Gajalaxmi puja is observed on the full moon day of the month of Ashwin (September – October). This festival is especially popular in the state of Orissa. In 2010, Gajalakshmi puja is on 22nd October. Let us know more about the festival in this article.
About Shri Gajalakshmi
Gajalakshmi is a form or manifestation of Shri Maha Lakshmi. She is the Goddess of elephants which are the symbol of fertility. Gajalakshmi is depicted as a beautiful goddess who sits on a lotus. She has two elephants on her both sides which look like pouring tons of water from their trunks.
Shri Gajalakshmi has four arms. She holds a lotus in each of the upper arms and her lower arms are posed with abhaya and varada mudra. As the the symbol of fertility and productivity, Gajalakshmi is considered as the sign of happiness, power, prosperity, grace and good fortune.
A popular legend connected to Gajalakshmi says that she was the one who helped in bringing back all the wealth that was lost by Indra, the king of devatas. She is the goddess of animals such as elephants which represent royalty of the kingdom. Gajalakshmi is the fourth goddess of Astalakshmi or eight aspects of Goddess Lakshmi.
Gajalakshmi Puja Observations
Gajalakshmi Puja is observed for eleven days. They begin on Ashwin Purnima or Kumar Purnima and end on ekadasi. It is especially celebrated in Kedrapara and Dhenkanal regions of Orissa.
The main ritual of the puja is elaborate deity worship of Shri Gajalakshmi. Beautiful deities of Lord Ganesh and Gajalakshmi are installed in the pandals over the places and decorated with various themes. During the day, the devotees offer prayers to the Sun god and prepare delicious food for the night. Girls sing and dance decorating themselves with colorful clothes. Those who fast end their fasting in the evening by worshiping the lunar deity. There is a popular belief that whoever remains vigilant during these nights would get wealth and prosperity for whole life. Thus, people attempt a few days of Raatjaaga on these days. One the whole, Gajalakshmi puja brings out the culture of devotion in Orissa.
