Varalakshmi Viratham 2026: Auspicious Timings and Puja Practices for Today

Varalakshmi Viratham is being observed today, Friday, August 21, 2026, on the first Friday of the Tamil month of Aavani. The festival is dedicated to Goddess Mahalakshmi and is traditionally observed by women praying for the prosperity, good health and well-being of their families.

Varalakshmi Viratham is observed every year on the Friday before the full moon (Pournami) of Aavani. According to traditional beliefs, worshipping Goddess Lakshmi with devotion is believed to bring wealth, longevity, good health and happiness to the household. Married women also traditionally observe the vratam and pray for the long life and well-being of their husbands.

Auspicious Timings for Varalakshmi Puja

The following Lagna periods are considered favourable for performing the puja today:

Simha Lagna: 6:23 AM to 7:48 AM
Vrischika Lagna: 12:06 PM to 2:20 PM
Kumbha Lagna: 6:16 PM to 7:52 PM

The evening Kumbha Lagna period coincides with Pradosham and is considered particularly suitable for the ritual.

Traditional Puja Preparations

Devotees traditionally clean their homes and puja rooms a day before Varalakshmi Viratham. On the day of the festival, they wake up early, take a bath and decorate the entrance with turmeric and kumkum. Many households also prepare Maavilakku, a traditional lamp made using rice flour and jaggery.

The puja area is traditionally arranged in the northeast direction, which is considered auspicious for worshipping Goddess Lakshmi. A new white cloth is spread over the puja platform, followed by rice grains and other arrangements for the Kalash.

The Kalash is decorated with turmeric and kumkum, with mango leaves and a coconut placed on top. In some traditions, the face of Goddess Lakshmi is also represented and decorated using turmeric.

Elephant figurines are traditionally placed on either side of the Kalash in some households. If ready-made figurines are unavailable, small elephant shapes can be made using turmeric paste.

Is Fasting Compulsory?

Complete fasting is not considered mandatory for everyone during Varalakshmi Viratham. Depending on family traditions and individual circumstances, devotees may choose to avoid food until the puja is completed. The observance is traditionally associated with maintaining a peaceful mind and offering prayers with sincerity and devotion.

Disclaimer: The rituals, beliefs and auspicious timings mentioned above are based on traditional religious customs and beliefs. LiveChennai.com does not independently verify religious or astrological claims.