Varalakshmi Vratam: Know its Procedure and Fasting Rules | [Bonus] Information about Varalakshmi Vratam Prasadam

The Hindu culture is full of rich festivals that are celebrated to please Gods and goddesses to bless the natives with health, wealth, and prosperity. Out of those hundreds and thousands of festivals and fasts (Vrat), the Varalakshmi Vratam is considered to be the most effective means to seek the blessings of Varalakshmi (Goddess Lakshmi). It’s observed by Hindu women (both married and unmarried women can keep this fast). 

There are many myths and legends associated with the Varalakshmi Vratam. Want to explore the rich history of this festival, the Varalakshmi Vratam procedure and rules, and much more? If yes, just dive in and find out everything about the significance of this Vrat that we have explained in the guide below. 

Legends and Myths of the Varalakshmi Vratam

There are two most credible legends about the Varalakshmi Vratam. One is associated with a woman, Charumathi and the second is associated with Goddess Parvati. 

According to a popular mythological legend, there used to be a woman, Charumathi, in an ancient town of Kaundinyapur, India. She was an ardent devotee of Goddess Lakshmi. Pleased by her love and devotion, Goddess Lakshmi graced her by appearing in her dream. In the dream, the Goddess enlightened her about the Varalakshmi Vratam and how observing the Varalakshmi fast could bless Charumathi with health, wealth, and fortune. Encouraged by the dream, Charumathi and hundreds of other women observed the fast and were blessed by the Goddess Mahalakshmi herself. 

According to a second mythological event, Goddess Parvati had once observed the fast too in the search for happiness, peace, and good health. 

One of the biggest myths about the Varalakshmi Vratam is that only married women can keep this fast. Wherein, there’s no such restriction. Unmarried women too can observe this fast without having to worry about any ill effects since there are none. 

What is the Varalakshmi Vratam?

Varalakshmi Vratam is a fast that women observe on the Friday before the Full moon or the second Friday after the full moon. It is believed that the power of Varalakshmi is so high during the Friday before the full moon that worshiping her pleases Ashtalakshmi (all the 8 forms of Goddess Lakshmi). 

What is the Significance of the Varalakshmi Vratam?

The 8 forms of Goddess Lakshmi signify Wealth, Wisdom, Love, Earth, Fame, Peace, Strength, and Contentment. When all the 8 avatars of the deity are pleased at the same time, the woman observing the fast and her entire family are blessed with health, wealth, and fortune. 

The 8 forms of Goddess Lakshmi that can be pleased by following the correct Varalakshmi Vratam procedure are as follows. 

1. Aadi Lakshmi – She’s the one who Protects
2. Dhana Lakshmi – She’s the one who blesses with Wealth.
3. Dhairya Lakshmi – She’s the one who blesses with Courage.
4. Sowbhagya Lakshmi – She’s the one who blesses with Prosperity.
5. Vijaya Lakshmi – She’s the one who blesses with Victory.
6. Dhanya Lakshmi – She’s the one who blesses with Nourishment.
7. Santaana Lakshmi – She’s the one who blesses the devotee(s) with children. 
8. Vidhya Lakshmi – She’s the one who blesses with Wisdom.

3 Varalakshmi Vratam+Fasting Rules: What is the proper Varalakshmi Vratam Procedure? 

The Varalakshmi Pooja has a specific vidhi that one should follow to please the Goddess Ashtalakshmi. 

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Varlakshmi Vratam Pooja Samagri: What are the items required for the Varalakshmi Vratam Vidhanam?

1. The idol of Goddess Ashtalakshmi (Mahalakshmi).
2. Haridra, Kumkum, and Sindoor.
3. Akshatha, Chandan, and Vastra (clothes).
4. Saradu (Holy thread), Diya, and Peetha. 
5. Lotus petals, gold jewelry (if possible), and a garland made of fresh flowers.
6. Kalash (Kalasam), Panchpatra, Fruits and Sweets, and Incense Sticks/Dhoop.

Varalakshmi Vratam Precautions: What are the Dos’ of the Varalakshmi Vratam Pooja?

When observing the fast, wake up before sunrise and take a holy bath by mixing some Gangajal and a few drops of raw milk in the bathing water. This is the first step towards purification. 

1. Purify the House – Sprinkle Gangajal in every corner of the house after you have taken the Holy bath. 
2. Prepare the Prasad – Once you’ve taken the bath, prepare sweets like Charna Amrit and kheer.
3. Do the Devi’s Idol Staphana – Keep the idol of the goddess (purchase a new idol) on the raised platform of the mandir. Decorate the idol with new clothes, jewelry, and a garland. Keep the Saradu on the feet of the idol.
4. Do the Kalash Staphana – Take a banana leaf and place unbroken pieces of rice on top of it. Place a copper or wooden Kalash on top of the banana leaf and keep it in front of the idol. Decorate it with a Kumkum tilak, light incense sticks in front of it, and offer fruits and lotus petals as a token of respect. 
5. Start the Aarti and Recite the Varalakshmi Vratam Mantras – Begin the puja by reciting the Lakshmi-Ganesha aarti and sing praises and hymns. Chant the mantras, Padmasane Padmakare Sarva Lokaika Poojithe and Narayanapriya Devi Supreethaa Bhava Sarvada. 

After the pooja, distribute the Prasad to the family members. Invite married women to your house during the evening and perform a small Havana. Offer Prasad and gifts to the women you’ve invited. In the end, tie the Saradu on your wrist to seek the final blessings. 

Bear in mind, do not remove the Kalasam (Kalash) on Friday night. You can remove it on Saturday morning. 

Varalakshmi Vratam Rules: What are the Don’ts of the Varlakshmi Vratam?

This is not an easy fast. There are many things that you can’t do. Find out what they are. 

1. Do not Drink Tea – It’s the common habit of Indian ladies to drink tea early in the morning. But, drinking tea and eating meals when observing the Varalakshmi Vratam is strictly prohibited. 
2. Do not Eat Meals – All that you can eat (that too, only at night after performing the pooja) are fruits. You can consume food only the next day.
3. Postpone the Pooja if You Get Periods – Whilst there’s no hard and fast rule, but, according to Hindu traditions, it is best to not observe the Varalakshmi Vratam during periods. You can postpone the fast and keep it on the first Friday after your periods. 

Pregnant women can perform the pooja. However, it is always advised to keep health in mind and then decide if you can observe the fast since you can’t eat anything during the fast.