Varalakshmi Vratam is a highly auspicious Hindu festival observed to worship Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, prosperity, and well-being. The vrat is especially popular in South India—Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana.
🌸 Varalakshmi Vrat 2025 – Key Details
|
Element |
Description |
|
Date |
Friday, 8 August 2025 |
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Tithi |
Shukla Paksha Friday before Raksha Bandhan / Sawan Purnima |
|
Main Deity |
Goddess Lakshmi (as Vara Lakshmi – boon-giver) |
|
Purpose |
For health, wealth, prosperity, good fortune, and especially the well-being of family and husband |
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Observed by |
Primarily married women (sumangalis) in South India |
|
Alternate Names |
Vara Mahalakshmi Vratham, Lakshmi Puja |
🪔 Why is Varalakshmi Vrat Celebrated?
The word “Vara” means boon, and “Lakshmi” is the goddess of wealth and fortune. According to legend, Goddess Lakshmi appeared in a dream to a pious woman named Charumati and advised her to perform this vrat. When Charumati did so with devotion, she and her family were blessed with immense prosperity.
This vrat is believed to invoke the blessings of Ashta Lakshmi (the eight forms of Lakshmi):
- Adi Lakshmi – Primeval wealth
- Dhanya Lakshmi – Food abundance
- Dhairya Lakshmi – Courage
- Gaja Lakshmi – Power and royalty
- Santana Lakshmi – Children and lineage
- Vijaya Lakshmi – Victory
- Vidya Lakshmi – Education and wisdom
- Dhana Lakshmi – Material wealth
🌼 Rituals of Varalakshmi Vratam
1. Preparations (On Thursday Evening)
- Clean the home and puja place.
- Women apply turmeric and rangoli (kolam) at the entrance.
- Prepare offerings, sweets, coconut, fruits, bangles, and flowers.
2. Kalash Sthapana (Friday Morning)
- A Kalash (pot) is filled with rice or water, decorated with mango leaves, and topped with a coconut smeared with turmeric and vermilion (kumkum).
- A face of Lakshmi Devi is drawn or fixed on the kalash.
- Decorate the kalash with silk cloth, gold ornaments, bangles, and flowers.
3. Puja Vidhi
- Light a ghee lamp.
- Offer naivedya (payasam, tamarind rice, coconut sweets).
- Recite Varalakshmi Ashtottara Shatanamavali (108 names of Lakshmi).
- Perform Varalakshmi Vrata Katha Shravanam (listening to the story).
- Perform aarti and mantra chanting.
4. Tie Sacred Thread (Charadu)
- Women tie a yellow thread (toram) with 9 knots on their right hand after the puja for protection and blessings.
5. Fasting (Optional)
- Some women fast till the puja is done, then take prasadam.
📜 Varalakshmi Vrat Katha (Story Summary)
Charumati, a devoted housewife from Magadha, was instructed in a dream by Goddess Lakshmi to perform this vrat. When she did it with full devotion, her family witnessed abundance and happiness. Others in her village followed suit and were similarly blessed. The story emphasizes the power of sincere devotion and the boon-giving aspect of the Goddess.
🎁 Significance & Benefits
- Brings wealth, peace, success, and family harmony
- Blessings for longevity of the husband
- Protection from misfortune or widowhood
- Considered as equivalent to Ashtalakshmi worship
📅 Related Observances
- This vrat is distinct from Lakshmi Puja during Diwali.
- North Indians may not traditionally observe this vrat, but it is spreading widely.
- A Varalakshmi Vratam falls on a Friday before Purnima (full moon) in the month of Shravana.
🪙 What to Offer to Lakshmi Devi?
- Fresh flowers: lotus, jasmine, red hibiscus
- Foods: Coconut, kheer, rice dishes, sweets
- Symbols: Gold, coins, yellow cloth, turmeric