Varalakshmi Vratam is one of the most cherished Hindu festivals celebrated especially in South India. It is dedicated to Goddess Varalakshmi, a special form of Goddess Lakshmi who is believed to bless her devotees with wealth, good health, and family happiness. On this day, people, especially married women, pray for the well-being of their loved ones. However, anyone can observe this vrat and seek the goddess’s blessings.This festival is not just about rituals, it’s also about love, gratitude, and togetherness. Families come together to decorate their homes, offer prayers, and celebrate the presence of divine feminine energy. It’s especially popular in states like Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra, where one can find homes filled with devotion, joy, and tradition.
When is Varalakshmi Vratam observed?
Varalakshmi Vratam 2025 is celebrated on the last Friday of the Shukla Paksha in the Shravan month and this year the tithi falls on Friday, August 8. The festival is a symbolic expression of devotion to Goddess Varalakshmi, believed to be a boon-granting form of Mahalakshmi. Devotees perform rituals to seek blessings for wealth, health, and family harmony.
According to Drikpanchang, the most auspicious time or muhurat to perform the puja is during a fixed Lagna as it is believed to ensure lasting prosperity. The most suitable time slots recommended for puja in 2025 are:Simha Lagna Muhurat: 06:29 AM – 08:46 AMVrishchika Lagna Muhurat: 01:22 PM – 03:41 PMKumbha Lagna Muhurat: 07:27 PM – 08:54 PMVrishabha Lagna Muhurat (midnight): 11:55 PM – 01:50 AM- August 9Evening hours overlapping with Pradosh Kaal are considered the most spiritually beneficial for performing the ritual. Devotees are advised to check their local Panchang for region-specific timings.
Who is Goddess Varalakshmi
Goddess Varalakshmi, as the name suggests, is “Lakshmi who grants boons”, Vara meaning boon. According to the legend, she emerged from the Kshir Sagar or Milky Ocean, radiating divine purity and abundance. According to Hindu Puranic scriptures, “Worshipping Goddess Varalakshmi on this day is as powerful as worshipping all the Ashta Lakshmis,” including Sri (Wealth), Bhu (Earth), Saraswati (Learning), Priti (Love), Kirti (Fame), Shanti (Peace), Tushti (Pleasure), and Pushti (Strength) .
Steps for Pooja Vidhi
The rituals, or Puja Vidhi, begin with Kalasha Sthapana, where the goddess is invoked into a sacred pot. Devotees then chant the Lakshmi Ashtottara Shatanamavali, perform aarti, and tie a sacred thread called Dorak, which is a symbol of divine protection. A traditional sweet offering called Vayana is also prepared and offered to the deity.Homes are adorned with floral decorations, colorful kolams (rangoli), and silk-clad idols of Goddess Lakshmi. As per Drik Panchang, “Performing this vrat with devotion ensures not just material success but also inner peace and spiritual upliftment.”While the festival is most widely observed in South Indian states, its spiritual essence is felt across all regions. It is not just a ritual but a way of expressing love, gratitude, and reverence to the divine feminine energy.
