Margasira Lakshmi Puja is one of the major vows observed in North
Coastal districts of Andhra Pradesh. Though the puja procedure or puja
vidhanam is same as other Lakshmi vratham like Deepavali Lakshmi puja and Varalakshmi puja,
the naivedyam that is offered to the Goddess is different. Margasira
Lakshmi vratam 2012-2013 dates are: December 20, December 27, January 3,
January 10 and January 17 in 2013.
On Thursdays in Margasira month, devotees prepare to perform Laxmi puja either in temples or at homes. Houses are cleaned and kept neat during the festival days and the image or small idol of Goddess Lakshmi is placed at puja place. Some people also place a Kalasham instead of image or idol of Lakshmi.
Lord Vinayaka or Ganesh is worshipped first. Devotees perform Prathama puja to Ganapati to get rid of obstacles or vignas. After Ganapati puja, Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped with shodashopachara puja and ashtottaram and offered special Naivedya on each day during the month. The Margasira Lakshmi vratha katha or the story of Margashira Laxmi puja is recited after puja.
