Varalakshmi Vratam

Varalakshmi Vratam, also known as Vara Mahalakshmi Vrata, is a festival dedicated to the Goddess Lakshmi. Women do Varamahalakshmi Vrata for their own health and that of their entire family. Worshipping Varalakshmi on this day is thought to be comparable to worshipping Ashtalakshmi, the eight goddesses of Wealth, Earth, Wisdom, Love, Fame, Peace, Contentment, and Strength.

In the month of Shravana, which corresponds to the Gregorian months of July–August, Varamahalakshmi Vrata is observed on the Second Friday or the Friday before the day of the full moon – Poornima – in the month of Shravana.

How to perform Varalakshmi Puja?

• From sunrise to sundown, married ladies observe fast.
• Early in the morning, women take a head bath.
• After that, they clean and adorn their homes with mango leaves in the Kalasam and a coconut on top.The Kalasam is also adorned with a saree, jewellery, and flowers.It is placed under the rice spread on the banana leaf.
• They put turmeric all over Goddess Lakhsmi.
• Ladies then pray to Lakshmi Devi by chanting Lakshmi Astotharam and Shatanamavali and reading the vratam’s narrative.
• Ladies tie yellow thread with 9 knots in their hands as a sacrifice to the Goddess, along with prasadams and jaggery.
• They apply Pasupu Kumkum on other women and invite them to a small gathering where they exchange presents and joyful memories.

Ashta Lakshmis worshipped on this day

Siri (Wealth), Bhu (earth), Sarasvathi (Wisdom), Preethi (love), Keerthi (Fame), Shanthi (Peace), Santhushti (contentment), and Pushti (Strength) are the eight powers or energy recognised . Each of these powers is referred to as a ‘Lakshmi.’

All the eight forces combined are called the Ashta Lakshmis or the eight Lakshmis of the Hindus.

• Aadi Lakshmi (the Protector)
• Dhana Lakshmi (Goddess of Wealth)
• Dhairya Lakshmi (Goddess of Courage)
• Sowbhagya Lakshmi (Goddess of Prosperity)
• Vijaya Lakshmi (Goddess of Victory)
• Dhanya Lakshmi (Goddess of Nourishment)
• Santaana Lakshmi (Goddess of Progeny)
• Vidhya Lakshmi (Goddess of Wisdom)

Varalakshmi Vratam Mantra

पद्मसने पद्मकरे सर्व लोकैक पूजिते। नारायणप्रिये देवि सुप्रीता भव सर्वदा॥

(She) who sits in the lotus, (she) who holds the lotus,
(She) to whom all the worlds pray | Goddess who is dear to Narayana, be kind/good to me

Kalasham as a symbol of Goddess Lakshmi

A bronze or silver pot is chosen and thoroughly cleaned, after which a swastika symbol is drawn and covered with sandalwood paste. Raw rice or water, money, a single entire lime, five various kinds of leaves, and beetle nut are all placed in the kalasham pot. Turmeric, a comb, a mirror, little black bangles, and black beads are among the materials used to fill the kalasham, which varies by area.

A cloth is occasionally draped over the kalasham’s neck, and mango leaves are placed around the kalasham’s mouth. Finally, the mouth of the kalasham is sealed with a turmeric-smeared coconut. An image of Goddess Lakshmi is attached on this coconut, or the picture of Lakshmi is drawn with turmeric powder. Now Kalasham is ready to invite Devi Lakshmi. Interested devotees can also do Aavahana puja by inviting pandits.

Kalasham is placed on a bed of rice. After Lord Ganesha is always first deity to be worshipped. The Varalakshmi Puja then begins. The Lakshmi Sahasranamam and other slokas devoted to Goddess Lakshmi are sung during the puja. On the kalasham, arati is performed.

The kalasham is dismantled the next day, Saturday, after a bath, and the water in the kalasham is scattered throughout the house. If rice is used, it is cooked with other rice in the house.

Lord Shiva himself narrated Varalakshmi vratham, making it one of the most potent observances. Those who follow this vratham will be relieved of their sorrows and pains, as well as their financial troubles.Tranquillity and harmony shall prevail at the home.

References:

• Featured image by :www.wordzz.com
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Varalakshmi_Vratam