LAKSHMI PUJA (the Third day of Diwali)

The Third day of the festival of Diwali is the most important day of Lakshmi-Puja. It is entirely devoted to the propitiation of Goddess Lakshmi. This day is also known by the name of "Chopada-Puja". The day of Lakshmi-Puja falls on the dark night of Amavasya. It is believed that on this auspicious day Lord Krishna discarded his body. One more interesting story related to this day is of a small boy called Nachiket who believed that Yam, the god of Death was as black as the dark nig ht of amavasya. On this day, he met Yam in person and was puzzled seeing Yam's calm countenance and dignified stature. Yam explained to Nachiket on this day of amavasya that by only passing through the darkness of death, man sees the light of highest wisdom and then only his soul can escape from the bondage of his mortal frame to mingle with the Supreme Power without whose will nothing moves in the world. And then Nachiket realised the importance of worldly life and significance of death. Nachiket's doubts were all set at rest and then he whole-heartedly participated in Diwali celebrations.