One of the most magnificent and advantageous types of Goddess Lakshmi is Goddess Varalakshmi. Therefore, Varalakshmi Mata is the Goddess that, When pleased, bestows blessings upon her devotees, granting them the desires they seek. Varalakshmi Mata is also referred to as ‘Varamahalakshmi’. The Goddess of Advantage, Mata Varalakshmi, is popularly recognized for the Sri Varalakshmi Vratham, celebrated in various parts of India. The Varamahalakshmi Pooja is celebrated on a large scale, and devotees perform this Varamahalakshmi event on a grand range.
About Varalakshmi Vratam
The Varalakshmi Vrat, also known as the Varalakshmi Nombu, is a significant festival observed during the holy month of Shravana, which typically falls in either July or August according to the Gregorian calendar. This auspicious occasion is celebrated on the second Friday of the Shravana month or the day preceding the full moon (Poornima). It includes fasting and doing the Varalakshmi Vratham Pooja, a sacred routine to appease Sri Lakshmi.
In her form as Varalakshmi, Sri Lakshmi is renowned for her benevolence and Auspicious nature. She is believed to bestow blessings of good fortune upon her devotees. Sri Lakshmi Devi is one of the principal deities in Hinduism, revered as the Goddess of wealth, prosperity, and riches. She is worshipped in eight different forms. They are
- Adi Lakshmi or Maha Lakshmi
- Dhana Lakshmi
- Dhanya Lakshmi
- Gaja Lakshmi
- Santana Lakshmi
- Dhairya Lakshmi
- Vijaya Lakshmi
- Vidya Lakshmi
In specific ancient texts, various other forms of Ashtalakshmi are mentioned. Worshipping Goddess Varalakshmi is believed to be akin to venerating these Goddesses discussed above or the Ashtalakshmi forms.
Varalakshmi Vratham Katha/Story
The Varalakshmi Vratham Katha is a captivating tale that venerates Goddess Lakshmi in her Varalakshmi form. Let’s delve into the narrative of Varalakshmi Vrat Katha.
In the serene town of Kundinagaram, renowned for its picturesque beauty and located within the Vidarbha Kingdom resided a woman named Charumathi. She lived with her husband and family and was known for her unwavering devotion to her family and her heartfelt prayers and worship of Goddess Lakshmi.
Charumathi’s profound devotion caught the attention of Goddess Adilakshmi. Pleased with Charumathi’s sincerity, Goddess Adilakshmi graced her with a divine dream. In this dream, the Goddess instructed Charumathi to perform the Varalakshmi Vrata with utmost devotion, assuring her that all her wishes would be fulfilled. Following this divine encounter, Goddess Adilakshmi vanished.
Charumathi awoke from her dream and excitedly shared the entire experience with her husband, quickly spreading the news to neighbouring households. The very next day, Charumathi, accompanied by other married women from her neighbourhood, woke up early, took a ritual bath, and commenced the construction of a “mandapa,” a temple porch, where they intended to perform the Varalakshmi Puja.
With pure hearts and unwavering devotion, all the women, led by Charumathi, participated in this sacred puja. During the ritual, Charumathi recited a shloka, which goes as follows:
“Lakshmi Ksheerasamudra rajatanyam sri rangadhameswareem
Dasibootha samastha devavanitham lokaika deepamkuram
Sri manmanda kataksha labdhivibhat brahmendra gangadharam
Twamtrayamlokyakutumbhineem sasijavandemukunda priyam”
Following the recitation of the shloka, Charumathi proceeded to tie nine threads, known as Thoranam, around her right wrist. She offered sweets as Naivedyam to Goddess Varalakshmi. As a sign of the Goddess’s blessings, Charumathi was bestowed with precious ornaments after completing the initial phase of prayer and worship.
Continuing with her devotion, when Charumathi concluded the next stage of prayers, she again received divine gifts from Goddess Lakshmi, this time in the form of Navaratna Kankanams, or nine-gem bangles.
Upon completing the entire Varalakshmi Vratam ritual with unwavering devotion, Charumathi and her fellow women were blessed abundantly with wealth.
Once the puja concluded, Charumathi offered Tambulam to the Brahmin priests. She shared the Prasad of the Varalakshmi Vrat with her relatives. From that day forward, the tradition of Varalakshmi Vrata became a cherished practice among Hindu women throughout South India, symbolizing devotion, blessings, and prosperity.
Why Do We Celebrate Varalakshmi Festival?
The Varalakshmi Vrat, or Puja, is predominantly celebrated in South Indian states, including Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka. While it may not be as widespread in North Indian states, it does find observance in places like Maharashtra and Orissa.
During this auspicious day, married women fast throughout the day and perform the ‘Varalakshmi Pooja.’ They do so to seek blessings from the Goddess for their husband’s good health and longevity. Additionally, some newly married women or those who wish to have children also pray to the Goddess for the gift of offspring and the overall well-being of their families.
Varalakshmi Pooja Samagri List
- Face of Goddess
- Kalash/Kalasam
- Chandan
- Akshatha ( Full rice coated with Turmeric)
- Rice flour & colours
- Kumkum
- Turmeric powder
- Banana leaves
- Lotus Flower
- Mango Leaves
- Few Coconuts
- Peeta or Thambaalam
- Full Raw Rice grains
- Devi Vastra
- Devi Abhushan
- Flowers and garland
- Betel leaves
- Betel nut
- Banana
- Fruits
- Milk
- Dry fruits and Nuts
- Panchamrit is made of Dry fruits, fresh fruits, Nuts, Jaggery and ghee.
- Scented water (A mix of Cardamom, saffron, cloves, edible camphor and Mace).
- Thoram
- Pongu Nool
- Mahalakshmi stothram book
- Neivedyam
- Thamboolam (Banana, Coconut, Betel leaves, nuts, Thread smeared in Turmeric, blouse piece and 1 rupee coin)
- Plastic cups and bowls to distribute Prasadam
Varalakshmi Pooja Process/Vidhi
The preparations for Varalakshmi Pooja Vidhi commence a day before the actual celebration, typically on a Thursday. Women start their preparations early in the morning on that day. They begin by cleaning all the necessary pooja vessels, including the Kalash (pot). Lamps are carefully oiled and set aside, Thoran (festive decorations) and Pongu Nool (yellow sacred thread) are made as per tradition, and Kumkum (red powder) is arranged. The Puja plate is meticulously prepared, and all these essential items are organized and kept ready for the Varalakshmi Vrata puja on the following day.
How to perform Varalakshmi Vratham
- Preparation: Women wake up early, take a bath, and adorn themselves in silk sarees and gold jewellery. They must observe a fast until the completion of the Varalakshmi Pooja. However, older women or those with medical conditions can have fruits and milk.
- Rangoli: A rangoli is drawn with rice flour, and a wooden plank (Peeta) is placed over it.
- Setting Up the Kalash: A banana leaf is laid on the wooden plank, and a handful of whole rice grains is spread over it. The Kalash, filled with aromatic water, is placed on the rice grains. A coconut and betel leaves are also positioned alongside it.
- Adorning the Coconut: A fresh blouse piece is used to cover the coconut in a conical shape. Turmeric is applied to the coconut’s face, which faces the worshipper. The coconut is then adorned with ornaments, such as a nose ring, decorative eyes, and a neckpiece. Alternatively, ready-made faces of the Goddess or pots are available in the market for convenience. A Pongu Nool (a yellow sacred thread) is tied around the coconut’s neck, symbolizing the Mangalsutra.
- Applying Tilak: Chandan and kumkum tikas are applied to the forehead, legs, and hands of the Goddess.
- Lighting the Lamp: The Puja begins with the lighting of a ghee lamp.
- Worship Methods: There are several ways to worship Sri Lakshmi during the Varalakshmi Pooja: ( Using or meditating on energized Lakshmi Yantras. Chanting the seed mantra of Goddess Lakshmi: “ॐ ह्रीं श्रीं लक्ष्मीभयो नमः॥ Om Hreem Shreem Lakshmibhayo Namah॥” Chanting Lakshmi Mantra on Lotus Seed beads. Performing a Mahalakshmi Puja, often conducted by qualified Brahmins, which includes various rituals such as Kalash Sthapana, Panchang Sthapana, and recitation of mantras.)
- Seven Mukhi Rudraksha: Some individuals choose to wear Seven Mukhi Rudraksha beads, which are associated with Goddess Lakshmi. Wearing these beads is believed to purify the inner self and enhance willpower and financial opportunities.
- Ganesha Puja: Before commencing the main puja, Lord Ganesha is worshipped, and His mantra and stotram are chanted.
- Akshata and Flower Offering: Devotees offer akshata (rice grains mixed with Turmeric) and fresh flowers to the Kalash while visualizing Goddess Lakshmi in their minds.
- Thorakrandhi Pooja: Also known as Nonbu Saradu pooja or Thoram Pooja, this is performed as part of the ritual.
- Mangala Aarathi: The puja concludes with the Mangala Aarathi, where various types of Naivedyam (offerings) are presented to the deity.
After the puja, women tie the turmeric-covered thread (thoram) on their right wrist and wear a Pongu Nool around their neck. Finally, they mix Kumkum and Turmeric in water in a vessel and sing the Mangala Aarti, marking the conclusion of the Varalakshmi Pooja.
Special Maha Lakshmi Puja
Goddess Lakshmi exemplifies riches, success, wealth, auspiciousness and ton of money. Executing this puja on Varamahalakshmi Vrata or Varalakshmi Nombu is among the very best spiritual activities to bring in the poise of Lakshmi ji. She emerged during the Samudra Manthan (churning of the oceans). She is the accompaniment of Sri Vishnu, exemplifying the significance of financial activity for the upkeep of life. She is worshipped for true blessings of fertility, lot of money, pureness, beauty, power, kindness, auspiciousness, poise, splendour, bliss and riches.
Puja Benefits:
- Wealth, abundance, riches and overall prosperity
- Harmony and a happy family life
- Blessings of Goddess Laxmi to reach goals