Varalakshmi Vratam

Varalakshmi Pooja is celebrated before the full moon day (Purnima) in the traditional month of Sravan (Sravanam/Aadi/Sawan). Varalakshmi Vratham is one of the popular pious fasting days for South Indian and Maharashtrian people. All Women can perform pooja on this auspicious day, but most married women observe Varalaksmi Vratham. Varalaksmi Vratham means Vrat (fast) dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi. 

Varalakshmi Vratam is performed by a married woman for the well-being of all the family members, especially her husband, to get progency, etc. It is believed that worshipping Goddess Varalakshmi on this day is equivalent to worshipping Ashtalaksmi – the eight goddesses of Wealth, Earth, Learning, Love, Fame, Peace, Pleasure, and Strength.

LEGEND :

As the legend goes, this is a pooja that was pronounced by no other than Lord Parameswara to be performed by his consort Parvathi to seek prosperity and happiness for the family. Thus it came to be emulated by married women who sought boons (varam) for the health, wealth, and knowledge of the entire family. In some cases, women prayed for being blessed with children. The prescribed day for the pooja is the Friday of the month of Sravan in the fortnight known as Sukla paksha, preceding the full moon day. It is only in India where only Hindus have beliefs.

STORY :

Varalakshmi Vratham is profoundly attached to a lady in ancient times with the name Charumati. It is believed that Charumati was a great devotee of Goddess Laksmi. She was also very much dedicated to her family-her husband and children. One day Goddess Varalaksmi came into her dream and directed her to perform the Varalaksmi Vratham religiously. Following the guidelines of Goddess Laksmi, Charumati cheerfully invited all her neighbors and near dear people to take part in her Varalaksmi Vratham and pooja. With immense devotion, she observed fast, performed pooja, and delighted Goddess Varalaksmi. Observing her pious efforts and great devotion, Goddess Laksmi blessed not only her but also all present people over there. Charumati and all present people were offered abundant wealth and long-life prosperity by Varalaksmi Goddess.

RITUALS : 

All the women who are performing the vrat wake up early in the morning and have a bath. They decorate their homes with beautiful rangolis, First lord Ganesha is worshipped to remove obstacles, and then Arrange the kalasha and decorate it with turmeric, and kumkum and place a coconut on it; place it in front of the goddess. Tie a toram (a thread dipped in turmeric) to the goddess, Tie another toram around your wrist. And perform the puja while the puja is going on Chant Lakshmi Ashottarnamavali or the Lakshmi Sahasranamam. After the puja is completed offer prasadams to the goddess. In the evening, if feasible, invite other women and offer tamboolam to them.

This puja is so important for married women that it is described in the Skanda Purana. Goddess Parvati asked Lord Shiva about a vrata that would be of great benefit to women and help them lead a life of bliss and happy marriage. Lord Shiva told her about the Varalakshmi Vratam.

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2024 Date: August 16.