Varalakshmi Vratham, also known as Varalakshmi Puja, is a Hindu festival celebrated to honor and invoke the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, prosperity, and well-being. It is typically observed by married women, who pray for the health, wealth, and prosperity of their families.
The festival is observed on the second Friday or the Friday before the full moon day (Purnima) in the Hindu lunar month of Shravan, which usually falls in July or August according to the Gregorian calendar. It is believed that worshipping Goddess Varalakshmi on this auspicious day can bestow blessings, fulfill wishes, and bring prosperity and happiness to the devotees’ lives.
The name “Varalakshmi” translates to “the boon-granting goddess,” and “Vratham” refers to a religious vow or observance. During Varalakshmi Vratham, married women wake up early, clean their homes, and prepare for the puja (worship) of Goddess Lakshmi. They typically wear traditional attire, adorn themselves with jewelry, and create a sacred space for the puja.
The puja rituals involve the installation of a sacred kalash (pot) decorated with mango leaves, coconut, and other auspicious items. The main deity, Goddess Lakshmi, is invoked and worshipped with offerings of flowers, fruits, sweets, and other auspicious items. Devotees recite prayers, chant mantras, and perform aarti (rituals of waving lamps) to seek the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi.
After the puja, devotees distribute prasad (blessed food) to family members and friends. It is also customary for women to visit each other’s homes, exchange gifts, and offer prayers together during Varalakshmi Vratham.
Overall, Varalakshmi Vratham is a festival celebrated with devotion, joy, and familial bonding, symbolizing the importance of wealth, prosperity, and auspiciousness in Hindu culture.
