Varalakshmi Vratham is a one of the many Hindu festivals dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, who is the bestower of health, wealth and prosperity related boons and blessings. This vratham (fasting) is performed by married women, seeking the Sri Mahalakshmi’s grace for the well-being of their families, the prosperity of their households, business or at work, and the overall happiness and success of their loved ones.
The Varalakshmi Vratham typically falls on the second Friday or the Friday before the full moon day (Purnima) in the month of Karkadagam/Aadi/Sravana in July-August. On this auspicious day, women perform various rituals and offer prayers to the goddess. They create an elaborate and beautiful Kalash (sacred pot) filled with water, turmeric and a gold ornament within. Amman is then adorned with traditional decorations including a vastram like saree, a Coconut with a miniature Devi Face that can be attached to give a real live-like effect. The goddess is invoked into this pot, and prayers are offered with deep devotion.
The Hastham Paadam (hands and legs) is one such decoration to make an overall effigy of Mahalakshmi, other ones being a Kalash, Lakshmi Face, Amman Pavadai or Sarees to decorate her beautifully before the Puja begins. The hands right hand (pointing upwards) and left (downward) symbolise her “varada-abhaya mudra”. It conveys that those who seek HER sincerely, SHE will bless them abundantly based on the sincerity, surrender and devotion with which the Puja is conducted.
Varalakshmi Vratham fosters a sense of community, bonding, and spiritual connection among women. Performing this vratham with sincerity and devotion brings blessings, harmony, and positivity into the lives of even the participants and their families.
Although Varalakshmi Vratham is widely celebrated in South India, mainly in states like Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka, its popularity has also spread to various other parts of the country and among the Hindu diaspora around the world and the UK.
Buy the medium hand-crafted Hastham (4” hands) Paadam (10” legs) set from GiriUK for your Varalakshmi Vratham in August this year.