Varalakshmi Vratham auspicious day of Hinduism
Varalakshmi Vratham is an auspicious day celebrated by Hindus.
especially by married women who pray for the well-being of their loved ones. It is observed on the Friday preceding the full moon day of the auspicious ‘Sravana’ month. This year, Varalakshmi Vratham was celebrated on Friday, 25 August 2023.
What is the significance of Varalakshmi Vratham?
Varalakshmi Vratham is a significant Hindu festival dedicated to the goddess of wealth and prosperity, Varalakshmi. It is observed primarily by married Hindu women in the states of South India. The festival is celebrated with enthusiasm by devotees globally.
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 do people celebrate this day?
On this occasion, women worship the goddess Lakshmi with utmost devotion, offering fruits, sweets, and flowers. Usually a kalasham (representing the deity) is decorated with a sari, flowers, and gold jewelry, with offerings placed in front. The puja begins with the formal welcome of Lakshmi into one’s house. A wooden tray or a stand is placed outside the house’s threshold. Rangoli is drawn in the puja room, usually inside the house. A kalasham (a brass or silver pot) is placed on the tray outside the house. The pot is decorated with mango leaves as well as flowers. Auspicious items such as rice, betel leaves, turmeric sticks, bananas, and coins are placed inside the pot. A thread dipped in turmeric is tied around the neck of the pot. A coconut scrubbed with turmeric is placed on the top of it. During an auspicious hour, women sing a song of greeting to Lakshmi and carry the tray and kalasham into the puja room. After lighting the lamp and performing the arati, shlokas, and songs of the goddess are recited.
What is the story behind Varalakshmi Vratham?
There are several stories behind Varalakshmi Vratham. One of them is about Shyamabala, the daughter of King Bathrasiravas and Queen Surachandrika. Once, Goddess Lakshmi came to the country as an older woman and asked the queen to perform the Varalakshmi Pooja for the prosperity of her kingdom.
Image credit
B.saketh, Attribution, via Wikimedia Commons
