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 an important pooja performed by many women in the states of 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 for the well being of all the family members, especially husband. 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.

Varalakshmi vratam in 2014  is on  8th AUGUST.

Background Story:

   Chitranemi Story:

        According to a story in the Hindu scriptures,the origin of Varalakshmi Vratha is associated with a game of dice played between Lord Shiva and Parvati.\n Goddess Parvati who was winning all the games was accused of cheating by Lord Shiva.So they decided to appoint Chitranemi, a gana of Shiva, as the umpire. Chitranemi ruled in favor of Lord Shiva and this angered Goddess Parvati who cursed him to be a leper. Shiva asked Parvati to forgive Chitranemi and she agreed to revoke the curse if he watched Varalakshmi Vratha performed by pious women.The tradition of Varalakshmi Vratha started from then onwards.

   Syambala Story:

      Another popular story associated with Varalakshmi Vrat is that of Shyamabala.

      King Bathrasiravas and Queen Surachandrika had a daughter named Shyamabala.

      She was married to a prince of neighbouring kingdom. Once when Shyamabala was in her parent’s palace, she saw her mother, Queen Surachandrika, driving away an old lady. The old lady had asked the Queen to perform Varalakshmi puja but the queen did not like a beggar advising her regarding pujas and therefore drove her out. A kind-hearted Shyamabala invited the old lady and listened to the greatness of Varalakshmi Vrata. 

       When she returned to her country, she performed the Vrata as directed by the old lady. Soon her kingdom started prospering and the prince was appreciated for his good governance.But parents of Shyamabala had to undergo numerous sufferings and there was suffering all around.The king and queen lost all his wealth and people started revolting against their rule. Hearing about the suffering in her parent’s kingdom, Shyamabala sent pots of gold but the moment Queen Surachandrika set her eyes on them they turned into ashes. Upon hearing this incident, Shyamabala realized that all this is the result of her mother driving out the old woman from the palace. She realized that the old woman was Goddess Lakshmi in disguise. Shyamabala asked her mother to ask forgiveness to Goddess Lakshmi and perform the Varalakshmi Vrata. She did so and was able to attain the previous glory.

Check List:

        1. Goddess Lakshmi statue/photo.

        2. Kumkum,Gandam(SandleWood(or)Chandan),Pasupu(Turmeric(or)Haldi).

        3. Akshintalu(rice mixed with turmeric powder),Rupee coins.

        4. Copper or Silver Kalasham,New blouse pieces(2)for kalasham,White thread to make thorams.

        5. Coconut,Rice,Bananas,Tulsi leaves.

        6. Betelnuts,Betelnut Leaves,Banana Leaves,Mango Leaves,Flowers.

        7. Dry date Fruits,Water,Sweets - all for naivedya.

        8. Panchaamrita - Milk,Honey,Ghee,Sugar,Coconut Water.

       9.Lamps,Matchbox,Ghee to light the lamp,Camphor,Incense sticks.