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Varalakshmi Pooja, a significant festival dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, is eagerly anticipated by devotees across India. This auspicious day, celebrated primarily in South India, is a time for invoking the blessings of Varalakshmi, the goddess of wealth, prosperity, and well-being. As we approach Varalakshmi Pooja 2024, let’s explore its date, muhurat, significance, rituals, and how actress Kushee Ravi cherishes this beautiful tradition.
Varalakshmi Pooja 2024: Date and Muhurat
Varalakshmi Pooja, also known as Varamahalakshmi Vratham, is observed on the last Friday of the Shravana month, as per the Hindu lunar calendar. In 2024, the festival will be celebrated on August 16. The day is considered highly auspicious, especially for married women who perform the pooja for the well-being of their families.
The muhurat or the most auspicious time to perform the pooja in 2024 falls during the morning hours. Devotees can begin their rituals early in the day, typically after sunrise, ensuring they complete the pooja before noon. However, the exact timing may vary slightly depending on regional and astrological factors, so it’s advisable to consult a local priest for precise timings.
Significance of Varalakshmi Pooja
Varalakshmi Pooja holds deep cultural and spiritual significance, particularly in the states of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana. The festival is celebrated to honor Goddess Varalakshmi, a form of Goddess Lakshmi, who grants boons (varam) and blessings of wealth, health, and prosperity.
Legend has it that this pooja was first performed by the wife of Sage Agastya, and pleased by her devotion, Goddess Lakshmi appeared before her, granting her desires. Since then, the tradition of Varalakshmi Pooja has been passed down through generations, with women observing this vratham with great fervor.
The festival is also a reflection of the deep respect and importance of women in the family, as it is believed that worshipping Goddess Lakshmi on this day brings happiness and prosperity to the household.
Puja Rituals and Mantras for Varalakshmi Pooja
The rituals for Varalakshmi Pooja begin with cleaning and decorating the house, as it is believed that the goddess visits homes that are clean and well-maintained. The main event of the day is the installation of the Kalash, a sacred pot symbolizing Goddess Lakshmi, which is filled with water, rice, and coins, and adorned with a coconut and betel leaves.
Steps for the Pooja Rituals:
- Kalash Sthapana: The Kalash is placed on a decorated altar, with a picture or idol of Goddess Lakshmi. A thread is tied around the neck of the Kalash, symbolizing the bond between the devotee and the goddess.
- Offerings: Devotees offer flowers, fruits, sweets, and specially prepared dishes to the goddess. Traditional foods such as payasam, vadas, and idlis are commonly prepared.
- Mantra Chanting: The pooja is accompanied by the recitation of specific mantras, invoking the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi. Some of the common mantras include:
- “Om Shreem Hreem Shreem Kamale Kamalalaye Praseeda Praseeda Shreem Hreem Shreem Om Mahalakshmyai Namah”: A powerful mantra for prosperity and well-being.
- “Sarva mangala maangalye shive sarvaartha saadhike sharanye tryambake gauri naarayani namostute”: A prayer for overall protection and auspiciousness.
- Aarti: The pooja concludes with an aarti, where devotees sing hymns in praise of Goddess Lakshmi, waving camphor or lamps in front of her idol or picture.
- Prasad Distribution: After the pooja, the prasad (blessed food) is distributed among family members and friends, symbolizing the sharing of the goddess’s blessings.
Varamahalakshmi Habba: A Festival Close to Kushee Ravi’s Heart
For many, including celebrities like Kushee Ravi, Varamahalakshmi Habba is more than just a religious observance—it’s a cherished tradition that brings families together. The popular Kannada actress has often expressed her love for this festival, emphasizing its importance in her life.
In a recent interview, Kushee Ravi shared how Varamahalakshmi Habba has been a favorite festival in her family for generations. She fondly recalls her childhood memories of helping her mother with the preparations, decorating the house, and participating in the pooja rituals. According to her, the festival is a time for reflection, gratitude, and seeking the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi for a prosperous and harmonious life.
Kushee Ravi’s attachment to Varamahalakshmi Habba highlights how deeply rooted this festival is in the cultural fabric of South India, where it is celebrated with devotion and joy by women of all ages.
Embracing the Spirit of Varalakshmi Pooja
Varalakshmi Pooja 2024 is not just an opportunity to seek the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi, but also a time to reflect on the values of prosperity, health, and well-being. The rituals and mantras associated with this festival are steeped in tradition, serving as a reminder of the importance of spirituality and devotion in daily life.
For devotees like Kushee Ravi, Varamahalakshmi Habba is a celebration of family, culture, and faith. As the day approaches, preparations are underway in homes across South India, where women will come together to honor the goddess and pray for the prosperity of their loved ones.
Whether you’re a longtime observer of this festival or someone new to the traditions, Varalakshmi Pooja offers a meaningful way to connect with your spiritual heritage and embrace the blessings of the goddess.
Final Thoughts: As we prepare for Varalakshmi Pooja 2024, let’s remember the significance of this festival and the powerful rituals that accompany it. May the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi bring peace, prosperity, and joy to all.
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