Varalakshmi Vratham 2024: Muhurat, Significance, Puja Rituals, and Mantras

Varalakshmi Vratham is a significant Hindu festival dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity. In 2024, Varalakshmi Vratham will be observed on Friday, August 16. The festival is especially meaningful for married women, who perform the Vratham (vow) to seek the blessings of Varalakshmi, a form of Goddess Lakshmi, for the well-being and prosperity of their families. The day, also known as Varalakshmi Nombu, is celebrated on the Ekadashi Tithi of Shukla Paksha in the Sawan Month.

Varalakshmi Vratam 2024: Date and Puja Timings

The auspicious timings for Varalakshmi Vratam Puja are as follows:

• Leo Lagna Puja Muhurat (Morning): August 16, 2024, from 05:33 AM to 07:41 AM
• Scorpio Ascendant Puja Muhurat (Afternoon): August 16, 2024, from 12:01 PM to 02:15 PM
• Kumbha Ascendant Puja Muhurat (Evening): August 16, 2024, from 06:10 PM to 07:46 PM
• Taurus Ascendant Puja Muhurat (Midnight): August 16, 2024, from 11:03 PM to 01:02 AM, August 17, 2024

Varalakshmi Vratam 2024: Significance

The word "Vara" means boon, and "Lakshmi" refers to the goddess of wealth. Varalakshmi Vratham is believed to bring health, wealth, and prosperity to the family. Worshipping Varalakshmi on this day is considered equivalent to worshipping Ashtalakshmi, the eight forms of Goddess Lakshmi that represent different aspects of life. Married women observe this fast to pray for the health and prosperity of their husbands and families. The observance is believed to bring the blessings of wealth, love, peace, fame, strength, and contentment.

The Eight Forms of Ashta Lakshmi

1. Aadi Lakshmi: Goddess of Protection
2. Dhana Lakshmi: Goddess of Wealth
3. Dhairya Lakshmi: Goddess of Courage
4. Sowbhagya Lakshmi: Goddess of Prosperity
5. Vijaya Lakshmi: Goddess of Victory
6. Dhanya Lakshmi: Goddess of Nourishment
7. Santaana Lakshmi: Goddess of Progeny
8. Vidhya Lakshmi: Goddess of Wisdom

Varalakshmi Vratam 2024: Puja Rituals

On Varalakshmi Vratham, devotees should follow specific rituals:

1. Morning Rituals:

   • Begin with a holy bath and clean the house.
   • Purify the puja room by sprinkling Gangajal.

2. Puja Setup:

   • Set up an altar with an idol of Maa Lakshmi.
   • Adorn the idol with new clothes, jewelry, kumkum, and a garland of red flowers.
   • Place a kalash filled with water on a plank covered with unbroken rice (Akshat).

3. Offerings:

   • Offer shringar items, fruits, and homemade sweets to the Goddess.
   • Light a diya with desi cow ghee and incense sticks.

4. Mantras and Aarti:

   • Chant Vedic mantras and recite the Lakshmi Stotram.
   • Perform the aarti with the hymn "Om Jai Lakshmi Mata."

5. Fasting:

   • Observe a fast, avoiding food until midnight or consuming only sattvik food.

Varalakshmi Vratam 2024: Mantras

1. Lakshmi Mantra:
   Om Namo Lakshami Narayanaye..!!

2. Varalakshmi Mantra:
   Padmaasane Padmakare Sarva Lokaika Poojithe, Narayanapriya Devi Supreethaa Bhava Sarvada..!!

3. Maha Lakshmi Mantra:
   Om Shri Hreem Shri Kamle Kamlalaye Prasid Prasid, Om Shri Hreem Shri Mahalakshmayai Namah..!!

Conclusion

Varalakshmi Vratam is a day of deep devotion and prayer, where rituals are performed with the intent to bring peace, prosperity, and well-being to the devotees and their families. Observing this fast and performing the puja with dedication are believed to bring the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi, enriching the lives of those who participate in the Vratham.