Re: Question on Laksmi Narayana Puja

From the Bhakti List Archives

• August 31, 2001


Mallik-ji - Namaskaar

Thanks for your e-mail.  I must confess that I am not an expert in 
rituals and hence my answer is purely speculative based on my 
understanding rather than based aagama shaastra.  I am forwarding 
your query to the Bhakti list and you may receive more scholarly 
response.

Lakshmi stands for all the glory and auspiciousness.  The whole 
manifestation of the phenomenal world is the reflection of Lakshmi - 
Hence she is prayed as ashhTa Lakshmi - eight-fold aspect of 
Mahalakshmi - The eight fold aspect also stands for the manifestation 
of PrakR^iti - Thus Prak^iti and Purushha form the essence of this 
creation - They are the Lakshmi-Narayana.  Hence in the Purusha 
suuktam, He, that purushha is defined only as 'Lakshmi's husband. 
He carries her all the time on his Chest.

We pray Lakshmi for all the wealth and prosperity - for the 
eight-fold aspect.  But she is always with Narayana, and therefore 
one cannot and should not go after Lakshmi alone- if you do she will 
blast you  to the roots- as what has happened to Ravana who went 
after Lakshmi ignoring Narayana.

On the other hand if you go after Narayana, She automatically comes 
since He carries her all the time - But without Lakshmi, Narayana 
cannot be recognized either.  Hence one should pray together as 
Lakshmi-Narayana as they are inseparable.  New couple are advised to 
perform the puja to Lakshmi-Narayana as they embark journey together 
- reminding themselves the purpose of all their worldly pursuits 
together - that is going after Lakshmi is only to secure the grace of 
Lord Narayana - who is the ultimate shelter for all the nara-s - the 
beings.  Also reminding themselves that they should be like the first 
couple - Lakshmi-Narayana.

I hope you get more qualified answers from the scholars in the list.  
I  am requesting the members of the Bhakti list to respond to Shree 
Mallik.

Hari OM!
Sadananda


>Sri Sadanadaji,
>Pranams. What is Lakshmi Narayana puja. Is it a combination of 
>puja's to Lakshmi and Narayana respectively. If not is there a 
>single puja to Lakshmi Narayana. I came to know that Lakhmi Narayana 
>puja is required to be performed at the time of Grihapravesham. Your 
>answer to this question is greatly appreciated.
>Dhanyavadams.
>Mallik
>
>_________________________________________________________________
>Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com/intl.asp

-- 
K. Sadananda
Code 6323
Naval Research Laboratory
Washington D.C. 20375
Voice (202)767-2117
Fax:(202)767-2623


--------------------------------------------------------------
           - SrImate rAmAnujAya namaH -
To Post a message, send it to:   bhakti-list@yahoogroups.com
Archives: http://ramanuja.org/sv/bhakti/archives/
 

Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/