Varalakshmi Vratam: Why it is observed, and how to perform puja

The fasting for Varalakshmi Vratam is done in South India on the second Friday of the Shukla Paksha of Sawan. This year Varalakshmi Vratam 2022 is being observed on Friday, August 5. It is an auspicious day for married women who observe fast and pray to Goddess Lakshmi for the well being of family members.

It is believed that the Goddess of wealth and prosperity showers blessings on the devotees who keep fast on the day. The festival is widely observed in states like Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.

Varalakshmi Vratham Significance

Ancient texts like Vishnu Purana and Narad Purana have mentions of Varalakshmi Vratham. Lakshmi is the goddess of wealth and prosperity. It is believed that women who observe this fast are blessed with all eight forces of Ashta Lakshmi. These eight forces of the world, known as Ashta Lakshmi are:

1. Dhan Lakshmi (Wealth)
2. Aadi Lakshmi (Force)
3. Vidhya Lakshmi (Wisdom)
4. Vijaya Lakshmi (Success)
5. Dhairya Lakshmi (Courage)
6. Santaan Lakshmi (Children)
7. Dhaanya Lakshmi (Food)
8. Gaja Lakshmi (Strength)

How to perform Varalakshmi Vratham puja
* The woman who is observing fast should get up early, take bath and wear clean clothes

* For worshipping, the idol of Goddess Lakshmi should be placed on wood, facing eastwards

* A bowl of rice should be placed in front of the idol

* Also, place these items in front of the idol: Chandan and kumkum , betel leaves, 5 fruits, date fruit and silver coin.

* Place a kalash, and on top of this kalash place coconut on mango leaves.

* Apply haldi, chandan and kumkum tilak on that coconut.

* Decorate the Goddess idol with vermillion, bindi, jewellery and clothes.

* Light a diya, and before commencing the puja one must offer prayers to Lord Ganesha.

* Read Varalakshmi Vratham Katha.

* Next day, a small puja should be performed to conclude the Varalakshmi Vratham and the Goddess Lakshmi idol should not be removed before the next Sunday.

Devotees can also recite these Lakshmi Mantras during puja

1. Om Hreem Shreem Lakshmibhayo Namah

2. Om Shree Mahalakshmyai Cha Vidmahe Vishnu Patnyai Cha Dheemahi
Tanno Lakshmi Prachodayat Om