Rituals Of Varalakshmi Puja

Varalakshmi puja is one of the most popular celebration in the Southern states of India. It is also known by the name of Mahalakshmi vrata in the North. However this puja is dedicated to the same deity, Goddess Lakshmi for the prosperity and welfare of the family.

The word Vara denotes boon. So, Varalakshmi is one who grants boon. This vrata is performed by married women only. It is believed that if one performs this vrat of Varalakshmi, it is equivalent to the vrat of Ashtalakshmi- the eight Goddesses of wealth, earth, learning, love, fame, peace, pleasure and strength. It is usually observed on the Friday before the full moon of the Shravan month.

THINGS TO DO ON VARALAKSHMI VRAT

Married women observe this Varamahalakshmi vrat with great faith and devotion. They take early bath in the morning and observe fast at any one half of the day. This vrata is observed for the welfare and prosperity of the family. Some people also perform this puja in order to get blessed with children. The eight forms of Goddess Lakshmi are worshipped during the vrat to invoke blessings upon the family. Take a look at the rituals of the Varalakshmi puja in detail.

Origin Of Varalakshmi Vrat

According to a legend there was once a very pious woman named Sarmadi. She was visited by Goddess Lakshmi in a dream and the Goddess said that She was extremely happy with the devotion of Sarmadi and told her to perform the Varalakshmi vrat to get Her blessings. So, Sarmadi woke up early next morning, took bath and performed the vrat to seek Goddess Lakshmi's blessings. She was blessed with wealth and prosperity. After hearing about this dream other women of the village also started the vrat. Thus, the Varalakshmi vrat came into existence.

Early Bath

This puja is usually done by women. So, they wake up early in the morning and take bath. Traditionally, they wake up at the Brahma muhurtam, take bath and clean the puja area.

Kolam

After cleaning the puja area and other parts of the house, women make beautiful kolams or rangolis in the puja area and the entrance of the house. This is said to bring good luck and welcome Goddess Lakshmi to the house.

Preparing The Kalash

The kalash or the pot is usually made of bronze or silver. It is cleaned thoroughly and the Swastika symbol is drawn after which it is smeared with sandalwood paste. The kalash is filled with uncooked rice or water, coin, a whole lime, five different types of leaves and betel nut. Some people also keep turmeric, comb, mirror, small black bangles and black beads on the kalash as well. Then a coconut smeared with turmeric paste is kept on the mouth of the kalash. The mouth of the kalash is usually closed with a red cloth or mango leaves. On the coconut,an image of Goddess Lakshmi is fixed and then worshipped.

Beginning The Puja

The puja usually begins with invoking the name of Lord Ganesha. After that slokas dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi are recited. Aarti is performed and various kinds of sweets like pongal etc. Are offered to the Goddess. Some women tie yellow threads on their wrists. Thamboolam, which is betel leaf along with areca nuts and slaked lime is offered to the women in the locality and they are also invited for the evening aarti.

Finishing The Puja

Next day, that is on Saturday, after taking bath the kalash is dismantled and the water of the kalash is sprinkled in the house. In case of rice, it is mixed with the rice to be used for cooking. The rituals of this festival are very simple and if you miss out on any of them don't worry because nothing pleases that Goddess more than the prayer you offer with a clean mind.