Manabasa Gurubar
Traditional Odia Laxmi Pooja performed on Margashirsha Thursdays
Materials Required
- Mana (Bamboo/Cane measuring basket)
- Newly harvested Paddy (Dhana)
- Red Cloth & Bangles
- Flowers (Marigold, Hibiscus)
- Fruits & Coconuts
- Incense Sticks & Deepa (Lamp)
- Turmeric & Sindoor
- Manda Pitha (Rice cakes) for Bhoga
- Laxmi Purana Book
Step-by-Step Procedure
Cleaning & Decoration (Jhoti)
Clean the house and pooja area. Draw beautiful Alpana or Jhoti (rice paste art) with Laxmi Paduka (footprints) leading inside.
Preparation of Mana
Fill the Mana with paddy. Cover it with a new red cloth. Place it on a low stool (Khatuli) or pidha.
Invocation
Decorate the Mana with flowers and sindoor. Invoke Goddess Laxmi into the Mana, symbolizing her presence.
Offerings (Bhoga)
Offer fruits and specially prepared Manda Pitha or other delicacies to the Goddess.
Reading Laxmi Purana
Read the Laxmi Purana with devotion. This story emphasizes social equality and the importance of cleanliness and good conduct.
Prayer
"Namastestu Mahamaye Shree Pithe Surapujite
Shankha Chakra Gada Haste Mahalakshmi Namostute"
Meaning: Salutations to the Great Illusion, worshipped by Suras, holding Conch, Disc, and Club. I bow to Thee, Mahalakshmi.