Varalakshmi Pooja Festival Timing, Significance & Specials

Varalakshmi Vratam, also known as Varalakshmi Pooja, is a major Hindu festival held to honour Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth, prosperity, and fortune. This auspicious day is commemorated with tremendous dedication and excitement by married ladies, particularly in South India. The following are the dates, ceremonies, and significance of Varalakshmi Vratam:

The event takes place on the second Friday of the Hindu calendar month of Sravana (typically in August). The name "Varalakshmi" is a combination of two words: "Vara," which means "boon," and "Lakshmi," which refers to the goddess. It is said that doing this vratam (ritual) with devotion and sincerity can bring Goddess Lakshmi's favours and boons.

During the Varamahalakshmi festival, ladies do special rituals and pujas to seek Goddess Lakshmi's blessings for their families' well-being and wealth. They dress in traditional saris and decorate their homes with beautiful rangoli decorations. A sacred area is created, complete with an idol or image of Goddess Lakshmi, and elaborate puja rituals are done, including offerings of flowers, fruits, sweets, and other symbolic items.

Varalakshmi Vratam is significant because it emphasises obtaining the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi not just for monetary gain but also for spiritual richness, happiness, and well-being. The celebration promotes appreciation, contentment, and devotion as values.

Varalakshmi Vratam Rituals Extraordinary:

Idol of Goddess Lakshmi or Image: On a raised platform or in a decorated puja area, a clay idol or image of Goddess Lakshmi is put. The idol has been dressed in new clothes, jewellery, and flowers.

holy Thread: A holy thread is wound around a kalash (copper pot) filled with water, rice, and sometimes coins. It is normally comprised of nine threads signifying the nine aspects of Goddess Lakshmi. This kalash represents the goddess's presence.

Preparation of a Special Dish: As an offering to the goddess, a sweet dish called "Payasam" is prepared. Rice, milk, sugar, and almonds are used to make it. This dish is regarded extremely auspicious and is served as prasadam (blessed offering) following the puja.

Mango Leaves & Kolam/Rangoli: Mango leaves are used to embellish the puja area's entrance. To welcome Goddess Lakshmi, intricate kolams (ancient floor art) or rangoli designs are made with rice flour or coloured powders.

Pujas and Mantras: The main puja is reciting numerous mantras and prayers to Goddess Lakshmi. Married ladies perform the puja to request blessings for their families' well-being and wealth.

Varalakshmi Vratam Significance:

Money and Prosperity: Goddess Lakshmi represents money, prosperity, and abundance. Varalakshmi Vratam is known to seek her blessings for financial security and prosperity.

During this holiday, women pray for the well-being and happiness of their families, particularly their spouses and children.

Varalakshmi Vratham creates bonds between families and communities. It's a time for women to get together, share their stories, and build their friendships.

Desire Fulfilment: Devotees believe that by observing this vratam with dedication, Goddess Lakshmi will grant their honest aspirations and wishes.

Spiritual Upliftment: The event emphasises spiritual prosperity and well-being in addition to financial wealth. It inspires people to pursue inner happiness and qualities.

Varalakshmi Pooja has enormous cultural and spiritual significance and is widely honoured in Hindu households, particularly in South India. The ceremonies differ by location, but the core of seeking Goddess Lakshmi's blessings for a wealthy and harmonious existence is consistent.