Varalaxmi Vratham is the most celebrated Vratam in India during Shravan month. In 2009, the date of Varalaxmi Puja is July 31, Friday. Varalakshmi Vratha is observed on the Friday just before Shravan Purnima. In Kerala, Varalaxmi Vratham is performed on 7 August in 2009.
Goddess Laxmi is the deity of wealth and prosperity as per Hinduism. Lakshmi is worshipped in eight superior forms that represent 8 types of wealth. The 8 forms of Laxmi or Astalaxmi – Aadilaxmi, Dhanya Lakshmi, Dhairya Laxmi, Gaja Lakshmi, Santana Laxmi, Vijaya Lakshmi, Vidya Laxmi and Dhana Lakshmi. The Astalakshmi indicates the 8 supreme forms of wealth – Food, courage, children, strength, success, wisdom and money.
Lord Shiva explained to Goddess Parvathi that the only Vratha which gives the devotee the 8 types of wealth. As per the scriptures, Varalaxmi is the Goddess to grant boons to her devotees without any hesitation. Who performs the Varalakshmi Puja with devotion and dedication will be blessed with health, wealth and prosperity.
Varalakshmi Vratha Katha – Legend of Varalaxmi Puja
Legend or Story of Vara Laxmi Vratram is explained here. Vara Laxmi Vrata is observed on the Friday which comes before Shravan Purnima during Shravan month. Charumathi, a Brahmin woman lived in a town, Kundina. She was very humble and kind in her nature. She was very much devoted to her husband and family.
One night, Goddess Laxmi appeared in her dream and told her to worship Vara Laxmi and seek her blessings. Goddess Laxmi also explained the Vrata procedure and the best day to observe Vara Laxmi Vrata. Laxmi asked Charumathi to observe Varalaxmi Vrata on the Friday just before Shravan Purnima, the Full Moon day in Shravan Month.
Charumathi informed about the dream to his husband and family. She also told to her friends and the word spread throughout the town. On the Friday before Shravan Purnima, Charumathi along with her family, friends and the women of the town observe Vara Laxmi Vrata. They worshipped Vara Laxmi with utmost devotion and offered special recipes and fruits to please her.
Goddess Vara Laxmi appeared before them and granted boons to all of them. Their houses were filled with grains, diamonds, jewels and gold. They all lived happily in their rest of life. Since the time, women have begun observing Vara Laxmi Vrata every year on the specific Friday.
Why Varalakshmi Vratam is observed in Shravan month? This is the question asked by a visitor. I have searched it in some scriptures. I got the answer, here it is. Shravan month is named after the Janm Nakshatra (birth star) of Lord Vishnu, Shravana Nakshatra. Shravan masam is the most favorite month for Lord Vishnu. Maha Laxmi, consort of Lord Vishnu, also worships Lord Vishnu during the month of Sawan.
Goddess Laxmi thought that during the month, which is auspicious to her husband, is the great time to worship her also. Her devotees also get blesses from her husband during the month, if they perform Vara Laxmi Puja in Shravan month.
Varalakshmi Vratham is the main Vratha in South Indian states – Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala. It is also performed in Maharashtra and Goa. In 2009, the date of Varalakshmi Vratham is July 31 in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and Goa. In Kerala, the date of Varalakshmi Vratham in 2009 is August 7.
When is Varalakshmi observed in 2009?
Vararalakshmi Vratam or VaraLaxmi Puja is an important pooja observed in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and some places of Maharashtra and Orissa. Varlakshmi Vratam 2010 or Var Mahalaxmi puja 2010 date is August 20. Var Laxmi Vrata is observed on 2nd Friday during the Shravana masam. Because of any reasons, one who could not able to perform the Vratha on second Friday can observe the Var Laxmi Vrata on any Friday in Shravan maas. Whoever missed to perform the Varalakshmi vrata on August 20, can perform Varlaxmi Vrata on August 27 or September 3 in 2010.
Significance and Importance of Varalakshmi Vratam – Vara Laxmi Vratha Mahatmya:
Lakshmi is the Goddess of wealth and prosperity. Worshipping Goddess Laxmi during Shravan month is highly auspicious because the whole month is dedicated to the divine couple, Lord Vishnu and Goddess Laxmi. Friday is the most auspicious day for Laxmi Devi. Hence, worshipping Lakshmi Devi on Shravan Shukravar is highly meritorious.
Ashtalakshmi showers their blessings on Vara Laxmi Vratha performers:
As the eight forces of the world, known as Ashta Lakshmi – primeval force (Aadi Laxmi), wealth (Dhana Lakshmi), courage (Dhairya Laxmi or Veera Lakshmi), wisdom (Vidhya Laksmi), Children or family development (Santana Laxmi), success (Viajaya Lakshmi), food (Dhanya Laxmi) and strength (Gaja Lakshmi) are dedicated to Goddess Laksmi. Puranas described that observing Vara Laksmi Vratham would bless a woman with all eight energies for life.
