Varalakshmi Vratham Vrat 2024 Dates | Panchang

Simha Lagna Puja Muhurat (morning) – Aug 16, Friday 06:20 AM to 08:19 AM
Vrishchika Lagna Puja Muhurat (afternoon) – 12:20 PM to 02:30 PM
Kumbha Lagna Puja Muhurat (evening) – 06:34 PM to 08:20 PM
Vrishabha Lagna Puja Muhurat (midnight) – 11:55 PM to 01:58 AM, Aug 17

The Rituals and Preparations:

The preparation for Varalakshmi Vratam begins days in advance, with homes meticulously cleaned and adorned with rangoli, fresh flowers, and mango leaves. The idol or image of Goddess Varalakshmi is placed on a decorated altar, typically made of rice flour or turmeric paste. Married women, dressed in traditional attire, wake up early to perform ceremonial baths and wear new clothes, symbolizing purity and auspiciousness.

The Vratam Observance:

The main ritual involves the strict observance of a fast (vratam) by married women. They abstain from consuming food and water until the completion of the puja (worship) in the evening. The fasting women gather with friends and family to recite the Varalakshmi Vratham Katha or story, which narrates the significance of the vratam and highlights the importance of Goddess Varalakshmi’s blessings in marital harmony, wealth, and prosperity.

The Puja Ceremony:

The puja ceremony commences with the chanting of Vedic hymns and the invocation of Goddess Varalakshmi. The offering of traditional items such as turmeric, kumkum, betel leaves, betel nuts, fruits, and sweets follows. Each item symbolizes an aspect of prosperity and auspiciousness. The women perform aarti (ritual of waving light) and offer their prayers with deep reverence, seeking the goddess’s blessings for the well-being of their families.

Offerings and Prasadam:

After the completion of the puja, the offerings made to the goddess, known as naivedyam, are shared among the family and friends present. The prasadam (blessed food) includes a variety of sweets and savories, signifying the divine grace received through the observance of the vratam.

Significance and Symbolism:

Varalakshmi Vratam holds immense significance in Hindu tradition, emphasizing the values of gratitude, devotion, and family harmony. It is believed that observing this vratam with sincerity and faith can bestow immense blessings from Goddess Varalakshmi, ensuring prosperity and removing obstacles in the lives of devotees.

Community and Celebration:

Beyond its religious significance, Varalakshmi Vratam strengthens familial bonds and community ties. Women come together to celebrate and support each other in their devotion to the goddess. It is also an occasion for cultural festivities, with music, dance, and cultural programs adding to the joyous atmosphere.

Modern Observance and Global Reach:

In contemporary times, Varalakshmi Vratam is observed not only in South India but also in Hindu communities worldwide. The tradition has transcended geographical boundaries, with families adapting the rituals to their local customs while preserving the core essence of devotion and prayer.

Varalakshmi Vratam 2024 is a celebration of faith, devotion, and the timeless values cherished by generations of Hindus. It honors Goddess Varalakshmi as the embodiment of wealth and prosperity, reminding devotees of the importance of gratitude, humility, and community in their pursuit of happiness and fulfillment. As families come together to observe this auspicious day, they renew their commitment to tradition and spiritual growth, seeking the blessings of Goddess Varalakshmi for a prosperous and harmonious life.

The origin of Varalakshmi Vratam is rooted in a legend from the Skanda Purana. The story revolves around Charumati, a devout woman who dreamt of Goddess Varalakshmi, who instructed her on how to observe the vratam to attain wealth and prosperity. Following the goddess’s guidance, Charumati performed the vratam with utmost devotion, leading to prosperity not only for herself but also for her entire village.

A powerful and widely chanted mantra associated with Goddess Varalakshmi is the Varalakshmi Vratham mantra itself. The mantra invokes the blessings of Goddess Varalakshmi and is recited during the puja and throughout the observance of Varalakshmi Vratam. Here is the mantra along with its meaning:

Mantra: “ॐ लक्ष्म्यै वरलक्ष्म्यै नमः॥” (Om Lakshmyai Varalakshmyai Namah॥)

Meaning: “Om, I bow down to Goddess Lakshmi, the bestower of boons and prosperity.”

This mantra is simple yet potent, focusing on invoking the blessings of Goddess Varalakshmi for wealth, prosperity, and well-being. Chanting this mantra with devotion and sincerity during Varalakshmi Vratam is believed to bring fulfillment of desires and remove obstacles in one’s life.

They conduct vraj Laxmi puja in which women offer flowers, sweets and fruits, known as Vayana, to the goddess. A Kalash is filled with rice or water, coins, betel nut and five different kinds of leaves, wrapped in a saree. A swastika symbol is made over the Kalash by using vermillion and sandalwood paste. Mango leaves and coconut with turmeric smeared on the Kalash and kept at the mouth of the vessel. Flowers and gold are kept in front of the pot, as offerings to the goddess.