Varalakshmi Vratam

Varalakshmi vratam is celebrated to worship Goddess Varalakshmi. Goddess Varalakshmi is another form of Mahalakshmi. The word “Vara” means boons. In this special form she grants boons desired by her devotees. It is believed that Goddess Varalakshmi will enter the house of those who think of her and worship her on this auspicious day and bless them.

Varalakshmi Vratam falls during Sukla Paksha of Hindu month Sravana (July-August). Varalakshmi Vratam also happens to be second Friday in Sravana month. It is observed on the Friday before Sravana Purnima.

The story behind Varalakshmi Vratam

According to Skanda Purana, once Goddess Parvati asked Lord Shiva about a vrata that will be beneficial to women. Lord Shiva then mentioned the importance of Varalakshmi Vrata, which is most beneficial Vrata for women. To illustrate the importance of the Varamahalakshmi Vrat, Lord Shiva narrated the story of Charumati. Pleased with Charumati’s devotion to her husband and family, Goddess Lakshmi appeared in her dream and asked her to perform the Varalakshmi Vratha. She explained to her the procedures of the Vrata. The pious Charumati invited all her neighbors, friends and relatives and performed the Varalakshmi puja as directed by Goddess Lakshmi. Soon after the puja, all the people who participated in the puja were blessed with wealth and prosperity.

Spiritual Significance of Varalakshmi Vratam

It is believed that Varalakshmi vratam is the day Goddess Lakshmi was born from Sea. It is celebrated in Shravana month which is the favorite month of Lord Vishnu. Goddess Lakshmi is consort of Vishnu, so worshipping Goddess Lakshmi in this month gives blessings of both Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi. Physical, material and spiritual wealth are all needed to satisfy life’s various needs. Goddess Lakshmi is the deity of wealth and prosperity. Eight forces or energies are recognized and they are known as Siri (Wealth), Bhu (Earth), Sarasvathi (learning), Prithi (Love), Keerthi (Fame), Shanthi (Peace), Santhushti (Pleasure) and Pushti (Strength). Each one of these forces is called a Lakshmi and all the eight forces are called the Ashta Lakshmis (8 Lakshmis). Lord Vishnu is also called Ashta Lakshmi Pathi  (husband) which is equivalent to saying that he is the asylum for the eight-Lakshmis or forces. In fact, Lord Vishnu representing the preservative aspect of the universe, radiates these forces from him. These forces are personified and worshiped as Lakshmis, since abstract force is beyond the comprehension of the ordinary people. As health, wealth and prosperity depend upon the rhythmic play of these forces, the worship of Lakshmi is said to be to obtain these three. Therefore Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Vishnu are prayed together for prosperity, Spiritual prosperity, to remove obstacles that prevent us from starting a Spiritual path.

This vratam is mostly performed by women but it can be done by anyone with devotion and dedication.