Mumbai: The Varamahalakshmi festival is widely celebrated in Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, and parts of Maharashtra. The word ‘Var’ means boon, signifying the blessings bestowed by Goddess Lakshmi on her devotees. To honour Goddess Lakshmi, many married women observe a fast on this day, seeking blessings for their families and husbands.
Varamahalakshmi Festival 2024 Date
Observed on a Friday during the Shukla Paksha of Shravan (July-August), this year, Varamahalakshmi Vratam will be celebrated on August 16, 2024.
How is Varamahalakshmi Vratam Celebrated?
Preparations for Varalakshmi Vratam begin the day before. Married women observe a fast from sunrise to sunset on Thursday, cleansing their bodies and minds for the upcoming puja. As dawn breaks on Friday, devotees rise early, bathe, and transform their homes into vibrant spaces of devotion. Rangoli, intricate floor art patterns, adorn the entrances. A kalash is then prepared.
This special kalash, coated with sandalwood paste, becomes a vessel for abundance. Usually, the kalash is filled with raw rice, turmeric, coins and leaves (specific contents may vary by region), and adorned with a ‘Swastik’ symbol. A crown of mango leaves and a turmeric-coated coconut complete the kalash.
The puja commences with the worship of Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles. Prepare a designated space, and on a vibrant red cloth, lay down the idols of Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi.
Light a ghee lamp before Ganesha. For the resplendent Goddess, a mustard oil lamp will cast a warm glow. Adorn their forms with kumkum, turmeric, and sandalwood powder. Present a lotus flower to the Goddess.
Begin the puja by chanting the sacred mantra, ‘Om Shri Ganeshaya Namah’, five, seven, or eleven times, a number resonating with your dedication.
Next, invoke the blessings of Lord Vishnu and his divine consort, Lakshmi. With a crystal or lotus seed rosary in hand, chant the powerful Mahalakshmi mantra. Recite it once, or repeat it five, seven, or eleven times, allowing your devotion to guide you.
As the ceremony reaches its culmination, fill the air with the melodious chants of the Goddess’ aarti. Finally, distribute the blessed offerings amongst those present.
Women then tie yellow threads on their wrists. Boiled lentils, a traditional dish called pongal, and jaggery sweets are then distributed as prasad among loved ones. The rituals conclude on Saturday with a final cleansing bath and the removal of the kalash.
Varamahalakshmi Vratam Significance
Varalakshmi Vratam, also known as Varalakshmi Puja, holds immense significance for Hindus. It’s a day where both men and women come together to venerate Goddess Varalakshmi. Revered as the embodiment of wealth, good fortune, courage, wisdom, and fertility, Goddess Varalakshmi is a beacon of hope and abundance. During this vratam, devotees seek blessings for their entire families.
Varalakshmi Vratam is more than just a ritual; it’s a heartfelt expression of devotion to Goddess Varalakshmi. As the chants of ‘Om Shreem Mahalakshmiyei Namaha’ and ‘Om Hreem Shreem Lakshmi Bhyo Namaha‘ resonate through the air, homes are filled with the warmth of togetherness and the promise of a brighter future.
The auspicious Varamahalakshmi festival honours Goddess Lakshmi, seeking blessings for wealth, prosperity, and well-being. Discover the date for Varamahalakshmi 2024, delve into the festival’s significance, and know about puja rituals to invite abundance into your home. Spirituality Lifestyle News -Fashion Trends, Beauty Tips, Celebrity Party News, Relationship advice, Travel and Food Tips
