VARALAKSHMI VRATHAM 2013

VARALAKSHMI VRATHAM (FRIDAY 16-8-2013)

Varalakshmi Vratam is a festival to propitiate the goddess Lakshmi, the consort of Vishnu, one of the Hindu Trinity. Varalakshmi is one who grants boons (Varam). It is one of the   important poojas performed by many women in the states of Tamil Nadu ,  Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka. The Hindu festival going by the name 'Vara Lakshmi Vrata' is celebrated on the Second Friday or the Friday before full moon day - Poornima in the month of Śravaṇā, also called Śawan in Hindi, which corresponds to the English months of July–August.
Varalakshmi Vratam is performed by married woman  (Sumangali) for the well being of all the family members, especially husband, to get progeny etc. 

It is believed that worshiping Goddess Varalakshmi on this day is equivalent to worshiping Ashtalaksmi – the eight goddesses of Wealth, Earth, Learning, Love, Fame, Peace, Pleasure, and Strength. Because of the popularity in some states of India, it is declared as an optional official holiday in India.
SIGNIFICANCE
Every single deity in SANATHANA Dharma ( now christened as Hinduism) in Bharata Varsha , (Indian subcontinent) represent primordial forces that control and benefit the Universe and its livings. VISHNU in its largest meaning translates into “THE UNIVERSE” . Personifications came later to make people revere and sustain these forces to benefit all livings.
ASHTALAKSHMI ( THE EIGHT FORCES)

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 worshiped as Lakshmis, since abstract force is beyond the comprehension of the ordinary people. As health, wealth and prosperity depend upon the rhythmic play of these forces, the worship of Lakshmi is said to be to obtain these three. This festival is observed largely by women, invoking the blessings of Lakshmi on them, their husbands and their children.

On this day Married women invite and give Haldi and Kumkum to other married woman worshiping as the incarnation of Lakshmi.