Varalakshmi Vratam 2025: Celebrating the Divine Feminine with Devotion and Prosperity

Varalakshmi Vratam is one of the most auspicious Hindu observances celebrated primarily by married women in South India. Observed on the Friday before the full moon (Purnima) in the month of Shravana (July–August), the festival is dedicated to Maa Varalakshmi Ji, a benevolent form of Mahalakshmi, the goddess of wealth, fortune, and well-being.

In 2025, Varalakshmi Vratam falls on August 8 (Friday), and it is believed that worshipping the goddess on this day brings prosperity, health, family harmony, and spiritual blessings.

Significance of Varalakshmi Vratam

• Varalakshmi means “boon-giving Lakshmi,” the embodiment of eight forms of wealth (Ashta Lakshmi):

  • Adi Lakshmi—Eternal wealth

  • Dhana Lakshmi—Financial wealth

  • Dhanya Lakshmi—Agricultural wealth

  • Gaja Lakshmi—Animal wealth

  • Santana Lakshmi—Progeny

  • Veera Lakshmi—Courage

  • Vijaya Lakshmi—Victory

  • Vidya Lakshmi—Knowledge

• The Vratam is believed to be equivalent to worshipping all eight Lakshmis, fulfilling the wishes of devotees who perform it with sincere devotion and purity.

Mythology Behind Varalakshmi Vratam

The story of Varalakshmi Vratam is found in the Skanda Purana:

• A devout woman named Charumati from Magadha was instructed by Maa Lakshmi in her dream to perform this special Vrat. Guided by this divine vision, she worshipped the goddess with full devotion. Her dedication pleased the goddess, and she blessed Charumati and her entire village with wealth, health, and joy. This tale emphasizes that the Vratam is not just for material prosperity but also for spiritual upliftment and peace of mind.

Preparations for Varalakshmi Vratam

Home & Altar Decoration

• Clean the house early in the morning

• Decorate the puja space with flowers, banana leaves, and kolam (rangoli)

• Set up the kalasha (a copper or silver pot) symbolizing the goddess

Kalasha Setup

• Fill the pot with water, rice, or coins

• Cover with mango leaves and place a coconut smeared with turmeric on top

• Adorn the coconut with a cloth or saree, jewels, and flowers, turning it into the Varalakshmi idol

Step-by-Step Puja Vidhi (Rituals)

1. Sankalpam (Intention)

   • Chant the purpose of the puja and invoke the goddess with faith.

2. Ganapati Puja

   • Offer prayers to Ganesha Ji for the removal of obstacles.

3. Kalasha Sthapana

4. • Place the Kalasha and invoke Maa Lakshmi into it through mantras.

5. Lakshmi Ashtottaram & Vratam

   • Recite 108 names of Lakshmi Devi

   • Perform the Varalakshmi Vratam Katha, listening to or narrating the sacred story

6. Naivedyam (Food Offerings)

   • Offer fruits, coconut, jaggery sweets, traditional dishes like payasam, vada, pulihora, and tamarind rice

7. Mangala Aarti

   • Perform Aarti with camphor, waving lights in circular motion while singing Lakshmi bhajans

8. Tie the sacred yellow thread (Sarasudu)

   • Women tie this on their wrists for protection and blessings

9. Distribution of Prasadam

   • Share prasadam with family, friends, and especially other married women

Fasting & Vrat Observance

Many women observe a partial or complete fast, consuming only fruits, milk, or simple foods until the puja concludes. Devotees maintain a pure state of body and mind, practicing charity, humility, and devotion throughout the day.

Who Celebrates It?

• Married women, especially in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Maharashtra

• It’s also increasingly celebrated globally by the Indian diaspora

• Young girls and unmarried women may also participate to seek good fortune

Spiritual & Social Impact

• Reinforces family bonding as women gather to perform the puja together

• Encourages values of cleanliness, hospitality, and gratitude

• Strengthens women’s role in spiritual continuity

• Acts as a platform to pass traditional knowledge to the next generation

How to Celebrate Varalakshmi Vratam Virtually (Modern Touch)

For those living away from family or in other countries:

• Join online satsangs or live-streamed pujas

• Organize virtual gatherings with friends to recite the Lakshmi Ashtottaram

• Send e-prasadam recipes or gift hampers to loved ones

Varalakshmi Vratam is more than a religious ritual—it’s a celebration of divine femininity, abundance, and well-being. In an age where life moves fast, such festivals anchor us to tradition, gratitude, and spirituality. Whether you perform it with elaborate rituals or simple devotion, the essence remains the same—a heart full of faith and humility.

FAQs

Q. Can unmarried women perform Varalakshmi Vratam?

• Yes, they can. It is believed to bring good fortune and help them find a good life partner.

Q. What should not be done during Varalakshmi Vratam?

• Avoid negative thoughts, non-vegetarian food, anger, and laziness. The day should be spent in devotion, charity, and prayer.

Q. Can I perform the puja in the evening if I miss the morning?

• Yes. Morning is ideal, but it can be performed in the evening before sunset with proper intention.

Q. Is fasting compulsory?

• No. It is optional and based on personal choice or family tradition.

Q. Can the Vratam be done by men?

• While traditionally women perform it, men can also participate, especially in cases where the woman of the house cannot.

Fuel our creativity with a cup of coffee! ☕️❤️❤️❤️