Varalakshmi Vratam: 10 Important Practices to Follow

Varalakshmi Vratam, one of the most revered observances dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, is traditionally celebrated on the Friday before the full moon in the month of Aadi. Devotees believe that observing the vratam with devotion brings prosperity, good health, family well-being and a happy married life.

Here are 10 important practices followed during the Varalakshmi Puja:

1. Prepare the Kalasam: Fill the sacred pot with rice, lentils, turmeric and coins. Place mango leaves and a coconut on top. Traditional items such as Kaadholai Karugamani may also be included.

2. Invite the Goddess: Decorate the entrance with a Maakolam and ceremonially bring the decorated Goddess idol or Kalasam into the house. Married women traditionally perform Deeparadhana and offer Thamboolam.

3. Decorate the Puja Space: Clean and decorate a wooden stool or mandapam with mango leaves, flowers and garlands before placing the Goddess.

4. Prepare the Sacred Thread: Place the yellow thoranam or sacred threads before the Goddess for worship. Traditionally, nine knots are tied in the thread.

5. Begin with Ganesha Puja: Make a small Ganesha idol using turmeric and worship Him first. The Varalakshmi Puja can then be performed with flowers and traditional slokas.

6. Offer Vilvam Leaves: Vilvam leaves are considered sacred and are traditionally included in the worship of Goddess Lakshmi.

7. Prepare Nivedanam: Homemade offerings such as idli, rice, sambar, rasam, vada, sakkarai pongal, payasam, pachadi and kozhukattai may be offered to the Goddess according to family tradition.

8. Read the Vratam Story: Devotees traditionally read or listen to the story and significance of Varalakshmi Vratam before tying the sacred thread.

9. Worship the Sacred Threads: Before wearing the threads, offer flowers and prayers to each knot. The thread is traditionally tied by the eldest married woman in the family or by the husband.

10. Offer Thamboolam: Invite married women, unmarried girls and young children and treat them with respect as manifestations of Goddess Lakshmi. Offer Thamboolam, food and traditional blessings.

The rituals may vary between families and communities, but devotion, cleanliness, sincerity and faith are considered the most important aspects of Varalakshmi Puja.