Varalakshmi Vratam, also known as Varalakshmi Nombu, is a revered Hindu festival dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth, prosperity, and well-being. This auspicious observance holds great significance for married women, who fast and perform rituals to seek the blessings of the goddess for the well-being of their families, particularly their husbands. Celebrated during the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase) of the Sawan month, the festival usually falls on a Friday before the full moon, with the next observance on August 16, 2024.
The Cultural and Spiritual Significance of Varalakshmi Vratam
Varalakshmi Vratam is not just a ritualistic observance but a deep spiritual practice rooted in ancient Hindu traditions. The term “Vara” means boon, and Goddess Lakshmi, in her form as Varalakshmi, is believed to grant boons to her devotees. Observing this vrat is considered equivalent to worshipping the Ashtalakshmi—the eight manifestations of the goddess, each symbolizing different aspects of life such as wealth, learning, love, fame, peace, pleasure, and strength.
The story behind Varalakshmi Vratam narrates the tale of Charumati, a devoted woman from the ancient city of Kundina. Pleased with her virtues, Goddess Lakshmi appeared in Charumati’s dream, instructing her to perform a special puja on the Friday before the full moon in the month of Shravana. Charumati followed the instructions meticulously, and as a result, she and the other women who joined her in the worship were blessed with prosperity, happiness, and longevity of their spouses. This story underscores the festival’s essence—devotion, community participation, and the blessings of the divine.
How to Celebrate Varalakshmi Vratam: Rituals and Practices
The celebration of Varalakshmi Vratam involves several rituals that are meticulously followed to invoke the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi. The preparation for the vrat begins a day before, usually on Thursday, with devotees fasting and preparing for the next day’s rituals.
1. Preparatory Rituals: The Day Before (Thursday)
Fasting and Purification: Devotees, particularly married women, begin the observance by fasting from sunrise to sunset. This fasting is not just physical abstinence but also a purification process, preparing the mind and body for the sacred rituals of the next day.
House Cleaning and Decoration: On the morning of the vrat (Friday), the house is thoroughly cleaned, symbolizing the removal of negative energies. The entrance and the puja area are adorned with colorful rangolis, and a Kalasha (sacred pot) is prepared.
2. Rituals on the Day of Varalakshmi Vratam
Setting Up the Kalasha: The Kalasha, an essential part of the puja, is filled with rice, coins, turmeric, and mango leaves. It is then topped with a coconut smeared with turmeric, symbolizing the goddess herself. A Swastika symbol is drawn on the Kalasha to invite prosperity.
Puja Procedure:
- Invocation of Lord Ganesha: The worship begins with invoking Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles. This is followed by the chanting of slokas and the offering of arati (ritual lamp offering) to the deity.
- Offerings: Traditional offerings include boiled legumes, pongal, and jaggery-based sweets, which are distributed among family members and neighbors. Women tie yellow threads on their wrists as a symbol of the goddess’s protection.
- Completion of Puja: The rituals are typically concluded on Saturday with a bath and dismantling of the Kalasha, signifying the end of the vrat.
The Astrological Significance: Auspicious Timings for Varalakshmi Vratam 2024
Performing the puja during specific auspicious timings, or “muhurats,” is believed to amplify the benefits of the vrat. On August 16, 2024, the following are the most favorable timings for performing the Varalakshmi Vratam puja:
- Simha Lagna (Morning): 05:57 AM to 08:14 AM
- Vrishchika Lagna (Afternoon): 12:50 PM to 03:08 PM
- Kumbha Lagna (Evening): 06:55 PM to 08:22 PM
- Vrishabha Lagna (Midnight): 11:22 PM to 01:18 AM (August 17, 2024)
The Deep Spiritual Benefits of Varalakshmi Vratam
Observing Varalakshmi Vratam is believed to bring a wide range of spiritual and material benefits. These include:
- Dhanam (Wealth): Attracts financial prosperity and stability.
- Dhanyam (Abundance): Ensures a plentiful supply of food and grains in the household.
- Arokkyam (Health): Promotes good health and overall well-being.
- Sampath (Property): Assists in acquiring and preserving material assets.
- Santhanam (Progeny): Favors the birth of virtuous children, ensuring the continuity of the family lineage.
- Deerka Sumangali Bhagyam (Longevity of Spouse): Wishes for a long, healthy life for one’s partner.
- Veeram (Courage): Enhances inner strength and bravery, empowering women to face challenges.
- Gaja Lakshmi (Debt Freedom): Helps in alleviating debts and financial burdens, ensuring a life of prosperity.
Varalakshmi Vratam Puja Essentials: A Checklist
To perform the Varalakshmi Vratam puja, several specific items are required. These include:
- Goddess Varalakshmi statue
- Flowers and garlands
- Kumkum, turmeric, and sandal powder
- Mango leaves and betel leaves
- Panchamrita (a mixture of milk, curd, honey, sugar, and ghee)
- Fruits like bananas, coconuts, and other seasonal fruits
- Traditional sweets like jaggery-based offerings
Conclusion: Embracing the Spirit of Varalakshmi Vratam
Varalakshmi Vratam is not just about rituals and prayers; it embodies the spirit of devotion, community, and shared prosperity. By observing this vrat with sincerity and devotion, devotees not only seek the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi but also cultivate virtues such as humility, selflessness, and contentment, which are essential for a harmonious and prosperous life.
As you prepare for Varalakshmi Vratam in 2024, may the blessings of the goddess bring wealth, happiness, and longevity to you and your loved ones.
