Varalakshmi Vratam is a Hindu festival observed primarily by married women in South India.
It’s a celebration of the goddess Lakshmi, who represents prosperity, wealth, and well-being.
This year, Varalakshmi Vratam will be celebrated on 16th August 2024. As a tribute to Goddess Lakshmi
Here’s a breakdown of its importance and steps:
Importance:
- Blessings for Family: Devotees believe that worshipping Varalakshmi, a specific form of Lakshmi, bestows blessings upon their entire family, especially husbands and children.
- Eight Forms of Lakshmi: By worshipping Varalakshmi, devotees are said to be invoking all eight forms (Ashta Lakshmi) of the goddess, representing different aspects of fortune and good luck.
- Open to All: Though traditionally observed by married women, beliefs around Varalakshmi Vratam can vary. In some cases, unmarried women or even men might participate.
Steps:
The observance of Varalakshmi Vratam involves preparation, fasting, and puja (worship) rituals. Here’s a general guideline:
- Preparation (Day Before):
- Clean the house thoroughly.
- Gather puja items like fruits, sweets, flowers, incense, lamps, and a special pot called a Kalasha.
- Decorate the puja area with a rangoli (decorative floor design).
- Fasting (Day of the Vratam):
- Wake up early, ideally during Brahma Muhurta (pre-dawn hours).
- Observe a fast throughout the day, or some choose to consume fruits and milk.
- Puja (Day of the Vratam):
- Take a bath and wear clean clothes.
- Place the Kalasha filled with water and a mango leaf on a platform. Decorate it with a sari, jewelry, and coconut.
- Offer prayers and chants to Varalakshmi.
- Perform aarti (offering of light) with lamps and incense.
- Offer prepared food items to the deity.
- Chant mantras or sing devotional songs dedicated to Lakshmi.
- After the puja, seek blessings from elders (if present).
- Conclude the puja with prayers for the well-being of the family.
- Break the fast (if observed strictly) with prasad (food offered to the deity).
Variations:
- The exact steps and timings for the puja might vary depending on region and family traditions.
- Some might invite married women from the neighborhood for a gathering and share stories and sing devotional songs.
- Consulting with a priest or someone knowledgeable about the puja rituals in your region can be helpful for a more specific guide.
Additional Notes:
- The date of Varalakshmi Vratam falls on a specific Friday within the Hindu month of Shravana (usually July-August).
- It’s considered an auspicious occasion for women to come together, celebrate their bond, and seek blessings for their families.
Image credit
Rsmn, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
