VARALAKSHMI VRATHAM - 2009Varalakshmi vratham happens to be a sacred day for the Hindus. Popularly known as "Varalakshmi Vrata" it is performed by married Hindu ladies on Friday before the full moon day during the month of Sravana (August). Those who are unable to perform it on that day can do it on any of the Friday during that particular month.
The Vratha is performed more in the Southern part of India in states such as Karnataka, Andra Pradesh, and Tamilnadu and also in some parts of Orissa and Maharashtra.
The puja is performed by Hindu women who are married to seek the blessings of Lord Vishnu, who is considered to be the God of prosperity and wealth.
Legend of Varalakshmi Vratam.
This vrata was suggested to Parvati by her husband Lord Shiva so that she acquires wealth and gains prosperity.
Another legend is that a religious minded lady Charumati was requested by Goddess Varalakshmi to perform the vratham so that she fulfills all her wishes. She, along with other ladies of the village, performed the vrata with devotion. Sweets were offered to the deity by them and after the vratam was done, they found themselves decked up with jewels and their houses were full of riches. Since then, women started to perform the vratam every year to attain wealth as well as prosperity for their respective families.
Celebration of Varalakshmi Vratam
Women tidy their home, keep it clean. The front yard is decorated with rangolis (colorful design drawn on the floor). They wear beautiful clothes and deck themselves up with jewelry. Married women perform the puja and invite neighboring ladies in the evening to reveive offerings. Devotional songs are sung in praise of the deity.
Ritual of Varalakshmi Vratam
The puja begins by arranging the kalasha or what is known as the sacred pot. The pot is filled up with water and rice symbolizing prosperity. It is them covered with mango as well as betel leaves. Then a coconut that is smeared with vermillion and turmeric powder is placed on the Kalasha. A new cloth is placed on the coconut. Some decorate the Kalasha with jewels to make it appear more beautiful. The puja starts with the worship of Lord Ganesha, who is considered to help in getting rid of obstacles as well as evil forces. Subsequently, the devotees invoke Goddess Varalakshmi to enter the Kalasha. Then torams (it consists of nine threads with about nine knots) are worshipped and one is tied around the Kalasha, while another one is tied on the right hand of the woman, who is performing the puja. Then they chant Lakshmi Astottara Shatanamam (it is a list consisting of a hundred names praising the Goddess). Nine types of sweets as well as savories are offered to the Goddess. Hymns are sung in praise of the deity. Another women is invited; who is considered to be Goddess Varalakshmi and sweets as well savories are offered. In the evening all the ladies in the locality are invited and are offered tamboolam (betel leaves, betel nuts fruits, turmeric as well as dakshna (money). Together they sing songs in praise of the Goddess.
Varalakshmi Vratam is an auspicious occasion for a married Hindu woman. She prays for prosperity and wealth in her home. The deity is worshipped through an elaborate puja.
