Varalakshmi Vratam 2019 – Date, Timings, Story & Puja Vidhi

Varalakshmi Vratam Date for 2019 in India – Friday, August 9, 2019

Varalakshmi Vratam is a popular pooja and fasting day to appease Goddess Varalakshmi known for granting boons (Vara). Varalakshmi is a form of Goddess Lakshmi, who is the consort of Lord Vishnu. This Hindu festival is observed on the last Friday during Shravana Shukla Paksha and usually occurs in July–August every year.

Puja Muhurat 2019

The most auspicious time to worship Goddess Lakshmi is during the Sthir Lagna (fixed Lagna). The above mentioned Puja timings are given only according to fixed Lagna timings.

What is the story of Varalakshmi Vratam?

The story of Varalakshmi Vratam relates to a prosperous town named Kundinyapura. In Kundinyapura (now in Amravati district in Maharashtra), there lived a woman called Charumathi with her husband. One day, Goddess Lakshmi appeared in her dream and suggested her to worship Varalakshmi to fulfill her wishes. Varalakshmi is another form of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth.

When Charumathi revealed her dream to the family, they encouraged her to perform the pooja. Many other women of the village also joined her in performing the pooja. They offered many sweets to the Goddess along with mantra chanting.

Who can perform the Pooja?

• Varalakshmi Vrata is performed by married women for the well being of their family members.
• This is also performed by women for the long life of their husbands.
• Women who are getting trouble conceiving a child of their own also perform this Vrata to get the boon of a child.

How to perform Varalakshmi Pooja?

• A Kalasha is taken which represents the Goddess or deity. Kalasham will be decorated with a saree, garlands, and flowers.
• Offerings of fruits and sweets are made in front of the diety.
• Women then worship Goddess Lakshmi with utmost devotion.
• Dorak (a sacred thread) is tied on the wrists of women after the pooja has been completed. The thread signifies protection and devotion for Goddess.
• Married women then exchange several gifts and auspicious things to bring good faith in each other’s lives.
• Varalakshmi fasting is also observed by married women on this day.
• The following Mantras are also chanted in favor of Goddess Varalakshmi.

Varalakshmi Vratam Puja Samagri

Given below is the list of Puja Samagri (materials) which should be collected before starting Varalakshmi Vrat Puja:

1. Kalasam/ Kalash
2. Garland (माला)
3. Flowers (पुष्प)
4. Betel leaves (पान के पत्ते)
5. Kumkum (कुम्कुम)
6. Turmeric (हल्दी)
7. Sandal Powder(चन्दन)
8. Raw Rice (अक्षत)
9. Incense sticks (अगरबत्ती)
10. Moli (मोली)
11. Sambrani (धूप)
12. Camphor (कर्पूर)
13. Vibhuti (विभूति)
14. Deepak (दीपक)
15. Puja Bell (घन्टी)
16. Mirror (दर्पण)
17. Comb (कंघा)
18. Curd (दही)
19. Milk (दूध)
20. Water (जल)
21. Banana (केले)
22. Panchamrita (पञ्चामृत)
23. Prasad (प्रसाद)

Significance of Varalakshmi Vratam

• It is believed that worshipping Goddess Varamahalakshmi on this day is equivalent to worshipping Ashtalakshmi.
• Eight energies of Goddess Lakshmi are recognized and these are-
  • Siri (Wealth)
  • Bhu (Earth)
  • Sarasvathi (Wisdom)
  • Preethi (Love)
  • Keerthi (Fame)
  • Shanthi (Peace)
  • Santushti (contentment)
  • Pushti (Strength)
• The worship of Lakshmi is said to obtain health, wealth and prosperity.
• As per the legend, this pooja and fasting were suggested by Lord Parameswara itself to be performed by his consort Parvathi.
• It is believed that the Varalakshmi form of Goddess Lakshmi also grants boons and fulfills all desires of her devotees.

Celebration in India

Due to the rising popularity of this auspicious day, it is now being declared as an optional official holiday in some states of India. Varalakshmi Vratam is very popular fasting and Puja day in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra. However, in North Indian states Varalakshmi Puja is not as popular as it is popular in South Indian states.