Tips to Get That Temple Look for Goddess Varalakshmi
Soon, it will be time to celebrate Varalakshmi Vratham. Varalakshmi Vratham is a Hindu festival that is celebrated by married Hindu women. It is prevalent mostly in South Indian states. Women celebrate this festival to invoke the Goddess’ blessings for the prosperity and well-being of their families.
Varalakshmi is a form of Goddess Lakshmi, who bestows good fortune and wealth. She is the consort of Vishnu, the Preserver Archetype in Hinduism. She is believed to be generous in dispensing boons and blessings when she is pleased. ‘Vara’ means ‘boons’. It is said that worshipping her is equivalent to worshipping Ashtalakshmi, the 8 forms of Goddess Lakshmi who bestows 8 forms of wealth.
The 8 forms of Lakshmi are:
• Vijaya Lakshmi (Goddess of Victory)
• Vidhya Lakshmi (Goddess of Wisdom)
• Dhaanya Lakshmi (Goddess of Nourishment)
• Shoubhagya Lakshmi (Goddess of Prosperity)
• Santana Lakshmi (Goddess of Progeny)
• Dhana Lakshmi (Goddess of Wealth)
• Aadi Lakshmi (Goddess of Protection)
• Dhairaya Lakshmi (Goddess of Courage)
The Skanda Purana mentions the importance of this Vratham or fast. Once, Goddess Parvati asked Shiva whether there was any ritual that women could perform to ensure the welfare of their families. Shiva told Parvati about the Varalakshmi Vratham. Parvati was very pleased and supposedly observed the fast for Shiva.
Another story talks about Charumati, a woman belonging to the Kundina kingdom. She was very pious and a devoted housewife. It is said that Goddess Mahalakshmi was very pleased by her devotion and appeared in her dream. She also told her to observe the Varalakshmi Vrat for the welfare of her family members. Accordingly, Charumati observed the fast and was rewarded with wealth of all kinds. The other women of the village, too, observed the Vrat and gained the blessings of the goddess.
When is Varalakshmi Vratam 2023?
Varalakshmi Vratham 2023 is on August 25. Hindus celebrate Varalakshmi Vratham in the month of Shravana (July –August). They observe the fast on the Friday that comes before Poornima (full moon day).
When to Perform the Varalakshmi Vratham Pooja?
The auspicious time for performing the Varalakshmi Vratham Pooja 2023 is in the morning. It can be done before 10:30 am or in the afternoon.
The fast starts at sunrise on Friday morning and continues till the Pooja is completed.
Significance of Worshipping Goddess Varalakshmi
Varalakshmi Vratham can ensure the welfare of the devotee’s family. It bestows longevity for her husband, progeny, wealth, prosperity, etc. The Varalakshmi Pooja Vratham is observed by women. It is a highly auspicious day to worship Goddess Lakshmi and invoke her blessings.
How to Decorate Goddess Varalakshmi’s Idol?
The Goddess’ Idol
Many shops sell the readymade idols of the goddess. These idols make it easy to drape the saree, and they also bear the weight of jewelry and flowers well. They are also available online.
The Goddess’ Face
Option 1 – Silver face
There are many options. Shops that sell silver jewelry will have silver faces of the goddess. They come in many designs.
Option 2 – Clay Face: Clay faces are also very popular and come with added jewelry.
Option3 – Brass face
While brass idols of the goddess are easy to find, brass faces are not widely available.
Jewelry
You can use gold jewelry, artificial jewelry, or temple jewelry. The temple jewelry worn by dancers is affordable and also creates an authentic temple idol look. You can find it at dancers’ jewelry stores or online.
Jada/Crowns
You can use black wool to make the plait and insert the Jada Billas. Sometimes, they come with the temple jewelry set, too.
Bhujalu/Tomala
Bhujalu/Tomala is a beautiful accessory to add to the temple idol look.
Hastham and Paadham
The brass hastham and padham cover the cloth-made hands and legs of the idol. Both brass and stone models are available in stores.
Kireetam/Crown
You can wrap the idol’s head with black wool and tie the mang tikka from the temple jewelry set or go for a beautiful crown from a store. There are many kinds of crowns of pearl, rhinestones, brass, Benaras crown, etc. They are also available online.
Pathakam
Pathakams or pendants can add more beauty to the look of the idol.
Prabhavali/Makara thoranam/Marakatham:
Prabhavalis are available in brass stores.
Temple garlands
Fresh flower garlands add more life and color to the idol.
