36 - The mode of gifting Lakshmi

Sanatkumara said:

1-3. I shall recount the rite of Lakshmi Dana which is a great holy rite. It causes the increase of prosperity. The rites should he performed in the mystic diagram over the altar in the Mandapa mentioned before. The replica of Shridevi shall be made with unparalled beauty and endowed with all characteristics. It shall be made of gold by means of a thousand, five hundred, two hundred and fifty or one hundred and eight gold coins. The devotee shall then place Lakshmi embellished with all ornaments in the Mandala.

4-5. He shall worship Vishnu on the bare ground to the right hand side of Lakshmi. After worshipping Sureshvari by means of Shrisukta in accordance with the injunctions, he shall worship Vishnu, the preceptor of the universe by means of Vishnu Gayatri. After duly propitiating the goddess he shall perform the Homa as before.

6-9. After performing the Homas with the sacrificial twigs the devotee shall perform Homa with ghee. Each of these Homas shall be separately performed hundred and eight times through excellent brahmins. The sacrificer shall be called to spot 271 in the eastern quarter and the goddess shall be pointed out to him. He shall then prostrate on the ground like a staff. After bowing to Vishnu, he shall, as before, worship Shiva stationed there. A twentieth of the cost of the idol is considered to be the due Dakshina. Half of that should be given to others in the manner they deserve. Then the devotee, particularly the yogin, shall perform the Homa of Shiva.

271. tasyah — Lakshmyah ST. of Lakshmi.