Varalakshmi Vratam or Varalakshmi Nombu is an auspicious occasion dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, the consort of Lord Vishnu and the goddess of wealth, prosperity, and well-being. The important festival is celebrated with great devotion predominantly in South India, particularly in the states of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana. Varalakshmi is the manifestation of Lakshmi who grants boons also known as ‘varam’ and hence the name of the festival Varalakshmi Vratam. Varalakshmi was incarnated from the milky ocean, popularly known as Kshir Sagar. She is described as having the complexion of milky ocean and adorns similar colour clothes. August 2024 Festivals, Events and Holidays Calendar: Complete List of Important National and International Days and Dates in August. 

Varalakshmi Vratam is observed on the second Friday of the Shravana month in the Hindu lunar calendar. This period is considered highly auspicious for the worship of the goddess. Varalakshmi Vratam 2024 falls on Friday, August 16, 2024. In this article, let’s know more about Varalakshmi Vratam 2024 date, shubh muhurat, puja vidhi and the significance of this auspicious day.

Varalakshmi Vratam 2024 Date

Varalakshmi Vratam 2024 falls on Friday, August 16, 2024.

Varalakshmi Vratam 2024 Auspicious Tithi and Shubh Muhurat

  • The Simha Lagna puja muhurat starts from 06:25 AM to 08:33 AM. The duration is 2 Hours and 8 minutes.

  • The Vrishchika Lagna puja muhurat starts from 12:51 PM to 03:06 PM. The duration is 2 Hours and 14 minutes.

  • The Kumbha Lagna puja muhurat starts from 07:01 PM to 08:38 PM. The duration is 1 Hour and 37 minutes.

  • The Vrishabha Lagna puja muhurat starts from 11:55 PM to 01:55 AM on August 17. The duration is 2 Hours.

Varalakshmi Vratam Puja Rituals

  • On the day of Varalakshmi Vratam, women worship the Goddess Lakshmi with devotion, offering fruits, sweets and flowers. Usually, a kalash is decorated with a sari, flowers and gold jewellery, with offerings placed in front.

  • The Varalakshmi Vratam puja begins with the formal welcome of Goddess Lakshmi into one's house. A wooden tray or a stand is placed outside the house's threshold and Rangoli is drawn in the puja room.

  • A kalash is placed on the tray outside the house. The pot is decorated with mango leaves as well as flowers. Auspicious items such as rice, betel leaves, turmeric sticks, bananas, and coins are placed inside the pot.

  • A thread dipped in turmeric is tied around the neck of the pot and a coconut is placed on the top of it.

  • During the shubh muhurat, the women sing a song of greeting to Goddess Lakshmi, and carry the tray and kalasham into the puja room. After lighting the lamp and performing the Aarti, shlokas, and songs of Goddess Laxmi are recited.

  • The yellow thread is untied, and a piece is given to each girl or woman to tie around her right wrist. This is symbolic of the conclusion of the auspicious puja, as well as receiving the blessings of the deity.

Varalakshmi Vratam Significance

The Varalakshmi Vratam is primarily performed by married women (sumangali), for their own well-being, and in order to ask the Goddess to bless their husbands with health and longevity. It is believed that the Varalakshmi form of Goddess Laxmi bestows boons and fulfils all desires of her devotees. Hence, this form of the goddess is known as Vara + Lakshmi i.e. Goddess Lakshmi who bestows boons. Many believe that worshipping the aspect of Varalakshmi on this day is equivalent to worshipping the Ashtalakshmi– the eight aspects of Goddess MahaLakshmi, all of whom represent different forms of wealth.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 15, 2024 11:54 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).