Varalakshmi Vrat Katha: Auspicious Method And Religious Significance

Varalaxmi Vrat is dedicated to Mahalakshmi, the wife of Lord Vishnu and the goddess of wealth, prosperity and good fortune. This fast is especially observed in the states of South India such as Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Telangana. It is observed on Friday of the Shukla Paksha of the month of Shravan.

Vrat Katha

In ancient times, there was a city named Kundinpur in the kingdom of Magadha. There a pious woman Charumati lived with her husband and family. She was very virtuous, kind and engrossed in the worship of God. Pleased with her spirit of service and devotion, one day Goddess Mahalakshmi appeared in her dream. Goddess Lakshmi said, "O Charumati! You observe my fast on Friday of the Shukla Paksha of the month of Shravan. By observing this fast, you will get wealth, happiness, prosperity and good fortune. The one who observes this fast receives my blessings." Charumati resolved to follow the instructions of the Goddess. She also told her family and other women of the city about the glory of this fast. All of them together observed the Varalakshmi fast according to the rituals. Everyone got amazing results due to the effect of the fast. All the people of the city became prosperous with wealth and prosperity. Happiness and good fortune resided in Charumati's house. Since then, Varalakshmi fast started being counted among the major fasts to get the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi.

Method of fasting

1. Bath and purification: Take a bath in the morning and wear clean clothes.
2. Kalash installation: Fill a Kalash with water and place a coconut on it. Decorate it as a symbol of Goddess Lakshmi.
3. Puja: Light a lamp in front of the idol or picture of Goddess Lakshmi. Offer flowers, rice, turmeric-kumkum and naivedya.
4. Mantra: Chant the mantra of Goddess Lakshmi such as "Om Shree Mahalakshmyai Namah".
5. Vrat Katha Shravan: Listen or read the story of Varalakshmi Vrat.
6. Bhog and Aarti: Offer specially prepared sweets, fruits, and other offerings to the Goddess.
7. Vrat Conclusion: The next day, break the fast by feeding Brahmins and giving donations.

Significance of Vrat

By observing this fast, Goddess Lakshmi is pleased and blesses the family with wealth, prosperity, health, and peace. Varalakshmi Vrat is especially observed by married women for the prosperity of their family and the longevity of their husband.

Shree Mahalakshmyai Namah

Chanting the mantra makes this fast even more fruitful.