Friday special: Recite Mahalakshmi mantra for blessings of prosperity and abundance

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): The second day of the Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) of Margashirsha falls on Friday. On this day, the Sun will be in the zodiac sign Venus and the Moon will be in Taurus. There is no special festival associated with this date, but depending on the day of the week, you can observe a fast on Friday. In astrology, this fast is observed to strengthen the planet Venus and remove its associated ill effects.

According to the Drik Panchang, Abhijit Muhurta on Friday will begin at 11:43 am and end at 12:26 pm, and Rahukaal will begin at 10:43 am and end at 12:05 pm. The Brahmavaivarta Purana and Matsya Purana mention fasting on Fridays, stating that worshipping Goddess Lakshmi, Santoshi, and Venus on this day with proper rituals brings happiness, prosperity, wealth, and peace to married life.

Performing the rituals on this day removes all suffering and the Mother Goddess fulfills all the devotees' wishes. Anyone wishing to begin the fast can do so on the first Friday of the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase) of any month. The Udyapan (consecration ceremony) is usually performed after observing the fast for 16 Fridays.

Wake up early in the morning, take a bath, and wear clean clothes. Sprinkle Ganga water at the place of worship. Place an idol or picture of Goddess Lakshmi on a red cloth. Light a lamp and offer flowers, sandalwood paste, rice grains, kumkum, and sweets. Recite the "Shri Sukta" and "Kanakdhara Stotra." Also, chant the Mahalakshmi mantra, "Om Shreem Hreem Shreem Kamale Kamalalaye Prasid Prasid Shreem Hreem Shreem Mahalakshmyai Namah." This chanting is done to attain prosperity and good fortune. Chanting "Vishnu Priyaya Namah" is also beneficial.

At the end of the puja, offer lotus flowers and recite the Lakshmi Chalisa. Distribute kheer, sugar candy, and barfi as prasad. Donating food, clothes, or money to the poor on this day brings blessings.