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Celebrated
mostly by the married women, Varalaxmi Vratam is one of the
oldest festivals of Andhra Pradesh. The festival of
“Varalaxmi Vratam” is devoted to Goddess Laxmi and is
observed with strict religious rituals. It is believed that
Goddess Laxmi is the epitome of Wealth, Earth, Love,
Learning, Fame, Peace, and Pleasure. The married women keep
fast and pray for the well being of their husbands on the
day of “Varalaxmi Vratam”.
The festival of “Varalaxmi Vratam” is celebrated with much
fanfare all over the state. On the day of “Varalaxmi
Vratam”, married women wake up early to perform the “Puja”
of the Goddess of Wealth. |
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A holy
thread which is yellow in color is tied in the hands of the
married women. The women clean and decorate the place of
worship of the Goddess with a bronze or silver pot which is
filled with rice, water, lime, betel leaf and nuts which is
a sign of prosperity. The Goddess is offered with many kinds
of home made sweets. The women sing devotional songs in
praise of the Goddess and invoke eternal marital bliss.
The festival of “Varalaxmi Vratam” has an important
religious significance which reflects the respect , love and
devotion of a woman towards her husband. Married women wear
new clothes and jeweleries while observing the religious
rituals on the day of “Varalaxmi Vratam”.
According to a religious legend Goddess “Parvati” had asked
Lord Shiva to prescribe all the married women with a ritual
which would ensure peace and prosperity on earth. In
response to the request, Lord Shiva narrated the story of
“Charumati” who was rewarded by the Goddess Laxmi because of
her devotion towards her husband. From that day till today,
the entire womenfolk observe fast on the day of “Varalaxmi
Vratam” to seek divine intervention.
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