What is Varalakshmi Vratam?

by Astro Ved Online Astrology Consultation

Varalakshmi means ‘one who gives boons’. Varalakshmi Vratham refers to a fast that married Hindu women observe for the well-being of their husbands and families. This ritual is observed every year, on the Friday before full moon day in the Hindu month, Shravana (July-August). In 2021, it will be celebrated on August 20.

It is customary for married women to keep a fast on this day and pray for the health, happiness, and prosperity of their husband and family. Worshipping Goddess Varalakshmi on this day is said to have the merit of offering worship to Ashtalakshmi, the eight forms of Goddess Lakshmi who bestow 8 different kinds of wealth.

There are several mythologies behind the origin of this festival.

Myth of Charumati

In the Skanda Purana, it is said that once Parvati asked Lord Shiva, her consort, if there was any vrata that could benefit women. Shiva replied that the Varalakshmi Vrata was very beneficial for married women, and proceeded to narrate the story of Charumati and Varalakshmi Vratham.

Charumati was a very god-fearing housewife who took good care of her family. On seeing her dedication to her husband and family, Lakshmi was impressed and graced her by appearing to her in a dream. She told Charumati to perform the Varalakshmi Vrata and explained to her how it should be done.

Accordingly, Charumati performed the Varalakshmi Pooja in the manner that the Goddess had advised. All her neighbors, friends and relatives were also invited to take part in the Pooja. After the Pooja took place, it was seen that all those who had taken part in it became wealthy and prosperous.

Story of Shyamabala

There is another well-known story about the origin of the Vratam. Shyamabala was the daughter of a king called Bathrasiravas and his wife, Queen Surachandrika. She was also the wife of the prince of a neighboring kingdom.

Shyamabala had come on a visit to her parents’ palace when she saw her mother scolding an old lady and chasing her away. The old woman was advising the queen to perform Varalakshmi Pooja, but the queen became irritated as she felt that a beggar had no business advising her on what to do. Hence, she chased her away.

Being a kind-hearted woman, Shyamabala felt sorry for the old woman. So she called the old lady and spoke politely to her. The old woman told her about the greatness of Varalakshmi Vratam and asked her to observe the Vratam. Shyamabala returned to her country after a few days and performed the Vratam as per the old lady’s instructions. Soon, many good things happened in her husband’s kingdom and it began to prosper. Everyone praised the prince for his abilities.

Meanwhile, Shyamabala’s parents were going through a bad time. Many unfortunate events happened in the kingdom, and the people were suffering a lot, too. Shyamabala’s parents lost their wealth, and there were riots as their subjects were not happy with their governance.

On hearing about the problems in her parent’s kingdom, Shyamabala sent them some pots of gold to tide over the crisis. But when Queen Surachandrika looked at them, they became ashes.

Shyamabala was baffled by all this and thought about it deeply. Eventually, she realized that it had something to do with her mother’s rudeness towards the old woman. Then it dawned on her that the old woman was actually Goddess Lakshmi herself. By chasing her away, Shyamabala’s mother had, in fact, driven away the wealth and prosperity of her kingdom. This was the reason for the misfortunes that befell the kingdom.

Chitranemi’s curse

According to another story, Shiva and Parvati were playing a game of dice one day. When Parvati kept on winning all the games, Shiva said that she was cheating. Hence, they appointed Chitranemi, a gana of Shiva, to be the umpire.

When Chitranemi ruled in favor of Shiva, Parvati lost her temper and cursed him to be a leper. Shiva told Parvati to forgive Chitranemi, and she said she would take back the curse if he watched pious women performing the Varalakshmi Vratam. It is said that the tradition of Varalakshmi Vratam began on that day.

Without a woman’s love and devotion, no home or family can prosper or thrive. When a pious and devoted woman invokes Goddess Varalakshmi’s blessings through prayers and fast, the Goddess is only too pleased to bestow them – this is the significance of Varalakshmi Vratam.