Varamahalakshmi Festival Rituals
Varamahalakshmi Vrata is a prominent Hindu festival celebrated with great devotion in Karnataka, especially by married women seeking the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi—the goddess of wealth, prosperity, and well-being. It falls on the Friday before the full moon (Purnima) in the auspicious month of Shravana (July–August).
Significance of Varamahalakshmi Festival
This sacred festival is believed to be as powerful as performing Ashtalakshmi pooja, invoking the eight forms of Lakshmi—wealth, health, courage, education, food, progeny, success, and strength. It is said that observing this vrat (vow) with sincerity ensures prosperity and happiness for the entire family.
Preparations for the Festival
Preparations begin a day in advance, and the day of the pooja starts early in the morning with a spiritual ambiance.
Home Decoration:
- The house is thoroughly cleaned.
- Entrances and pooja spaces are decorated with rangoli and fresh flowers.
- Traditional torans made of mango leaves and marigolds adorn the doorway.
Gathering Pooja Items:
- Kalasha (pot made of silver, brass, or copper)
- Fresh mango leaves and coconut
- Turmeric, kumkum, mirror, betel leaves, betel nuts
- Rice, coins, blouse pieces, glass bangles
- Flowers, fruits, sweets, and prasadam ingredients
Rituals of Varamahalakshmi Vrata
1. Kalasha Sthapana (Installing the Kalasha)
The Kalasha is filled with rice or water, decorated with turmeric and kumkum, and topped with mango leaves and a coconut. A silver or clay face of Goddess Lakshmi is placed on the Kalasha and beautifully adorned with a saree, gold ornaments, and flowers.
2. Invocation (Avahana) of the Goddess
With devotion, women invoke Goddess Lakshmi into the Kalasha. A Sankalpa (vow) is taken to perform the vrat for the well-being of the family.
3. Lakshmi Ashtottara & Vrata Katha
The 108 names of Goddess Lakshmi are chanted, followed by the recitation of the Varamahalakshmi Vrata Katha, which tells the story of a devoted woman who gains blessings from the Goddess.
4. Naivedya (Food Offering)
Devotees prepare and offer special dishes like:
- Holige (Obbattu)
- Payasa (Kheer)
- Fruits, coconuts, and traditional sweets
5. Aarti and Mangalarati
Aarti is performed with lamps, incense, and flowers. Family members gather around and offer prayers together, enhancing the spirit of unity and devotion.
Arisina-Kumkuma and Social Rituals
A key part of the celebration is inviting other married women (sumangalis) for Arisina-Kumkuma. The hostess offers turmeric, kumkum, bangles, flowers, and sweets to the guests. It symbolizes the sharing of joy and blessings among women in the community.
The Varamahalakshmi Festival in Karnataka is more than a religious ritual—it is a celebration of faith, family, and tradition. The vibrant decorations, heartfelt prayers, and community bonding make it one of the most cherished festivals for women across the state.
May Goddess Lakshmi bless every home with happiness, prosperity, and peace.