakshmi Aarti is a beautiful and significant part of Diwali celebrations, but its timing is crucial. Performing it during the actual Lakshmi Puja could interrupt the spiritual flow of the ritual, sending mixed signals to the goddess when the intention is to invite and honor her presence. By reserving the Aarti for the end of the puja, devotees ensure that their worship remains harmonious, respectful, and focused on receiving the goddess's blessings to their fullest extent.
Ultimately, whether or not to perform Lakshmi Aarti during the puja comes down to personal belief and tradition. However, these reasons highlight the importance of maintaining a clear distinction between inviting Lakshmi’s blessings and concluding the ritual properly. This helps create the perfect spiritual environment for prosperity, peace, and success in the year ahead