[GHHF] Married women Performed Vara Mahalakshmi Vratam in a Village near Anantapur to seek the blessings of eight manifestations of Devi.
On August 16, the Chief Priest Sri Gopi Krishna Acharya of Global Hindu Heritage Foundation Organized Vara Mahalakshmi Puja in Narayana Puram village of Kalyanadurgam mandal on the occasion of Varalakshmi Vrat near Lord Venkateswara Swamy Temple by inviting all the women in the village. First, he explained the meaning of Varlakshmi Vratam, its importance and the benefits of doing Vara Makalakshmi Vratam. read all the names of gotras and asked them to apply Kumkum on their forehead. Then all women performed Kumkum Archana (puja). Every woman was tied Raksha, given blouse piece, offered bangles to ensure the health and prosperity. Sri Gopi Chary blessed all women to live a long-married life. Finally, the program was made successful by giving panchamritham and prasadam.
How is Varalakshmi Vratam Celebrated?
Married women fast on Thursday from sunrise to sunset and make arrangements for the pooja. On Friday, devotees wake up early in the morning for a head bath just before sunrise. The house is cleaned and decorated with rangoli and Kalasha.
The Kalasha is coated with Chandan (sandalwood) paste and filled with various items that differ from region to region. Raw rice, coins, turmeric, and leaves are used to fill the pot, and then a 'Swastika' symbol is drawn.
Lastly, the Kalasha is decorated with Mango leaves and coconut smeared with turmeric is used to cover it. The pooja begins with worshipping Lord Ganesha, chanting slokas, performing arati, and offering sweets to the deity. Women tie yellow threads on their hands and exchange gifts.
Varalakshmi Vratam is believed to bring peace, prosperity and financial blessings.
About Varalakshmi Vrat
Varalakshmi Vrat is observed on the last Friday of Shravana Shukla Paksha, occurring just a few days before Rakhi and Shravana Purnima. This fasting is recommended for both men and women, although in the regions of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Maharashtra, it is primarily observed by married women. The fast is undertaken with the desire for worldly pleasures, including the well-being of children, spouse, and the enjoyment of luxury and other earthly comforts.
Varalakshmi Vratam is a very popular fasting and puja day in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra. In these states, married women perform Varalakshmi Puja for the well-being of their husbands and other family members. It is believed that worshipping Goddess Varalakshmi on this day is equivalent to worshipping Ashtalakshmi, the eight goddesses of Wealth (Sri), Earth (Bhu), Learning (Saraswati), Love (Priti), Fame (Kirti), Peace (Shanti), Pleasure (Tushti), and Strength (Pushti).
However, Varalakshmi Puja is not as widely observed in North Indian states as it is in the South. Varalakshmi Vratam is one of the most auspicious days for seeking the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi.
Importance of Varalakshmi Vratam
Varalakshmi Vratam, also known as Varalakshmi Puja, is a significant religious observance where people, both men and women, worship Goddess Varalakshmi. She is revered as the divine bestower of wealth, prosperity, courage, wisdom, and fertility. During this Vratam, devotees seek her abundant blessings for themselves and their families.
Participating in the Varalakshmi Puja is believed to be akin to honoring all eight diverse manifestations of Goddess Lakshmi. This ritual is thought to bring about various favorable outcomes, including:
• Dhanam (Monetary Benefits): The ritual is believed to attract financial prosperity and wealth.
• Dhanyam (Abundance of Food and Grains): Devotees anticipate the abundance of food and grains in their lives.
• Arokkyam (Good Health): Seeking blessings for sound physical well-being.
• Sampath (Wealth and Property): Aspiring for the accumulation of material assets and riches.
• Santhanam (Virtuous Offspring): Hoping for the birth of virtuous and healthy progeny.
• Deerka Sumangali Bakkyam (Longevity of Husband): Wishing for the extended life of one's spouse.
• Veeram (Courage): Seeking inner strength and courage to face challenges.
• Gaja Lakshmi (Freedom from Debts): Aspiring to be free from debts and financial burdens.
Married women traditionally fast during this day, breaking their fast after performing the puja. The Varalakshmi Vrat is a way to express devotion and seek blessings from Goddess Varalakshmi, ultimately aiming for various forms of prosperity and well-being in life.
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