Varalakshmi Vratam

About

Varalakshmi Vratam is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi in her form as Varalakshmi, "the one who grants boons". It is especially popular in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Married women usually observe it for the wellbeing, prosperity and health of their family. Some families also include unmarried women and men.

The vrat is held on the Friday that falls just before the Shravana Purnima (the full moon of Shravana), in the Shukla paksha of Shravana. Panchangs sometimes differ by a week in a given year, so check your local temple or Panchang. In Karnataka it is often called Varamahalakshmi. Since it is based on Shukla paksha, the date is the same in Purnimanta and Amanta systems. Traditions vary; follow your family's custom or your priest's guidance.

Significance and stories

The story told is of Charumati, a devoted woman of Magadha. Goddess Lakshmi appeared in her dream and asked her to observe the vrat on this Friday. Charumati did so with her neighbours, and their families were blessed. The tradition continues with women worshipping together.

Lakshmi is also worshipped in eight aspects, the Ashtalakshmi: Adi, Dhana (wealth), Dhanya (grain), Gaja (royal power), Santana (progeny), Veera (courage), Vijaya (victory) and Vidya (knowledge). Many families treat the day as a prayer for the wellbeing of the household and a chance to welcome the goddess into the home. It is a prayer for blessings, not a promise of wealth. Cleanliness, generosity and gratitude are central.

How to observe (puja vidhi)

1. Clean the home the day before. Rise early, bathe and wear a clean (often new or traditional) saree.
2. Decorate the puja area with rangoli (kolam), mango leaves and flowers.
3. Set up a kalasha (pot) filled with rice or water, with betel leaves, a coin, mango leaves and a coconut on top. Decorate it with a face of the goddess or silver mask, and dress it in a saree or cloth.
4. Take a sankalpa (intention) and invoke Ganesha first.
5. Invoke Lakshmi into the kalasha and offer flowers, turmeric, kumkum and incense.
6. Chant the Ashtalakshmi stotra or Lakshmi Sahasranama. Ask a priest or elder to guide pronunciation.
7. Tie the sacred yellow thread (toram) with nine knots and flowers on the right wrist (or left, per custom).
8. Read the Varalakshmi Vratam katha and offer naivedya.
9. Perform aarti, and invite married women to receive tambulam (betel leaves, fruit, bangles, turmeric and kumkum).
10. Eat the prasad and a vegetarian meal.

Puja items (samagri)

• Silver or brass kalasha, coconut, mango leaves, betel leaves
• Rice, turmeric, kumkum, sandalwood paste
• Yellow thread with nine knots (toram) and flowers
• Lotus or other flowers, garlands
• Fruits, nuts, sweets such as pongal, payasam, kozhukattai or puran poli
• Incense, lamps with ghee, camphor
• Tambulam items: betel leaves, fruits, bangles, blouse piece, turmeric, kumkum

Fasting and food

Many women fast until the puja is complete and eat afterward. Others take fruit or milk. The naivedya is typically vegetarian and made without onion and garlic. People with health conditions, pregnant or nursing women, children and the elderly should follow their doctor's advice and may keep a lighter fast. A modest or simplified puja is just as acceptable as an elaborate one.

Regional customs

In Andhra and Telangana, the home is decorated with the kalasha and the yellow thread is tied before the puja. In Karnataka, Varamahalakshmi is a major festival with grand decorations. In Tamil Nadu, the vrat is observed by many, with special sweets such as kozhukattai. Some families make a silver face for the goddess that is passed down generations.

Celebrating in the USA

Because it is always on a Friday, the vrat often falls on a workday. Many temples hold a community Varalakshmi puja in the evening or on the nearest weekend, and women attend together. At home, you can start the puja after returning from work. A simple kalasha with a coconut and mango leaves works; if mango leaves are not available, betel leaves or any clean green leaves can be used. Indian grocery stores sell the yellow thread, kumkum and betel leaves in this season. Use small lamps carefully near smoke alarms.