Significance of “Varalakshmi Vratam”

by Astro Ved Online Astrology Consultation

Varalakshmi Vratam:

Varalakshmi Vratham is a Pooja dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, the consort of Vishnu. ‘Varalakshmi’means, ‘the one who grants boons (Varam)’. VaralakshmiVratham is performed by married women in the south Indian states of Tamilnadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka. 'Varalakshmi Vratham' is on the second Friday or the Friday before Pournami or full moon day in the month of Shravan. Married women perform the Pooja for the well-being of the family and to get progeny. Praying to Goddess Lakshmi on this day is equal to praying to Ashtalaksmi- the eight goddesses representingthe 8 forces or energies of Earth, namely, Wealth, Learning, Fame, Love, Peace, Pleasure, and Strength.

The festival is observed mainly by women for the welfare of their husbands and their children. This year, the Varalakshmi Vratham is on July 31, which happens to be a Friday.

Varalakshmi Vratham

Legend of Varalakshmi Vratham:

Long ago, there was a woman named Charumathi in Kundina city, who was very devoted to her husband and children. One night, Goddess Mahalakshmi appeared in her dream and told her that her devotion to her family had pleased her immensely. Then she advised her to do Pooja for her on the second Friday after the full moon in Shravan month. If she did so, her wishes would be granted, said the Goddess. The next morning, when she woke up, an excited Charumathirecounted her dream to her family and neighbors. They too advised her to follow the instructions of the Goddess, and they also took part in the Pooja. Legend says that this story was narrated to Goddess Parvati by her consort, Lord Shiva, when she wanted to know if there was something women on earth could do to ensure the welfare of their families.. He said that doing this Pooja would bring happiness and prosperity for the entire family. It is believed that Goddess Parvati alsoobserved this rigorous fast. In honor of Parvati’s love and devotion forShiva, married women began to observe the Vrathamfor the well-being of their husband and children. Some women also perform the Vratham to beget children.

Varalakshmi Vratham Rituals

On the day of Varalakshmi Vratham, women wake up early and have a bath before beginning the Vratham.They do not consume certain foods throughout the day. These may differ from one region to another. They wear new clothes and clean the house thoroughly. Then they decorate a kalasha or pot. The kalasha can be made of copper/brass/silver. The kalasha is decorated with turmeric, vermilion, mango/betel leaves, coconut, etc. this represents Goddess Lakshmi. Some women use the idol of the goddess too and decorate it with jewelry.. They offer flowers, fruits, and sweets to the Goddess. The kalasha is covered in a saree. A swastika symbol is drawnon the kalasha with vermillion and sandalwood paste. Flowers and gold are kept before the pot, as offerings.

The Pooja begins by invoking Ganesha who is said to remove all obstacles and evil energies. Later, the Goddess is invoked into the kalasha. During the Pooja, the Lakshmi Ashtothara Shatanamam (a list of hundred and eight names praising Lakshmi) is chanted. Delicacies including sweets and savories are offered to the Goddess. These offerings are called Vayana. Married women in the neighborhood are invited to the Pooja and given gifts like vermilion, turmeric, blouse pieces, and bangles after the Pooja. They also sing songs praising the Goddess.

Significance of Varalakshmi Vratham

In every household, the woman has an important place, and is regarded as the Lakshmi of the house. The family’s welfare depends on her love and devotion to her husband and children. It is commonly believed that Goddess Lakshmi, who represents wealth, prosperity and auspiciousness, will not remain in a house where the woman is ill-treated. Such is the importance of the women in a family. Her love and devotion have the power to invoke Goddess Lakshmi and her blessings. This ensures that the entire family will thrive and prosper. Varalakshmi Vratham is therefore a powerful and auspicious ritual that brings happiness and prosperity to the family of the woman who performs it.