Varalakshmi Vratam/Puja is a popular ritual observed by married women in South India on the friday before the full moon in the month of Aadi / Sravana. This year the Varalakshmi Vratham is on 4th August. Let’s have a look at the significance, customs and rituals attached to this popular Hindu Festival.
Significance
Varalakshmi literally means the boon granting Goddess and ‘Vratham’ means a strict observance of certain rituals and practice. Worshipping Goddess Lakshmi on this day is equivalent to worshipping Ashtalakshmi – the eight Goddesses of Wealth(shri), Earth(bhu), Learning(saraswati), Love(priti), Fame(kirti), Peace(shanti), Pleasure(tushti) and Strength(pushti).
The Story Behind Varalakshmi Puja
It is said that Lord Shiva himself has told about the Varalkashmi Vratham to Parvathi. According to Skanda Puranam, once goddess Parvati asked Lord Shiva to recommend a vrata that will be beneficial to women and Shiva tells her about Vrahta and its Puja Vidhi.
Then Shiva narrates the story of Charumati to tell Parvathi about the glory of the Vratham.
In the kingdom of Magadha lived a Brahmin woman called Charumathi. She is devoted to her family, served her husband and her parents-in-law with out most devotion. Goddess Lakshmi impressed by her sincerity appeared in her dream and asks her to worship her as Vara Lakshmi and all her wishes will be fulfilled. It is said that she has also prescribed the Friday of Sravana month before the full moon day ideal for the Vratham.
Charumathi’s family encourages her to perform the Puja as the Goddess has asked her to do and finding her devotion endearing other woman in the town join her in performing the puja.
Padmaasane Padmakare sarva lokaika poojithe
Narayana priyadevi supreethaa bhava sarvada”
One who is sitting in the lotus, holding lotuses, one who is prayed by the entire universe, One Who is very dear to Lord Narayana, Please always be benevolent to me.
Just as Charumathi and other woman clad in their best attire were performing the Puja Vidhi – dazzling jewelry is said to have appeared as ornaments on the bodies of these worshippers and houses were filled with riches. The women expressed their gratitude to Charumathi who shared her dream and helped them become prosperous. Since then it is said that woman practice this Puja every year.
Significance of Praying to Lord Vishnu in Lakshmi Pooja
The name Vishnu really means pervading everywhere, and Lakshmi his consort, is symbolical of the forces found everywhere. As health, wealth and prosperity depend upon the rhythmic play of the Ashtalakshmi or eightforces, the worship of Lakshmi is said to be to obtain these three. Hence this festival is celebrated and Vrata is observed for invoking the blessings of Sri Vara Lakshmi by woman for the welfare of their Sowbhagyam (marital bliss), Santana (children) and Sakala Ishta Kamya Phala Siddhi (have all the desired boons fulfilled). But as both Sri Maha Vishnu and Maha Lakshmi are Divine forces and are inseparable from each other they have to be prayed together always to seek the Blessings. Hence it is very much important to pray to Lord Vishnu before seeking the Blessings of the Goddess. Therefore Goddess Lakshmi and Vishnu are prayed together for prosperity, and spiritual prosperity in this Vratham.
Procedure
The lady of the house should wake up early and decorate the house with mango leaves, flowers and beautiful Rangolis. And the woman who are worshipping must be in new dreess and in their best attire. There is no need to fast whole day, after the Vratham the family can have the Naivedyam
*First Lord Ganesha is Prayed as the Pasupu Ganapathi (Turmeric)
*Varalakshmi is worshipped as Kalasha. A copper/silver pot filled with sanctified water, the brim is covered with mango leaves and a coconut is placed on top. And few Decorate it further with Flowers Braid, Silver or Gold face of the Goddess. Then the Kalasha is placed on a flat plate with rice on a new cloth. Few eve do the Puja to the Picture or small statue of Goddess Lakshmi.
*Varalakshmi is offered Shodasha Upacharas (16 forms of services).
*Sri Lakshmi Sahastra Nama along with Sri Vishnu Sahastranama is recited.
* Vrata Katha is recited to the other family members and friends attending the Pooja.
* Nivedyam (Offerings) has the most important place in this Vratam. Nine or Eleven varieties of delicacies are offered to the Varlaakshmi. “Kshirannam” is the most important dish as it issaid to be the Goddess favorite.
* Mangal Aarti for the Goddess Varalakshmi with the singing of the bhajan and songs praising the Goddess.
*The Puja/ Vrat does not conclude until a Dakshina Tambulam (donation) is made to the Brahmin.
And in the Evening all the woman visit each others houses and take the Tambulam (Beetlenut leaves and fruits basket)
