Varalakshmi Viratham 16-Aug-2024

Varalakshmi Vratham, also spelled as Varalakshmi Viratham, is an important Hindu festival celebrated predominantly by married women in the southern states of India, particularly in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana. The festival is observed on the second Friday or the Friday before the full moon day in the Tamil month of Aadi (July-August) or Sravana (August-September), depending on the regional calendar.

During Varalakshmi Vratham, women worship and seek the blessings of Goddess Varalakshmi, who is considered the embodiment of wealth, prosperity, and well-being. The word “Varalakshmi” is a combination of two words: “Vara,” which means “boon” or “blessing,” and “Lakshmi,” who is the Goddess of wealth and fortune.

On this day, women wake up early in the morning, take a ritual bath, and decorate their homes with kolams (rangoli) using rice flour. They dress in traditional attire and adorn themselves with jewelry. Women then perform a special puja (ritual) dedicated to Goddess Varalakshmi. The puja involves setting up a sacred Kalash (pot) decorated with mango leaves and coconut, representing abundance and prosperity. The Kalash is filled with rice, water, and sometimes other sacred items.

During the puja, women offer various offerings to the Goddess, including flowers, fruits, sweets, and coins. They recite Vedic hymns, sing devotional songs, and perform Aarti (a ritual of waving a lit lamp) to honor Goddess Varalakshmi. After the puja, women seek the blessings of elderly women and exchange gifts with friends and family.

It is believed that observing Varalakshmi Vratham with devotion and sincerity can bestow the blessings of Goddess Varalakshmi, bringing prosperity, happiness, and fulfillment to the family. The festival also emphasizes the importance of women in the household and promotes unity, love, and compassion among family members.