Vara Lakshmi Vratham - Sai Baba Of India

4th August - Vara Lakshmi Vratham

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Today morning the "Vara Lakshmi Vratham" started out with Lakhsmi Puja in Puttaparthi. The traditional ritual of puja (pooja) was performed to Godess Lakshmi by Sai Baba devotees in huge numbers. The pooja to Godess lakshmi was incomparable and very auspicious since it was preformed in the holy presence of Sathya Sai Baba. Swami attended the puja and granted wonderful darshan & blessings to all the devotees.

this Vratam was performed in the immediate Divine Presence of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba in Sai Kulwant Hall. A large number of ladies occupied the Hall . It was a sight to see their joyful visages, performing the Puja meticulously to the instructions of the priests. Legend has it that this Vratam was narrated by Lord Siva Himself. Here in Prasanthi Nilayam, they were fortunate to perform the same in the Divine Presence of Sai Siva Himself.

The Puja began with Ganapati Prarthana (Ganapati worship). Puja materials were supplied to the participants of the Vratam. During the course of the Puja, the head priest narrated the legend of the Vratam, which reads as follows: Goddess Parvati once asked Lord Siva to recommend her a Vratam, which would be beneficial for the womenfolk on earth who seek prosperity. Then, Lord Siva preached her about Varalakshmi Vratam (as mentioned in Skanda Puranam). To illustrate the sanctity of this Vratam, Lord Siva then narrated the story of one Charumati. Charumati was a true Pativrata (devoted to husband in all sincerity). Pleased with her true and undivided devotion to her husband, Goddess Lakshmi appeared in her dream and advised her to undertake the Varalakshmi Vratam on the auspicious day of Sravana Shukla Shukra Varam. Charumati performed this Puja with utmost devotion, the same day, in the dream itself (Manasika Puja). The next day she narrated this dream to her husband, and with his full consent, to all other womenfolk in town. On the auspicious day, she did not fail to perform Varalakshmi Vratam as prescribed to her by Goddess Parvati. Then some miracles took place. Everything seemed bountiful. Ever since, this Vratam has been regularly performed in households.

OFFICIALVARALAKSHMI VRATAM REPORT:

VARALAKSHMI VRATAM AT PRASANTHI NILAYAM (4th August 2006)
Speaking on the significance of Varalakshmi Vrata in the year 2000, Bhagavan said,

“Since ancient times, the women of Bharat have upheld the dignity and honour of the family and the community at large. The worship of goddess Varalakshmi earned them Her grace and they could accomplish all this. Varalakshmi is one who grants all the boons that women pray for. She confers on women all the eight types of wealth. Noble women like Savitri, Damayanti, Chandramati and Sumati accomplished mighty tasks only due to the grace of Varalakshmi. Worship of Varalakshmi confers wealth, prosperity and bliss.”

Varalakshmi Vratam is a festival to propitiate Sri Varalakshmi (Mahalakshmi) - the consort of Lord Vishnu, who is the abode of all auspiciousness, prosperity and wealth. The Vratam is performed on the Sravana Sukla Sukra Varam, that is, the Friday immediately following the full moon day (Purnima) in the auspicious month of Sravanam (corresponding to August - September). This Vratam is undertaken by the Sumangalis (whose husbands are still living) for good progeny, good health, and wishing long life for the husbands.

On this auspicious day, Bhagawan came to Sai Kulwant Hall at 7.30 a.m. , while a Nadaswaram troupe of musicians followed Bhagawan playing sonorous notes befitting the occasion. The Hall was aesthetically decorated for the festival. A beautifully decorated idol of Varalakshmi adorned the dais of the Hall. Before the Puja commenced, Bhagawan went amidst the seated ladies in the Hall. The head priest elaborated on the significance of the occasion. He informed the gathering of ladies that to perform this Puja in the immediate Divine Presence of Bhagawan was a great boon for all of them. The Puja commenced with worship of Ganapati. Then the priests enunciated the Mantras which were repeated by the vast gathering of 1,600 ladies. All along, the Sri Suktam, which forms an important part of this Puja was chanted by the priests. The ladies tied Toram (sacred yellow thread) on each other's wrist as a mark of protection and blessings of the Divine Mother. As instructed by the priests, they sprinkled Akshata (sacred yellow rice) on each other and also exchanged the customary winnowing pan, which symbolises charity. The priest then explained the legend behind this Puja (mentioned in the next paragraph of this report). At the end, Bhagawan was offered Arati after which an announcement was made that a sumptuous lunch was arranged for the participants in the South Indian Canteen.

There are several legends associated with this festival. Goddess Parvati once asked Lord Siva to suggest her a Vratam, which would be beneficial for the womenfolk on earth who seek prosperity. Then, Lord Siva preached her about Varalakshmi Vratam. To illustrate the sanctity of this Vratam, Lord Siva narrated the story of one Charumati. Charumati was a true Pativrata (devoted to husband in all sincerity). Pleased with her true and undivided devotion to her husband, Goddess Lakshmi appeared in her dream and advised her to undertake the Varalakshmi Vratam on the auspicious day of Sravana Sukla Sukra Varam. Charumati performed this Puja with utmost devotion, the same day, in the dream itself. The next day she narrated this dream to her husband, and with his full consent, to all other womenfolk in town. On the auspicious day, she did not fail to perform Varalakshmi Vratam and reaped immense benefit. Ever since, this Vratam has been regularly performed in households.

On this evening, Bhagawan came to the Hall at 3.10 and sat on the dais listening to the Vedic chants. The devotees and students had a fulfilling Darshan of the Lord. After Bhajans and Arati, the day's proceedings ended and Bhagawan retired for the day.

Images from 4th August - Vara Lakshmi Vratham

VARALAKSHMI VRATHAM

Varalakshmi Vratam is an important pooja performed by many women in the states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and some parts of Tamil Nadu.

VaraLakshmi Vratham is dedicated to the Goddess Lakshmi , the consort of Lord Vishnu. Varlakshmi Vratham is celebrated on the second Friday of the bright fortnight in the month of Aashata or Aadi , corresponding to the English month of July-August. This festival is mostly observed by women seeking the blessings of Lakshmi for their families.

Mahalakshmi Ashtakam

Namastestu Mahaamaaye Shreepeete Surapoojite
Shankha Chakra Gadaa Haste Mahaalakshmi Namostu Te.

Meaning: O Mahaamaaya, abode of fortune, worshipped by the Gods, I salute Thee. O Mahaalakshmi, one who has conch, disc and mace in Her hands, obeisance to Thee.

Namaste Garudaroode Koalaasura Bhayankari
Sarva Paapa Hare Devi, Mahaalakshmi Namostu Te.

Meaning: My salutations to Thee, who rides Garuda and are a terror to demon Kola; O Devi Mahaalakshmi, remover of all miseries, my obeisance to Thee.

Sarvajne Sarva Varade Sarva Dushta Bhayankari
Sarva Duhkha Hare Devi Mahaalakshmi Namostu Te.

Meaning: O Devi Mahaalaksmi, who is the embodiment of knowledge, giver of all boons, a terror to all the wicked, remover of all sorrows, obeisance to Thee.

Siddhi Buddhi Prade Devi Bhukti Mukti Pradaayini
Mantra Moorthe Sadaa Devi Mahaa Lakshmi Namostu Te.

Meaning: O Devi, You give success and intelligence and worldly enjoyment and liberation (as well). Thou hast always the mystic symbols (Mantra) as Thy form, O Mahaalakshmi, obeisance to Thee.

Aadyantarahite Devi Aadya Shakte Maheshvari
Yogaje Yogasambhoote Mahaalakshmi Namostu Te.

Meaning: O Devi, Maheshwari, You are without a beginning or an end , You are the Primeval energy, You are the greatest ruler, You are born of Yoga. O Mahaalakshmi, obeisance to Thee.

Sthoola Sookshmah Mahaa Raudre Mahaa Sakthe Mahodaye
Mahaa Paapa Harey Devi Mahaalakshmi Namostu Te.

Meaning: O Mahaalakshmi, You are both gross and subtle, most terrible (for the wicked), You are the embodiment of great power and prosperity and You are remover of all sins, obeisance to Thee.

Padmaasanasthite Devi Parabrahma Svaroopini
Paramesi Jaganmaata, Mahalakshmi Namostu Te.

Meaning: O Devi, You are seated on the lotus, You are the Supreme Brahman, You are the great Lord and Mother of the universe, O Mahaalakshmi, obeisance to Thee.

Svetaambaradhare Devi Naanaalankaara Bhooshite
Jagatsthite Jaganmaatah, Mahaalakshmi Namostu Te

Meaning: O Devi, You are dressed in white garments and decked with various kinds of ornaments, Thou art the mother of the universe and its support, O Mahaalakshmi, obeisance to Thee.

Mahaalakshmyaastaka Stottram Yad Pated Bhaktiman Naraha.
Sarva Siddhimavaapnoti Mahaalakshmi Prasaadataha.

Meaning: Whoever with devotion reads this hymn to Mahaalakshmi composed in eight stanzas, attains all success through the Grace of Mahaalaksmi.

Ekakaale Patennityam Mahaapaapa Vinaashanam
Dvikaalam Yah Patennityam Dhana Dhaanya Samanvitaha

Meaning: Whoever reads this hymn at least once a day will have all their sins destroyed; those who recite it twice will be blessed with wealth and prosperity.

Trikaalam Yah Patennityam Mahaa Shatru Vinaashanam
Mahaalakshmir Bhavennityam Prasannaa Varadaa Shubhaa

Meaning:Those who recite this three times in a day will have all their enemies destroyed. They will be always be blessed by the Goddess Mahalakshmi.

VARALAKSHMI VRATHAM Varalakshmi Vratam is an important pooja performed by many women in the states of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka and some parts of Tamil Nadu.The Hindu festival going by the name 'Vara Lakshmi Vrata' is celebrated on the last Friday of the bright fortnight in the month of Ashadha, also called Adi, which corresponds to the English months of July-August.

Significance

Eight forces or energies are recognised and they are known as Sri (Wealth), Bhu (Earth), Sarasvati (learning), Priti (love), Kirti (Fame), Santi (Peace), Tushti(Pleasure) and Pushti(Strength). Each one of these forces is called a Lakshmi and all the eight forces are called the Ashta Lakshmis or the eight Lakshmis of the Hindus. Vishnu is also called Ashta Lakshmi Padhi which is equivalent to saying that he is the asylum for the eight-Lakshmis or forces. In fact, Vishnu representing the preservative aspect of the universe, radiates these forces from him. These forces are personified and worshipped as Lakshmis, since abstract force is beyond the comprehension of the ordinary people. As health, wealth and prosperity depend upon the rythmic play of these forces, the worship of Lakshmi is said to be to obtain these three. Only a woman can sympathise with women. Lakshmi is a woman. So she will more readily sympathise with women. Hence this festival is observed largely by women, invoking the blessings of Lakshmi on them, their husbands and their children.

Legend

As the legend goes, this is a pooja that was pronounced by no other than Lord Parameswara to be performed by his consort Parvathi to seek prosperity and happiness for the family. Thus it came to be emulated by married women who sought boons (varam) for the health, wealth and knowledge for the entire family. In some cases, women prayed for being blessed with children. The prescribed day for the pooja is the Friday of the month of Sravan in the fortnight known as Sukla paksha, preceding the full moon day.

Story

On one occasion, Parvati and Parameswara were engaged in a game of chess. Parvati was winning game after game, but Parameswara is said to have claimed the victory at each games, wantonly, to her intense chagrin. So Parvati wanted to have an umpire and one Chitranemi, a creation of Parameswara, was chosen. As an underling of Parameswara, he sided with him most unjustly. This provoked Parvati's anger and she cursed Chitranemi that he should become a leper for discharging his duty in most unfair manner.

When Chitranemi begged Parvati's forgiveness and Parameswara added his entreaties to it, she is said to have relented and modified the curse by adding that he would be cured of his leprosy by observing the Vara Lakshmi Vrata. By doing this Chitranemi was, it is said, rid of the loathsome disease.

The history of the origin Of the Vara Lakshmi Vrata is rather interesting. Lakshmi is said to have visited a pious woman by name Sarmadi, living in the city of Kuntinapura in Magadha (Bihar), in in one of her dreams and expressed her satisfaction at her devotion to her children. When she woke UP from her sleep, she took a bath and worshipped Lakshmi to ensure her blessings. When the other ladies heard of her dream and her worship of Lakshmi, they too began to worship her, and the custom is then said to have spread everywhere throughout the land in course of time.

History

In the kingdom of Magadha of yore, there lived a brahmin woman called Charumathi in a town named Kundina. The prosperous town was the home of Charumathi and her husband. She devotedly served her husband and her parents-in-law. Impressed by her piety, Goddess Mahalakshmi appeared in her dream and asked her to worship Vara-Lakshmi (literally, boon granting - goddess of wealth) and seek to fulfill her wishes. Varalakshmi is yet another form of Lord Vishnu's consort, Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. Thus was prescribed the Friday of Sravana month preceding the full moon day for the worship.

When Charumathi explained her dream to her family, she found them encouraging her to perform the pooja. Many other women of the town also joined her in performing the pooja in a traditional way and offered many sweet dishes to the Goddess Varalakshmi. They prayed with deep devotion:

"Padmaasane Padmakare sarva lokaika poojithe
Narayana priyadevi supreethaa bhava sarvada"

The well dressed women made offerings of delicious feast with utmost devotion. As they went round the deity in prayer, dazzling jewelry is said to have appeared as ornaments on the bodies of these worshippers and their houses filled with riches. They rewarded the priest who assisted them in performing the pooja and they all partook in the feast. The women expressed their gratitude to Charumathi who shared her dream and helped them become prosperous. This pooja came to be practiced year after year by women. Done with devotion, it is said that boons would be granted and thus many wishes would be realized.

This pooja can be done with no restriction to caste or creed. To this day, the faithful of modern times observe this tradition.

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