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Mahalakshmi
is the goddess of wealth, auspiciousness and prosperity. She
is worshipped for healthy progeny, as well as the health and
long life of the husband. Vratha is observed on a Friday
that falls before the full Moon day of the month of
Shravanamasa (August - September).
The Vratha is as follows. Early in the morning women after
taking bath, make a rangoli on the place where the kalasha
is placed. They draw a lotus with 8
petals. The sacred Kalasha (brass/copper/silver) filled with
rice and topped with fresh mango leaves, a coconut and cloth
are placed on the mandala and Lakshmi is invoked. Goddess is
invoked by decorating the Kalasa with flowers, |
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jewellery,
vastra (new clothes – saree) fruits, dry fruits, fresh
grains, sweets and savouries. Some place coins, or rupee
notes or make a garland of notes. The Vratha is performed
with the beginning of Puja to Lord Ganesha. Then the main
worship of Varalakshmi begins. The raksha is worshipped for
a second time and tied to the right hand of the woman.
Articles are given as charity to sumangalis (married
woman).In Sount India, savouries like obattu, kosumbari,
puliyogare, huli anna, hesaru bele payasa are made on this
festival. In the evening women visit other houses and
exchange sweets and offerings.
Lord Narayana/Vishnu/Hari husband of Lakshmi, an embodiment
of Shuddha Sattwa, is the preserver of the world. He is also
called the Ashta Lakshmi Padhi. Lakshmi has 8 avthars
(incarnation):
- Adi (Protector) Lakshmi,
- Dhana (Wealth) Lakshmi ,
- Dhanya ( Food and Grains) Lakshmi,
- Vijaya (Victory) Lakshmi,
- Vidhya (Knowledge) Lakshmi,
Santana (Offsprings) Lakshmi,
- Dhairya (Bravery and Strength) Lakshmi,
- Soubhagya (Sumangali- Long life of husband) Lakshmi.
- All becomes the embodiment of a ideal woman.
The importance or significance of the Varalakshmi Vrata was
narrated by Lord Shiva to Goddess Parvathi in Skanda purana.
Those who perform this Vratam will be blessed wtih
Dhana(food), Dhanya(food), Aayu(Long life), Aarogya(health),
Aishwarya(wealth), Santanana(progeny) and Soubhagya(long
life of husband).
According to the legend, once a lady named Charumath lived
in the Maratha kingdom. Pious lady, she indulged in whole
hearthed worship of the Goddess and took good care of her
family- respectful to her in-laws, loving and caring her
husband and children. One day she dreamt about Goddess
Lakshmi telling her to perform the puja . She, with the
consent of her family performed this Vratam and informs
other ladies too. With the blessings of the Goddess she, her
family and friends will be bestowed with success and wealth.
Hence forth they shared their luck many more people.
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