Manju Bhargavi’s event at Blockhouse Bay Centre on August 9 from 6 pm
Venkat Raman
Auckland, August 3, 2024
Aucklander Manju Bhargavi is a good example that traditional and religious values and pursuits can match with modern lifestyle and professional ethics.
A postgraduate in Data Science, she works as a Senior Pricing Analyst at a large insurance company, balancing the costs of company operations and people’s living costs.
Beyond these, and perhaps more enduring are her Santana Dharma following.
Ms Bhargavi has Vedic knowledge and experience to perform Kalasa Pooja (performed at home and in public places for the prosperity of individuals and the world), and Pithru (Pitru) Karma (an essential ritual to appease and pay respects to ancestors).
In addition, she is a Yoga Teacher conducting online classes on most days of the week.
(Photo Supplied)
Details of the Event
Ms Bhargavi has announced that she will perform this year’s Varalakshmi Pooja – one of the most important offerings to the Goddess of Wealth – on Friday, August 9, 2024.
The event, which will be held from 6 pm at the Blockhouse Bay Community Centre located at 524 Blockhouse Bay Road, Blockhouse, Auckland, will include a comprehensive Pooja in obeisance to Goddess Lakshmi with Kumkum Archana, Kirtans and Bhajans and a culture programme appropriate for the occasion.
“There will be stalls showcasing products from women entrepreneurs and vegetarian dinner. While admission is open and free for all, we request people register so that seating and catering can be planned,” she said.
Please register here: https://forms.gle/BCU1usJeVyZsdY8f8
Donations can be remitted to Bank Account Number 06-0185-0987779-02 (Varalakshmi Pooja) VLP 2024; Please quote your name as Reference.
Further details can be obtained from Manju Bhargavi on 027-3052425.
The following was her description of Varalakshmi Pooja:
A Sacred Festival
Varalakshmi Vrata is a sacred festival dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, the beloved consort of Lord Vishnu, revered as one of the Hindu Trinity.
Varalakshmi, the bestower of boons (Varam), holds special significance in the traditions of many Southern Indian states. This auspicious Hindu festival, known as ‘Vara Lakshmi Vrata,’ is observed on the second Friday or the Friday preceding the Full Moon Day (Poornima) in the month of Śravaṇā (Śawan in Hindi, Aadi in Tamil), corresponding to July-August in the English calendar.
While there are various interpretations of its significance, my spiritual guru, Sri Sri Ravisankar, taught me the profound importance of Varalakshmi Pooja as an annual practice.
Four Fundamentals
In the framework of Sanatana Dharma, the four fundamental pursuits are Dharma (righteousness), Artha (wealth), Kama (desire), and Moksha (liberation).
Among these, Artha, or wealth, is blessed by Ambal Mahalakshmi, who perpetually resides in the heart of Lord Narayana. Wealth, essential for a dignified human life, extends beyond mere material possessions.
It encompasses a mindset that fosters well-being, meaningful relationships, and compassion towards oneself and others. True wealth empowers us to lead a fulfilling life with courage and dignity.
Varalakshmi Pooja stands as a transformative ritual, purifying our wealth akin to how ghee purifies food, chanting purifies speech, donations purifies the ego, and meditation purifies the mind. When wealth is tainted, it can invite various forms of suffering: envy from others, vulnerability to theft, family discord over inheritance, or excessive spending on health crises.
To safeguard against these adversities and experience peace in prosperity, seeking the blessings of Goddess Varalakshmi through this sacred ritual is paramount.
I am honoured to organise this Pooja within our community, aiming to illuminate its purpose for those unfamiliar.
I am a mother of a handsome teenager. I cherish participating in Satsang, Bhajans, and Spiritual gatherings. Organising Varalakshmi Pooja is my way of giving back to the community, and helping families lead prosperous and courageous lives.
Our Staff Reporter adds:
Varalakshmi Vratam is one of the most appropriate days to propitiate and seek the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi. 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.
The Vishnu Factor
The eight forces or energies are names given to children in reverence to Ashtalaksmi. They are Siri (Wealth), Bhu (Earth), Saraswathi (Learning), Prithvi (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.
Vishnu representing the preservative aspect of the Universe, radiates these forces from him. These forces are personified and worshipped as Lakshmis since abstract force is beyond the comprehension of 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.
