Vara Mahalakshmi-

About Vara Mahalakshmi-

While the goddess represents everything from power to prosperity, in the form of Lakshmi, the consort of Lord Vishnu, she is a symbol of wealth. Visitors to the hill shrine of Tirupati, after offering worship at the sanctum sanctorum of Lord Srinivasa, circumambulate the shrine and then come to the figurine of Goddess Lakshmi set high up in the wall. She is in standing posture with gold coins pouring out of her hand. They reach up and touch her feet. Even children, too small to reach the image, are lifted up and the ritual is gone through.

Vara Mahalakshmi In Karnataka, one of the most popular shrines .the winding steps take one-to-one manifestation of Lakshmi. It is said that Lakshmi will enter the house of anyone who thinks of her and bless them. There are many festivals in the year dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi. Among them, Varalakshmi Vratham is unique because it is marked by strict observance of certain practices and austerities. It is also called Varalakshmi Nonbu. The puja falls on Friday before the full moon in the Tamil month of Aadi. This year, it occurs on August 8th.

The name Varalakshmi itself can be interpreted in two ways. In one sense, Varalakshmi is one who grants boons. In another, she is the Goddess who is invited into the home and honoured. The different types of benefits that will accrue thanks to performing the Varalakshmi puja are “dhan” (money), “dhanyam” (grains or food), “arogyam” (health), “sampath” (property), “sathsanthanam” virtuous offspring and “dheerga saumangalyam” longevity of the husb and Performing the Varalakshmi puja is said to be equivalent to worshipping all the different forms of Lakshmi.

Importance

Shlokas dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi are recited, the idol of the goddess is decorated, a Kalash half-filled with rice and neck of the pot is decorated with fresh mango and betel leaves, a coconut smeared with haldi and kumkum and cloth are placed in the puja area and Goddess Lakshmi is invoked therein. Women fast till the puja is over. Special dishes like vada, mango rice, dal vadas and sweets like payasam are prepared on the day.Women gather in houses in the neighborhood and take part in community ‘arathi’ in the evening. They exchange gifts like bangles, kumkum, betel leaves, fruits and flowers.

Method of Celebration

The pooja room is cleaned the previous day (Thursday) and floral decorations and kolam with rice flour should be done. After cleaning the sombu (kalasam), put some coins, betel, betel nut, turmeric, lemon, comb, mirror, black bangles (very small), black beads, raw rice, kunguma chimizh (very small one) inside it. Arrange the mango leaves over this and keep a coconut on top. Fix the amman face on the coconut, then decorate the kalasam with flowers. Place some flowers. Keep the sombu in the pooja, prepare ven pongal for neivedhyam. Have faith that Goddess Lakshmi Herself is residing in that Kalssam. Perform karpoora aarathi.

yellow thread Pooja:
This pooja must be done with utmost dedication.To start the pooja, keep the goddess near the entrance of the house on the kolam (inside the house). Keep flowers. Then take karpoora aarathi. Then bring the deity to the pooja place singing the song “Lakshmi Raave maa inti ki” which means “Lakshmi please come to our house”. In the mandha haasam, place a plaintain leaf and spread raw rice. Keep the kalasam on this and decorate the deity. Keep the nombu saradu (yellow thread) also.

aarati:
First perform Vinayaka pooja to vinayaka (a conical shape made of turmeric powder). After finishing that pooja, start varalakshmi pooja. There are specific slokas and mantras. You could run the pooja slokas from the cassette or recite. After the pooja, neivedhyam to be kept and do karpoora aarathi. After aarathi, the ladies must tie the nonbu saradu in their right hand, reciting the sloka requesting the Goddess to reside with self. Offer thamboolam to the ladies. Being a Friday, giving thamboolam for as many ladies as possible is auspicious. In the night, perform mangala aarathi.

Culture of Festivities

The evening before the day of the puja, the area for its performance is cleaned and decorated. A bronze or silver kalasam (special pot) is filled with rice or water and coins, a whole lime, five types of leaves and betel leaves and betel nut. The kalasam is smeared with sandal paste and covered with a new cloth up to the neck. A coconut applied with turmeric paste is placed on top with mango leaves around. An image of the Goddess made of different materials, including cloth, is affixed to this. The kalasam is deemed to be the Goddess herself. Offerings of pongal are made and arathi is performed.

The next morning, before rahu kalam, the kalasam is placed on a bed of rice. This signifies that Lakshmi has entered the house. After the installation, a puja beginning with an invocation to Lord Vinayaka begins. During the puja, the Lakshmi Sahasranamam and other slokas dedicated to Varalakshmi are chanted. Different types of sweets are offered to the Goddess. The women and girls of the house tie yellow coloured saradu or thread around their wrists. Thamboolam is given to other “sumangalis” (married women) who are invited to the house that evening. The woman who has performed the puja observes a fast on that day, eating only certain items. The following day the holy water in the kalasam is sprinkled throughout the house. If rice has been used in the place of water then it is mixed with the rice stored in the house.

The legend behind Varalakshmi puja and the vratam is fascinating. It was a game of dice which caused a small tiff between Lord Shiva and Parvati as to who was the victor. An honest gana, Chitranemi, was asked to arbitrate and he decided in Shiva’s favour. An angry Parvati cursed him to suffer from leprosy. When Shiva pleaded with her, she gave in and said the day women in the world observed Varalakshmi puja, Chitranemi would get deliverance. Chitranemi got relief when he observed some women performing the puja. Ever since then, this vratham has been observed.

Location info

• **Address:**Karnataka,India

• District: Karnataka,India

• **Celebrate Time:**July to August

Climate & weather

During winter temperatures range from 32 degrees Celsius to below 20 degrees Celsius,Summer Average temperature is 34 degrees Celsius

History of Vara Mahalakshmi-

It was a special day for women as Varamahalakshmi puja was celebrated with the worship of “kalasha,” and many neighbourhoods particularly the old areas of the city .Women attired in their best not only celebrated the festival in their homes, but also visited each other’s houses for the traditional “Arishina-kumkuma” and “aarti” in the evening.“Varamahalakshmi vratha” is celebrated to bring home the Goddess of Wealth and “ask her to stay all year, bringing prosperity and wealth and good fortune to the family”.

Mobile network coverage

Airtel, Jio, BSNL, and Vi all provide coverage across Karnataka. 4G is reliable in Bangalore, Mysore, Mangalore, Hubli, and along highways. Coverage may be weaker in deep forest areas of Bandipur, Nagarhole, and certain Western Ghats sections. Most hotels, resorts, and cafes in tourist areas offer free Wi-Fi.

Food & restaurants nearby

Food options are available in the nearest town. Karnataka cuisine ranges from coastal seafood to Udupi vegetarian to Coorg’s pandi curry. Dosa, idli, bisi bele bath, and filter coffee are iconic.

Hotels & accommodation nearby

Accommodation is available in the nearest town or city. Options range from budget lodges to luxury resorts. Booking ahead during Dasara (Mysore) and peak winter season is recommended.

Helpline & emergency contacts

Tourist Helpline: 1364 (toll-free, 24×7). Police: 112 (all-India emergency). Ambulance: 108. Women’s Helpline: 1091. Karnataka Police Tourist Helpline: 112.

Nearest petrol pump

Petrol pumps are available in the nearest town or on the approach road — check locally for the closest option.

Best time to visit Vara Mahalakshmi-

The festival is celebrated on specific dates in the Hindu calendar. The local climate during the festival period is generally pleasant. Plan travel to coincide with the main celebration day(s).

How to reach Vara Mahalakshmi-

The festival takes place at specific venues across Karnataka. Reachable by road, rail, and air from major cities. KSRTC operates special services during major festivals. Karnataka is well-connected by air (Kempegowda International Airport Bangalore, Mangalore International Airport, Hubli Airport), rail (extensive network with major junctions at Bangalore, Mysore, Hubli, Mangalore), and road (NH 44, NH 48, NH 75, NH 66). State buses (KSRTC) and private operators connect all towns regularly.

Timings & opening hours

Festival dates vary according to the Hindu lunar calendar. Celebrations typically span 1-10 days. Major events occur during specific months — check the current year’s calendar for exact dates.

Entry fee & tickets

Free to participate in public celebrations. Special event seating or VIP darshan may have charges. Donations are voluntary.

Duration needed

The main celebration lasts 1-3 days. The full festival period may extend up to 10 days with various ceremonies. Plan for at least 2-3 days to experience the complete festivities.

Safety tips

Festival crowds can be very large — take care of personal belongings. Follow local guidelines and instructions from organisers. Keep emergency contact numbers handy. Stay hydrated in crowded areas. Be aware of designated entry/exit routes at event venues.

Things to carry

Carry drinking water, snacks, comfortable walking shoes, hat/cap, sunscreen, sunglasses, camera, power bank, and personal medications. A light jacket or umbrella is recommended during monsoon season (June-September). Carry minimal valuables. Wear comfortable traditional attire. Bring a small bag for prasadam/offerings. Carry some cash for offerings and donations as digital payments may not be available.

Nearby visiting places

Temples associated with the festival, historic sites in the region, other cultural attractions, and nearby towns with accommodation and dining.

Nearest airport, railway & bus

Nearest railway station and bus stand in the host town/city. Nearest airport depends on the festival location. Extra transport services typically arranged during the festival period.

Things to do at Vara Mahalakshmi-

Participate in rituals and ceremonies, watch traditional processions, enjoy cultural performances (music, dance, drama), taste special festival foods, observe folk art demonstrations, and interact with local communities.

Things to visit & highlights

The main temple/venue where celebrations occur, procession routes, cultural performance stages, food stalls and fairs (theres), and nearby historic temples and sites.

Frequently asked questions

Q: What are the exact dates for Vara Mahalakshmi-? A: Festival dates follow the Hindu lunar calendar and change annually. Check local sources for the current year’s schedule. Q: Can tourists participate? A: Yes, tourists are generally welcome to observe and respectfully participate. Q: What should I wear? A: Traditional/conservative attire is recommended. Some temples may require specific dress codes.

Quick facts

• Type: Destination
• State: Karnataka
• Category: Festivals

Photo gallery of Vara Mahalakshmi-

Photos coming soon. In the meantime, you can find images of Vara Mahalakshmi- on popular travel photography sites and social media.