Varalakshmi Pooja
This pooja is traditionally observed on the Friday preceding Pournami during the month of Sravana. Married women are encouraged to perform this pooja if it aligns with their family customs. It is advisable to invite a qualified priest (purohit) to conduct the ritual, ensuring all procedures are followed meticulously according to the Shastras. Even those without a specific family tradition can honor Goddess Mahalakshmi by singing devotional songs (Dasara padagalu), reciting Lakshmi stothrams, and performing the Ashtothram to the deity’s photo or idol.
For those who have the tradition but are unable to perform the pooja due to illness or during their menstrual cycle, it is recommended to observe the ritual on the Friday of Navaratri.
The significance of this vratam dates back to a time when Lord Shiva was resting in Kailasa. On that occasion, Goddess Parvathi approached Him, seeking a vrata that would bestow wealth and prosperity. In response, Lord Shiva explained that the Varalakshmi Vratam is particularly auspicious for women, bringing them good fortune and well-being. He narrated a story and described the process of the vratam to Goddess Parvathi, emphasizing that it should be performed on the Friday before Poornima during Sukla Paksha in Sravana Maasa.
The story is set in the picturesque town of Kundinagaram, located in the Kingdom of Vidarbha (Vidarbha Rajyam). In Kundinagaram, Goddess Adilakshmi appeared in a dream to a devoted woman named Charumathi, instructing her to perform the vratam to fulfill her desires. Upon awakening, Charumathi shared her dream with her husband. She then, along with neighboring women, bathed at dawn, prepared a mandapam (altar), and invited Varalakshmi Devi. They recited slokas with deep faith and devotion.
During the ritual, Charumathi tied a nine-thread thoranam on her right hand and offered naivedyam (food offerings) to Goddess Lakshmi. After completing the first round of the ritual, she discovered earrings, necklaces, and other ornaments. The second round brought bangles made of navaratnams (precious stones). Upon completing the third round, she found great wealth. Charumathi then offered tambulam (betel leaves and nuts) to the Brahmin priests, distributed the vrata prasadam to her family and friends, and lived a contented life. Since then, Hindu women have observed this vratam with unwavering faith and trust.
The origin of Varalakshmi Vratam is also linked to a game of dice between Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. When Parvati consistently won, Shiva accused her of cheating. To resolve the dispute, they appointed Chitranemi, one of Shiva’s followers, as the umpire. Chitranemi ruled in favor of Shiva, which angered Parvati, leading her to curse Chitranemi with leprosy. Later, Shiva requested Parvati to forgive him. She agreed to lift the curse if Chitranemi observed the Varalakshmi Vratam being performed by a group of women by a lakeside. Thus, the tradition of Varalakshmi Vratam began.
This pooja has been performed by many who have reaped its benefits. It is believed that those who listen to or read this story will receive wealth and prosperity through the blessings of Sri Varalakshmi.
Procedure:
| Category | Poojas |
| month | Sravana |
| paksha | |
| tithi | |
| Nakshatra | |
| yogha |
