Should you keep Maa Lakshmi on Lord Ganesha's left or right side

Diwali is right around the corner and most people purchase their idols of Maa Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha on Dhanteras itself. While some buy idols made of brass, steel, or clay, others go for murtis made with silver and even gold.
Lord Ganesha is worshipped as he is the remover of hurdles and obstacles and ensures that no harm is placed on his devotees. Maa Lakshmi on the other hand gives the blessings of wealth and abundance and makes sure her devotees stay content. But, one place where many people falter a little is the correct placement of the two. Should Maa Lakshmi’s idol be kept on the left or right side of Lord Ganesha?

In the concept and belief of Ardhnarishwar, where Lord Shiva and Mata Parvati are in a single form, the left side of Ardhnarishwar is dedicated to the Shakti, the female power and energy, Mata Parvati. And thus, women being on the left side of their husbands is commonplace in many rituals, worships, and pujas. And with the same logic many people keep Maa Lakshmi to the left side of Lord Ganesha, and then get surprised when someone tells them it is not right to do so!

And so, as the left side of a deity represents the feminine, which is closer to the heart, the deity’s consort is on his left. But, Maa Lakshmi should be kept to the right of Lord Ganesha. And if in case one gets confused about the correct placement, remember that they are referred to as ‘Lakshmi Ganesh murtis’, and so, keep Maa Lakshmi first and then to her next keep Lord Ganesha.
And so, as Lord Ganesha and Maa Lakshmi are not a divine couple, Maa Lakshmi should not be placed on his left side.

The Lakshmi-Ganesh pujan done by some on Dhanteras and almost every Hindu family on Diwali has certain rules too, but they are all simple to follow. Start the day by cleaning the puja area and dress in new, bright clothes to feel the festive spirit. Then, decorate the home temple with flowers, marigolds, roses, jasmine, and more, and spread a clean, red cloth over the home temple over which the murtis will be kept.After that light an incense stick and spread the smoke all around to purify the surroundings. Once done, light a diya with mustard oil or pure ghee, and offer the Gods and Goddesses fruits, flowers, and coins. Then, begin the puja by addressing Lord Ganesha first and ask him to remove any obstacles that might come your way (in life and during the puja). Chant the Ganesha mantra, ‘Om Gan Ganapataye Namah’, and then move to Maa Lakshmi. Apply tilak on the murti, offer her flowers and bhog, and then recite the Lakshmi Ashtakam, or a mantra dedicated to her.

In certain beliefs and traditions, the right side of the deity is a place of honor and importance. It is like an equal, balanced space where both the deities have their individual powers and while they do complement each other, they don’t depend on each other. And so, it is believed by many that placing Maa Lakshmi on Lord Ganesha’s right is the right form of ‘murti sthapana’ and it shows a balance in prosperity and wisdom.

Worshipping Maa Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha together is believed to give devotees blessings that go above material wealth. Maa Lakshmi gives people financial abundance, wealth, and riches, whereas Lord Ganesha brings wisdom and clears the path to success. Together, they make a person live a balanced life whose path to success is clear, their efforts are seen and rewarded, and their wisdom makes them spend wisely and live a balanced life.