Ultimate Guide to Varalakshmi Vratham 2023

Introduction

Varalakshmi Vratham, also known as Varalakshmi Puja, is a popular Hindu festival celebrated by married women in South India. It falls on the second Friday in the month of Shravana, typically between July and August. This auspicious day is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth and prosperity. Devotees believe that observing Varalakshmi Vratham with devotion brings blessings, well-being, and prosperity to their families. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the significance, rituals, and customs associated with Varalakshmi Vratham.

Significance of Varalakshmi Vratham

Varalakshmi Vratham holds significant importance in Hindu culture. The word “Varalakshmi” is derived from “Varam” which means boon, and “Lakshmi” refers to the goddess of wealth and prosperity. Hence, the festival is celebrated to seek the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi for the well-being and prosperity of the family. It is believed that observing Varalakshmi Vratham with sincerity fulfills devotees’ wishes, removes obstacles, and bestows them with wealth, happiness, and good fortune.

Preparing for Varalakshmi Vratham

• Cleaning the House: Before the festival, the house is thoroughly cleaned and decorated with rangoli, flowers, and mango leaves to welcome the goddess.

• Shopping for Vratham: Married women shop for the necessary puja items like turmeric, kumkum, vermillion, flowers, fruits, betel leaves, bananas, coconuts, and traditional sweets like payasam.

• Preparations: The night before Vratham, devotees prepare the kalash or sacred pot, idol or image of Goddess Lakshmi, and required offerings. They set up the puja area with a clean cloth and place the kalash on a bed of rice.

Rituals of Varalakshmi Vratham

• Awakening Goddess: The day begins with waking up early, taking a ritual bath, and wearing traditional attire. Devotees then clean the puja area, place the idol or image of Goddess Lakshmi, and apply turmeric and kumkum to the kalash.

• Kalash Sthapana: The most important ritual is the Kalash Sthapana, where a pot filled with rice and water, decorated with mango leaves, coconut, and cloth, symbolizes the presence of the goddess.

• Varalakshmi Puja: The puja involves reciting prayers, offering flowers, fruits, sweets, and lighting incense sticks. Devotees also perform aarti, sing bhajans, and narrate stories or legends related to Goddess Lakshmi.

Dos and Don’ts of Varalakshmi Vratham

• Dos:
• Observe fast from sunrise to sunset.
• Offer prayers with devotion and sincerity.
• Recite Varalakshmi Vratham Katha or stories of the goddess.
• Donate to the poor and needy.

• Seek blessings from elders and perform Mangala Aarti.

• Don’ts:

• Avoid eating non-vegetarian food and consuming alcohol.
• Refrain from negative thoughts and words.
• Do not skip any rituals or offerings during the puja.
• Avoid wearing black or dark-colored clothes during the Vratham.

Conclusion

Varalakshmi Vratham is a sacred festival that symbolizes love, devotion, and gratitude towards Goddess Lakshmi. By observing this Vratham with faith and dedication, devotees seek blessings for prosperity, happiness, and success in their lives. The essence of Varalakshmi Vratham lies in the purity of heart, the sincerity of prayers, and the compassion towards all beings, reflecting the values that Goddess Lakshmi embodies.

FAQs

1. What is the significance of Varalakshmi Vratham?
   Varalakshmi Vratham is celebrated to seek the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi for well-being, prosperity, and happiness in the family.

2. How is the Kalash Sthapana performed during Varalakshmi Vratham?
   The Kalash Sthapana involves placing a pot filled with rice and water, adorned with mango leaves, coconut, and cloth, symbolizing the presence of the goddess.

3. Can unmarried women observe Varalakshmi Vratham?
   While the festival is primarily observed by married women, unmarried women can also participate to seek the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi.

4. What is the importance of fasting during Varalakshmi Vratham?
   Fasting during Varalakshmi Vratham is believed to cleanse the body and mind, enhance self-discipline, and invoke the blessings of the goddess.

5. What are some traditional offerings made during Varalakshmi Puja?
   Traditional offerings include flowers, fruits, betel leaves, bananas, coconuts, turmeric, kumkum, incense sticks, lamps, and sweets like payasam.

6. Can Varalakshmi Vratham be performed without a priest?
   Yes, Varalakshmi Vratham can be performed at home without a priest. Devotees can follow the rituals and procedures with sincerity and devotion.

7. Is it necessary to decorate the house for Varalakshmi Vratham?
   Decorating the house with rangoli, flowers, and mango leaves is a customary practice to welcome Goddess Lakshmi and create a festive atmosphere for the puja.

8. How long does Varalakshmi Vratham last?
   Varalakshmi Vratham is observed from morning till evening, culminating with Mangala Aarti and prayers seeking the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi.

9. Can men participate in Varalakshmi Vratham?
   While the festival is primarily observed by married women, men can also participate in the puja, offer prayers, and seek the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi.

10. What are the benefits of observing Varalakshmi Vratham?
    Observing Varalakshmi Vratham with sincerity and devotion is believed to bring prosperity, happiness, well-being, and success to the family, fulfilling their wishes and removing obstacles.