Margashirsh Thursday

North Indian calendar has the month Margashirsh coming in around November according to the Gregorian calendar. The entire month has to be devoted to the worship of Lord Maha Vishnu and Goddess Mahalakshmi. During this month, we get 4-5 Thursdays, which are very auspicious for the worship of Goddess Mahalakshmi. If South Indians follow this vrata, they continue the pooja till the subsequent Friday and perform the completion of the week’s pooja on the Saturday. North Indians complete the pooja on the Thursday itself. On such a Thursday, after becoming pure most people wear yellow clothes, in accordance with the day of the week. On this day, married couples perform fast together during the entire day and break the fast only after the evening pooja.

The photograph or an idol of Mahalakshmi is placed in the pooja area. Even Ashtalakshmi photo can be used. Spread some rice or jow on a silver/copper/brass/mud plate. A kumbha of copper/silver/brass, decorated with sandalwood paste and 9 spots of kum kum, can be placed on the plate. Drop a silver coin and water with some kum kum, turmeric powder and sandalwood powder into it or fill the kumbha completely with a silver coin and rice. Place mango leaves and the leaves of some other flowering plants on the rim. Apply turmeric paste all over a coconut and place it on the leaves. Apply a spot of turmeric powder and kum kum on the coconut. Tie a silver/mud Devi’s face on the coconut. Offer red cloth, jewelry, Gajavastra and flower garlands to the Devi.

To be continued…