Varamahalakshmi Vratam is an auspicious festival celebrated by Hindus to propitiate blessings of Goddess Lakshmi, the consort of Lord Vishnu. The puja falls on a Friday preceding the full moon night, i.e. Poornima in the month of Shravan. This year Varamahalakshmi Vratam falls on August 24, 2018. The puja is performed by the married woman from Maharashtra, Orissa and South India. Woman pray for the well being of their husbands and the happiness and prosperity of their families. They fast all day long and perform puja in the evening.

According to beliefs, fasting and praying to Goddess Lakshmi is equal to worshipping eight of her avatars, i.e. goddess of Wealth (Shri), Earth (Bhu), Learning (Saraswati), Love (Priti), Fame (Kirti), Peace (Shanti), Pleasure (Tushti) and Strength (Pushti). It is said that the wishes of those who pray to Goddess Lakshmi on this day will be fulfilled.

Legend, significance and celebrations related to Varalakshmi Vratam

According to mythology, Lord Shiva or Parameswara asked his wife Goddess Parvati to pray for his well being on this day. Another legend says that in the Magadha of yore, a woman named Charumathi lived in the prosperous town of Amravati district in Maharashtra. Impressed by her devotion to her family, Goddess Mahalakshmi appeared in her dream and asked her to pray to Vara Lakshmi for the fulfilment of her wishes. When Charumathi explained the dream to her family, they encouraged her to perform the pooja. Soon, more women of the town started performing the pooja.

Varalakshmi Vratam Puja Muhurat and Vidhi

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During the fast, women abstain from different food which differs from region to region. In some areas, women are only offered Thamboolam, a combination of slaked lime, betel leaf and areca nut. They offer flowers, fruits and sweets to the goddess. Varalakshmi Puja is performed during a specific time which is considered auspicious. While the puja can be performed at any time, people chose to offer prayers in the evening as it overlaps with Pradosh and is regarded as the most appropriate to worship Goddess Lakshmi.

2018 Varalakshmi Vratam Puja Date for Thiruvananthapuram, India, according to Drik Panchang

Simha Lagna Puja Muhurat = 06:17 to 07:49 (morning)

Duration = 1 Hour 31 Mins

Vrishchika Lagna Puja Muhurat = 11:50 to 14:00 (afternoon)

Duration = 2 Hours 10 Mins

Kumbha Lagna Puja Muhurat = 18:04 to 19:49 (evening)

Duration = 1 Hour 45 Mins

Vrishabha Lagna Puja Muhurat = 23:24 to 25:28+ (midnight)

Duration = 2 Hours 3 Mins

During the puja, a brass pot known as kalash representing the goddess is filled with rice or water, betel nut and five different kinds of leaves, coins are all wrapped in a saree and using vermillion a swastika symbol is drawn. At the mouth of the vessel, mango leaves and coconut are placed with turmeric smeared on it. The next day, the rice grains are cooked, and the water from the pot is sprinkled in the house.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 21, 2018 01:13 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).