Nitin Kumar –
Varalakshmi Vratam is one of the most appropriate days to propitiate and seek the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi.
Women in many parts of India, especially Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu mark the occasion on the Second Friday or the Friday before Full Moon Day (Poornima) in the month of Śravaṇā, also called Śawan in Hindi and Aadi in Tamil, which corresponds to July-August.
In many States in India, Varalakshmi Vratam is declared as ‘Restricted’ or ‘Optional’ holiday.
The Eight Forms
It is believed that praying to Goddess Varalakshmi on this day is equivalent to worshipping Ashtalaksmi – the eight forms of Goddess Lakshmi representing Wealth, Earth, Learning, Love, Fame, Peace, Pleasure, and Strength.
Historic Relevance
The story is told of Charumathi, a woman who lived in Kundina of the Magadha Kingdom in ancient India, a story that is linked to Varalakshmi Vratam.
Impressed by her devotion to her family, Goddess Mahalakshmi appeared in her dream and asked her to worship Vara Lakshmi (Vara = boon, Lakshmi = Goddess of Wealth) and seek to fulfil her wishes.
Charumathi was encouraged by the members of her family to perform the Pooja, observing all the religious prescriptions. Many other women of the village joined her in performing the Pooja and offered sweet dishes to Goddess Varalakshmi.
It is said that pleased by the piety of her devotees, the Goddess blessed them with long life, happiness, good health and prosperity.
Another story
There is another mythological connection to Varalakshmi Vratam.
It is said that Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi were playing a game of ‘Paramapatham,’ the popular Snake and Ladder Game.
Parvathi was winning game after game by the rules, but Parameswara is said to have claimed the victory at each game, wantonly, to Parvathi’s intense chagrin.
Therefore, Parvathi demanded the services of an umpire and Chitranemi, a creation of Lord Shiva was chosen for the role. As an underling, he unjustly sided with his Master.
The Curse and After
This provoked Parvathi’s anger and she cursed Chitranemi that he should become a leper for discharging his duty in this most unfair manner.
When Chitranemi begged Parvathi’s forgiveness and Lord Shiva added his entreaties, she is said to have relented and ruled that he would be cured of leprosy if he observed Varalakshmi Vratam.
The Vishnu Factor
The eight forces or energies mentioned earlier are also names given to children in reverence to Ashtalaksmi. They are Siri (Wealth), Bhu (Earth), Saraswathi (learning), Prithvi (also Earth), Keerthi (Fame), Shanthi (Peace), Santhushti (Pleasure) and Pushti (Strength).
Lord Vishnu is known as Ashtalaksmi Padhi which is equivalent to saying that He is the asylum for the eight-Lakshmis or forces.
In fact, Vishnu representing the preservative aspect of the Universe, radiates these forces from him. These forces are personified and worshiped as Lakshmis, since abstract force is beyond the comprehension of the ordinary people.
As health, wealth and prosperity depend upon the rhythmic play of these forces, the worship of Lakshmi is said to be to obtain these three. This festival is observed largely by women, invoking the blessings of Lakshmi on them, their husbands and their children.
Nitin Kumar is Executive Editor of Exotic India, an online resource on Indian festivals, traditions, and religious observances. Website: www.exoticindia.com
