Varalakshmi Vratam is a significant Hindu festival observed by married women primarily in the southern states of India, such as Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana. It is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity.
Varalakshmi Vratam 2024 Date:
- Date: Friday, August 16, 2024
Significance:
- Varalakshmi means "the boon-giving goddess." Women observe this vrat (fast) to seek the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi for the well-being of their families, especially for health, wealth, and prosperity.
- It is believed that performing this vrat is equivalent to worshipping Ashtalakshmi, the eight forms of Lakshmi who represent different aspects of life, including wealth, courage, knowledge, and fertility.
Rituals:
- Preparation: Homes are cleaned, and a special place is set up for the puja. An idol or image of Goddess Lakshmi is placed and decorated with flowers, jewelry, and offerings.
- Puja: The vrat begins with a ritual bath and wearing of new or clean clothes. Women prepare a kalasha (a pot filled with water and topped with a coconut), which is decorated and placed in front of the goddess's idol.
- Offering: Offerings such as sweets, fruits, and other delicacies are made to the goddess. Special dishes like Kozhukattai and Payasam are prepared.
- Storytelling: A story related to Varalakshmi Vratam is read or narrated, highlighting the importance and benefits of observing this vrat.
- Prayers: Devotees recite Lakshmi Stotram and other prayers, followed by an aarti (ritual of worship with light).
Conclusion:
The vrat is concluded by tying a sacred thread on the wrist and distributing the prasadam (consecrated food) among family members and friends.
Observing Varalakshmi Vratam with devotion and faith is believed to bring prosperity and happiness to the household.
The eight forms of Goddess Lakshmi, known as the Ashtalakshmi, represent different aspects of wealth and prosperity in life. Each form bestows specific blessings and is worshipped for various kinds of wealth and well-being. Here are the eight forms:
1. Adi Lakshmi (आदि लक्ष्मी)
- Aspect: Primordial Lakshmi, the source of all.
- Blessing: Bestows eternal wealth, both material and spiritual.
- Iconography: Depicted as sitting on a lotus, holding a lotus, and showing the Abhaya Mudra (gesture of protection).
2. Dhana Lakshmi (धन लक्ष्मी)
- Aspect: Goddess of wealth and prosperity.
- Blessing: Grants material wealth, fortune, and financial prosperity.
- Iconography: Depicted with six hands, holding symbols of wealth, such as gold coins and pot of nectar.
3. Dhanya Lakshmi (धान्य लक्ष्मी)
- Aspect: Goddess of food and nourishment.
- Blessing: Ensures abundance of food grains and agricultural prosperity.
- Iconography: Depicted with eight hands, holding various agricultural products like paddy, and showing the Abhaya Mudra.
4. Gaja Lakshmi (गजा लक्ष्मी)
- Aspect: Goddess of power and royalty.
- Blessing: Symbolizes the blessings of elephants, and brings power, authority, and royalty.
- Iconography: Depicted with two elephants on either side, pouring water from pots, symbolizing abundance and fertility.
5. Santana Lakshmi (संतान लक्ष्मी)
- Aspect: Goddess of progeny.
- Blessing: Bestows children and ensures their health and well-being.
- Iconography: Depicted holding a baby in one hand, and other hands showing gestures of blessing and holding symbols like a sword and shield.
6. Veera Lakshmi (वीर लक्ष्मी)
- Aspect: Goddess of valor and courage.
- Blessing: Grants courage, strength, and valor, especially in the face of adversity.
- Iconography: Depicted with weapons, symbolizing strength and power, often shown holding a bow, arrow, and shield.
7. Vijaya Lakshmi (विजया लक्ष्मी)
- Aspect: Goddess of victory.
- Blessing: Bestows success in endeavors and victory over obstacles.
- Iconography: Depicted with eight arms, holding symbols of victory and showing the Abhaya Mudra.
8. Vidya Lakshmi (विद्या लक्ष्मी)
- Aspect: Goddess of knowledge and wisdom.
- Blessing: Bestows knowledge, learning, and wisdom.
- Iconography: Depicted with a book in one hand, symbolizing education and knowledge, and other hands holding lotus and showing blessing gestures.
Worship and Significance:
- Each form of Lakshmi is worshipped for her unique blessings, often during festivals like Diwali or Varalakshmi Vratam.
- Devotees seek the grace of all Ashtalakshmi to ensure a well-rounded life filled with wealth, knowledge, courage, and spiritual fulfillment.
