 On a religious level, Diwali is celebrated through the worship of Maha Lakshmi, the goddess of light and prosperity. Two very important entities all aspirants crave. To have their life path illuminated so one can achieve maximum material and spiritual benefit. “Light” is symbolic of knowledge that dispels ignorance, strength that dispels weakness, confidence that conquers low self esteem and self worth, having a goal and disciplining one’s life so that goal could be achieved, be it that goal is acquiring religious merit (dharma), material wealth (artha) enjoyment (kaam) or liberation (moksha).
Prosperity is associated with the acquirement of something tangible. Everyone would agree that faith, strength, knowledge, dedication, self esteem, confidence, vision, discipline are necessary before one could prosper. In Sanatan Dharma, all these can be gained through our close association with the Almighty. For in the Gita He says (c. 10 v. 9) “tushyanti cha ramanti cha,” I grant contentment and prosperity.
Whether it’s observed on a sentimental note to give thanks to Maa Lakshmi for showing us the way in life or for securing the continuance of Her blessings, Diwali is indeed a special occasion.
It’s a time to remember all those who played an important role in the shaping of our lives, relatives and friends. It’s a time to reflect as to where we are today from yesterday and hopes for continued joy and peace. It’s a time for prayers, it’s a time to hold hands together and kindle a lamp for a brighter tomorrow. It’s a time to think about the less fortunate and stretch our hands out to help. It’s time for embracing, sharing, caring, friendship, truly bringing out the inner beauty (Gupt Lakshmi) from within.
 By worshipping Maha Lakshmi, there are tremendous gains. Maha Lakshmi is Maa. She cares, comforts, consoles, and provides. She adjusts herself to our every need:
As Aadi Lakshmi, we worship her shakti, strength
As Gaja Lakshmi, we wish to maintain our pride of character
As Dhairya Lakshmi, she is our patience, which is our true virtue
As Dhan Lakshmi, she is allows us to acquire through righteous means
As Dhaanya Lakshmi, she nurtures us with the right qualities so we can shine.
As Vijaya Lakshmi, it’s every mother’s wish to see her children excel and overcome.
As Santaan Lakshmi, we realize our most precious possession, our children as gifts of grace.
As Vidya Lakshmi, one of the greatest gifts we can bestow upon the world, the gift of education.
Jai hai maha lakshmi maa, naiya meri paar karo
Jholi phailaaye khadi, maiya bhandaar bharo
“Deliver me from my current state of livelihood, oh goddess of prosperity”
“I plead before thee, fill my life with joy”
Aa-ee diwali aa-ee deepak jale
Teri kripa hote sabhi, phoole phale
Sukh sampati se ghar bhar jaaye
Itnaa saa upkaar karo
“The blessed night of diwali is here, the night has been illuminated by rows of lamps”
“With your grace, we strive, every is home blessed with happiness”
“Grant us just that oh goddess of prosperity”
 The Hindu Society of Berbice, Sri Krishna Mandir ( www.srikrishnamandir.com) extends shubh deepavali greetings to you and your family. We extend our arms to embrace you and your love ones in the name of our Lord Sri Krishna. We thank you for your support, and may your noble desires be fulfilled.
We request you to light one lamp aside from the rest, for all those poor, abused, neglected and hungry children of the world. Let none go to bed without a meal on this night we pray. Chant with your family the eight hyms to Maha Lakshmi ( Lakshmi Ashtakam ) and also the powerful Gayatri mantra for a better tomorrow.
Jai Sri Krishna
Hindu Society of Berbice
Sri Krishna Mandir
1 Gay Park, Gr. New Amsterdam
Berbice, Guyana
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