Significance of Lakshmi's Footprints

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In Hinduism, Goddess Lakshmi is regarded as the Goddess of wealth and prosperity. Wherever the Goddess resides, She brings wealth, good luck and prosperity along with Her. Therefore, Lakshmi is worshipped in almost every Hindu household in India. The days in the year may vary according to the regions. But Goddess Lakshmi is welcomed every year with great enthusiasm on the occassions like Diwali, Kojagari Lakshmi Puja and so on.

Rangoli and alpana making are a popular tradition followed during many festivals. An interesting tradition related to Lakshmi Puja is that of drawing the footprints of Goddess Lakshmi on the thresholds of the houses. These footprints are also known as the Shripada. These footprints are drawn pointing inwards symbolising Lakshmi entering the home and staying there forever.

Footprints of Lakshmi:

During the festival of Diwali, the most important rituals to be followed is cleaning the house and decorating it to welcome the Goddess. It is believed that Goddess Lakshmi resides in the clean surroundings only.

On the eve of the Lakshmi Puja, the footprints of Lakshmi are imprinted using the rangoli material. These footprints are drawn from the entrance of the house, going towards the place of worship. These footprints are generally drawn in white and vermillion colours. While some people use chalk powder to draw the footprints, others use the traditional rice paste to draw these.

Significance:

Drawing the Shripada or footprints of Lakshmi symbolises Goddess Lakshmi entering the house. It is one reason why the doors of the house are left open on the day of Lakshmi Puja so that the Goddess can enter without hindrance. It is believed that if these auspicious footprints are drawn at twilight then Goddess Lakshmi blesses the household with huge wealth and wisdom.

At times, the footprints of Lakshmi are also drawn on the lids of coin boxes or money chests. It is believed that these footprints guide the Goddess to walk the path of richness and abundance in a person's life.

Hence, drawing the footprints of Lakshmi on occassions like Diwali, Lakshmi Puja, Varamahalakshmi vrata is considered extremely significant.