Laxmi Devi/ Vara Lakshmi Vrata-Fasts Observed to Seek Goddess Laxmi’s Blessings
August 7, 2007
Goddess Laxmi/Lakshmi is the consort of Lord Vishnu/Narayana. She is the Goddess of wealth, opulence and prosperity. There are many rituals performed by devotees to seek her blessings. There are three main festivals when Goddess Laxmi is revered the most by several Hindu communities.
Vara Laxmi Vrata During Shravan Mahina: This auspicious day falls on the first Friday after the Shravan month commences. The importance of this Vrat/Vrata (Fast) is eulogized by Lord Shiva in the religious text of Skanda Puran. As Mahalaxmi, she is prayed upon by married women who seek her blessings to obtain long life for their husbands and good progenies. She is also known as Vidya Laxmi who is known to bless those who seek her guidance to progress in their spiritual path.
Kojagori/Kojagari Laxmi Puja During Ashwin Mahina: This festival takes place in the Hindu month of Ashwin (September-October). That day it is full moon or Purnima. This celebration is commonly performed by the Bengalis immediately after Goddess Durga Puja.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X-rBQhGXKr8
On Kojagara or the night of awakening, devotees fast and stay awake all night. It is believed that the Goddess visits every household at night and asks “Ko Jagarti” which means who is awake. So those who are awake, they are blessed by Laxmi Devi. She bestows her devotees with good fortune and prosperity.
Kojagori Vrat also coincides with the harvest season. It is known as Navanna (Nav- new, Anna – grain). From this day, the new grains derived from the fresh harvest is offered to the Deity and then consumed.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FTdwrs_TzcA
Laxmi Pujan During Diwali: This festival is celebrated on the second or third day of Diwali depending on the planetary position. It occurs on the dark night Amavasya when there is no moonlight. People clean their houses; decorate the arena with flowers and light diyas (Lamps) welcoming the Goddess of prosperity to their house.
Thus Goddess Laxmi is revered throughout India and by Hindus worldwide on these main festivals. The first video is the Beej Mantra of Goddess Laxmi and the second is that of Laxmi Gayatri.
©Nayna, 2007. All Rights Reserved.
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4 Responses to “Laxmi Devi/ Vara Lakshmi Vrata-Fasts Observed to Seek Goddess Laxmi’s Blessings”
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VARA LAKSHMI VRATAM AS IN ANDHRA PRADESH IS CELEBRATED ON THE 2ND FRIDAY OF THE MONTHE SRAVAN. THERE ARE MANY WAYS IN WHICH THIS IS DONE. SOME OF US PLACE A COCONUT PAINTED WITH HALDI POWDER AND A TILAK OF KUMKUM. WHILE SOME MAKE A LIVE SIZE PRATIMA AND DECORATE HER WITH SILK SAREE AND LOADS OF JEWELS AND SO ON.
ALL MARRIED WOMEN PERFORM THIS VRATAM AND GIVE SOKEN CHENNA, PAN LEAVES WITH ANY FRUIT, FLOWER AND GLASS BANGLES TO OTHER LADIES INVITED AND TAKE THEIR BLESSINGS.
SENTIMENTALLY MANY FEEL THIS IS AN AUSPICIOUS DAY TO BUY GOLD, SILVER AND PUT IT IN THE POOJA AND THEN USE LATER ON.
Hi Sudha,
Thanks for writing in and your valuable insight.
helloo everybody i just love doing this prayer more especially for my husband cause his worth every bit .
thanks for this sit
Good information, Jai Lakshmi