On 09 Nov 2009, in the presence of Paramahamsa Nithyananda, the Nithyananda Vedic Temple of Montclair held a grand Maha Lakshmi puja. The word Lakshmi in Sanskrit means "overflowing" and Maha Lakshmi is the goodess of prosperity in both the inner and theouter world. The fully bloomed lotus she holds in her hands represents purity, receptivity and an overflowing nature.

Participants and visitors were treated to the darshan of Raja Rajeshwari, the tallest deity in North American, decorated in golden alankar. The puja began with an explanation of the significance of the puja. According to the Sri Kanakadhara Stotram, an ancient sacred sanskrit text, describes the a story from the life of Sri Adi Shankaracharya.

This was followed by sangalpam, the establishment of a strong resolution with chanting. The sangalpam was followed by abishekam and alankar of the devi meru. Archana was performed after the alankar was completed and names of all businesses and business owners participating in the Maha Lakshmi Puja were read.

The very beautiful Maha Arathi was performed after the puja, a nightly ceremony of light and sound conducted at the temple. Afterwards, visitors and devotees had the opportunity to receive individual blessings and darshan of Swamiji and all were served a delicious dinner following the event.

Following are pictures from this event.