Varalakshmi Vrat 2025 | Date | Day | Rituals | Legend & Significance

Varalakshmi Vrat: A Celebration of Prosperity and Divine Grace

By Intimate Viewpoint

Varalakshmi Vrat, one of the most sacred and auspicious Hindu festivals, is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi — the goddess of wealth, fortune, prosperity, and well-being. Observed predominantly by married women in South India, especially in states like Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana, this vrat (fast) is believed to bring blessings of Ashtalakshmi — the eight forms of Lakshmi representing different sources of wealth and prosperity.

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Celebrated during the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase) of Shravan month, typically on the Friday before Raksha Bandhan, the Varalakshmi Vrat holds deep spiritual and cultural importance.

Meaning and Origin of Varalakshmi Vrat

The word “Varalakshmi” is derived from two Sanskrit words — 'Vara' meaning boon and 'Lakshmi' meaning the goddess of wealth. Thus, Varalakshmi is the benevolent form of Goddess Lakshmi who bestows boons and fulfills desires.

According to ancient scriptures and Skanda Purana, Varalakshmi Vrat was first described by Lord Shiva to Goddess Parvati. He narrated the story of a devout woman named Charumati from the city of Magadha. Pleased with her devotion, Goddess Lakshmi appeared in her dream and asked her to perform a special vrat on a Friday in Shravan month. When Charumati observed the vrat with utmost faith, her family was blessed with immense wealth, health, and happiness. This story marks the beginning of Varalakshmi Vrat tradition.

Date & Day of Varalakshmi Vrat in 2025

In 2025, Varalakshmi Vrat will be observed on Friday, August 8.

The vrat is celebrated on the second Friday or the Friday before Poornima (full moon) in the month of Shravan. This timing aligns with various regional calendars and is seen as especially auspicious.

Significance of Varalakshmi Vrat

Varalakshmi Vrat is not merely a ritual; it symbolizes devotion, gratitude, and spiritual awakening. Women pray to Goddess Lakshmi to bless their households with:

Aarogya (Good Health)

Aishwarya (Wealth)

Santana (Children)

Dhairya (Courage)

Vidya (Knowledge)

Shaurya (Valour)

Vijaya (Success)

Bhagya (Good Fortune)

These eight forms are known as Ashtalakshmi. Performing the Varalakshmi Vrat is believed to bring blessings from all eight aspects of the Goddess.

Who Can Observe the Vrat?

Traditionally, married women observe this vrat for the well-being of their husbands and family.

Unmarried girls may also perform the vrat to be blessed with a good life partner.

Even men or widows may perform the pooja if they have strong devotion or wish to keep up the family tradition.

Preparation for Varalakshmi Vrat

Cleaning the House

Preparations start a day before the vrat. The house is cleaned thoroughly, as it is believed that Goddess Lakshmi only visits clean and pure places.

Drawing Rangoli

Beautiful rangoli designs are drawn at the entrance and near the pooja space to invite positive energies and to welcome the Goddess.

Gathering Puja Items

Some common items include:

Kalash (brass or silver pot)

Fresh mango or betel leaves

Coconut (decorated)

Flowers (especially lotus, marigold)

Turmeric, Kumkum, Sandalwood paste

Fruits, sweets, rice, pulses

A special thread or Varalakshmi Saradu

Silk cloth for the idol

Puja Procedure on Varalakshmi Vrat

The Varalakshmi Vratam is performed in a detailed and methodical manner. Here's how it typically unfolds:

Sankalpam (Resolution)

The devotee takes a vow or sankalp to perform the vrat with full devotion and purity.

Kalash Sthapana (Installing the Sacred Pot)

A kalash filled with water, turmeric, coins, and rice is placed on a banana leaf or rice mound.

Mango or betel leaves are placed on the opening.

A coconut smeared with turmeric and kumkum is placed on top.

This kalash represents Goddess Lakshmi, and a decorative face or idol is often placed on or in front of it.

Decoration

The kalash is beautifully decorated with flowers, jewellery, and silk cloth.

Invocation and Worship

The Goddess is invoked through mantras and Lakshmi Ashtottaram (108 names of Lakshmi). Devotees offer:

Fresh flowers

Naivedyam (sweets and dishes)

Fruits and betel leaves

Coins or dakshina

Tying the Sacred Thread

A special yellow thread with nine knots (Saradu) is worshipped and tied on the right hand of the woman (left for unmarried girls), symbolizing protection and divine blessings.

Aarti and Storytelling

The Varalakshmi Vrat Katha (sacred story) is read aloud. Women perform aarti and sing devotional hymns to conclude the pooja.

Prasadam and Feast

After the pooja, devotees distribute prasadam (blessed food) and offer haldi-kumkum to other women along with gifts like bangles, bindis, or sarees. A special meal is prepared with traditional South Indian dishes, sweets like payasam, vada, and polis.

Fasting Rules

The fast is mostly partial or symbolic, where women eat only after the puja.

Some may avoid rice or grains before the pooja.

Satvik (vegetarian and onion-garlic-free) meals are strictly followed.

Spiritual and Social Importance

Spiritual Merits:

Brings peace, health, and abundance in life.

Enhances spiritual growth and inner purity.

Helps in overcoming obstacles and attaining success.

Social Aspects:

Encourages bonding among women through haldi-kumkum ceremonies.

Fosters a sense of unity and cultural continuity.

Regional Variations

While the essence of the vrat remains the same, there are some regional differences:

Tamil Nadu

The pooja is performed elaborately. Married women offer gifts and sweets to each other. Lotus flowers and Lakshmi idols are prominent.

Karnataka

Traditional folk songs and Vrat Katha are recited. Women invite other sumangalis (married women) to participate in the puja.

Andhra Pradesh and Telangana

The kalash is decorated with eyes, nose, and mouth to resemble the face of the goddess. Community gatherings are common.

Maharashtra and Gujarat

Though not as widely celebrated, some families observe it by combining elements of Laxmi Puja and Shravan Friday Vrata.

Legends Associated with Varalakshmi Vrat

Charumati’s Devotion

As mentioned earlier, the story of Charumati receiving blessings from the Goddess forms the base of this vrat. Her unwavering devotion is said to have inspired generations of women to perform the ritual.

Kubera and Lord Shiva’s Praise

Another legend states that Kubera (the god of wealth) performed this vrat to regain his lost wealth, and even Lord Shiva praised its power and advised Goddess Parvati to observe it for family welfare.

Benefits of Observing Varalakshmi Vrat

Ensures the long life and well-being of one’s husband and family.

Removes financial difficulties and brings prosperity.

Bestows good fortune and marital bliss.

Enhances feminine energy and inner strength.

It’s also believed that observing this vrat once is equal to praying to Ashtalakshmi together.

Modern Context and Observance

In today’s urban and modern households, many women adapt the rituals in simpler formats. Some even observe the vrat virtually by joining online satsangs or streaming the Lakshmi Puja. However, the faith and intent remain just as strong.

Also, more families encourage daughters and unmarried women to perform the vrat, breaking the earlier limitation of it being exclusive to married women.

Conclusion

Varalakshmi Vrat is a beautiful fusion of faith, tradition, and feminine power. It strengthens the spiritual bond between a woman and the divine, while also enriching family and community ties. Whether celebrated in a traditional rural household or in a modern urban apartment, the vrat continues to radiate the timeless message of devotion, gratitude, and divine blessings.

As generations pass on the rituals and stories, Varalakshmi Vrat remains not just a ritual but a legacy of love, protection, and prosperity — a sacred celebration of the nurturing force that sustains life itself.

Wishing you a blessed and prosperous Varalakshmi Vrat!