Varamahalakshmi is a highly revered festival celebrated predominantly in the southern states of India, such as Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana. This festival is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth, prosperity, and well-being. Celebrated on the Friday before the full moon in the month of Shravana, Varamahalakshmi is a day of grand rituals, prayers, and devotion.
When is the Varamahalakshmi Festival Celebrated?
In 2024, Varamahalakshmi will be celebrated on Friday, August 16th. The timing of the Varamahalakshmi puja (worship) usually begins early in the morning. Devotees perform the rituals in the morning to ensure they receive the blessings of the goddess throughout the day.
The Significance of Varamahalakshmi
Varamahalakshmi is not just a day of worship, it is a celebration of the eight forms of Goddess Lakshmi, collectively known as Ashta Lakshmi. Each form of Lakshmi signifies a different aspect of life, and together, they encompass the entire spectrum of human well-being.
Ashta Lakshmi - The Eight Forms of Goddess Lakshmi
1. Adi Lakshmi (The Primeval Goddess)
She is the first manifestation of Goddess Lakshmi and is associated with eternal wealth. Adi Lakshmi symbolizes the never-ending nature of prosperity and sustenance, reminding devotees of the timeless support and stability she offers.
2. Dhana Lakshmi (The Goddess of Wealth)
Dhana Lakshmi represents material wealth and prosperity. She bestows her devotees with financial abundance and the means to lead a comfortable and prosperous life.
3. Dhanya Lakshmi (The Goddess of Grains)
As the goddess of agricultural wealth, Dhanya Lakshmi ensures that her devotees have an abundant supply of food and nourishment. She is particularly worshiped by those involved in farming and agriculture.
4. Gaja Lakshmi (The Elephant Goddess)
Gaja Lakshmi symbolizes power and strength. Often depicted with elephants, she is believed to bestow her worshippers with the strength and perseverance needed to overcome obstacles.
5. Santana Lakshmi (The Goddess of Progeny)
Santana Lakshmi blesses her devotees with the gift of children and the joy of family life. She ensures the continuity of family lineage and the prosperity of future generations.
6. Veera Lakshmi (The Goddess of Courage)
Veera Lakshmi is the embodiment of courage and valor. She grants her devotees the strength to face challenges and adversities with bravery and resilience.
7. Vijaya Lakshmi (The Goddess of Victory)
Vijaya Lakshmi bestows success and triumph in all pursuits. She is worshiped by those seeking to achieve their goals and overcome difficulties in their personal and professional lives.
8. Vidya Lakshmi (The Goddess of Knowledge)
Vidya Lakshmi represents knowledge and wisdom. She blesses her devotees with intellectual capabilities and the pursuit of education, ensuring that they achieve excellence in their studies and careers.
How to receive Blessings from Goddess Varamahalakshmi on Festival Day
Receiving blessings from Goddess Varamahalakshmi on the festival day involves devotion, preparation, and prayer. Here’s a concise guide to help you connect with the goddess and invite her blessings into your life.
Prepare Your Space
Start by thoroughly cleaning and decorating your home, as cleanliness symbolizes purity. Create beautiful rangoli designs at your entrance and adorn your living space with fresh flowers and lights to welcome the goddess.
Set Up the Altar
Designate a clean and prominent area for the puja. Place Goddess Lakshmi idol or picture of Goddess Lakshmi on the altar. Display a kalasha (pot) filled with water, topped with a coconut and adorned with mango leaves, turmeric, and vermilion.
Gather Offerings
Prepare a variety of offerings for the goddess, including flowers, fruits, and traditional sweets like payasam. Incense sticks and oil lamps should also be ready to enhance the sacred atmosphere.
Perform the Puja
Dress in traditional attire, and conduct the puja with devotion. Light the lamps and incense, then offer the prepared items to the goddess. Recite Vedic hymns and mantras, focusing on the Ashta Lakshmi, invoking her eight forms for specific blessings.
Recite Prayers and Mantras
Chant the Lakshmi Ashtottara Shathanamavali (the 108 names of Goddess Lakshmi) to express your reverence and request her blessings for prosperity, health, and happiness.
Share Prasad and Charity
After the puja, distribute the prasad among family and friends, symbolizing the sharing of blessings. Engage in acts of charity, such as donating food or clothes, to earn the goddess’s goodwill.
By following these steps with sincerity and devotion, you open your heart to receive the blessings of Goddess Varamahalakshmi, inviting abundance and prosperity into your life.
Conclusion
Varamahalakshmi is a festival that brings families together, strengthens community bonds, and reinforces the importance of prosperity, courage, knowledge, and familial bliss. By worshiping Ashta Lakshmi, devotees seek a harmonious balance in life and the grace of the divine to guide them through every aspect of their journey.
May Goddess Lakshmi bless you with health, wealth, and happiness during this joyous celebration.
