Varalakshmi vratham, sometimes called Varalakshmi Pooja and Varalakshmi Nombu, is a significant Hindu festival commemorating Goddess Lakshmi. The Varalakshmi vratham or fast is mostly followed by married women to get blessings from Varalakshmi, a manifestation of Goddess Lakshmi. Varalakshmi bestows ‘Var’ or ‘Varam’ boons.
How To Do The Varalakshmi Viratam Vrat
Fasting for Varalakshmi is performed on the last Friday of Shravan Shukla Paksha, which falls a few days before Rakhi and Shravana Purnima.
Varalakshmi Vrat is recommended for men and women alike. However, in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Maharashtra, married women observe Varalakshmi Vrat exclusively. Varalakshmi Vrat is noticed with a desire for worldly pleasures, including children, a spouse, luxury, and several other earthly delights.
Varalakshmi Vrat is very popular in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra, where married women observe it for their husbands’ and family members’ well-being. On this day, it is thought that worshiping Goddess Vara-Lakshmi is akin to worshiping Ashtalakshmi, or ‘the eight Goddesses.’ The eight Goddesses mentioned here are Sri, Bhu, Saraswati, Priti, Kirti, Shanti, Tushti, and Pushti.
Varalakshmi Puja is not as popular in North Indian states as in South Indian ones. Varalakshmi Vratam is an auspicious day for appeasing Goddess Lakshmi and seeking her favors.
When Is The Festival Of Varamahalakshmi Vratham Observed?
Varalakshmi vratham, also known as Varamahalakshmi vratham, is celebrated on the second Friday or the Friday immediately before Poornima (full moon) in the Shravan month (Aadi month in the Tamil calendar). It relates to the English months of July or August. This year, it occurs on Friday, August 12.
Varalakshmi Vratham Pooja Timings For 2022
Knowing when to do the Varalakshmi pooja is critical since performing the puja at the correct muhurat promises perpetual prosperity. The following is the muhurat for Lakshmi Puja on July 31 (for Ujjain, India):
Muhurat for Simha Lagna Puja is 7:11 AM to 9:23 AM.
Muhurat for Vrishchika Lagna Puja is 1:48 PM to 4:04 PM
Muhurat of Kumbha Lagna Puja is 7:56 PM to 9:29 PM
Muhurat for Vrishabha Lagna Puja is 12:52 a.m. to 02:27 a.m. on August 1.
Married ladies do this holy Varalakshmi vratam to get blessings for their whole family, particularly for their husbands and children. According to Hindu texts, worshiping Goddess Lakshmi on this auspicious day is akin to praying to Ashtalakshmi – the eight Goddesses of Love, Prosperity, Strength, Serenity, Fame, Happiness, and Earth. Regardless of caste or religion, everyone is welcome to observe this vratam.
Due to the Pratham’s popularity across the nation, the Varalakshmi Vrat is an optional holiday in various states. In the Indian states of Andhra Pradesh along with Karnataka, North Tamil Nadu, and Telangana, the Varalakshmi vratam is celebrated with zeal and trust. Maharashtra residents may also see the festivities.
The Story of Varalakshmi Vratham
A lady called Charumathi resided in the ancient Magadha Kingdom town of Kaundinyapur. Mahalakshmi came in her dream, inspired by her dedication to the Goddess, and pleaded with her to worship Varalakshmi (Vara = boon, Lakshmi = Goddess of riches) and pray for her desires to be granted. Varalakshmi is an alternate name for Lakshmi, the Goddess of riches. The prayer/worship has to be done on the Friday before the full moon night in Shravan month. When Charumathi shared her desire with her family, they urged her to do the pooja. Several other village women assisted her in customarily doing the puja.
Varalakshmi Vratam Rituals
The preparations for the Varalakshmi vratam begin the day before the vrat is observed, which is a Thursday. The day before the puja, all of the necessary items are gathered.
On the day of Varalakshmi vratam, Friday, devotees wake early and prepare after bathing. The best time to awaken in the morning for the puja is ‘Brahma Muhurtham,’ or shortly before dawn.
After completing the morning rites, worshippers clean the home and surrounding area and adorn the puja site with a magnificent ‘kolam’ (rangoli).
The next step is to prepare the ‘Kalasha.’ You may choose between silver and bronze pots. It is cleansed and coated with sandalwood paste with extreme care. The Kalasha is then inscribed with a swastika sign. After that, the Kalasha is filled with water or uncooked rice, lime, coins, betel nuts, and five various types of leaves. The articles used to fill the ‘Kalasham’ pot vary by area. Turmeric, black beads, mirror, little black bangles, or comb are all utilized to fill the pot in various regions.
The Kalasha’s neck is then wrapped in a clean cloth, and the mouth is lined with mango leaves. Finally, a coconut dabbed with turmeric covers Kalasha’s mouth. A portrait of Goddess Lakshmi is pasted or painted on the coconut using turmeric powder. The Kalasha is now revered as a representation of Goddess Varalakshmi and is worshiped with utmost devotion.
This Kalasha is set on top of the rice mound. The worshippers begin the pooja by praying to Lord Ganesha. The puja starts with the recitation of slokas such as ‘Lakshmi Sahasranamam’ in honor of Goddess Lakshmi. As offerings, special delicacies are prepared at home. Pongal is often served as Prasad in the southern states. Finally, aarti on the Kalasha is done. Women must also wrap a yellow thread over their hands during the pooja.
A mirror is also put behind the Kalasham in certain locations. Markets also sell readymade Kalash pots for usage during the Varalakshmi Vrat.
Women who observe Varalakshmi Vrat must refrain from certain meals. This, however, varies by area. In certain locations, those who follow this vrat are required to fast till the conclusion of the puja service.
On Saturday, the day after puja, worshippers bathe and then remove the Kalasha utilized during the puja. The water contained inside the Kalasha is strewn over the home, and the rice, if used, is combined with the rice preserved within.
Ceremony of Varalakshmi Vratham
On this day, women devote themselves entirely to Goddess Lakshmi, bringing her fruits, sweets, and flowers. A kalasam is often clothed in a saree, flowers, and gold jewelry, with offerings laid in front. Following the pooja, a rakshai/saradu (holy thread) is included in the offerings and worn on the wrists of females. This is worn to symbolize protection and piety, and countless gifts and charitable contributions are made in good faith. When doing this pooja, there are no limits on caste or creed. Numerous women continue to attend this historical event to pray to Varamahalakshmi for her blessings of wealth and health for their family and friends.
The Varalakshmi Vratham’s Significance
Varalaksmi Vratam’s primary purpose is to give authentic prayers to Goddess Lakshmi to get heavenly benefits. There are no rigid guidelines for adhering to this vrat. The ceremonies are not complicated, and simple prayer satisfies Goddess Varalakshmi.
In Hindu mythology, Goddess Lakshmi is the reigning Goddess of prosperity, money, fortune, knowledge, light, generosity, bravery, and fertility. Ladies, especially married women, practice this vrat to appease Goddess Lakshmi and get Her heavenly blessing. The ladies pray to the Goddess for their husbands’ longevity and blessings on their kids. Varalakshmi vratam is largely a female event that females observe. The ‘Skanda Purana’ explains the significance of Varalakshmi vratam.
FAQs About Varalakshmi Vratham
This day’s fasting begins at daybreak and concludes at sundown. On the designated day, rise extremely early, take a bath, and tidy the home. Establish a puja altar and install a holy vessel, commonly known as a Kalasam. Flowers, turmeric powder, sandal paste, and vermilion are used to embellish this.
It is recommended to abstain from eating anything on this day, and worshippers should fast till late at night. On this day, those who want to do Varalakshmi Vratam should refrain from eating.
Women worship Goddess Lakshmi with the greatest devotion on this day, giving fruits, sweets, and flowers. Typically, a kalasam (representing the Goddess) is decked with a saree, flowers, and gold jewelry, with offerings put in front.
Sundal, vada, rice varieties, payasam, Kozhukattai, and Obbattu are frequently prepared meals. With careful planning, these foods may be easily prepared on the day of the event. After the meal is offered to the Goddess, it is given to family members and guests.
Conclusion
Now that you know everything about Varalakshmi Vratham, it’s time to get ready to celebrate this festival with a lot of pomp and love! For more blogs about popular festivals, keep reading Seema!
