Women observe the Varalakshmi Vrat to lead a virtuous life, fasting to pray for the grace of Mahalakshmi, the goddess of wealth. Varalakshmi Puja is observed every year on the Friday before the full moon of the months of Aadi or Avani.
Mahalakshmi is divided into Dhanalakshmi, Thanyalakshmi, Thyaralakshmi, Jayalakshmi, Veeralakshmi, Santanalakshmi, Gajalakshmi, Vidyalakshmi, and Ashtalakshmi, representing eight types of wealth. She resides in the bosom of Tirumala and is also the embodiment of women’s compassion, beauty, shyness, love, and intelligence. The Varalakshmi fast holds many benefits.
Mythical Stories
Chitranemi, a woman from the Deva clan, was a judge who arbitrated the problems of the gods. Mother Parvati cursed her to become a leper due to her partiality. After hearing Sahabavimosana, Chitranemi fell at Parvati’s feet, who blessed her to cure the disease through observing the Varalakshmi fast. Chitranemi performed the Varalakshmi puja by a pool and had the curse lifted.
Queen Susandra of Maragadha insulted Mahalakshmi due to her wealth, leading to the loss of her riches. Susandra’s daughter, Charumati, learned about Varalakshmi Vrata through divine guidance and observed it. Pleased with her devotion, Mother Mahalakshmi blessed her with abundant benefits. Susandra also observed the Vrata, regaining her lost wealth and living prosperously.
How to Perform Varalakshmi Puja
Puja can be performed according to family customs. Begin by arranging the necessary items nearby.
Varalakshmi Puja Required Items
Turmeric powder (for making vinayagar idol), plantain leaves, rice, coconut, lemon, Kumkumam, sandalwood, flowers, betel nut, fruit, camphor, udhupathi, sampirani, atsatai, vestra, yellow strings, panchamirta, kuttuvilka, trinula, essential oil, matchbox, Tambalam, Panchabhatram, bowl, camphor plate, incense stick, Deepakal, and bell.
Neivedhana Materials
Prepare offerings like Appam, Vada, Pongal, Kesari, etc., and perform the puja by placing yellow fasting ropes in the Kumbha. Fruits such as oranges, pomegranates, grapefruits, mangoes, bananas, and grapes can also be offered.
Preparations for Varalakshmi Puja
In the eastern corner of the house, create a dedicated space for the puja, decorate it with kolam and mandapam, and arrange rice and Kalasa Kumbha. Decorate the Kumbha with rice, gold, gems, and fruits. Place a four-armed Mahalakshmi image on top and adorn it with flowers.
Varalakshmi Vrat Benefits
Varalakshmi Vrat grants benefits similar to studying the Vedas or bathing in holy rivers. Participating in this fast during the holy Theertha periods of Ganga, Saraswati, Narmada, Godavari, Cauvery, and Tamiraparani amplifies its benefits. On this auspicious day, visit local goddess temples, light oil lamps, and offer curd and sugar pongal prasad to devotees. Consider buying Bhakti and sloka books and donating clothes and blankets to those in need for added merit.
The Vrat removes obstacles related to childbirth and enhances the potential for Salputra yoga. Shukra Dosha, Kalatra Dosha, and Mangalya Dosha are eliminated from the horoscope. Auspicious life events, including the certainty of marriage for Virgo women, are facilitated. Discord between spouses diminishes, and intimacy grows. Even separated couples reunite.
Let’s worship Varalakshmi, the provider of all resources, and seek her blessings. The Varalakshmi fast for the year 2023 is observed on August 25th.
Conclusion of Varalakshmi Puja
Tie a yellow rope around your hand as a symbol of the fading fast. Before 10.30 a.m. on the fasting Friday, set up the rice-filled thambalam, place the kalasam, offer fruit and betel nut, perform aarti, and symbolically bring Mother Mahalakshmi home. Invoke her blessings through Vrata Pooja, recite auspicious mantras, and sing songs.
To ensure a smooth Vrat Puja, worship Lord Ganesha to remove obstacles before beginning the Varalakshmi Puja. Sprinkle arugula on the idol and recite Ashtalakshmi Stotram, Kanakathara Stotram, and Mahalakshmi Stotram during the puja. Offer coconut, turmeric, and kumkum to the women present.