Swami Prasad Maurya Sparks Controversy: Questions Practicality of Lakshmi Worship Amid India's Poverty Crisis

People worship Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi on the third day of Diwali festivities.

Lucknow:

Rashtriya Shoshit Samaj Party president Swami Prasad Maurya ignited controversy on Tuesday with comments questioning the effectiveness of Goddess Lakshmi worship in alleviating poverty. He pointed to widespread economic hardship in India, arguing that if religious devotion alone could generate wealth, the country wouldn't have 80 crore citizens relying on subsidized food grains.

Maurya advocated for honoring the "Ghar ki Lakshmi" - the woman of the household - suggesting that recognizing women who manage homes brings genuine prosperity and harmony. He clarified that his statement wasn't opposing religious practices but rather offering a pragmatic perspective on worship.

"Worshipping Goddess Lakshmi may be traditional, but it lacks practicality. If prayers to the goddess truly brought wealth, India wouldn't rank among the world's impoverished nations. Currently, 80 crore people in our country experience poverty daily. Whether people acknowledge it or not, can these 80 crore individuals surviving on minimal rice rations provide university education to their children? Can they raise doctors, engineers, professors, advocates, IAS officers, IPS officers, or scientists? Absolutely not," Maurya explained to ANI.

"Today, millions of youth remain unemployed. If Goddess Lakshmi worship eliminated poverty, 80 crore citizens wouldn't depend on mere kilograms of rice for survival, and countless young people wouldn't face joblessness. I haven't criticized any worship form - I simply suggested honoring the 'Ghar ki Lakshmi' who maintains household cleanliness around the clock and creates a heavenly environment. If you wish to worship, honor the 'Ghar ki Lakshmi' to bring joy and prosperity home. This is merely a suggestion. How others interpret it depends on their perspective," he added.

Diwali encompasses a five-day celebration beginning with Dhanteras, when people traditionally purchase jewelry or utensils and perform religious rituals.

The second day, Naraka Chaturdashi, is also known as Chhoti Diwali or Small Diwali.

The third day represents Diwali's main celebration, when devotees worship Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi, seeking blessings for wealth and prosperity. Govardhan Puja occupies the fourth day of festivities.

The final day, Bhai Dooj, involves sisters performing the Tika ceremony to pray for their brothers' long and happy lives, while brothers present gifts to their sisters.