Varalakshmi Vratam
Varalakshmi Vratam is a significant festival dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, the consort of Lord Vishnu. It is primarily observed by married women in the South Indian states of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu for the well-being of their husbands and family members.
Significance
The name 'Varalakshmi' means the goddess who grants boons (Varam). Performing this vrat is believed to be equivalent to worshipping the Ashta Lakshmis (the eight forms of Lakshmi). It is observed on the Friday preceding the full moon day (Purnima) of the Hindu month of Shravana.
The Legend
According to the Skanda Purana, the vrat was recommended by Lord Shiva to Goddess Parvati. A pious woman named Charumathi, who was a devoted wife and daughter-in-law, was visited by Goddess Lakshmi in her dream and instructed to perform this vrat.
Key Rituals
- The Kalasham: A sacred pot (Kalasham) is decorated with a face of the goddess, a new sari, and jewelry. It is filled with rice or water, coins, and beetle nuts.
- Toram: A sacred yellow thread with nine knots is tied to the wrist after the puja.
- Offerings: Special sweets like Obattu, Payasam, and Vada are prepared and offered as Naivedyam.
- Thamboolam: Giving Thamboolam (betel leaves, nuts, turmeric, and vermilion) to other married women in the neighborhood is a vital part of the tradition.
Spiritual Aspect
The festival emphasizes the importance of devotion, discipline, and the role of the woman as the 'Griha Lakshmi' (the light of the home).
The Sacred Legend (Vrat Katha)
The legend of Varalakshmi Vratam is found in the Skanda Purana, narrated by Lord Shiva to Goddess Parvati.
The Story of Charumathi
In the kingdom of Magadha, there was a beautiful town called Kundina. In that town lived a pious and virtuous Brahmin woman named Charumathi. She was a devoted wife, a caring daughter-in-law, and a woman of exemplary character. Pleased with her devotion to her family, Goddess Lakshmi appeared in her dream.
The Goddess introduced herself as Varalakshmi, the granter of boons. She instructed Charumathi to perform a Vratam on the Friday preceding the full moon in the month of Shravana. The Goddess promised that whoever performs this Vratam with devotion will be blessed with health, wealth, and prosperity.
Charumathi woke up and shared her dream with her family and friends. With their support, she eagerly awaited the auspicious day. On the designated Friday, she and the other women of the town rose early, bathed, and set up the Kalasham as instructed. They worshipped the Goddess with deep devotion, offering prayers and naivedyam.
As they completed the puja, miracles began to happen. Their homes were filled with riches, their jewelry boxes overflowed, and their families were blessed with happiness and longevity. Since then, the tradition of performing the Varalakshmi Vratam has been passed down through generations, celebrated by married women for the welfare of their households.
Sacred Shloka
The Mahalakshmi Ashtakam is often recited during this Vratam:
నమస్తేఽస్తు మహామాయే శ్రీపీఠే సురపూజితే | శంఖచక్రగదాహస్తే మహాలక్ష్మి నమోఽస్తు తే ||
Namastē’stu mahāmāyē śrīpīṭhē surapūjitē | Śaṅkhacakragadāhastē mahālakṣmi namō’stu tē ||
Meaning: Salutations to You, O Great Maya, who resides in the Shri-Peetha and is worshipped by the Devas. Salutations to You, O Mahalakshmi, who holds the conch, discus, and mace in Your hands.
Astronomical & Scientific Basis
The timing of Varalakshmi Vratam in the month of Shravana aligns with the seasonal transition:
- The Shravana Month: Shravana occurs during the peak of the monsoon in India. High humidity and damp conditions can lead to physical ailments and emotional gloom. The ritual, involving decoration, cleaning, and social visiting, acts as a psychological upliftment for the family.
- Griha Lakshmi Concept: Sociologically, the Vratam recognizes the woman as the central pillar of the home. By empowering the woman through this ritual, the family’s emotional and financial management is prioritized, which is essential for long-term household stability.
- The Nine Knots (Toram): Tying the Toram (yellow thread) with nine knots is a symbolic representation of the nine forms of Lakshmi. It serves as a reminder of the nine qualities (like patience, abundance, and wisdom) that a householder must cultivate.
Phala Shruti (Benefits)
The Varalakshmi Vratam is said to grant the benefits of worshipping the Ashta Lakshmi (Eight Lakshmis):
- Wealth (Dhana): Financial stability and prosperity.
- Grains (Dhanya): Abundance of food and agricultural success.
- Courage (Dhairya): Strength to face life's challenges.
- Success (Jaya): Victory in all endeavors.
- Progeny (Santana): Blessings for children and family growth.
- Longevity (Ayush): Health and long life for the husband and family.