Auspicious Varamahalakshmi Vrat: Mahalakshmi bestows devotees their wishes

The Varamahalakshmi Vrat, a significant festival celebrated for health, wealth, prosperity, and family well-being, is being observed today across Karnataka and other South Indian states, including Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana. The Vrat is traditionally observed on the second Friday of Shravana Shukla or the first Friday after the full moon.

According to the Skanda Purana, when Goddess Parvati asked Lord Shiva about a Vrat that would ensure the welfare of women on Earth, he described the greatness of the Varamahalakshmi Vrat. The legend narrates that Lakshmi Devi appeared in a dream to a devout woman named Charumati, advising her to observe this Vrat. Charumati, in turn, celebrated the festival with great devotion, leading to the popularization of the Sri Mahalakshmi Dhyan Stotra.

Another legend connected with the Vrat is that of Shyamabala, who was cursed by Lord Shiva after losing a game of dice. The Varamahalakshmi Vrat is said to have freed her from this curse. Ancient texts refer to eight forms of Lakshmi, known as the Ashta Lakshmi, representing wealth, earth, knowledge, love, success, peace, happiness, and strength. Vishnu is regarded as the consort of Ashta Lakshmi. The devotees chant praises such as “Adilakshmi… Dhanalakshmi… Dhairyalakshmi… Gajalakshmi… Santanalakshmi… Vijayalakshmi… Vidyalakshmi… Dhanalakshmi… Sada Palaya Mam” while worshipping the Ashta Lakshmi during the Mahalakshmi Puja.

Who is Goddess Lakshmi? The Vedas describe Lakshmi as the embodiment of all virtues. The Ramayana, considered the essence of the Vedas, portrays Sita as Lakshmi, with Valmiki referring to it as the story of Lakshmi. The Sri Suktam, a part of the Vedas, is a hymn in praise of Lakshmi. Lakshmi Tantra, Pancharatra, and other texts are dedicated to her. Lakshmi is worshipped as the mother figure of the universe, while Vishnu is seen as the father. In the worship of Lakshmi-Narayana, the Sri Suktam and Purusha Suktam are recited.

Lakshmi is revered as the bestower of knowledge, wealth, happiness, health, and success. She grants all these blessings to her devotees. She is prayed to by gods, demons, sages, and humans alike. Lakshmi, endowed with divine qualities, is concerned with the good and bad deeds of all living beings. According to the Lakshmi Tantra, the name Lakshmi is derived from the Sanskrit words “La” meaning to give and “Kshma” meaning to inspire. Hence, she is called Lakshmi because she grants devotees their wishes and inspires them in body, speech, and mind. She is also seen as the creator, preserver, and destroyer of the universe, with her presence being eternal.

Translated version of Kannada article by Jalanchar Raghupati Tantri, Udupi.