Varalakshmi Vratam 2025

 

Tithi & Observance

• Date in 2025: Friday, August 8, 2025
• Tithi: Observed on the second Friday of Shravana Shukla Paksha, just before the full moon (Purnima)
• Regions: Widely celebrated in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and parts of Maharashtra.

Significance

• Varalakshmi means “Lakshmi who grants boons” (Vara = boon, Lakshmi = goddess of wealth).
• The vrat is primarily observed by married women (Sumangalis) for the well-being of their family, especially their husbands and children.
• Worshipping Varalakshmi is believed to be equivalent to worshipping the Ashta Lakshmi—the eight forms of Lakshmi:
• Adi Lakshmi (spiritual wealth)
• Dhana Lakshmi (material wealth)
• Dhanya Lakshmi (agricultural abundance)
• Gaja Lakshmi (royal power)
• Santana Lakshmi (offspring)
• Dhairya Lakshmi (courage)
• Vijaya Lakshmi (victory)
• Vidya Lakshmi (knowledge)

Legends

1. Charumathi’s Devotion (Skanda Purana)

• A pious woman named Charumathi from Kundinyapura was instructed by Goddess Lakshmi in a dream to observe the vrat.
• She performed the puja with other women, and they were all blessed with prosperity and happiness.

2. Shyamabala’s Realization

• Princess Shyamabala learned the vrat from an old woman (Lakshmi in disguise).
• After observing it, her kingdom flourished, while her parents’ kingdom suffered due to their neglect of the ritual.

Rituals & Procedure

Preparations (Thursday evening)

• Clean the house and puja space.
• Arrange puja items: Kalash, turmeric, kumkum, mango leaves, coconut, rice, betel leaves, flowers, sweets, and a new saree.

Puja Steps (Friday)

1.     Kalash Setup:

o    Fill a silver or brass pot with rice, coins, turmeric, and betel nuts.

o    Decorate with mango leaves and place a turmeric-smeared coconut on top.

o    Adorn with a saree, jewelry, and kumkum to represent the goddess.

2.     Invocation:

o    Light a lamp and chant Lakshmi Stotram or Padmasana Padmakare mantra.

o    Offer naivedyam: sweets like payasam, vadai, and kolukattai.

3.     Sacred Thread (Dorak):

o    Tie a turmeric-dyed yellow thread around the right wrist of women and girls.

o    Symbolizes protection and divine blessings.

4.     Aarti & Distribution:

o    Perform aarti and distribute prasadam and thamboolam (betel leaves, fruits, bangles) to other women.

5.     Next Day:

o    Sprinkle water from the Kalash around the house.

o    Use the rice from the Kalash to prepare a meal as prasadam.

Scriptural Reference

• Scriptural Basis: While Varalakshmi Vratam is not found in the Vedas, it is rooted in Puranic and Itihasa traditions, especially the Skanda Purana and Linga Purana.
• Mythological Origin:
• According to the Skanda Purana, Goddess Parvati asked Lord Shiva about a vrata that would benefit women and their families. Shiva narrated the story of Charumathi, a pious woman who was instructed by Lakshmi in a dream to perform this vrat.
• The vrata is said to bestow the blessings of Ashta Lakshmi, the eight forms of wealth and prosperity.
• Vrata Katha: The story of Padmavati, a devoted Brahmin woman, is often recited during the puja. Her devotion and service to others earned her the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi.

Temples to Visit During Varalakshmi Vratam

Tiruchanur Sri Padmavathi Ammavari Temple (Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh)

• Most prominent temple for Varalakshmi Vratam celebrations.
• Special Arjitha Seva is performed in the Asthana Mandapam, where hundreds of couples participate in collective puja.
• The deity is adorned as Varalakshmi, and a golden chariot procession is held in the evening.

Mahalakshmi Temple, Kolhapur (Maharashtra)

• Though not specific to Varalakshmi Vratam, this temple is a Shakti Peetha and draws devotees during the festival.

Kanaka Durga Temple, Vijayawada (Andhra Pradesh)

• Special Lakshmi pujas are performed during the Shravana month, especially on Varalakshmi Vratam day.

Ashtalakshmi Temple, Chennai (Tamil Nadu)

• Devotees worship all eight forms of Lakshmi here, making it a spiritually significant site for this vrat.

Regional Observance

Region	Local Name	Observance Style
Andhra Pradesh & Telangana	(Varalakshmi Vratam)	Women perform elaborate pujas at home and temples; thamboolam is exchanged among Sumangalis
Tamil Nadu	(Varamahalakshmi Nombu)	Kolams are drawn, and special sweets like kolukattai are offered
Karnataka	(Varamahalakshmi Vrata)	Observed with traditional rangoli, mangala dravya, and saree-clad kalash
Maharashtra	Varalakshmi Vrat	Celebrated in some regions, especially among South Indian communities

In all regions, the yellow sacred thread (dorak) tied during the puja is worn for protection and blessings.