Varalakshmi Vratham 2024: Celebrations and Significance
We all love festivals, and some of our fondest memories are created during these festivities. The love of festivals and celebrations is the core part of Indian culture and heritage. With this being said, India is a land of diverse festivals, and one such festival is the Varamahalakshmi or Varalakshmi Vratham.
The Varalakshmi Vratham is a popular festival mainly celebrated in the southern states of India, like Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Tamil Naidu. Varalakshmi Vratham 2024 is to be celebrated on 16 August. But have you ever wondered why this festival is celebrated? Well, Varalakshmi Pooja is held in honour of the goddess Lakshmi. Another fascinating fact about this festival is that most married women follow the Varalakshmi Vratam to seek the blessings of Varalakshmi, a manifestation of the goddess Lakshmi.
To know more about such interesting facts and rituals of the Varalakshmi Festival 2024, continue to read this blog. Celebrate this Varalakshmi Vratam with your family and friends!
When is Varamahalakshmi Celebrated?
The Varamahalakshmi festival is celebrated in the “Sraavan” month of the Hindu calendar. Varamahalakshmi Vratam date 2024, according to the western calendar, is 16 August 2024. The second Friday of Shravan month, or the Friday shortly before Poornima (full moon), is when Varalakshmi Vratam is observed. It is referred to as the Aadi month in the Tamil calendar.
Varalakshmi Pooja Timings 2024
One of the fascinating things to note is that there is a specific time, called “Muhurat” when the Varalakshmi pooja should be performed to ensure eternal prosperity. The Lakshmi pooja muhurta to gain the benefits of Varalakshmi Vratham is provided below:
Rituals of the Varalakshmi Vratam
As discussed, the Varamahalakshmi festival 2024 will be celebrated on 16 August. But do you know the rituals that are involved in the Varamahalakshmi festival? If not, do not worry. Let us look at the rituals involved in the Varamahalakshmi festival. Remember, these rituals hold a lot of cultural significance.
Varamahalakshmi Decorations
The Varalakshmi Vratam preparations begin on Thursday, the day before the festival is observed. On this day, all of the necessary components are assembled. On the day of the festival, devotees wake up early, especially before daylight, and get ready. One important and beautiful ritual followed is drawing a lovely "kolam" (rangoli) at the place of pooja.
The "Kalasha" must be prepared in the following phase. A Kalsha is a pot made of bronze or silver. It is scrubbed thoroughly and covered with sandalwood paste. The Kalasha is then inscribed with the "swastika" sign. After that, the Kalasha is filled with five various types of leaves, one lime, coins, beetle nuts, and uncooked rice. The goods that are used to fill the "Kalasham" pot vary depending on the locale. In some regions, the pot may also be filled with turmeric, black beads, a mirror, tiny black bangles, or a comb.
The Kalasha is then covered with mango leaves, and the neck is wrapped with a fresh piece of fabric. At last, Kalasha is covered with a coconut daubed with turmeric. A depiction of Goddess Lakshmi is adhered to or painted on the coconut using turmeric powder. The goddess Varalakshmi, now represented by the Kalsah placed on the mound of rice, is worshipped.
Varamahalakshmi Flower Decorations
Varamahalakshmi festival is marked by its exquisite flower decorations that add a vibrant touch to homes and puja spaces. Elaborate floral arrangements of marigolds, roses, jasmine, and other blooms adorn the surroundings, creating an atmosphere of reverence and celebration. These intricate designs embellish the altar, entrances, and even doorsteps, invoking a sense of divine presence. The fragrant flowers symbolize purity, prosperity, and auspiciousness, aligning perfectly with the festival's spirit. As families come together to seek blessings and offer prayers. The visual beauty of these flower decorations enhances the joy and sanctity of the occasion.
Varalakshmi Pooja Wishes
Here are some of the Varalakshmi Pooja 2024 wishes you can send your loved ones.
"Wishing you a joyous and blessed Varalakshmi Pooja! May the goddess bring happiness and prosperity to your life."
"Happy Varalakshmi Vratham! May this auspicious day fill your home with joy, love, and abundance."
"May Varalakshmi Devi's blessings be with you today and always. Have a wonderful and prosperous Varalakshmi Pooja!"
"On this special day of Varalakshmi Pooja, may your prayers be answered and your life be filled with happiness and success."
"Sending you warm wishes for a beautiful Varalakshmi Pooja. May the goddess shower you with health, wealth, and happiness."
Varamajhalakshmi Pooja
The pooja begins with the worship of Lord Ganesha. Pongal is served as a prasad in the southern states. The Kalasha is then subjected to aarti.
Women who follow the Varalakshmi Vrat generally do not eat for the day. However, this differs from place to place, as some devotees may fast till the conclusion of the pooja. The devotees disassemble the Kalasha used for pooja on Saturday, the day following pooja. The water from the Kalasha is used to hydrate the entire home, and any used rice is combined with the rice that has been kept there.
Significance of Varalakshmi Vratham
Varalaksmi Vratam's primary goal is to give sincere prayers to Goddess Lakshmi. In Hindu mythology, the goddess Lakshmi is the goddess of wealth and prosperity. Although there are rituals that have been traditionally followed as a part of Varalakshmi Vratham celebrations one should primarily focus on the mindfulness and spirituality of the festival. Almost all the festivals help us bond with our family and friends, one must take some time to understand this fact. The most key significance of any festival is the time spent with the family.
According to Hindu mythology, Goddess Lakshmi is the patron deity of fertility, generosity, light, knowledge, money, and fortune. The ladies ask the Goddess for her blessings on healthy offspring and long life for their respective husbands. Women celebrate Varalakshmi Vratam, which is predominantly a celebration for women.
An Ending Note!
Varalakshmi Nombu 2024 is a celebration of peace and prosperity but above all this festival and its rituals bring families together. This Varalakshmi Vratam spend time with your mothers, sister and other family members. Learn the amazing mythological stories and the cultural heritage of India. Make sure to help family members in the pooja preparations and rituals. We have provided the gist or the summary of the rituals followed, do follow it and cherish this important day.
Happy Varalamahalakshmi Vratham!
FAQs on Varalakshmi Vratham 2024
1. When Is Varalakshmi Vratham In 2024?
The Varalakshmi Vratham 2024 will be celebrated in the Aadi month of the Tamil calendar. According to the Western calendar, the Varamahalakshmi Festival Date is on 16 August 2024, this year. The festival is celebrated to pray to the goddess Lakshmi for growth and prosperity.
2. What is a Kalash and why it is important for Varalakshmi Vratam?
Traditionally, a Kalash is a Sanskrit word that refers to a pot specifically used for ceremonial festivities. In Traditionally, a Kalash is a Sanskrit word that refers to a pot specifically used for ceremonial festivities. In Varalakshmi Vratam, the Kalash is scrubbed and painted with a swastika and placed on a mound of rice. This Kalash represents goddess Lakshmi in the Varalakshmi Vratam pooja.
3. What is the significance of observing the Varamahalakshmi festival?
Varalaxmi Vratham, or Varalamahalakshmi Pooja, holds a significant place in Hindu traditions as a special occasion dedicated to the goddess of wealth and prosperity, Varalakshmi. On this day, married women observe a fasting ritual with the aim of seeking blessings for the welfare of their families.
4. What are the eight energies associated with Varalakshmi Vratham?
The forces of wealth (Siri), earth (Bhu), learning (Sarasvati), love (Priti), fame (Keerthi), peace (Shanthi), pleasure (Santushti), and strength (Pushti) constitute the essence of Varalakshmi Vratham 2023, underscoring its significance.
5. Is it possible to perform Varamahalakshmi pooja in one's own residence?
On this auspicious day, begin by rising early, conducting a thorough house cleaning, taking a bath, and purifying the puja space with sacred Gangajal. Following this, position the picture or statue of Goddess Varalakshmi on the puja platform. Adorn Goddess Lakshmi with fresh garments, jewelry, kumkum, and flowers. Proceed to present offerings of akshat, chandan, kumkun, and sindur to the deity.
6. What Is Varalakshmi Vratham?
Varalakshmi Vratham is a Hindu festival dedicated to the goddess Varalakshmi, who is worshipped for prosperity, health, and well-being. It is observed primarily by married women in South India, especially in the states of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana.
7. What are the traditional rituals and customs associated with Varalakshmi Nombu?
Varalakshmi Nombu involves several traditional rituals and customs. Women clean and decorate their homes and the pooja area with flowers and rangoli. They observe a fast from sunrise to moonrise and perform a special pooja with offerings like fruits, flowers, and sweets. Recitations include hymns and prayers dedicated to Goddess Varalakshmi, such as the Varalakshmi Ashtakshara Mantra and the Vratam Katha. Traditional dishes like tamarind rice and coconut rice are prepared and offered to the goddess. A sacred thread is often tied around the wrist, and family gatherings are common for sharing meals and celebrating together.
8. Which God is Varalakshmi Vratham?
Varalakshmi Vratham is dedicated to Goddess Varalakshmi, a form of the goddess Lakshmi. She is revered as the deity who grants wealth, prosperity, and well-being. The name "Varalakshmi" translates to "the one who bestows boons" or "the goddess who grants wishes." Worshipping her during this vratham (ritual) is believed to bring blessings for health, happiness, and prosperity.
9. Can we do Varalakshmi pooja without fasting?
While fasting is a traditional part of Varalakshmi Pooja, it is not always mandatory. The key elements of the pooja include performing the rituals, offering prayers, and seeking the goddess's blessings. If fasting is not possible due to health reasons or other constraints, you can still participate in the pooja by focusing on the rituals, offerings, and recitations. The sincerity of devotion and the intention behind the worship are considered important in the practice.
10. What are the Varalakshmi Pooja Timings for 2024?
The Varalakshmi Pooja Timings for 2024 are as follows:
Muhurat for Simha Lagna Puja is on August 16 (morning) – 06:20 AM to 08:19 AM
Muhurat for Vrishchika Lagna Puja is on August 16 (afternoon) – 12:20 PM to 02:30 PM
Muhurat for Kumbha Lagna Puja is on August 16 (evening) – 06:34 PM to 08:20 PM
Muhurat for Vrishabha Lagna Puja is on August 16 (midnight) – 11:55 PM to 01:58 AM, Aug 17
