While Diwali is predominantly celebrated for the worship of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, the mythology surrounding her sister, Alakshmi, also holds significant importance during this festive season. Alakshmi is recognized as the goddess of strife, poverty, and misfortune, embodying the opposite qualities of her sister Lakshmi.
According to Hindu traditions, Alakshmi’s presence symbolizes negativity and misfortune. During Diwali, various rituals are performed to ward her off and prevent her from entering homes. To gain insight into this unique aspect of Diwali, we spoke with Sushil Pandit Mahant, a high priest in Ayodhya.
“In Hindu cosmology, both goddesses are believed to have emerged during the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan). While Lakshmi represents abundance and blessings, Alakshmi embodies the forces of greed, negativity, and hardship,” Mahant explained. To keep Alakshmi’s influence at bay, some households burn bitter neem leaves or light castor oil lamps, practices thought to maintain harmony during the celebrations.
The duality of Lakshmi and Alakshmi reflects broader cultural beliefs in Hinduism, emphasizing balance in life. “Just as one seeks prosperity through Lakshmi, one must actively work to avoid greed and mismanagement, represented by Alakshmi,” said Mahant. This notion underscores the idea that wealth alone does not guarantee happiness; it must be accompanied by wisdom and ethical behavior to prevent misfortune. This balance resonates with other aspects of Hindu philosophy, such as the interplay between karma and dharma.
Mahant points out that while the direct belief in Alakshmi may not be as prevalent today, her symbolism continues to hold relevance. “Modern Diwali celebrations still incorporate many traditional rituals, such as cleaning homes, lighting lamps, and creating auspicious environments to invite prosperity and good fortune. The concept of warding off negativity remains significant, though it is often expressed through cultural values centered around order and positivity,” he noted.
As Diwali approaches, the understanding of Alakshmi serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between prosperity and the potential pitfalls that accompany it, reinforcing the importance of maintaining harmony in all aspects of life.
