Wp/efi/Varalakshmi Vratham

Varalakshmi Vratham (Auspicious Festival for Prosperity and Family Well-being)

Varalakshmi Vratham is a sacred Hindu festival celebrated predominantly by **married women** in the southern Indian states of **Andhra Pradesh**, **Telangana**, **Karnataka**, **Tamil Nadu**, and parts of **Maharashtra**. It is observed to **seek the blessings of Goddess Varalakshmi**, one of the eight forms of **Mahalakshmi**, for health, wealth, and family prosperity.

This vratam is especially performed by women for the **well-being of their husband, children, and household**.

Etymology

**Vara** = boon
**Lakshmi** = the goddess of wealth and prosperity

Hence, **Varalakshmi** means “the goddess who grants boons.”

When Is It Celebrated?

Varalakshmi Vratham is observed on the **Friday before the full moon (Purnima)** in the **month of Shravana** (July–August), according to the Hindu lunar calendar.

This is considered the most auspicious day to worship **Varalakshmi Devi**, among the eight Lakshmi forms: 1. Aadi Lakshmi (Primeval) 2. Dhana Lakshmi (Wealth) 3. Dhanya Lakshmi (Food) 4. Gaja Lakshmi (Power) 5. Santana Lakshmi (Children) 6. Veera Lakshmi (Courage) 7. Vidya Lakshmi (Knowledge) 8. Varalakshmi (Granter of boons)

Mythological Significance

As per legend from the **Skanda Purana**:

A devout woman named **Charumati** from Magadha (present-day Bihar) was instructed by Goddess Lakshmi in a dream to perform the vratham.
After performing it with devotion, she and her family were blessed with abundance and happiness.
Since then, this vrata has been passed down as a tradition among married Hindu women.

Rituals and Observance

1. House Preparation

Homes are cleaned and decorated with **muggu (rangoli)** and **mango leaf toranams**.
A **kalasham** (sacred pot) is set up, filled with water, rice, coins, and turmeric.

2. Goddess Alankaram

A face of Goddess Lakshmi (made of silver, brass, or clay) is placed on the kalasham.
The goddess is adorned with **silk saree, gold jewelry, flowers**, and **turmeric kumkum**.

3. Pooja and Naivedyam

A detailed **Lakshmi Ashtottara Shatanamavali** (108 names of Lakshmi) is chanted.
Women offer **fruits, traditional sweets, tamarind rice (pulihora), payasam**, and other items as naivedyam (offerings).
Special **varalakshmi vrata story** is recited.

4. Thread and Raksha Tying

A sacred yellow thread with nine knots is tied on the right hand (for women) as **raksha** (protection).
It symbolizes **divine blessings and protection**.

5. Invitation to Women (Haldi-Kumkum)

Married women are invited and offered **haldi (turmeric), kumkum, bangles, flowers, and betel leaves** as part of the tradition called **"Kumkumarchana"** or **"Vayanam."**

Social and Cultural Aspects

Strengthens **female bonding and community unity**
Preserves **generational customs** and rituals
Offers a spiritual framework for **prayer, giving, and gratitude**

Popular Offerings and Foods

**Payasam (sweet pudding)**
**Laddu**
**Pulihora (tamarind rice)**
**Bobbatlu (puran poli)**
**Chalimidi, Garelu, and Poornalu**

Temples and Public Celebrations

While the vratham is mostly a **domestic festival**, some temples like:

 * **Sri Mahalakshmi Temple, Kolhapur**
 * **Ashtalakshmi Temple, Chennai**
 * **Lakshmi Narasimha temples in Telangana & Andhra**

hold special poojas and cultural events.

Contemporary Trends

In urban areas, **group poojas** are held in apartments and communities.
Digital platforms provide **online pooja guides, mantras**, and **virtual Lakshmi alankaram kits**.
Environmentally conscious people are switching to **clay kalashams** and reusable decorations.

Related Festivals

**Lakshmi Puja** during Diwali
**Ratha Saptami** – Worship of the Sun God
**Sankashti Chaturthi** – Worship of Ganesha for wish fulfillment

References

1. Skanda Purana – Story of Charumati 2. Telugu Academy Culture Textbooks 3. The Hindu – “Auspicious Friday: Varalakshmi Celebrated” 4. Times of India – “Rituals for Wealth and Family” 5. Purohit.com – Vratam procedure and slokas