Final Day Mahalakshmi Vrat: Katha to Invoke Wealth

Final Day of Mahalakshmi Vrat: A Confluence of Devotion and Prosperity

The 16-day long Mahalakshmi Vrat, a sacred observance dedicated to the Goddess of Wealth and Fortune, culminates on the final day, which is the Ashtami of the Krishna Paksha in the Ashwin month. This auspicious day, also known as Gaja Lakshmi Vrat, holds profound significance for devotees who seek to invoke the blessings of Maa Lakshmi for wealth, happiness, and prosperity. The final day’s rituals, ceremonies, and, most importantly, the sacred Katha, are believed to be the key to unlocking the Goddess’s boundless grace.

The Mahalakshmi Vrat is not just a fast; it is a spiritual journey of devotion and discipline. It begins on the Ashtami of the Shukla Paksha in the Bhadrapada month, four days after Ganesh Chaturthi. The fast is deeply rooted in ancient traditions and is a testament to the unwavering faith of devotees, particularly in North India. Over these 16 days, devotees follow a strict regimen of fasting, prayers, and rituals, each symbolizing a deep connection to the divine.

The Significance of the Final Day: The Gaja Lakshmi Connection

The final day of the Mahalakshmi Vrat is particularly special because it is associated with the Gaja Lakshmi form of the Goddess. Gaja Lakshmi is depicted seated on a lotus, flanked by two elephants (Gaja) who are shown anointing her with water from their trunks. The elephant symbolizes royalty, power, and abundance, and the anointing ritual represents the blessings of wealth and prosperity that are showered upon the devotee.

On this day, it is customary to worship an idol or image of Maa Lakshmi seated on an elephant. The idol is traditionally made of clay, and the entire setup is meticulously decorated to honor the Goddess. The Gaja Lakshmi form is believed to have helped Lord Indra regain his lost wealth from the depths of the ocean. This legend reinforces the belief that this particular form of the Goddess has the power to restore and multiply prosperity.

The Final Day’s Puja Vidhi: A Detailed Guide to Invoking Wealth

The final day's puja is a culmination of the 16 days of devotion. The rituals are performed with utmost sincerity and faith.

Preparation:

• Wake up early in the morning and take a ritual bath to purify the body and mind.
• Clean the puja area and set up a sacred space. Place a clean, new cloth on a wooden platform (chauki).
• Install the idol or picture of Goddess Mahalakshmi, preferably the one showing her seated on an elephant.
• A Kalash (earthen pot) is filled with water, a few coins, and akshatas (rice grains). The neck of the Kalash is adorned with mango or betel leaves, and a coconut is placed on top. The Kalash symbolizes the cosmic pot of abundance.
• A special thread with 16 knots, representing the 16 days of the fast, is prepared. This thread is yellowed with turmeric and is an essential part of the puja.

The Rituals:

• Begin the puja by invoking Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles.

Offer prayers to the eight forms of Goddess Mahalakshmi, known as the Ashta Lakshmis, each representing a different form of wealth and prosperity:

• Adi Lakshmi: The first form of Lakshmi.
• Dhana Lakshmi: Goddess of money and wealth.
• Dhanya Lakshmi: Goddess of agricultural wealth and food grains.
• Gaja Lakshmi: Goddess of power and royalty.
• Santana Lakshmi: Goddess of children and family.
• Veera Lakshmi: Goddess of courage and bravery.
• Vijaya Lakshmi: Goddess of victory.
• Aishwarya Lakshmi: Goddess of luxury and comfort.

• Offer prayers with flowers, incense sticks, and a lamp (diya). The offerings should be in multiples of 16, symbolizing the duration of the fast. This includes 16 cloves, 16 cardamoms, 16 betel leaves, and other auspicious items.
• The 16-knotted thread is placed on the altar, worshipped, and then worn by the observer of the fast.
• The sacred Mahalakshmi Vrat Katha is recited. Reciting the Katha is believed to be a very powerful act that reinforces faith and brings the blessings of the Goddess.
• Light 16 ghee lamps and perform the aarti (ritual of waving lighted lamps) to Goddess Mahalakshmi.
• Prepare a special feast for the final day, which includes a variety of sweets and savory dishes. It is a tradition to prepare nine different varieties of sweets and savories as an offering to the Goddess.

The Mahalakshmi Vrat Katha: A Timeless Tale of Devotion

The Mahalakshmi Vrat Katha is the heart of the final day's observance. It is a timeless story that teaches the importance of humility, devotion, and respect for the Goddess of Wealth.

The story is told in several different versions, each with a slightly different narrative, but the core message remains the same. One popular version from the Bhavishya Purana narrates the story of a poor Brahmin who was a great devotee of Lord Vishnu. Pleased with his devotion, Lord Vishnu appeared before him and asked him to express his desire. The Brahmin, tired of his life of poverty, expressed his wish to have Goddess Lakshmi reside in his home.

Lord Vishnu, in his infinite wisdom, advised the Brahmin to go to the temple near his village. He told him that a woman who came to the temple to make dung cakes (upalas) was, in fact, Goddess Lakshmi. He instructed the Brahmin to invite her to his home.

The Brahmin, following Lord Vishnu’s advice, sat near the temple the next morning. When the woman arrived, he humbly requested her to visit his home. The Goddess, understanding the situation, recognized that this was all Lord Vishnu's plan. She told the Brahmin that she would come to his home, but only if he observed the Mahalakshmi Vrat for 16 consecutive days and performed the puja with complete devotion. She instructed him to offer an arghya to the moon on the final night to complete the ritual.

The Brahmin, with unwavering faith, followed every instruction given by the Goddess. He observed the fast with great sincerity and performed all the rituals. On the final day, he offered an arghya to the moon and called out to the Goddess with a pure heart. True to her word, Goddess Mahalakshmi graced his humble abode. As she entered his home, it was instantly filled with immense wealth, prosperity, and happiness. The Brahmin’s life was transformed forever.

Another popular version involves a king named Mangalarna and his wife, Queen Padmavati. The queen, out of pride, disrespects the sacred Mahalakshmi Vrat. She scoffs at the ritual, leading to the Goddess’s displeasure. As a result, the queen loses her wealth, status, and happiness, and is forced to wander in the forest. It is in her state of destitution that she learns the true value of humility and devotion. She meets a wise sage who advises her to observe the Mahalakshmi Vrat. The queen, having learned her lesson, follows the sage's advice with complete faith. Through her devotion, she regains her kingdom, her wealth, and her dignity.

These stories teach a powerful lesson: wealth is not merely about material possessions. True wealth lies in a humble heart, unwavering faith, and devotion to the divine.

The Night of the Arghya and the Final Feast

The final ritual of the Mahalakshmi Vrat takes place at night. After the puja, devotees wait for the moon to appear. A special arghya (offering) of milk, water, and rice is prepared in a pot. The arghya is offered to the moon, symbolizing the completion of the fast and the gratitude to the celestial bodies for their blessings.

After offering the arghya, the fast is broken by consuming the prasad (food offerings) prepared for the puja. The feast is shared with family and friends, reinforcing the idea that wealth and prosperity should be shared with others. The 16-knotted thread is carefully preserved and placed in a safe place, like a locker or a cash box, as a symbol of the blessings of the Goddess.

In a world increasingly focused on material gains, the Mahalakshmi Vrat serves as a powerful reminder that true prosperity comes from a blend of spiritual purity, disciplined effort, and a heart filled with devotion. The final day’s Katha and rituals provide a fitting end to this journey, reinforcing the belief that faith and humility are the greatest treasures one can possess