Varalakshmi Vratham is a major festival observed with great devotion and enthusiasm by Hindus, especially in the South Indian states of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh. In Northern India, states such as Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Madhya Pradesh observe this fast with equal reverence, referring to it as Mahalakshmi Vrat. This auspicious day, dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity, falls on the second Friday of the month of Shravan (July-August). Women in the family observe fast for wealth and prosperity.
Significance of Varalakshmi Vratham
Varalakshmi Vratham is observed to seek the blessings of Goddess Varalakshmi, one of the eight manifestations of Goddess Lakshmi. The term "Vara" means boon, and "Lakshmi" signifies wealth and prosperity. It is believed that worshipping Varalakshmi on this auspicious day is tantamount to honouring all eight forms of Lakshmi, collectively known as Ashtalakshmi.
- Dhanam (Monetary Benefits): Attracting financial prosperity and wealth.
- Dhanyam (Abundance of Food and Grains): Ensuring an ample supply of food and grains.
- Arokkyam (Good Health): Praying for robust physical health and well-being.
- Sampath (Wealth and Property): Aspiring for material possessions and affluence.
- Santhanam (Virtuous Offspring): Wishing for the birth of virtuous and healthy children.
- Deerka Sumangali Bakkyam (Longevity of Husband): Desiring a long life for one’s spouse.
- Veeram (Courage): Seeking inner strength and bravery to face challenges.
- Gaja Lakshmi (Freedom from Debts): Striving for liberation from financial debts and obligations.
These deities preside over various vital aspects of life, including health, wealth, knowledge, strength, progeny, and power.
Preparations on Thursday (the day before the Vratham)
- Begin your preparations before the day by thoroughly cleaning your home, especially your pooja room
- Ensure you have all the essential items ready for the pooja. These include a Kalash (pot), fresh flowers, fruits, betel leaves, turmeric, kumkum, sandalwood paste, and a saree for the goddess. Additionally, gather a coconut, mango leaves, rice, and traditional sweets for offerings to Goddess Lakshmi
- Adorn the entrance and the pooja space with vibrant rangoli (kolam) designs and fresh flowers to create a festive look.
Rituals of Varalakshmi Vratham
1. Main Day - Friday (Varalakshmi Vratham)
- Early Morning Rituals: Devotees wake up during Brahma Muhurtham (pre-dawn time) and take a head bath.
- Sanctifying the Puja Space: The puja area is decorated with flowers, lamps, and a fresh kolam.
2. Kalasha Preparation (Kalasham Sthapana)
- A silver or bronze pot (Kalasha) is chosen and cleansed thoroughly.
- The Kalasha is smeared with sandalwood paste and adorned with a Swastika symbol. It is filled with items like:
- Water or raw rice
- Coins and betel nuts
- Five types of leaves (as per regional tradition)
- The neck of the Kalasha is tied with a clean cloth.
- Mango leaves are placed at the opening.
- A turmeric-smeared coconut, symbolizing the head of Goddess Lakshmi, is placed on top.
- A portrait of Goddess Lakshmi is drawn or pasted on the coconut using turmeric paste.
- This Kalasha is now revered as Goddess Varalakshmi and placed on a mound of rice for the puja.
3. Puja Procedure
- The worship begins with prayers to Lord Ganesha to remove obstacles.
- Devotees recite Lakshmi Sahasranamam, Lakshmi Ashtothram, and other sacred slokas.
- Special offerings (Naivedyam) such as Pongal and sweets are prepared and offered.
- An aarti is performed in front of the Kalasha.
- Women tie a yellow sacred thread (Charadu) around their wrists as a symbol of divine blessings.
4. Fasting and Observance
- Women observing the vrat may fast until the completion of the puja, depending on regional customs.
- Certain food items are avoided on this day based on local traditions.
5. Rituals on the Following Day - Saturday
- The next morning, devotees take a holy bath.
- The Kalasha is respectfully removed.
- The water from the Kalasha is sprinkled throughout the home to invite prosperity.
- If rice was used, it is mixed with the household rice stock, signifying abundance and grace.
Benefits of Varalakshmi Vratham
- Married women (sumangali) primarily perform the Varalakshmi Vratam for their well-being and to seek blessings from the goddess for the health and longevity of their husbands.
- Unmarried women can receive blessings for a harmonious married life.
- Varalakshmi Vratham is observed to seek the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi for financial stability and abundance, believed to lead to increased wealth and prosperity.
- One of the forms of Goddess Lakshmi worshipped is Dhanya Lakshmi, symbolizing abundance in food and grains, ensuring that the household never lacks essential sustenance.
Varalakshmi Vratham 2025 Date
Varalakshmi Vratham 2025 will be observed on Friday, 8th August 2025.
Varalakshmi Vratham is a beautiful opportunity to seek the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi for wealth, health, and happiness.
As you prepare to celebrate Varalakshmi Vratham in 2025, consider enhancing your spiritual experience with offerings from Om Spiritual Shop. The collections of Mahalakshmi statues, Lakshmi frames and yantrams can add a divine touch to your pooja setup and home.
