Varalakshmi Pooja is one of the most important festivals celebrated in South India, especially in states like Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Telangana.
Dedicated to Goddess Mahalakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, this vrat is observed by married women to pray for the well-being of their family.
If you’re planning to perform the pooja for the first time or want a clear step-by-step guide on how to do Varalakshmi Pooja at home, this detailed guide will help you prepare everything—from the date and muhurtham to kalash sthapana and rituals.
Date & Auspicious Time For Varalakshmi Pooja
Varalakshmi Vratam is observed on the Friday before Raksha Bandhan, which falls during the Shravana month (July–August as per the Hindu calendar). It is considered one of the most auspicious days to worship Goddess Lakshmi.
However, the exact muhurtham (auspicious time) for the pooja may vary depending on your city and region. Devotees are advised to check their local panchangam or consult a priest to confirm the correct timing. Performing the pooja at the right time is believed to maximize its spiritual benefits.
For those looking to perform similar home worship ceremonies, you might find it useful to read about how to do Varalakshmi pooja for additional guidance on conducting traditional poojas.
Rules for Varalakshmi Vratham
Varalakshmi Vratham is not just a one-day ritual—it comes with certain rules that devotees usually observe before and after the pooja:
- Fasting or Partial Fasting – Many women fast until the completion of the pooja, while some follow a simple sattvic meal (vegetarian, no onion/garlic).
- Purity of Mind and Home – Keep both the house and heart clean. Devotion and discipline are considered more important than lavish offerings.
- Kalash Visarjan – After the pooja, the kalash water or rice is sprinkled around the house for prosperity. The coconut is later used in cooking prasadam.
- Charity and Sharing – Donating food, clothes, or money to the needy is encouraged, as Goddess Lakshmi is pleased by generosity.
- Observing Continuity – Once you begin the vrat, it is often advised to continue observing it every year for consistency and blessings.
Preparation for the Varalakshmi Pooja
A clean and sacred atmosphere is important before starting any Hindu ritual, and Varalakshmi Pooja is no different.
- Cleaning and Decorating the House
- Begin the day by thoroughly cleaning your home, especially the puja room or the space where the altar will be set.
- Decorate the entrance with rangoli/kolam and hang torans (mango leaves or flowers) to welcome Goddess Lakshmi.
- Setting Up the Pooja Altar
- Choose a clean wooden plank or table as the altar.
- Place a clean cloth or sari on it.
- Keep the kalash (sacred pot) at the center. Alongside, you can place an idol or picture of Goddess Lakshmi.
- Gathering Pooja Items
To avoid a last-minute rush, keep all essentials ready:- Turmeric, kumkum, sandalwood paste
- Flowers and garlands (lotus, jasmine, or marigolds are preferred)
- Fruits, coconuts, and sweets as naivedyam (offering)
- Betel leaves, betel nuts, rice, and coins
- Deepam (lamps), camphor, and incense sticks
- A sari or blouse piece to offer to the Goddess
Kalasha Sthapana (Establishing the Kalash) For Varalakshmi Pooja
The kalash represents Goddess Lakshmi herself and is the most important part of the Varalakshmi Pooja.
- Filling the Kalash
- Fill the pot with water or rice.
- Add a few coins, turmeric, and betel leaves inside.
- Decorating the Kalash
- Place mango leaves around the mouth of the pot.
- Cover it with a coconut smeared with turmeric.
- Tie a cloth or sari around the kalash as if adorning the Goddess.
- Decorate with flowers and jewelry (if available).
- Invoking Goddess Lakshmi
- Place the kalash in the center of the altar.
- Chant Lakshmi mantras or follow the guidance of a priest.
- Offer turmeric, kumkum, flowers, and light the lamp. This process is called Avahanam, which means inviting Goddess Lakshmi to reside in the kalash.
Main Pooja Vidhi For Varalakshmi Pooja (Step-by-Step Rituals)
Once the Kalasha Sthapana is done, you can begin the main rituals of Varalakshmi Pooja. Here’s the step-by-step vidhi:
Sankalpa (The Pledge)
The pooja begins with Sankalpa—making a vow with full devotion. Here, the devotee mentions their name, family details, and the purpose of observing the vrat (usually praying for the health, prosperity, and well-being of the entire family). This intention sets the spiritual tone for the ritual.
Invocation of Lord Ganesha
No Hindu pooja starts without remembering Lord Ganesha. Offer flowers, turmeric, and kumkum to Ganapati to remove obstacles and ensure the smooth completion of the vrat.
Varalakshmi Pooja
Now invoke Goddess Lakshmi into the kalash or idol. Chant Varalakshmi Vratam mantras or Lakshmi Ashtottara Shatanamavali (108 names of the Goddess). If you are unfamiliar with the slokas, you can play recorded versions or follow along with a priest’s instructions.
Offerings to the Goddess
- Offer turmeric, kumkum, flowers, and fruits.
- Place naivedyam (food offerings) like payasam, laddoo, coconut, jaggery-based sweets, and other prasadam in front of the Goddess.
- Light incense sticks and diyas to create a divine atmosphere.
Aarti
Finally, perform aarti using camphor and ghee lamps. Sing Lakshmi aarti or traditional devotional songs to conclude the ritual with positivity and devotion.
Offerings & Prasadam For Varalakshmi Pooja
Food offerings hold a very special place in Varalakshmi Pooja.
Traditional Prasadam
Women prepare special sweets like payasam (kheer), laddoo, coconut-based sweets, and jaggery delicacies. Some families also make rice dishes or tamarind rice as part of naivedyam.
Significance of Prasadam
After the pooja, the prasadam is first offered to family members and then distributed among neighbors and relatives. Sharing prasadam is considered auspicious, as it spreads blessings, harmony, and prosperity to everyone.
Tying of the Sacred Thread (Varalakshmi Vratam Saradu)
One of the most symbolic parts of the pooja is the tying of the Varalakshmi Vratam Saradu (sacred yellow thread).
This thread is worn until it naturally falls off, representing the Goddess’s blessings staying with the devotee. naturally falls off, representing the Goddess’s blessings staying with the devotee.
After completing the aarti, women tie the sacred thread around their right wrist (or left wrist in some regions).
The saradu is made of yellow thread with turmeric applied to it.
It symbolizes the protection of Goddess Lakshmi and serves as a reminder of the vow taken during the vrat.
Conclusion of the Pooja
After completing the rituals, devotees end the Varalakshmi Pooja with final prayers for prosperity, health, and the well-being of the family. Women who observe the vrat usually remain in a devotional state throughout the day, reflecting on Goddess Lakshmi’s blessings.
The fasting and devotion practiced during this vrat are symbolic of self-discipline and faith. Even if some families choose partial fasting, the essence lies in devotion, sincerity, and the heartfelt intention of seeking divine grace.
Creating a proper spiritual environment also enhances this devotional practice – you can learn more about how to arrange god photos in your pooja room to support your spiritual observances.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which time is good for Varalakshmi Pooja?
The best time to perform Varalakshmi Pooja is during the morning hours after sunrise and preferably within the auspicious muhurtham of the day. Since muhurtham timings vary depending on your city and region, it is always recommended to check your local panchangam or consult a priest for the exact timing.
Which color to wear on Varalakshmi Vratham?
Wearing bright and auspicious colors like red, yellow, or green is considered ideal on Varalakshmi Vratham, as they are associated with Goddess Lakshmi. Women usually wear traditional sarees or dresses in these shades during the pooja.
How many knots for Varalakshmi Pooja?
While tying the sacred thread (Varalakshmi Vratam Saradu), devotees usually make nine knots, each representing one form of Goddess Lakshmi. Some regions may follow five or seven knots, but nine is the most common and symbolic.
What to put inside Kalasam for Varalakshmi Pooja?
The kalash is the centerpiece of the pooja. Traditionally, it is filled with water or rice, along with turmeric, coins, and betel leaves. Mango leaves are placed around the mouth of the pot, and a turmeric-smeared coconut is placed on top, symbolizing the presence of Goddess Lakshmi.