Venkat Raman
Auckland, August 8, 2023
Varalakshmi Pooja, a religious observance which has far been largely confined to Hindu Temples and homes, will acquire a social and cultural dimension this year with an ardent worshipper making it an open-to-all community event.
Auckland-based Data Scientist Manju Bhargavi is moving the annual worship from her home to Blockhouse Bay Community Centre, located at 524 Blockhouse Bay Road in Blockhouse Bay on Friday, August 25, 2023 from 5.30 pm to 8.30 pm.
“As well as the traditional prayers which will include Kalasa Pooja, Srichakra Kumkum Archana and chanting of Stotras, the programme will include a cultural programme featuring Bathukamma Dance (famous in Telangana) and other classical items,” she said.
Ms Bhargavi said that companies and retailers can set up stalls at the event and sell their goods.
“Artists keen to perform at the Varalakshmi Pooja celebrations are also welcome. We will be grateful for donations to meet the costs related to the programme. Donations can be remitted to our bank account- 01-0676-0286993-46 citing Reference VLP2023 and the phone number of the person donating,” she said.
The Programme will conclude with Mahaparasadam.
Ms Bhargavi has requested that while entry to the event is open and free for all, registration will help to make the necessary arrangements. Please follow this link: https://forms.gle/9GBygip2GqgkQcRL6
About Manju Bhargavi
A postgraduate in Data Science from the University of Canterbury, Ms Bhargavi has designed and implemented a variety of machine learning algorithms such as decision trees, random forests, support vector machines (SVM), k-nearest neighbours (KNN), and neural networks.
“These algorithms help organisations identify patterns in data, make predictions, and automate decision-making processes. I am excited to continue my journey as a Data Scientist, creating meaningful and easy-to-use dashboards that help organisations act quickly and make informed decisions,” she said.
Ms Bhargavi has more than ten years of experience in data analytics in New Zealand and India. As a data analyst, database administrator, insight specialist, analytics team leader and data scientist, she has the expertise in identifying patterns in data, finding solutions for business problems and creating storyboards for data visualisation that communicate complex information in a simple, accessible way.
Her religious fervour has given her the knowledge and experience to conduct Kalasa Pooja, Satyanarayana Pooja, Shradha Karma and other religious rites.
About Varalakshmi Pooja
Varalakshmi Pooja, Varalakshmi Vratam or Varalakshmi Nombu is a festival to propitiate the Goddess Lakshmi, the consort of Lord Vishnu, one of the Hindu Trinity.
Women usually fast on the Varalakshmi Pooja Day, which is observed on the last Friday during Shravana Shukla Paksha and falls just a few days ahead of Rakhi and Shravana Poornima.
It is believed that the Varalakshmi form of the goddess 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.
According to Shiva Puran, this Pooja was ordained by Lord Shiva to be performed by His Consort Parvathi to seek prosperity and happiness for the Family. It is believed that Goddess Parvathi observed and hence became a popular tradition for women across South India.
The Varalakshmi Vratam is primarily performed by married women for their well-being, and in order to ask the Goddess to bless their husbands with health and longevity. Many believe that worshipping the aspect of Varalakshmi on this day is equivalent to worshipping the Ashta Lakshmi, the eight aspects of Lakshmi, all of whom represent different forms of wealth.
