Arvind Kejriwal proposes Lakshmi, Ganesh photos on currency notes; know why these deities represent prosperity, wealth

The CM clarified that he was not asking to change currency notes, but only requesting new notes to include pictures of Lakshmi and Ganesh. “Every day new currency notes are printed. These pictures can be added then,” Kejriwal stated, insisting that the deities are associated with prosperity.

Why are Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesh worshipped during the festive period?

While there are separate annual dates for Ganesh Chaturthi — dedicated to Lord Ganesh — and Lakshmi Puja — celebrated in the eastern part of the country, especially in West Bengal — on the day of Diwali, devotees do a special puja for the gods and dress them in regalia.

On the day of Dhantrayodashi or Dhanteras, too — an auspicious occasion celebrated two days before Diwali — people worship Goddess Lakshmi who, it is said, emerged during the churning of the celestial ocean, also known as ‘samudra-manthan‘, with a vessel containing gold.

During Dhanteras, people customarily buy gold, silver, and new utensils, and offer prayers to Lord Ganesh and Goddess Lakshmi; it is said to be an opportune time to invest in these metals as they bring prosperity, good luck, and happiness.

Explaining the connection between Lakshmi, Ganesh and wealth and prosperity, astrologer Pandit Jagannath guruji told indianexpress.com that while Goddess Lakshmi indicates wealth, prosperity, finance and business, Lord Ganesh — often hailed as ‘Vighnaharta’ — indicates removal of obstacles and negative energies.

“In the currency [notes], having photos of Lakshmi and Ganesh can be a good thing, but it may not have any major impact. It is a spiritual idea. Astrologically, it is a good sign, but it cannot be predicted if it helps in the rise of the economy.

“[Planet] Venus is the ‘graha’ of Goddess Lakshmi and Mercury is the ‘graha’ of Lord Ganesh — put together, this combination works very well, but when it comes to our economy, Rahu is in transit. So, for the next five years, even after replacing currency notes with photos of Goddess Lakshmi, nothing may change,” he said.

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