Shri Vara Mahalakshmi Vrata Festival

Varalakshmi Vratam 2025: Date, Ritual Procedure, and Spiritual Significance

Varalakshmi Vratam is a powerful and auspicious Vrat (fast and puja) dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, especially in her form as Varalakshmi — the bestower of boons (Vara = boon, Lakshmi = goddess of wealth and prosperity).

Primarily observed by married women, this vrat is performed for:

• Family prosperity and wealth

• Health and longevity of husbands and children

• Auspiciousness and peace in the household

In 2025, Varalakshmi Vratam will be celebrated on Friday, 8th August.

Why is Varalakshmi Vratam Important?

• It grants the blessings of Ashta Lakshmi – the eight divine forms of Lakshmi:

  • Dhana (Wealth), Dhanya (Food and Agriculture), Veera (Valor), Vijaya (Victory), Arogya (Health), Santana (Progeny), Gaja (Power), and Vidya (Knowledge)

• It brings abundance, peace, and auspiciousness into the devotee’s home

• The merit of this vrat is considered equivalent to performing an Ashwamedha Yagna

Varalakshmi Vratam 2025: Date and Timing

• Festival Date: Friday, 8th August 2025

• Occasion: Friday before Shravana Purnima (Full Moon), considered especially auspicious for Lakshmi Puja

How to Perform Varalakshmi Vratam: Step-by-Step

Preparation (Evening before – 7th August)

• Clean the house thoroughly

• Decorate the puja space with rangoli and flowers

• Prepare the Kalasham:

  • Fill a silver or brass pot with rice or water

  • Place betel leaves, coins, turmeric, and a coconut atop

  • Decorate with a saree or Lakshmi face mask

On Puja Day – 8th August

1. Morning Rituals

• Wake up early, take a holy bath, and wear traditional attire

• Perform Sankalpam (spiritual vow)

2. Kalasha Decoration

• Apply turmeric and kumkum

• Adorn with fresh flowers, jewelry, and mango leaves

3. Varalakshmi Puja Procedure

• Offer Naivedyam like sweet pongal, coconut, bananas, and fruits

• Chant Lakshmi Ashtottara Shatanamavali (108 names of Lakshmi) or Sri Suktam

• Perform Aarti with camphor and lamps

4. Tie Sacred Thread (Toram)

• Tie the toram around your wrist symbolizing protection and blessings

5. Evening Traditions

• Invite Sumangalis (married women) for haldi-kumkum ceremony

• Distribute prasadam and seek blessings from elders

Regional Traditions of Varalakshmi Vratam

Tamil Nadu

• Known as Varalakshmi Nonbu

• Elaborate Kalasha decoration is central

• Special importance is given to dressing the Kalasham as Lakshmi Devi

Andhra Pradesh & Telangana

• Vrat performed with group chanting of Sri Suktam and Lakshmi Sahasranamam

• Fasting until puja completion is common

Karnataka

• Performed with emphasis on worshiping both Gauri and Lakshmi

• Traditional vrat kathas (stories) are narrated to family members

Maharashtra & Gujarat

• Celebrated mainly among South Indian communities

• Special sweets like modak, kozhukattai, and sheera are prepared

Spiritual and Family Benefits of Varalakshmi Vratam

• Brings prosperity, wealth, and abundance to the household

• Ensures the health and well-being of the family

• Removes financial blockages and karmic debts

• Strengthens family bonds and promotes peace and harmony

More Information from Scriptures

The Skanda Purana narrates the importance of Varalakshmi Vratam, where Goddess Lakshmi herself revealed its merits to Parvati Devi.
It remains one of the most cherished vrats, especially among South Indian women, and is passed down from mother to daughter through generations.

Varamahalakshmi Festival- Celebrate in Joy

Mahalakshmi is the goddess of wealth, auspiciousness and prosperity. She is worshipped for healthy progeny, as well as the health and long life of the husband. Vratha is observed on a Friday that falls before the full Moon day of the month of Shravanamasa (August – September).

Lakshmi products

The Vratha is as follows. Early in the morning women after taking bath, make a rangoli on the place where the kalasha is placed. They draw a lotus with 8 petals.

The sacred Kalasha (brass/copper/silver) filled with rice and topped with fresh mango leaves, a coconut and cloth are placed on the mandala and Lakshmi is invoked.

Goddess is invoked by decorating the Kalasa with flowers, jewellery, vastra (new clothes – saree) fruits, dry fruits, fresh grains, sweets and savouries. Some place coins, or rupee notes or make a garland of notes. The Vratha is performed with the beginning of Puja to Lord Ganesha. Then the main worship of Varalakshmi begins.

Deity apparel

Lakshmi Puja attire

The raksha is worshipped for a second time and tied to the right hand of the woman. Articles are given as charity to sumangalis (married woman).

In South India, savouries like obattu, kosumbari, puliyogare, huli anna, hesaru bele payasa are made on this festival. In the evening women visit other houses and exchange sweets and offerings.

Decoration for Vara Mahalakshmi festival

Lakshmi products

Lord Narayana/Vishnu/Hari husband of Lakshmi, an embodiment of Shuddha Sattwa, is the preserver of the world. He is also called the Ashta Lakshmi Padhi. Lakshmi has 8 avatars (incarnation):

Lakshmi products

Ashta Lakshmi products

• Adi (Protector) Lakshmi,

• Dhana (Wealth) Lakshmi,

• Dhanya (Food and Grains) Lakshmi,

• Vijaya (Victory) Lakshmi,

• Vidhya (Knowledge) Lakshmi,

• Santana (Offsprings) Lakshmi,

• Dhairya (Bravery and Strength) Lakshmi,

• Soubhagya (Sumangali- Long life of husband) Lakshmi.

Lakshmi products

All becomes the embodiment of an ideal woman.

The importance or significance of the Varalakshmi Vrata was narrated by Lord Shiva to Goddess Parvathi in Skanda Purana. Those who perform this Vratam will be blessed with Dhana (food), Dhanya (food), Aayu (Long life), Aarogya (health), Aishwarya (wealth), Santanana (progeny) and Soubhagya (long life of husband).

According to the legend, once a lady named Charumath lived in the Maratha kingdom. Pious lady, she indulged in whole heartened worship of the Goddess and took good care of her family – respectful to her in-laws, loving and caring for her husband and children. One day she dreamt about Goddess Lakshmi telling her to perform the puja . She, with the consent of her family, performed this Vratam and informs other ladies too.

With the blessings of the Goddess she, her family and friends will be bestowed with success and wealth. Henceforth they shared their luck many more people.

With the blessing of both Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi, one can find peace and prosperity in ones life.

Varalakshmi Puja Vidhi

We are giving detailed Varalakshmi Puja Vidhi. We have provided Dvatrinsha-Upachara Varalakshmi Puja. However, the given Puja Vidhi includes all sixteen steps to worship Varalakshmi. Puja which involves sixteen Puja steps is known as Shodashopachara Puja (षोडशोपचार पूजा) and Puja which involves thirty-two steps is known as Dvatrinshopachara Puja (द्वात्रिंशोपचार पूजा). Dvatrinshopachara Puja is also known as Battishopachar Puja.

Before beginning Varalakshmi Puja one should collect all the necessary items used during Puja. The collection of all items needed for Varalakshmi Puja is known as Varalakshmi Pujan Samagri.

1. Dhyanam (ध्यानम्)

Puja should begin with the meditation of Shri Varalakshmi. Dhyana should be done in front of already installed Shri Varalakshmi statue in front of you. Following Mantra should be chanted while meditating on Shri Varalakshmi.

Shri Varalakshmi Puja

Shri Varalakshmi Dhyana Mantra

क्षीरसागर-संभूतां क्षीरवर्ण-समप्रभाम्।
क्षीरवर्णसमं वस्त्रं दधानां हरिवल्लभाम्॥

Kshirasagara-Sambhutam Kshiravarna-Samaprabham।
Kshiravarnasamam Vastram Dadhanam Harivallabham॥

2. Avahanam (आवाहनम्)

After Dhyana of Shri Varalakshmi, one should chant following Mantra in front of the Murti, by showing Avahana Mudra (Avahana Mudra is formed by joining both palms and folding both thumbs inwards).

Shri Varalakshmi Avahana Mantra

ब्राह्मी हंससमारूढा धारिण्यक्षकमण्डलू।
विष्णुतेजोऽधिका देवी सा मां पातु वरप्रदा॥

Brahmi Hamsasamarudha Dharinyakshakamandalu।
Vishnutejoadhika Devi Sa Mam Patu Varaprada॥

3. Asanam (आसनम्)

After Shri Varalakshmi has been invoked, take five flowers in Anjali (by joining palm of both hands) and leave them in front of the Murti to offer seat to Shri Varalakshmi while chanting following Mantra.

Shri Varalakshmi Asana Mantra

महेश्वरि महादेवि आसनं ते ददाम्यहम्।
महैश्वर्यसमायुक्तं ब्रह्माणि ब्रह्मणः प्रिये॥

Maheshwari Mahadevi Asanam Te Dadamyaham।
Mahaishvaryasamayuktam Brahmani Brahmanah Priye॥

4. Padyam (पाद्यम्)

After offering Asana to Shri Varalakshmi offer Her water to wash the feet while chanting following Mantra.

Shri Varalakshmi Padya Mantra

कुमारशक्तिसम्पन्ने कौमारि शिखिवाहने।
पाद्यं ददाम्यहं देवि वरदे वरलक्षणे॥

Kumarashaktisampanne Kaumari Shikhivahane।
Padyam Dadamyaham Devi Varade Varalakshane॥

5. Arghyam (अर्घ्यम्)

After Padya offering, offer water to Shri Varalakshmi for head Abhishekam while chanting following Mantra.

Shri Varalakshmi Arghya Mantra

तीर्थोदकैर्महद्दिव्यैः पापसंहारकारकैः।
अर्घ्यं गृहाण भो लक्ष्मि देवानामुपकारिणि॥

Tirthodakairmahaddivyaih Papasamharakarakaih।
Arghyam Grihana Bho Lakshmi Devanamupakarini॥

6. Achamanam (आचमनम्)

After Arghya offering, offer water to Shri Varalakshmi for Achamana while chanting following Mantra.

Shri Varalakshmi Achamana Mantra

वैष्णवि विष्णुसंयुक्ते असंख्यायुधधारिणि।
आचम्यतां देवपूज्ये वरदेऽसुरमर्दिनि॥

Vaishnavi Vishnusamyukte Asankhyayudhadharini।
Achamyatam Devapujye Varadeasuramardini॥

7. Panchamrita-Snanam (पञ्चामृत-स्नानम्)

After Snanam, offer Panchamrita bath to Shri Varalakshmi while chanting following Mantra.

Shri Varalakshmi Panchamrita Snana Mantra

पद्मे पञ्चामृतैः शुद्धैः स्नापयिष्ये हरिप्रिये।
वरदे शक्ति-सम्भूते वरदेवि वरप्रिये॥

Padme Panchamritaih Shuddhaih Snapayishye Haripriye।
Varade Shakti-Sambhute Varadevi Varapriye॥

8. Snanam (स्नानम्)

After Panchamrita Snana, offer water to Shri Varalakshmi for the bath while chanting following Mantra.

Shri Varalakshmi Snana Mantra

गङ्गाजलं समानीतं सुगन्धिद्रव्यसंयुतम्।
स्नानार्थं ते मया दत्तं गृहाण परमेश्वरि॥

Gangajalam Samanitam Sugandhidravyasamyutam।
Snanartham Te Maya Dattam Grihana Parameshvari॥

9. Vastram (वस्त्रम्)

Now offer Moli (मोली) as new clothes to Shri Varalakshmi while chanting following Mantra.

Shri Varalakshmi Vastra Mantra

रजताद्रिसमं दिव्यं क्षीरसागरसन्निभम्।
चन्द्रप्रभासमं देवि वस्त्रं ते प्रददाम्यहम्॥

Rajatadrisamam Divyam Kshirasagarasannibham।
Chandraprabhasamam Devi Vastram Te Pradadamyaham॥

10. Kanthasutram (कण्ठसूत्रम्)

After Vastra offering, offer neclace to Shri Varalakshmi while chanting following Mantra.

Shri Varalakshmi Kanthasutra Mantra

माङ्गल्यमणिसंयुक्तं मुक्ताफलसमन्वितम्।
दत्तं मंगलसूत्रं ते गृहाण सुरवल्लभे॥

Mangalyamanisamyuktam Muktaphalasamanvitam।
Dattam Mangalasutram Te Grihana Suravallabhe॥

11. Abharana (आभरण)

Now Offer jewellery (Abhushana) to Shri Varalakshmi while chanting following Mantra.

Shri Varalakshmi Abharana Mantra

सुवर्णभूषितं दिव्यं नानारत्नसुशोभितम्।
त्रैलोक्यभूषिते देवि गृहाणाभरणं शुभम्॥

Suvarnabhushitam Divyam Nanaratnasushobhitam।
Trailokyabhushite Devi Grihanabharanam Shubham॥

12. Gandha-Samarpanam (गन्ध समर्पणम्)

Offer Chandana to Shri Varalakshmi while chanting following Mantra.

Shri Varalakshmi Gandha Samarpana Mantra

रक्तगन्धं सुगन्धाढ्यमष्टगन्धसमन्वितम्।
दास्यामि देवि वरदे लक्ष्मि देवि प्रसीद मे॥

Raktagandham Sugandhadhyamashtagandhasamanvitam।
Dasyami Devi Varade Lakshmi Devi Prasida Me॥

13. Saubhagya Dravya (सौभाग्य द्रव्य)

Now offer Haldi, Kumkum, Sindoor, Kajal as Saubhagya Dravya to Shri Varalakshmi while chanting following Mantra.

Shri Varalakshmi Saubhagya Dravya Mantra

हरिद्रां कुङ्कुमं चैव सिन्दूरं कज्जलान्वितम्।
सौभाग्यद्रव्यसंयुक्तं गृहाण परमेश्वरि॥

Haridram Kumkumam Chaiva Sinduram Kajjalanvitam।
Saubhagyadravyasamyuktam Grihana Parameshvari॥

14. Pushpa-Samarpanam (पुष्प-समर्पणम्)

Offer flowers to Shri Varalakshmi while chanting following Mantra.

Shri Varalakshmi Pushpa Mantra

नानाविधानि पुष्पाणि नानावर्णयुतानि च।
पुष्पाणि ते प्रयच्छामि भक्त्या देवि वरप्रदे॥

Nanavidhani Pushpani Nanavarnayutani Cha।
Pushpani Te Prayachchhami Bhaktya Devi Varaprade॥

15. Anga-Pujanam (अङ्ग-पूजनम्)

Now worship those Gods who are body parts of Shri Varalakshmi itself. For that take Gandha, Akshata and Pushpa in left hand and leave them near to Shri Varalakshmi Murti with right hand while chanting following Mantra(s).

Shri Varalakshmi Anga Pujana Mantra

ॐ वरलक्ष्म्यै नमः पादौ पूजयामि।
ॐ कमलवासिन्यै नमः गुल्फौ पूजयामि।
ॐ पद्मालयायै नमः जङ्घे पूजयामि।
ॐ श्रियै नमः जानुनी पूजयामि।
ॐ इन्दिरायै नमः ऊरू पूजयामि।
ॐ हरिप्रियायै नमः नाभिं पूजयामि।
ॐ लोकधात्र्यै नमः तनौ पूजयामि।
ॐ विधात्र्ये नमः कण्ठं पूजयामि।
ॐ धात्र्यै नमः नासां पूजयामि।
ॐ सरस्वत्यै नमः मुखं पूजयामि।
ॐ पद्मनिधये नमः नेत्रे पूजयामि।
ॐ माङ्गल्यायै नमः कर्णौ पूजयामि।
ॐ क्षीरसागरजायै नमः ललाटं पूजयामि।
ॐ श्रीमहालक्ष्म्यै नमः शिरः पूजयामि।
ॐ श्रीमहालक्ष्म्यै नमः सर्वाङ्गं पूजयामि॥

Om Varalakshmyai Namah Padau Pujayami।
Om Kamalavasinyai Namah Gulphau Pujayami।
Om Padmalayayai Namah Janghe Pujayami।
Om Shriyai Namah Januni Pujayami।
Om Indirayai Namah Uru Pujayami।
Om Haripriyayai Namah Nabhim Pujayami।
Om Lokadhatryai Namah Tanau Pujayami।
Om Vidhatrye Namah Kantham Pujayami।
Om Dhatryai Namah Nasam Pujayami।
Om Saraswatyai Namah Mukham Pujayami।
Om Padmanidhaye Namah Netre Pujayami।
Om Mangalyayai Namah Karnau Pujayami।
Om Kshirasagarajayai Namah Lalatam Pujayami।
Om Shrimahalakshmyai Namah Shirah Pujayami।
Om Shrimahalakshmyai Namah Sarvangam Pujayami॥

16. Dhupah (धूपः)

Now offer Dhoop to Shri Varalakshmi while chanting following Mantra.

Shri Varalakshmi Dhupa Mantra

धूपं दास्यामि ते देवि गोघृतेन समन्वितम्।
प्रतिगृह्ण महादेवि भक्तानां वरदप्रिये॥

Dhupam Dasyami Te Devi Goghritena Samanvitam।
Pratigrihna Mahadevi Bhaktanam Varadapriye॥

17. Dipah (दीपः)

Now offer to Shri Varalakshmi while chanting following Mantra.

Shri Varalakshmi Dipa Mantra

साज्यं च वर्तिसंयुक्तं वह्निना योजितं मया।
दीपं गृहाण देवेशि त्रैलोक्यतिमिरापहम्॥

Sajyam Cha Vartisamyuktam Vahnina Yojitam Maya।
Dipam Grihana Deveshi Trailokyatimirapaham॥

18. Naivedyam (नैवेद्यम्)

Now offer Naivedya to Shri Varalakshmi while chanting following Mantra.

Shri Varalakshmi Naivedya Mantra

नैवेद्यं परमं दिव्यं दृष्टिप्रीतिकरं शुभम्।
भक्ष्यभोज्यादिसंयुक्तं परमान्नादिसंयुतम्॥

Naivedyam Paramam Divyam Drishtipritikaram Shubham।
Bhakshyabhojyadi-Samyuktam Paramannadisamyutam॥

19. Tambulam (ताम्बूलम्)

Now offer Tambula (Paan with betel nuts) to Shri Varalakshmi while chanting following Mantra.

Shri Varalakshmi Tambula Mantra

नागवल्लीदलैर्युक्तं चूर्णक्रमुकसंयुतम्।
वरलक्ष्मि गृहाण त्वं ताम्बूलं प्रतिगृह्यताम्॥

Nagavallidalairyuktam Churnakramukasamyutam।
Varalakshmi Grihana Tvam Tambulam Pratigrihyatam॥

20. Dakshina (दक्षिणा)

Now offer Dakshina (gift) to Shri Varalakshmi while chanting following Mantra.

Shri Varalakshmi Dakshina Mantra

सुवर्णं सर्वधातूनां श्रेष्ठं देवि च तत्सदा।
भक्त्या ददामि वरदे स्वर्णवृष्टिं च देहि मे॥

Suvarnam Sarvadhatunam Shreshtham Devi Cha Tatsada।
Bhaktya Dadami Varade Svarnavrishtim Cha Dehi Me॥

21. Nirajanam (नीराजनम्)

Now offer Nirajana (Aarti) to Shri Varalakshmi while chanting following Mantra.

Shri Varalakshmi Nirajana Mantra

नीराजनं सुमङ्गल्यं कर्पूरेण समन्वितम्।
चन्द्रार्कवह्निसदृशं गृह्ण देवि नमोऽस्तु ते॥

Nirajanam Sumangalyam Karpurena Samanvitam।
Chandrarkavahnisadrisham Grihna Devi Namoastu Te॥

22. Doraka-Grahanam (दोरक-ग्रहणम्)

Now devotee should accept the Dorak (the sacred thread) while chanting following Mantra.

Shri Varalakshmi Doraka-Grahana Mantra

सर्वमङ्गलमाङ्गल्ये सर्वपापप्रणाशिनि।
दोरकं प्रतिगृह्णामि सुप्रीता हरिवल्लभे॥

Sarvamangalamangalye Sarvapapapranashini।
Dorakam Pratigrihnami Suprita Harivallabhe॥

23. Doraka-Bandhanam (दोरक-बन्धनम्)

After Dorakagrahana, devotee should tie the Dorak (the sacred thread) on the hand while chanting following Mantra.

Shri Varalakshmi Doraka Bandhana Mantra

करिष्यामि व्रतं देवि त्वद्भक्तस्त्वत्परायणः।
श्रियं देहि यशो देहि सौभाग्यं देहि मे शुभे॥

Karishyami Vratam Devi Tvadbhaktastvatparayanah।
Shriyam Dehi Yasho Dehi Saubhagyam Dehi Me Shubhe॥

24. Punararghyam (पुनरर्घ्यम्)

After Dorakabandhana, now again offer water to Shri Varalakshmi for head Abhishekam while chanting following Mantra.

Shri Varalakshmi Punararghya Mantra

क्षीरार्णवसुते लक्ष्मि चन्द्रस्य च सहोदरि।
गृहाणार्घ्यं महालक्ष्मि देवि तुभ्यं नमोऽस्तु ते॥

Kshirarnavasute Lakshmi Chandrasya Cha Sahodari।
Grihanarghyam Mahalakshmi Devi Tubhyam Namoastu Te॥

25. Bilvapatram (बिल्वपत्रम्)

Offer Bilvapatra to Shri Varalakshmi while chanting following Mantra.

Shri Varalakshmi Bilvapatra Mantra

श्रीवृक्षस्य दलं देवि महादेवप्रियं सदा।
बिल्वपत्रं प्रयच्छामि पवित्रं ते सुनिर्मलम्॥

Shrivrikshasya Dalam Devi Mahadevapriyam Sada।
Bilvapatram Prayachchhami Pavitram Te Sunirmalam॥

26. Pradakshina (प्रदक्षिणा)

Now offer symbolic Pradakshina (circumambulate from left to right of Shri Varalakshmi) with flowers while chanting following Mantra.

Shri Varalakshmi Pradakshina Mantra

इह जन्मनि यत्पापं मम जन्मान्तरेषु च।
निवारय महादेवि लक्ष्मि नारायणप्रिये॥

Iha Janmani Yatpapam Mama Janmantareshu Cha।
Nivaraya Mahadevi Lakshmi Narayanapriye॥

27. Namaskarah (नमस्कारः)

Now pay homage to Shri Varalakshmi while chanting following Mantra.

Shri Varalakshmi Namaskara Mantra

कामोदरि नमस्तेऽस्तु नमस्त्रैलोक्यनायिके।
हरिकान्ते नमस्तेऽस्तु त्राहि मां दुःखसागरात्॥

Kamodari Namasteastu Namastrailokyanayike।
Harikante Namasteastu Trahi Mam Duhkhasagarat॥

28. Vrata-Samarpanam (व्रत-समर्पणम्)

Now offer Vrata Samarpan to Shri Varalakshmi while chanting following Mantra.

Shri Varalakshmi Vrata Samarpana Mantra

क्षीरार्णवसमुद्भूते कमले कमलालये।
प्रयच्छ सर्वकामांश्च विष्णुवक्षःस्थलालये॥

Kshirarnavasamudbhute Kamale Kamalalaye।
Prayachchha Sarvakamanshcha Vishnuvakshahsthalalaye॥

29. Kshamarpanam (क्षमार्पणम्)

Now seek pardon from Shri Varalakshmi for any known-unknown mistakes done during Puja while chanting following Mantra.

Shri Varalakshmi Kshamarpana Mantra

छत्रं चामरमान्दोलं दत्त्वा व्यजनदर्पणे।
गीतवादित्रनृत्यैश्च राजसम्माननैस्तथा।
क्षमापये सूपचारैः समभ्यर्च्य महेश्वरीम्॥
यन्मया च कृतं देवि परिपूर्णं कुरुष्व तत्‌॥

Chhatram Chamaramandolam Dattva Vyajanadarpane।
Gitavaditranrityaishcha Rajasammananaistatha।
Kshamapaye Supacharaih Samabhyarchya Maheshwarim॥
Yanmaya Cha Kritam Devi Paripurnam Kurushva Tat‌॥

30. Prarthana (प्रार्थना)

Now pray to Shri Varalakshmi while chanting following Mantra.

Shri Varalakshmi Prarthana Mantra

वरलक्ष्मि महादेवि सर्वकाम-प्रदायिनि।
यन्मया च कृतं देवि परिपूर्णं कुरुष्व तत्॥

Varalakshmi Mahadevi Sarvakama-Pradayini।
Yanmaya Cha Kritam Devi Paripurnam Kurushva Tat॥

31. Vayanam (वायनम्)

Now offer sweets to Shri Varalakshmi while chanting following Mantra.

Shri Varalakshmi Vayana Mantra

एकविंशतिपक्वान्नशर्कराघृतसंयुतम्।
वायनं ते प्रयच्छामि इन्दिरा प्रीयतामिति।
इन्दिरा प्रतिगृह्णाति इन्दिरा वै ददाति च।
इन्दिरा तारकोभाभ्यामिन्दिरायै नमो नमः॥

Ekavimshatipakvannasharkaraghritasamyutam।
Vayanam Te Prayachchhami Indira Priyatamiti॥
Indira Pratigrihnati Indira Vai Dadati Cha।
Indira Tarakobhabhyamindirayai Namo Namah॥

32. Puja-Samarpanam (पूजा-समर्पणम्)

Now conclude the Shri Varalakshmi Puja while chanting following Mantra.

Shri Varalakshmi Puja Samarpana Mantra

पञ्च वायनकानेवं दद्याद्दक्षिणया युतान्।
विप्राय चाथ यतये देव्यै तु ब्रह्मचारिणे।
सुवासिन्यै ततस्त्वेकं दापयेच्च यथाविधि॥

Pancha Vayanakanevam Dadyaddakshinaya Yutan।
Vipraya Chatha Yataye Devyai Tu Brahmacharine।
Suvasinyai Tatastvekam Dapayechcha Yathavidhi॥

Varamahalakshmi Vrata

Namastestu Mahaamaaye Shreepeete Surapoojite
Shankha Chakra Gadaa Haste Mahaalakshmi Namostute

Vara Mahalakshmi is the festival of Goddess Lakshmi celebrated in the states of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra mainly by women folk on the second Friday in the month of Shravana i.e. Friday before the Poornima (Full Moon) of Hindu month Shravana. As the name suggests Vara Mahalakshmi is the one who grants Vara (boon). The festival is observed by the married woman for the well being of all family members, especially husband.

It is believed that worshipping Goddess Varalakshmi on this day is equivalent to worshipping Ashtalakshmis, the 8 forces or energies namely Sri (Wealth), Bhu (Earth), Saraswati (learning), Preeti (love), Keerti (Fame), Shanti (Peace), Tushti(Pleasure) and Pushti(Strength). Each force is considered as Lakshmi and all 8 forces as Ashta Lakshmis. Lord Vishnu is also considered as the asylum for the Ashta Lakshmis (Eight-Lakshmis or forces).

Varamahalakshmi in Her Best
(my Sister’s home)

Varamahalakshmi after Mahamangalarati at Home

Varamahalakshmi at Agnyaa’s Home

Ashta Dala Padma Rangoli

Ashtadala Padma Rangoli (Ashta is 8, dala is leaf, padma is lotus) is drawn on a wooden plank (peeta in kannada) which is tied with thorana (mango leaves) and bale kandu (banana stems) on both the sides. A Kalasha is kept on a plate spread with rice. Lamps are lit on the either sides of the kalasha. Kalasha is filled with little rice, water, beetel nuts, beetel leaves, Kharjura(dry dates) and one coin. Turmeric and Kumkuma is applied evenly to a coconut without husk and is kept on the kalasha with mango leaves surrounding it. Face of goddess(eyes and nose) can be drawn on the coconut or the ready silver faces are available which can be tied to the coconut. Arishina dara (Yellow thread) with nine knots are kept on beetle leaves to the right of kalasha. First Lord Ganesha is worshipped. Ganapati Ashotthara is read. Then the Varalakshmi Puja is performed in the prescribed manner. After puja Sumangalis (Married Women) tie the yellow thread to their right hand. Katha (Story) is read by the elderly person of the family

Kalasha with Lakshmi face – Alankar and Post Puja

The Best Part of any Festival

Prasada – Festival Highlight

Frugal – Isn’t it?

Vara Mahalakshmi Vrata Story

According to Hindu mythology, once Goddess Parvati asked Lord Shiva about a vrata that will be beneficial to women. Lord Shiva then mentioned the importance of Varalakshmi Vrata. The conversation on Varalakshmi Vrata between Parvati and Shiva takes place in the Skanda Purana. To illustrate the importance of the Vrata, Lord Shiva narrates the story of Charumati.

The story happens in a beautiful town located in the Kingdom of Vidarbha (Vidarba Rajyam). Pleased with Charumati’s devotion to her husband and family, Goddess Lakshmi appeared in her dream and asked her to perform the Varalakshmi Vrata. The pious Charumati invited all her neighbors, friends and relatives and performed the Varalakshmi puja as directed by Goddess Lakshmi. Soon after the puja, all the people who participated in the puja where blessed with wealth and prosperity. She recites the following sloka along with other women with utmost faith and devotion.

Lakshmi Ksheerasamudra rajatanyam sri rangadhameswareem
Dasibootha samastha devavanitham lokaika deepamkuram
Sri manmanda kataksha labdhivibhat brahmendra gangadharam
Twamtrayamlokyakutumbhineem sasijavandemukunda priyam

Meaning: Goddess Lakshmi, who is the daughter of the king of the ocean of milk, whose abode is Srirangam (with Lord Ranganatha), who is served by all the divine ladies in heaven, who is the guiding light for the world, who has obtained the sustained (continued, everlasting) glance (Grace) from Brahma, Indra and Shiva, whose abode is the three worlds (Bhu, Bhuva, Suvaha) – I offer my prostrations to Thee, the beloved of Lord Krishna (Mukunda).