Varalakshmi Vrat is observed on the Friday before the full moon of the Avani month. It is a significant ritual for invoking prosperity and abundance in the household. This fasting ritual, known as Varalakshmi Vrat, is dedicated to women who worship the benevolent mother, Goddess Mahalakshmi.
One of the trinity, Muthuswami Dikshitar, has composed a kruti titled ‘Varalakshmi Namastubyam,’ dedicated to this fasting ritual.
There are numerous mythological stories that highlight the significance of Varalakshmi Vratam. Let’s explore one of these tales.
Chitranemi, the goddess of the Deva world who had been cursed by Mother Parvati, found redemption by witnessing the observance of the Varalakshmi fast by Apsara women.
On Earth, Queen Susandra of Saurashtra once insulted Mahalakshmi due to her wealth, and as a result, she experienced regret and lost all her riches. Susandra’s daughter, Charumati, was blessed with divine guidance and learned about the Varalakshmi Vrata. She diligently observed this ritual. Pleased by her devotion, Mother Mahalakshmi bestowed her with abundant blessings. After witnessing her daughter’s success, Susandra also undertook the Varalakshmi fast, leading to the restoration of her lost wealth and a life of prosperity.
Women are encouraged to partake in the Varalakshmi Fast Puja, as it is believed to bestow abundant resources. Married women (Sumangalis) observe this fast for the sake of thali auspiciousness, marital harmony (subitsam), and overall marital bliss (saubhakyam), among other benefits.
The practitioners,
Certainly, the Varalakshmi Vratam Puja can be performed in the following detailed steps:
- Vigneswara Pooja: Begin by invoking Lord Ganesha to remove any obstacles and ensure the smooth conduct of the puja.
- Sankalpam: Make a sacred vow and state your intention for performing the Varalakshmi Vratam.
- Kalasa Pooja: Perform a ritual to consecrate the Kalasa, a pot filled with water, flowers, and sacred items, symbolizing the presence of Goddess Lakshmi.
- Pranapradishtai: Infuse the Kalasa with divine energy by invoking the presence of Goddess Lakshmi.
- Dhyana: Meditate on Goddess Lakshmi, focusing on her divine form, attributes, and blessings.
- Shodasopasaram: Offer sixteen types of ceremonial offerings, including water for washing the feet, water for washing the hands, offering a seat, offering a bath, wearing new clothes, offering ornaments, offering fragrance, etc.
- Anga Pooja: Worship each part of the goddess’s body symbolically, acknowledging her divine presence in every aspect of life.
- Lakshmi Ashdodram: Recite the Ashtothram, a list of 108 names of Goddess Lakshmi, praising her various virtues and attributes.
- Thorakranti Pooja: Perform a ritual to seek the blessings of the goddess for the longevity and well-being of family members.
- Prayer: Offer heartfelt prayers to Goddess Lakshmi, seeking her blessings for prosperity, wealth, and well-being for your family and loved ones.
- Aarti: Conclude the puja by performing an aarti, waving a lit lamp or camphor before the goddess, accompanied by singing devotional songs.
Remember that while these steps provide a comprehensive outline, the specifics of the puja can vary based on regional and individual practices. It’s always a good idea to consult with a priest or refer to reliable sources for accurate guidance.
Here are some items that are commonly considered necessary for performing the Varalakshmi Vratam Puja:
Certainly, here are some common items that are considered necessary for performing the Varalakshmi Vratam Puja:
- Turmeric powder (used for purification)
- Plantain leaves (used as a base for arranging items)
- Rice (used for offering)
- Coconut (symbolizes divine consciousness)
- Lemon (used for purification)
- Saffron (used for offering)
- Sandalwood paste (used for applying tilak)
- Flowers (used for decoration and offering)
- Betel leaves and nuts (offered for auspiciousness)
- Fruits (offered as part of the ritual)
- Camphor (used for aarti)
- Incense burner (for offering incense)
- Oil lamp (Deepakalasam, used for lighting)
- Bell (used during worship)
- Panchamrita (a mixture of milk, yogurt, ghee, honey, and sugar)
- Yellow strings (symbolizing blessings and protection)
- Panchabhatram (a metal plate used for offerings)
- Utarini (a piece of cloth used for offering)
- Bowl (for holding offerings)
- Essential oil (used for fragrance)
- Matchbox (for lighting the lamp)
- Tambalam (plate for betel leaf and nut)
- Udhupathi (incense holder)
- Sampirani (a vessel for offering water)
- Atsatai (a small pot for consecrated water)
- Vestra (cloth offered to the deity)
- Kuttuvilka (small decorated mirror)
- Trinula (a three-tiered stand)
- Deepakalasam (decorated lamp)
- Camphor Plate (plate for holding camphor during aarti)
- Incense Burner (for burning incense)
- Bell (used during worship)
These items are used to create a sacred atmosphere and perform the rituals associated with the Varalakshmi Vratam Puja.
Presentation materials
Pongal, payasam, appam, vada, pudding, laddu, yogurt, cow’s milk, ghee, honey, Karkandu.
Fruit varieties
Orange, pomegranate, grapefruit, mango, banana, grape…
Preparations for Puja
In the eastern corner of the house, prepare a designated space for the puja. Ensure that the area is clean and well-maintained. Create a decorative kolam (a traditional floor art) to demarcate the sacred space. Set up a mandapam (a small altar or platform) and adorn it with beautiful decorations.
At the base of the mandapam, spread rice on a pointed banana leaf, forming a base for the ritual setup. Place a plate of rice on this base.
On the upper part of the mandapam, position a Kalasa Kumbha (a ceremonial pot or vessel). Fill the Kumbha with rice, gold, and precious gems. Optionally, you can also fill it with tirtha (holy water).
Enhance the presentation by arranging a cluster of mangoes and coconuts atop the Kumbha. Additionally, don a fresh garment for the deity.
Place a four-armed image of Mahalakshmi made of gold or silver on the mandapam. Alternatively, a facial image of Mahalakshmi can also be placed.
Finally, adorn the entire setup with an assortment of flowers, enhancing its visual appeal and sanctity.
(In some places, the image of the goddess is depicted on the wall next to the home’s puja room and invoked. Inside the designated puja casket, items such as kadholai (sacred thread), karumani (black beads), and lemon are also arranged as part of the ritual setup.
Upon concluding the puja, a yellow rope (string) is tied around the wrist. This yellow rope symbolizes auspiciousness (Mangalam). As per scripture, there are nine forms of Lakshmi, including Ashta Lakshmi and Varalakshmi. Consequently, as a representation of these nine Lakshmis, a fasting rope (string) composed of nine threads, adorned with nine knots, should be present within the puja setup.
Before 10.30 a.m. on the Friday morning of the fasting day, prior to the Rahu period (while some individuals also perform this in the evening), spread rice in a ceremonial plate (thambalam). Place the kalasam on the bed of rice, followed by offering fruits and betel nuts. Present camphor for the aarti (ritual of waving light).
Standing near the inner threshold of the door, perform the aarti while symbolically welcoming Mahalakshmi into your home. During this act, imagine inviting Mahalakshmi’s divine presence. This signifies the beginning of the Varalakshmi Vratam observance.
In the decorated hall, the image of Mahalakshmi, placed in a casket, should be treated with reverence. Invoke Mahalakshmi and request her to accept the Vrata Pooja.
Following this, engage in reciting auspicious mantras (dotras) and singing devotional songs. These practices are integral to the ritual and add to the spiritual atmosphere of the Varalakshmi Vratam.
To ensure the smooth execution of the Vrat Pooja without any hindrances, it’s advisable to commence by worshiping Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles, through Vignas (obstacle-removing rituals). This sets a favorable atmosphere for the Varalakshmi Pooja.
Next, begin the Varalakshmi Pooja. Recite the Sri Lakshmi Ashdothira Satha Namavali (a collection of 108 names of Goddess Lakshmi) while applying kumkum (vermilion) as part of the devotion.
Completing the Varalakshmi Vrat involves performing the Thristi Aarti to the Goddess on the night following the Puja. This step marks the conclusion of the Varalakshmi Vratam and should be carried out with reverence and devotion.
Varalakshmi fasting is not restricted to a particular group and can be observed by anyone, regardless of their prior habits. It is an inclusive practice. However, it is recommended for married women to perform this fasting ritual every year from the Varalakshmi Puja following their marriage.
In cases where you are not at home during the Varalakshmi fast, you have the option to conduct the pooja on the subsequent Friday. During this observance, young girls can also participate by tying the saree, making it a comprehensive and inclusive practice.
Absolutely, even if one is unable to perform the Varalakshmi Vrat Pooja in its entirety, there are simplified ways to engage with the practice while maintaining a meaningful connection to the ritual:
- Singing Familiar Songs: Participate by singing well-known devotional songs that invoke the blessings of Goddess Mahalakshmi. This can create a spiritually enriching atmosphere.
- Chanting Mahalakshmi Ashdothram: Chanting the Mahalakshmi Ashtottara Shatanamavali (108 names of Goddess Lakshmi) can be a powerful way to connect with her divine presence.
- Offering Flowers and Nivedana: Presenting flowers and offering symbolic food (nivedana) can be a gesture of devotion and respect towards the deity.
- Tying a Fasting String: Tying a fasting string around the hand is a traditional practice symbolizing the commitment to the Vrat Pooja.
- Giving Nivedana to Everyone: Sharing the offered nivedana with others around you can extend the blessings of the ritual to your loved ones.
- Worshipping Elders and Donations: Paying homage to elders and making charitable donations are acts that align with the spirit of gratitude and generosity.
Remember, the intention and sincerity behind these actions are key. Even simplified gestures can hold deep significance when performed with genuine devotion and reverence.
Benefits
Participating in the Varalakshmi Vrat can be associated with obtaining the benefits of studying the Vedas. This fasting ritual is akin to the spiritual purification achieved through bathing in holy rivers. Notably, immersing oneself in the sacred Theerthas (bathing spots) of esteemed rivers like Ganga, Saraswati, Narmada, Godavari, Cauvery, and Tamirabarani is believed to extend the advantages of the Varalakshmi Vrat throughout the respective period. The practice encompasses both physical and spiritual cleansing, leading to blessings akin to those derived from studying the Vedas.
On this auspicious day, individuals can visit nearby goddess temples and illuminate Neydeepam lamps as an offering. Distributing prasad like curd and sugar pongal to devotees is a gesture of sharing blessings. Acquiring books on devotion and slokas can enhance one’s spiritual practice.
Engaging in acts of charity, such as donating clothes and blankets to those in need or who are disabled, can significantly amplify the meritorious benefits of the Varalakshmi Vrat observance. These altruistic deeds reflect the spirit of selflessness and compassion, aligning with the values of the Vrat and fostering positivity in both the giver and the receiver.
Participating in the Varalakshmi Vrat brings several potential benefits and positive outcomes as follows:
- Removal of Child-related Obstacles: This fasting practice can help alleviate obstacles related to having children, potentially leading to the birth of children with favorable astrological combinations (Salputra yoga).
- Dosha Elimination: Shukra Dosha, Kalatra Dosha, and Mangalya Dosha within the horoscope might be mitigated through the observance of this fast.
- Enhanced Marital Blessings: The Varalakshmi Vrat is believed to bestow blessings upon marital life. Mangalya (auspiciousness related to marriage) could be enhanced, leading to harmony and prosperity in the marital bond.
- Wealth Accumulation: Observing this fast is thought to attract blessings of wealth and abundance.
- Auspicious Life: The Varalakshmi Vrat is associated with promoting a life filled with auspiciousness and positive energies.
- Marriage for Virgo Women: Virgo women may experience improved prospects for marriage as a result of their participation in this Vrat.
- Improved Marital Harmony: This fasting practice has the potential to alleviate bitterness and disagreements between spouses, leading to increased intimacy and harmony in the relationship.
- Reconciliation of Separated Couples: The Varalakshmi Vrat’s positive influences might lead to the reunion of couples who were previously separated.
It’s important to note that these beliefs and interpretations are based on cultural and religious traditions, and individual experiences may vary. The Varalakshmi Vrat holds significance for many, and its observance is guided by personal faith and devotion.
In conclusion, the Varalakshmi Vrat is a cherished and significant fasting ritual that holds deep spiritual and cultural meaning for those who observe it. Taking place on the Friday before the full moon of the Avani month, this ritual is dedicated to invoking the benevolent mother Goddess Mahalakshmi, symbolizing prosperity and abundance. The practice has been enriched by mythological stories, highlighting its significance and the transformative power of devotion.
Throughout this detailed guide, we have explored the multifaceted aspects of the Varalakshmi Vrat, from its origins and stories to its rituals and practices. The intricate steps involved in performing the puja, the essential items used, and the preparations that contribute to its sanctity have been thoroughly examined. Furthermore, we’ve discussed how the Varalakshmi Vrat can be adapted to suit different circumstances and levels of participation, underscoring its inclusive nature.
The benefits associated with observing the Varalakshmi Vrat extend beyond the material realm, encompassing spiritual purification, the alleviation of obstacles, improved relationships, and overall well-being. Whether through the observance of intricate rituals or simplified gestures of devotion, participants have the opportunity to experience the profound effects of this practice on their lives.
Ultimately, the Varalakshmi Vrat transcends boundaries of age, marital status, and background, uniting individuals in their pursuit of blessings, prosperity, and spiritual growth. As with any religious or cultural practice, the Varalakshmi Vrat’s true value lies in the faith, sincerity, and intention with which it is observed, creating a meaningful connection between devotees and the divine presence of Goddess Mahalakshmi.