Varalakshmi Vratam brings prosperity

Varalskhmi Vratam is observed by women all over the country, but the grandeur of celebrations in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana is unmatched. The high point of the preparations is the making of the kalasam.  People create a poorna kumbam with metals of their choice, decorate it with silk vastram ; some prefer to create the face of Mahalakshmi with freshly made haldi paste, and add features like eyes and nose using precious or semi-precious stones. Many households have the traditional Varalakshmi mugappu (face) made of silver and handed down over generations. Once ready, the poorna kumbam is placed on a high pedestal. The area is festooned with fresh mango leaves. It is believed that mango leaves help one shed one’s sinful ways. Some households use fresh banana plants as well. Once the preparations are complete, everyone prays together to Goddess Varalakshmi, seeking divine blessings. They tie the non bu kayiru, seeking diving help in meeting their goals. 

The benefits of observing Varalakshmi Vratam are equal to that of performing an Ashwamedha Yagam and other acts of charity. In his work Sristuti, Vaishnavite preceptor Vedanta Desikan says, YasyAm yasyAm disi viharatE Devi! drishti: tvadeeyA: tasyAm tasyAm aham ahamikAm tanvatE sampadOghA — meaning, that even a glance from the corner of Mahalakshmi’s eye is enough to bring boundless prosperity. She is the repository of all wealth in this world, and the harbinger of a long and blessed life. When everyone churned Par kadal in search of amrut, including Maha Vishnu, Mahalakshmi emerged first. Everyone rushed to place a throne of rubies for her to rest upon, and vied with one another to present her with choicest gifts. She proceeded to hold her swayamvaram and chose Maha Vishnu as Her consort. He gave His heart as Her ever-lasting abode. She never leaves that spot and from Her seat, She recommends to the Lord that He forgive the transgressions of those devotees who pray with sincerity, and to offer them saranagathi, which is freedom from rebirths, humanity’s most coveted wealth. 

She showers gold upon Her true devotees—as evidenced by Adi Sankara’s Kanakadhara stotram , where a devotee’s poverty is alleviated by Her. However, she will bestow true riches only on those who walk on the path of dharma, and who sincerely undertake charitable deeds without any publicity. In Thiruppavai, Andal refers to thiruthakka selvam —this is nothing but true service of the Lord. The best example of this is Kuselan. When Lord Krishna bestows wealth upon him, after tasting his offering of poha, Kuselan says, “I did not want all this wealth. All I seek in life is the riches that accrue from a life of bhakti.” 

The way to attain true bhakti is through Varalakshmi.