Varalakshmi Vratam

Varalakshmi Vratam is a sacred festival falls on the Friday before the full moon or Purnima in the month of Shravan, and it holds great religious significance for married Hindu women, especially in South India.

On this occasion, women perform special rituals and observe a fast to seek the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi in her eight forms, known as Ashta Lakshmi, along with Lord Vishnu and other deities.

What Does Varalakhsmi Vratam Mean

The term Varalakshmi Vratam has its roots in Sanskrit, where “Vara” translates to “gift” or “favor,” and “Lakshmi” refers to the revered goddess of wealth and prosperity.

This form of Lakshmi is especially honored for her power to grant wishes and bring well-being. The word Vratam denotes a spiritual observance or a dedicated fast.

Put together, Varalakshmi Vratam signifies a devotional practice undertaken to honor the goddess and seek her blessings for abundance and protection.

History

Varalakshmi Vratam has deep roots in ancient Hindu customs that celebrate the virtues of devotion, purity, and gratitude toward the goddess Lakshmi.

The observance is especially significant for women, who perform the vrat to seek the goddess’s blessings for health, happiness, and prosperity in their families.

One of the most popular legends associated with the vrat features a noblewoman named Padmavati, who lived in the ancient kingdom of Kosala.

Known for her unwavering commitment to her husband and her kindness toward the poor and sick, Padmavati’s selfless nature caught the attention of Goddess Lakshmi.

As a result, the goddess is said to have appeared before her and instructed her to observe the vrat on a chosen Friday in the month of Shravana, promising her spiritual liberation and divine grace.

Another version of the legend centers around Charumati, a righteous and loyal woman devoted to her family.

She had a dream that Lord Vishnu told her to do a special ritual in honor of Lakshmi during the month of Shravana.

Charumati followed the instructions with full faith, and in return, received immense blessings and abundance.

These traditional stories form the foundation of Varalakshmi Vratam and continue to inspire women across generations to honor the goddess with devotion and reverence, believing in her power to bring lasting peace, prosperity, and fulfillment.

Observing Varalakshmi Vratam

On Varalakshmi Vratam, married women observe a daylong fast, usually without consuming food or water, from sunrise until the completion of the puja.

This fast is kept with devotion, praying for their family's well-being, prosperity, and the long life of their husbands.

Before the puja begins, women prepare a kalasham, a sacred pot that symbolizes the presence of Goddess Lakshmi.

The pot, often made of brass or silver, is filled with auspicious items like rice, turmeric sticks, betel leaves, bananas, and coins.

A turmeric-dipped thread is tied around its neck, and a turmeric-smeared coconut is placed on top.

In many homes, a face representing the goddess is drawn on the coconut or attached as a metal mask and adorned with kumkum, turmeric, and sandalwood.

A decorated tray with the kalasham is placed outside the entrance of the home adorned with rangoli.

During an auspicious muhurat, women sing traditional songs and carry the tray inside the house, symbolically inviting Goddess Lakshmi into their home.

Women dress in traditional sarees and accessorize with gold jewellery, bangles, bindi, kumkum, and fresh flowers.

Turmeric and sandalwood are also applied to the forehead as part of the ritual.

Once inside the puja room, the kalasham is placed on a decorated altar. Lamps are lit, and devotional songs, shlokas, and prayers are offered to Goddess Lakshmi.

The yellow thread tied around the pot is later untied and distributed to all the women present. Each woman ties the surrounding thread right wrist as a symbol of divine protection and blessings.

As part of the ritual offerings, women prepare a variety of traditional foods, including payasam, kolukattai, vadai, and fruits.

In Tamil Nadu, four types of kolukattai are specially made as offerings to the goddess.

The day after the main puja, cooked rice, fruits, chickpeas, and betel leaves are distributed to all the women who participated.

The goddess's face is oriented toward the west, and the kalasham, along with its contents, is positioned within a drum that is filled with rice.

This act symbolically ensures that the goddess remains in the home, continuing to bless the household until the next Varalakshmi Vratam.