Varalakshmi Vratam
Updated June 26, 2024
The Story
Once upon a time, in a town called Kundinagaram, lived a woman named Charumathi. She loved her family and worshipped Lakshmi Devi. One night, the Goddess appeared in her dream and told her to do the Varalakshmi Vrata to make her wishes come true.
Charumathi told everyone and the next day they all woke up early, bathed, and performed this pooja. They recited the mantra and offered sweets to the goddess.
As a result of their devotion, they were blessed with an abundance of blessings in the form of wealth, jewels and beautiful ornaments.
Why Do We Celebrate?
Married women celebrate this festival to ask Lakshmi Devi for blessings, wealth and a long life for their family. Varalakshmi Puja is celebrated primarily in South Indian States.
'Vara' = boon
'Lakshmi' = wealth
Translates to “goddess who blesses her devotees with the boons they wish for.”
Varalakshmi Puja is typically performed on each Friday during Shraavan Maas. This year, it can be performed on any Friday during August, culminating to its "finale" on August 25. The festival is usually on the Friday before Purnima (Full moon) of Shravan Maas.
Kalash Puja Performed at Home
Kalash (pot) is made to represent Goddess Lakshmi. Devotees chant the Laxmi Ashtotam (108 names of Lakshmi Devi) to praise the goddess during this puja.
Varalakshmi Mantra in Telugu
"Padmasane padmakare sarvalokaika pujithe, Narayana priye devi supreetha bhava sarvada."
Padmakare: she who sits in the lotus, who holds the lotus
sarva lokaika poojithe: she to whom all the worlds pray
Narayanapriya devi: goddess who is dear to Narayana
supreethaa bhava sarvada: be kind/good to me
Puja Favors or Vayanam
In the evening, gifts are distributed among the women who attend the prayer.
Gifts: Kumkum, Haldi, Dates, Bangles, Fruits, Betal Leaves, Flowers, Red Cloth
The yellow thread is untied from the kalash and a piece is given to each woman to tie around her right wrist. Symbolic of receiving the blessings of Lakshmi Devi.
Nivedyam Food Offerings
Nivedyam can be cooked based on convenience. You can cook 3, 5, 7 or 9 varieties of food as an offering for the puja.
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