Varalakshmi vratham to bring prosperity

Hyderabad: Varalakshmi signifies one who grants boon (varam). The vratam diligently performed on full moon day in Sravanamasam is believed to bring health, wealth and prosperity.

Celebrated on the Friday that falls before the full moon in the month of 'Sravan' (July-August), it is a festival to propitiate Goddess Lakshmi, the consort of Vishnu, one of the Hindu Trinity.

Health, wealth and prosperity depend largely upon the rhythmic play of eight major forces or energies recognised Sri (wealth), Bhu (earth), Saraswati (learning), Priti (love), Kirti (fame), Santi (peace), Tushti (pleasure) and Pushti (strength).

Each one of these forces is called a Lakshmi and together they are called the Ashta Lakshmis or the eight Lakshmis of the Hindus. Vishnu is also called Ashta Lakshmi Pati, or the repository of eight Lakshmis or forces.

It is also believed that only a woman can sympathise with women, Lakshmi being one. Hence, this festival is observed largely by women, invoking the blessings of Lakshmi on them, their husbands and their children. Legend has it that this puja was ordained by none other than Lord Parameswara.

People wake up early in the morning for the puja, which traditionally takes place at the brahma muhurtham. The puja area is cleaned and decorated with a beautiful 'muggu', 'kolam' or rangoli.

Next comes the preparation of the 'kalasham or kalash.' A bronze or silver pot is selected and is cleaned thoroughly and a swastika symbol is drawn and smeared with sandalwood paste.

The kalasham is filled with raw rice or water, coins, a single whole lime, five different kinds of leaves, and beetle nut. The items used to fill the kalasham vary from region to region and includes turmeric, comb, mirror, small black bangles and black beads.

The kalasham is sometimes covered with a cloth up to the neck and mango leaves are placed on the mouth of the kalasham. Finally, a coconut smeared with turmeric is used to close the mouth of the kalasham.

To this coconut, an image of Goddess Lakshmi is fixed or the image of Lakshmi is drawn using turmeric powder. Now the kalasham is a personification of Goddess Lakshmi.

The kalasham is usually placed on a bed of rice. First Lord Ganesha is worshipped. Then begins the Varalakshmi Puja. The puja consists of singing slokas dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi like the Lakshmi Sahasranamam.

Arati is performed on the kalasham. Different types of sweets are offered. Some people offer pongal. In some areas women tie yellow thread on their hands.

The woman observing the Varalakshmi puja abstains from eating certain kind of food and this varies from region to region. In some regions, women fast till the puja period.