Goddess Varalakshmi

The worship of goddess Varalakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity is marked specially on the day of Varalakshmi Puja. Varalakshmi is the consort of Lord Vishnu, and has been known to be one of the forms of Goddess Mahalakshmi. She was incarnated from the milky ocean, popularly known as Kshira Sagara. She had the complexion of milky ocean and wears white clothes. Varalakshmi is known to bestow boons and fulfills all the desires of her devotees. Thus, this form of the goddess is known as Vara + Lakshmi i.e. Goddess Lakshmi who bestows boons.

The Vrat

Varalakshmi Puja day is celebrated by observing a fast on the last Friday, during Shravana Shukla Paksha. It is just a few days ahead of Raksha Bandhan and Shravana Purnima. Both women and men are recommended to fast on Varalakshmi Puja day. However, in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Maharashtra, fasting is mainly performed by married women. The fast is performed with the desire for worldly pleasures and it includes children, spouse, luxury and all sorts of earthly pleasures.

Varalakshmi Vratam is a very popular Puja in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra. In these states, Varalakshmi Puja is performed mostly by married women for the well-being of the husband and other family members. It is believed that worshipping Goddess Varalakshmi on this day is equivalent to worshipping Ashtalakshmi i.e. the eight Goddesses of Wealth (Sri), Earth (Bhu), Learning (Saraswati), Love (Priti), Fame (Kirti), Peace (Shanti), Pleasure (Tushti) and Strength (Pushti). In North Indian states, Varalakshmi Puja is not as popular as those in South Indian states. Varalakshmi Vratam is one of the most appropriate days to propitiate and to seek blessings of the Goddess Lakshmi.

Varalakshmi Puja Muhurat

According to astrology, the most appropriate time to worship Goddess Lakshmi is during the fixed Lagna. It is believed that if Lakshmi Puja is done during the fixed Lagna, one can gain long lasting prosperity in life. There are four parts of the day when a fixed Lagna prevails. Evenings, which overlap with Pradosh, are considered the most appropriate to worship Goddess Lakshmi.

Varalakshmi Puja Vidhi

The steps in the Varalakshmi Puja Vidhi are similar to Maha Lakshmi Puja during Diwali. However, it includes Puja steps and Mantra for Dorak and Vayana. The sacred thread which is tied during Varalakshmi Puja is known as Dorak and sweets offered to Varalakshmi is known as Vayana.

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Varalakshmi Vrat Story