Laxmi Puja: A Cultural and Economic Perspective
Nepal is primarily an agricultural country. Due to its favorable climate, rice is the main crop cultivated here. In ancient times, food grains were the fundamental economic resource for any nation. Since rice is the principal crop in Nepal, the month of Kartik (October–November) on Aunshi (औंशी) – new moon day, holds significant economic importance, as this is the period when the rice harvest is completed. During this time, granaries are filled with freshly harvested rice, along with essential supplies like salt and oil. Given that food grains are used to acquire clothing, perform religious rituals, and fulfill other necessities, it is only natural to worship Goddess Laxmi, the symbolic deity of wealth, to ensure economic stability for the entire year.
In Nepalese cultural traditions, both material and spiritual efforts are required for prosperity and success. While it is clear that agricultural yields depend on farmers’ knowledge, wisdom, diligence, and hard work, the economic gains from farming should not lead to unethical thoughts. This economic principle is deeply rooted in the tradition of worshipping Laxmi during Tihar or in newari Swonti festival, symbolizing a spiritual approach to financial prosperity. Interestingly, some ancient texts also humorously describe Laxmi Puja as the day when gods and goddesses, including Laxmi herself, were freed from captivity by a child king.
The Symbolism of Laxmi
Culturally, Laxmi has been portrayed as a symbolic goddess. However, the interpretation of Laxmi varies significantly. In Vedic traditions, she is considered to be associated with Vishnu, whereas in some Shaivite traditions, she is depicted as Mahalaxmi, a fierce and destructive form of Bhairavi, linked to Shiva. Meanwhile, Buddhist traditions equate Vasundhara with Laxmi, while others identify Annapurna as the true representation of Laxmi.
Determining the precise identity of Laxmi as a goddess of wealth is challenging, as different traditions recognize various deities during Tihar without distinction. Even Buddhists who revere Vasundhara place images of Annapurna in their wealth chambers (Lakshmi Griha) during Tihar, honoring her with the same devotion. Similarly, those who associate Laxmi with Padma (the lotus) and Vishnu’s consort also recognize Vasundhara in their worship.
The Cultural and Economic Basis of Laxmi Worship
Despite variations in beliefs, it is evident that the concept of Laxmi is fundamentally tied to economic prosperity. Vedic Laxmi is said to have emerged from the ocean, symbolizing wealth derived from maritime trade. Vasundhara represents agricultural wealth, Annapurna symbolizes mineral riches such as gemstones and metals, and Mahalaxmi (Bhairavi) is associated with livestock wealth, linked to Pashupati (Shiva). These interpretations highlight the economic significance of Laxmi, though ancient scriptures do not explicitly mention them in this manner. To understand these practical aspects, a realistic study is required; otherwise, simplistic acts like worshipping cows, money, and gold during Laxmi Puja may seem overly mystified.
Given Nepal’s agrarian economy, worshipping Annapurna or Vasundhara rather than the ocean-originated Vedic Laxmi seems more relevant for Tihar. Since Nepal lacks direct access to the sea, wealth derived from marine sources is impractical. Here, grains are considered wealth, and agriculture remains the primary means of economic sustenance. While livestock and mineral wealth are also significant, food production defines Nepal’s economic structure, making Vasundhara and Annapurna the most appropriate deities for Laxmi Puja.
The Seasonal Worship of Laxmi
The tradition of worshipping Laxmi aligns with the agricultural cycle, from the early stages of rice cultivation to the final harvest. Several festivals reflect this seasonal veneration:
- Bhadra Krishna Tritiya (August–September): Worship of Vasundhara, often accompanied by fasting, where fresh rice stalks are a key offering.
- Bhadra Shukla Ashtami to Ashwin Shukla (September–October): Observance of the Mahalaxmi fast.
- Ashwin Shukla Ekadashi (September–October): Celebration of Annapurna Jatra in Buddhist traditions.
- Kojagrat Purnima (October): A significant day after Dashain, when businesses perform Laxmi Puja in their financial chambers.
- Tihar’s Laxmi Puja (October–November): The final and most important Laxmi Puja of the year.
This progression shows a practical alignment of worship with the agricultural timeline, reinforcing the idea that wealth is deeply connected to food production.
The Historical Evolution of Laxmi Worship
The exact origins of Laxmi worship remain unclear and require further study. However, analyzing Licchavi-era (c. 400–750 CE) artifacts, it is evident that while Vishnu’s Laxmi was commonly depicted, images of Vasundhara, Annapurna, and Mahalaxmi were absent. Some representations of Annapurna were found in the form of a full water pot (kalash), such as the silver kalash housed in Asan’s Annapurna Temple, which closely resembles the stone kalash relics from the Licchavi period found in various places across the Kathmandu Valley.
Although historical records do not confirm when Asan’s silver kalash was created, similar stone kalash structures in locations like Jaishidewal and Sri Gha Bihar suggest a long-standing tradition of worshiping Annapurna in this form. The symbolism of the full kalash indicates an age-old belief that abundance in food grains equates to prosperity, reinforcing the connection between Laxmi and agricultural wealth.
Diverse Interpretations of Laxmi Worship
The representation of Annapurna varies across religious traditions:
- Shaivite traditions associate Annapurna with a divine form located north of Pashupatinath Temple, a sculpture dating back to the Malla period (12th–18th century CE).
- Buddhist traditions portray Annapurna in Asan’s Annapurna Temple, where her image is engraved on temple doorways in a Yogambara tantric form, symbolizing mineral wealth.
- While Shaivites recognize Annapurna as the goddess of food abundance, Buddhists emphasize her connection to mineral resources.
Interestingly, while many Tihar Laxmi Puja images resemble the Shaivite Annapurna sculpture, the Buddhist Yogambara representation of Annapurna is absent in Tihar iconography. This highlights the variations in Laxmi’s depiction across traditions.
Mahalaxmi and Vasundhara in Historical Context
Unlike Vishnu’s Laxmi, representations of Mahalaxmi and Vasundhara are not found in Licchavi-era artifacts but become prevalent in the Malla period. Notable examples include:
- Mahalaxmi in Bhaktapur.
- Vasundhara at Swayambhu.
- Maiti Devi in Kathmandu, worshiped as Mahalaxmi during Laxmi Puja.
However, identifying Maiti Devi as Mahalaxmi is debatable. Maiti Devi is linked to Kartika Kumara (Murugan), who rides a peacock, and is an emanation of Chand Bhairav’s energy, rather than a direct form of Laxmi. Thus, the tradition of worshiping her as Mahalaxmi lacks strong justification.
Conclusion
Laxmi Puja in Nepal is a complex fusion of economic, cultural, and religious beliefs. While modern rituals have become increasingly mystical, the underlying principles are deeply rooted in agriculture and wealth management. Recognizing this perspective makes it easier to understand why Vasundhara and Annapurna, rather than the ocean-born Laxmi, hold greater relevance for Nepal’s agrarian society.
References
- Nepali Chad-Parbaharu Ko Bibechana, Mana Bajra Bajracharya, 1968