VaraLakshmi Vratam

Varalakshmi Vratam is an important pooja performed by many women in the states of
Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka and some parts of Tamil Nadu.The Hindu festival going
by the name 'Vara Lakshmi Vrata' is celebrated on the last Friday of the bright fortnight
in the month of Sravana(August)


History

In the kingdom of Magadha of yore, there lived a brahmin woman called Charumathi in a
town named Kundina. The prosperous town was the home of Charumathi and her husband.
She devotedly served her husband and her parents-in-law. Impressed by her piety, GoddessMahalakshmi appeared in her dream and asked her to worship Vara-Lakshmi (literally,boon granting - goddess of wealth) and seek to fulfill her wishes. Varalakshmi is yetanother form of Lord Vishnu's consort, Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. Thus was prescribedthe Friday of Sravana month preceding the full moon day for the worship.When Charumathi explained her dream to her family, she found them encouraging her to perform the pooja. Many other women of the town also joined her in performing the pooja in a traditional way and offered many sweet dishes to the Goddess Varalakshmi. They prayed with deep devotion:
"Padmaasane Padmakare sarva lokaika poojithe
Narayana priyadevi supreethaa bhava sarvada"

The well dressed women made offerings of delicious feast with utmost devotion.
As they went round the deity in prayer, dazzling jewelry is said to have appeared as
ornaments on the bodies of these worshippers and their houses filled with riches. They rewarded the priest who assisted them in performing the pooja and they all partook in the feast. The women expressed their gratitude to Charumathi who shared her dream and helpedthem become prosperous. This pooja came to be practiced year after year by women. Done withdevotion, it is said that boons would be granted and thus many wishes would be realized.


How to celebrate Varalakshmi vratam:

Varalakshmi vratam is celebrated with the spirit of reverence to Mother Varalakshmi.
Varalakshmi is goddess Lakshmi Herself in the mood of giving boons.
On the day of Varalakshmi vartam, get up early and have holy bath with scented oils.
Take name of Lord Vishnu and oath to observe this vratam with great sanctity.
Decorate yourhouse with torans and rangolis in the front yards. Footprints of Lakshmi
on thresholds symbolically represent welcoming of goddess Lakshmi.
Don new clothes and decorate yourself with jewelery. Smear your feet with haldi paste.
Wear kumkum on the forehead. All this makes you feel special on the occasion of vratam.
Observing the correct timings, arrange for kalasha or sacred pot. Fill the kalasha with
rice and water symbolizing prosperity. Place mango leaves or betel leaves surrounding it.
Then place a coconut smeared with turmeric and vermilion on the kalasha. Place this before
the deity of Varalakshmi. Decorate the deity with flowers and lights.Tie a toram on the right hand. Torams are bunch of eight threads with eight knots which signify Ashtalakshmi. Now begin the pooja by lighting deepam and incense sticks.
Start with chanting holy names of Lord Vishnu. Read Lakshmi Ashtottara Shatanamam.
Offer flowers, fruits.Perform aarti of Sri Varalakshmi by loudly chanting Her praise. Offer nine varieties of delicacies and pray for peace and prosperity. Offer dakshina or money.
After completing the pooja procedure, or in evening, invite atleast 5 married women.
Present them tamboolam. Tamboolam is an offering consisting of fruits, betel leaves, vermilion, turmeric and a cloth for blouse. Take their blessings.