TNR News Network
Shimla:
As the nation gears up to celebrate Diwali on October 20, devotees across India are preparing to worship Goddess Lakshmi, the divine harbinger of wealth, prosperity and good fortune.
According to noted astrologer Acharya Dayanand Sharma, performing the Lakshmi Puja at the right shubh muhurat ensures lasting prosperity and happiness in the household.
This year, the Kartik Amavasya tithi — the lunar phase associated with Diwali — will span two days, beginning on October 20 and continuing till October 21.
Auspicious muhurat for Lakshmi Puja
Acharya Dayanand Sharma explained that the Kartik Amavasya will commence at 3.44 pm on October 20 and conclude at 5.55 pm on October 21. However, the Pradosh Kaal and Nishita Kaal, considered most auspicious for Diwali worship, will fall on October 20.
• Pradosh Kaal: 5.46 pm to 8.18 pm
• Vrishabha Kaal (Taurus Lagna): 7.08 pm to 9.03 pm
• Abhijit Muhurat (October 21): 11.43 am to 12.28 pm
• Amrit Kaal (October 21): 1.40 pm to 3.26 pm
Acharya Dayanand Sharma advised that devotees should perform Lakshmi Puja during the Pradosh and Nishita Kaal for maximum spiritual and material benefit.
Evening puja holds special significance
According to the Acharya, while most Hindu festivals are observed based on the udaya tithi (sunrise-based calculation), Diwali is an exception. It is celebrated during the night of Amavasya, when darkness symbolises the removal of ignorance by the light of knowledge and prosperity.
He emphasised that worshipping Goddess Lakshmi and lighting diyas during the evening ensures the flow of positive energy and blessings throughout the year. “Performing Lakshmi Puja and Deepdan during this time invites the Goddess’s grace, leading to peace, harmony, and wealth in the household,” he said.
Why Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped on Diwali night
Explaining the mythology behind the tradition, Acharya Dayanand Sharma noted that on the Amavasya night of the Kartik month, Goddess Lakshmi emerged from the Kshirsagar (Ocean of Milk) during the Samudra Manthan — the celestial churning of the ocean by gods and demons.
“Diwali marks the appearance day of Goddess Lakshmi and that’s why devotees stay awake late into the night to worship her,” he said. The night is also considered highly auspicious for tantra and spiritual practices, believed to bring success and divine insight to practitioners.
As millions of diyas light up homes and streets on October 20, devotees across Himachal and the rest of India will invoke Goddess Lakshmi, praying that her divine presence fills their homes with wealth, prosperity, and eternal light.
