You are not asked to worship Lakshmi in order to be in her presence. But it is important that visitors to any Hindu neighborhood are respectful of the culture and religious beliefs.
Hindu worship is unique, colorful, and often loud and filled with chants and music. The acts of sacred honoring of the Divine, and of the Divine Mother in the form of Lakshmi, are very specific and ancient.
The religious values that are practiced in temples and in home pujas trickle down into the neighborhoods. This is why the sacred is blended with the everyday. This is why you can find a Lakshmi icon alongside toothpaste in the Farmer's Market. This is why many stores have their own shrines or images of Lakshmi and other gods. Even in places filled with deities, you may find a little piece of sacred real estate put aside for Lakshmi so she can bless the establishment.
You cannot learn all the tenets of Hinduism or all the rituals of Lakshmi worship overnight yet you may want to discover all you can. However, you can admire her without worshipping. You can take a humanistic approach. But I want to share important points:
- It is not appropriate to walk into a temple to just ask Lakshmi to help you pay bills, or request a million dollars. Hindu worship is not about taking from the gods. It is about giving and receiving. It is about honoring them, offering worship, and seeking blessings or boons from Lakshmi and the Divine.
- If you do go in, it is required that you take off your shoes and prepare to sit on the floor for the worship service. Shoes that have walked the streets are not supposed to touch the floor of the temple or mandir because it is a pure and sanctified space for the divine.
- It is important to just observe the environment and how things are done. Try to go early to get settled. See if you can ask someone around you about the proper protocol for the worship or spiritual service you are visiting.
- If you go into stores to browse be respectful and mindful. If you want to take photos, ask first. If you take photos, buy something. Even something small. This is how to make a fair exchange of energy and give back to the establishment where you have enjoyed a moment with Lakshmi.
If you are a prayerful person, and if you are spiritually seeking Lakshmi, offer a prayer and then ask for a blessing. For example:
Divine Mother who is loved by so many,
I stand before you with reverence.
Thank you for this opportunity to admire you
and be in the company of your holy presence.
Thank you to this place (temple, store, community)
for providing this opportunity to visit with you.
I seek to experience your spiritual wonders and magic
and ask you to guide me on the path.
Dearest Lakshmi, Please come into my life.
Fill my home with your sacred presence.
Let me celebrate you and honor you.
Let me know your love. Please pour your goodness into my world.
Om Shrim Maha Lakshmiyei Swaha
My grateful heart fills with respect and admiration.
In advance, I thank you.