Varalakshmi Pooja is a popular Hindu festival celebrated in India and other parts of the world by married women to seek the blessings of Goddess Varalakshmi for the well-being of their families. This auspicious day falls on the second Friday of the Hindu month of Shravana. This year, Varalakshmi Pooja will be celebrated on August 12, 2022. The festival is marked by elaborate rituals, prayers, and offerings made to the Goddess.
History and Significance of Varalakshmi Pooja:
The origin of Varalakshmi Pooja can be traced back to the Vedic period. It is believed that Goddess Varalakshmi is a form of Goddess Lakshmi, the consort of Lord Vishnu. According to Hindu mythology, Goddess Varalakshmi is said to fulfill the wishes of her devotees and bring prosperity, happiness, and well-being into their lives.
The significance of Varalakshmi Pooja lies in the fact that it is believed to bestow immense wealth, health, and happiness upon those who observe it with devotion and sincerity. Married women perform this puja to seek the blessings of Goddess Varalakshmi for the well-being of their husbands and families. It is also believed that observing this puja with utmost dedication can help in overcoming financial hardships and bringing peace and harmony into the household.
How to Celebrate Varalakshmi Pooja:
Varalakshmi Pooja is celebrated with great fervor and devotion by married women across India. The preparations for the pooja begin a few days in advance, with women cleaning and decorating their homes and preparing special dishes for the occasion. On the day of the pooja, women wake up early in the morning and take a ritual bath before setting up the altar for the pooja.
The main rituals of Varalakshmi Pooja include the following:
– The main deity, Goddess Varalakshmi, is worshipped with offerings of flowers, fruits, sweets, and other auspicious items.
– Women tie sacred threads or yellow threads around their wrists as a symbol of protection and well-being.
– The Varalakshmi Vratham, a set of prayers and hymns dedicated to the Goddess, is recited by the women performing the pooja.
– A kalash (a pot filled with water and decorated with mango leaves and coconut) is placed on the altar as a symbol of Goddess Varalakshmi.
– The women offer prayers and seek the blessings of the Goddess for the well-being of their families.
After the pooja is completed, women distribute prasad (offerings made to the Goddess) to their family members and friends. The day is also marked by feasting, exchanging gifts, and visiting temples to seek the blessings of the Goddess.
FAQs about Varalakshmi Pooja:
Q: Can unmarried women perform Varalakshmi Pooja?
A: While Varalakshmi Pooja is traditionally observed by married women, unmarried women can also perform the pooja to seek the blessings of Goddess Varalakshmi for their future marital life.
Q: What are the benefits of observing Varalakshmi Pooja?
A: Observing Varalakshmi Pooja with devotion and sincerity is believed to bring prosperity, happiness, and well-being into the lives of the devotees. It is also said to help in overcoming financial hardships and bringing peace and harmony into the household.
Q: Can men also participate in Varalakshmi Pooja?
A: While Varalakshmi Pooja is primarily observed by married women, men can also participate in the pooja by assisting in the preparations, rituals, and offerings.
Q: What are some popular dishes prepared for Varalakshmi Pooja?
A: Some popular dishes prepared for Varalakshmi Pooja include coconut rice, sweet pongal, payasam, vadai, and sundal.
In conclusion, Varalakshmi Pooja is a sacred Hindu festival that holds great significance for married women seeking the blessings of Goddess Varalakshmi for the well-being of their families. The festival is celebrated with elaborate rituals, prayers, and offerings made to the Goddess. Observing Varalakshmi Pooja with devotion and sincerity is believed to bring prosperity, happiness, and well-being into the lives of the devotees. This year, Varalakshmi Pooja will be celebrated on August 12, 2022.