1. How did God Laxmi appear from Samudra Manthan?
Goddess Lakshmi emerged as one of the divine treasures from the "Samudra Manthan," or the Churning of the Ocean of Milk. This event happened when the gods (Devas) and demons (Asuras) churned the ocean to find the nectar of immortality. As they churned, Goddess Lakshmi rose from the waves, seated on a fully bloomed lotus. Her appearance brought back divine energy and prosperity to the cosmos, and she chose Lord Vishnu as her eternal husband.
2. Why does Goddess Laxmi visit Earth during Diwali?
According to tradition, Goddess Lakshmi descends to Earth on the night of Diwali. She roams the planet seeking a place to rest and enters the homes of her devotees to give her blessings. It is believed she only enters homes that are pure, clean, and brightly lit. This is why people clean their houses and light rows of diyas (lamps)—to welcome her and guide her into their homes for a year of prosperity.
3. Why is Ganesh worshipped with Laxmi during Diwali?
Lord Ganesha is worshipped alongside Goddess Lakshmi because he represents wisdom (Buddhi) and is the remover of obstacles (Vighnaharta). Goddess Lakshmi represents wealth and prosperity. The symbolic pairing signifies that wealth is unsustainable or can be misused if one does not have the wisdom to acquire and manage it properly. Therefore, devotees pray to Lord Ganesha first to clear any hurdles, and for the intelligence to use the wealth that Goddess Lakshmi provides.
4. Why is Kuber not worshipped during Diwali?
The provided text clarifies that this is a common misconception. Lord Kuber is worshipped during Diwali, especially on the day of Dhanteras.
He is not in the primary pairing with Lakshmi because they have different roles:
Goddess Lakshmi is the source of wealth (she creates it).
Lord Kuber is the treasurer of wealth (he guards and manages it). So, people pray to Kuber for the protection and responsible management of their finances.
5. Why is God Vishnu not worshipped with Laxmi during Diwali?
Lord Vishnu is not worshipped with Goddess Lakshmi on Diwali because it is believed he is in a state of Yoga Nidra (divine sleep). This sleep lasts for a four-month period called Chaturmas.
Diwali falls during this period when Lord Vishnu is resting. He wakes up approximately 11 days after Diwali (on Devutthana Ekadashi). Because her husband is asleep, Goddess Lakshmi visits Earth alone and is therefore worshipped with Lord Ganesha, who provides the wisdom needed to handle her blessings.
