Best To Talk – Varalakshmi Vratam is one of the most important and revered festivals celebrated by married women, especially in South India. Dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, prosperity, and well-being, this vratam (fasting and ritual observance) is believed to bring good fortune, health, and long life to the family. Celebrated on the Friday before the full moon day in the Hindu month of Shravana, Varalakshmi Vratam holds a deep spiritual significance and is marked by elaborate Rituals of Varalakshmi Vratam and fervent prayers.
Origins and Mythology
Varalakshmi Vratam has its roots deeply embedded in Hindu mythology. According to one popular legend, Goddess Lakshmi appeared in the dreams of a pious woman named Charumathi in the ancient city of Magadha. The goddess instructed Charumathi to observe a vratam in her honor to ensure the well-being of her family. Following the instructions of the goddess, Charumathi performed the vratam with utmost devotion, leading to the fulfillment of her wishes and bringing prosperity to her family. Since then, this vratam has been passed down through generations as a powerful and auspicious tradition.
Importance of Varalakshmi Vratam
Varalakshmi Vratam is not just a ritual but a celebration of faith, devotion, and the deep-rooted cultural heritage of India. It is believed that performing this vratam pleases Goddess Lakshmi, who grants her devotees ‘Vara’ (boons). The vratam is particularly significant for married women, who pray for the well-being of their husbands, children, and the prosperity of their households.
The festival also emphasizes the role of women as the pillars of the family, entrusted with the responsibility of ensuring the family’s prosperity and happiness through their devotion and piety.
Preparations and Rituals
The preparations for Varalakshmi Vratam begin days in advance, with the cleaning and decorating of the house. The central aspect of the vratam is the installation of a Kalasha (sacred pot) symbolizing Goddess Lakshmi. This Kalasha is filled with water, rice, or other grains, and topped with a coconut adorned with turmeric, kumkum, and flowers.
Steps for the Ritual:
- Purification of the House: The house is thoroughly cleaned, and the puja room is decorated with flowers and rangoli (colorful patterns drawn on the floor).
- Setting up the Kalasha: A silver or brass Kalasha is filled with rice, coins, or water. A coconut smeared with turmeric is placed on top, and mango leaves are arranged around the neck of the Kalasha. The Kalasha is then placed on a bed of rice and decorated with a saree or a cloth.
- Invoking the Goddess: The head of the family, usually the lady of the house, invokes Goddess Lakshmi into the Kalasha by chanting sacred hymns and mantras. The deity is then worshipped with flowers, incense, and offerings of fruits, sweets, and other traditional delicacies.
- Tying of the Sacred Thread: After the puja, a sacred thread (raksha) is tied around the wrists of the women participating in the vratam. This thread is believed to protect them and their families from evil forces.
- Offering Prayers and Singing Bhajans: Devotees chant Lakshmi Ashtothram (a list of 108 names of Goddess Lakshmi) and sing devotional songs in praise of the goddess.
- Breaking the Fast: The women observing the vratam fast until the puja is complete. The fast is then broken with prasadam (food offered to the goddess), which is shared among family members and neighbors.
Symbolism and Cultural Significance
The rituals and customs of Varalakshmi Vratam are rich in symbolism. The Kalasha represents the universal mother, who is the source of life and sustenance. The coconut atop the Kalasha symbolizes the head of the human being, signifying purity and fertility. The rice grains in the Kalasha represent abundance and prosperity, while the mango leaves denote auspiciousness and good fortune.
The saree or cloth draped around the Kalasha signifies the goddess herself, who is adorned and worshipped with devotion. The tying of the sacred thread symbolizes the protection and blessings of the goddess that will safeguard the family throughout the year.
Varalakshmi Vratam Across India
While Varalakshmi Vratam is predominantly celebrated in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana, the festival’s essence resonates across India with regional variations in rituals and customs.
In Tamil Nadu, the festival is marked by grand celebrations, with women gathering in groups to perform the vratam together. In Karnataka, the rituals are similar, but the emphasis is on the preparation of traditional dishes like Obattu and Kosambari. In Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, the vratam is celebrated with fervor, with families inviting friends and neighbors to partake in the festivities and receive the blessings of the goddess.
The Spiritual Essence of Varalakshmi Vratam
Beyond the rituals and festivities, Varalakshmi Vratam holds a deep spiritual significance. It is a time for reflection, devotion, and the reaffirmation of faith in the divine. The vratam encourages women to take a moment from their busy lives to focus on their spiritual well-being and the welfare of their families.
The observance of the vratam also serves as a reminder of the values of patience, humility, and selflessness that are central to the spiritual path. By dedicating themselves to the service of the goddess, women strengthen their inner resolve and cultivate a sense of peace and fulfillment.
Modern Relevance of Varalakshmi Vratam
In today’s fast-paced world, where traditional values often take a back seat, festivals like Varalakshmi Vratam serve as a vital link to our cultural roots. They offer an opportunity to reconnect with the age-old customs and traditions that have shaped our collective identity.
The festival also underscores the importance of family, community, and the role of women in preserving and nurturing these bonds. By participating in the vratam, younger generations are introduced to the rich tapestry of rituals and the deeper meanings behind them, ensuring that these traditions are passed down for generations to come.
Conclusion
Varalakshmi Vratam is more than just a festival; it is a celebration of faith, family, and tradition. It embodies the timeless values of devotion, gratitude, and the quest for spiritual and material well-being. As women across India and the world come together to observe this vratam, they reaffirm their connection to the divine and to each other, creating a tapestry of love, respect, and mutual support that binds families and communities together.
