Varalakshmi Vratham date and timing: Varalakshmi vratham falls on 16th August 2024 starts from sunrise 06:08 am to sunset 06:55 pm
Varalakshmi Vratham is a major festival observed with great devotion and enthusiasm by Hindus, especially in the South Indian states of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh. In Northern India, states such as Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Madhya Pradesh observe this fast with equal reverence, referring to it as Mahalakshmi Vrat. This auspicious day, dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity, falls on the second Friday of the month of Shravan (July-August). Women in the family observe fast for wealth and prosperity.
Significance of Varalakshmi Vratham
Varalakshmi Vratham is observed to seek the blessings of Goddess Varalakshmi, one of the eight manifestations of Goddess Lakshmi. The term "Vara" means boon, and "Lakshmi" signifies wealth and prosperity. It is believed that worshipping Varalakshmi on this auspicious day is tantamount to honouring all eight forms of Lakshmi, collectively known as Ashtalakshmi.
- Dhanam (Monetary Benefits): Attracting financial prosperity and wealth.
- Dhanyam (Abundance of Food and Grains): Ensuring an ample supply of food and grains.
- Arokkyam (Good Health): Praying for robust physical health and well-being.
- Sampath (Wealth and Property): Aspiring for material possessions and affluence.
- Santhanam (Virtuous Offspring): Wishing for the birth of virtuous and healthy children.
- Deerka Sumangali Bakkyam (Longevity of Husband): Desiring a long life for one’s spouse.
- Veeram (Courage): Seeking inner strength and bravery to face challenges.
- Gaja Lakshmi (Freedom from Debts): Striving for liberation from financial debts and obligations.
These deities preside over various vital aspects of life, including health, wealth, knowledge, strength, progeny, and power.
Preparation of Varalakshmi Vratham
- Begin your preparations before the day by thoroughly cleaning your home, especially your pooja room
- Ensure you have all the essential items ready for the pooja. These include a Kalash (pot), fresh flowers, fruits, betel leaves, turmeric, kumkum, sandalwood paste, and a saree for the goddess. Additionally, gather a coconut, mango leaves, rice, and traditional sweets for offerings to Goddess Lakshmi
- Adorn the entrance and the pooja space with vibrant rangoli (kolam) designs and fresh flowers to create a festive look.
Rituals of Varalakshmi Vratham
- On the day of the Vratham, women wake up early, take a bath, and wear traditional attire. They perform certain pooja and start to observe ritualistic fasts.
- The pooja begins by placing a brass or silver pot filled with water or rice, topped with a coconut smeared with turmeric and adorned with mango leaves. This kalasha symbolizes the goddess and is the centerpiece of the pooja.
- An idol or image of Goddess Lakshmi can be dressed in a saree and adorned with jewellery and fresh flowers for the pooja.
- The pooja begins with the invocation of Lord Ganesha, followed by the worship of Goddess Lakshmi with flowers, incense, lamps, and offerings such as fruits, sweets, and traditional dishes like laddus and vadas. Devotees recite the Varalakshmi Ashtottara Shatanamavali (108 names of the goddess) or other hymns.
- Women tie a sacred thread known as 'Varalakshmi Charanam' or 'Nombu Saradu' around their wrists as they pray for the well-being and prosperity of their families.
- After the rituals, the fast is broken with the naivedyam and a small aarti ritual will be performed in the evening to end the day.
Benefits of Varalakshmi Vratham
- Married women (sumangali) primarily perform the Varalakshmi Vratam for their well-being and to seek blessings from the goddess for the health and longevity of their husbands.
- Unmarried women can receive blessings for a harmonious married life.
- Varalakshmi Vratham is observed to seek Goddess Lakshmi's blessings for financial stability and abundance, believed to lead to increased wealth and prosperity.
- One of the forms of Goddess Lakshmi worshipped is Dhanya Lakshmi, symbolizing abundance in food and grains, ensuring that the household never lacks essential sustenance.
Varalakshmi Vratham is a beautiful opportunity to seek the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi for wealth, health, and happiness.
As you prepare to celebrate Varalakshmi Vratham in 2024, consider enhancing your spiritual experience with offerings from Om Spiritual Shop. The collections of Lakshmi frames and yantrams can add a divine touch to your pooja setup and home.