Diwali is one of the most auspicious festivals in Hindu tradition, celebrated with devotion, lights and prayers for happiness and prosperity. On this occasion, devotees decorate their homes with diyas and rangoli and worship Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha during the evening puja.

Among the many traditional items used during Diwali worship, silver coins hold a special place. Many families purchase silver coins featuring the images of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha and place them on their puja platforms. After the rituals, these coins are carefully preserved in lockers, safes or places of worship.

According to Hindu religious beliefs, silver represents purity, auspiciousness, peace and prosperity. This is why offering a silver coin during Diwali puja is considered a symbol of inviting good fortune and the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi into the home.

But why is silver considered so auspicious, and what should you do with the coin after the puja? Let's understand the tradition.

Why Is a Silver Coin Associated With Goddess Lakshmi?

Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped as the deity of wealth, prosperity, abundance and happiness. Diwali is considered an especially important occasion to seek her blessings for financial stability and well-being.

Silver has traditionally been regarded as an auspicious metal in Hindu religious practices. It is commonly used for making coins, jewellery and पूजा utensils.

Many silver coins feature Goddess Lakshmi's image, her footprints or other religious symbols. Devotees place these coins before the goddess during Diwali puja as an offering and a symbol of their devotion.

According to traditional beliefs, keeping such a coin after the puja represents the presence of Goddess Lakshmi's blessings in the household. Families preserve it as a reminder of prosperity, positivity and financial well-being.

Why Are Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi Worshipped Together?

During Diwali, Lord Ganesha is worshipped alongside Goddess Lakshmi. Both deities have distinct but complementary significance in Hindu traditions.

Goddess Lakshmi represents wealth, abundance and prosperity, while Lord Ganesha is regarded as the remover of obstacles and the deity of wisdom and auspicious beginnings.

Devotees believe that wealth should be accompanied by wisdom and good judgement. Therefore, worshipping both deities together symbolises the desire for financial prosperity along with peace, intelligence and success.

Many silver coins available in the market feature the images of both Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha. Keeping these coins during Diwali puja is considered an auspicious way to seek their blessings.

How to Place a Silver Coin During Diwali Puja?

Including a silver coin in your Diwali puja is a simple traditional practice. Families generally follow these steps:

1. Clean the Silver Coin: Before beginning the puja, clean the silver coin with water and wipe it gently using a soft, clean cloth.

2. Place It on the Puja Platform: Keep the coin in front of the idols or pictures of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha.

3. Apply Roli and Akshat: Apply a small tilak of roli or kumkum to the coin and offer akshat (unbroken rice grains) and fresh flowers.

4. Perform Lakshmi Puja: Worship Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha according to your family's traditions. Offer prayers and perform the aarti with devotion.

5. Seek Blessings: Pray for happiness, peace, prosperity and financial stability for your family in the coming year.

What Should You Do With the Silver Coin After Diwali Puja?

Once the Diwali puja is completed, the silver coin is generally preserved carefully rather than discarded.

Many families wrap the coin in a clean red or yellow cloth and keep it inside their household locker, safe or place of worship.

Some households also bring out the same coin during subsequent Diwali celebrations and include it in their annual Lakshmi puja.

According to religious beliefs, the coin represents the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi and serves as a symbol of prosperity and good fortune. Therefore, families traditionally keep it in a clean and respectful place.

Why Does This Tradition Continue Across Generations?

The tradition of including silver coins in Diwali puja has continued for generations because of its religious and cultural significance.

For many families, the coin is more than a precious metal or an item of financial value. It represents faith, gratitude and the hope of a prosperous future.

It also reflects the importance of welcoming the new year with positive intentions and seeking blessings for the family's well-being.

Final Thoughts

Keeping a silver coin during Diwali Lakshmi puja is an age-old tradition associated with purity, prosperity and devotion. While Goddess Lakshmi represents wealth and abundance, Lord Ganesha symbolises wisdom and the removal of obstacles.

Preserving the silver coin after the puja allows families to carry forward this tradition and its associated beliefs for years to come. Ultimately, the ritual represents a prayer for a household filled with happiness, peace, financial stability and prosperity.