The origins of this viratham trace back to the ancient town of Kaundinyapur in the Magadha Kingdom, where a pious woman named Charumathi lived. Pleased by her deep devotion, Mahalakshmi appeared in her dream and instructed her to perform the Varalakshmi Viratham.
Following the divine command, Charumathi gathered the women in her village and performed the pooja with utmost devotion. It is believed that the goddess, moved by their faith, blessed them with health, wealth, and happiness.
How to prepare the Kalasham for Varalakshmi Viratham?
The Kalasham is the sacred vessel that symbolically invites Goddess Lakshmi into one’s home during the Varalakshmi Viratham. Preparing it with devotion, purity, and faith is believed to bring divine grace, prosperity, and well-being into the household.
On the eve of the viratham, married women wake up during the auspicious Brahma Muhurta and take a holy bath, signifying the purification of the body, mind, and soul. The place of the poojai is then sanctified with kolams and maa kolam, welcoming the divine presence.
Choose a bronze or silver Kalasham if available. In the pooja space, draw a Swastika, an ancient and powerful symbol of auspiciousness and positivity. Into the Kalasham, gently place the following sacred items:
· Five types of holy leaves (usually mango, neem, etc.)
· Clean water
· A few coins and raw rice
· Betel leaves
· A small piece of agarwood (or any fragrant item)
Additionally, include auspicious items like:
· A small mirror or glass
· Turmeric
· Black beads
· A comb
· Tiny black bangles
· Adorning the Kalasham
Adorn the neck of the Kalasham with a soft silk cloth, mango leaves, and a garland of fresh flowers, preferably roses. Place a turmeric-coated coconut over the Kalasham, this is believed to embody the divine presence of Goddess Mahalakshmi herself. At this point, light a lamp and gently perform aarti, invoking her blessings with love and reverence.
The poojai begins with a prayer to Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles, followed by the offerings and chanting dedicated to Varalakshmi Devi. Special dishes and sweets are prepared and offered as naivedyam. Devotees seek the goddess’s blessings for the longevity of their husbands, prosperity in the household, and protection of their family.
The sanctified water from the Kalasham is sprinkled around the home the next day, inviting positive energy and divine vibrations into every corner of the house.
A special viratham for newly married women
For newly married women, the first Varalakshmi Viratham is a milestone moment. Celebrated under the loving guidance of their mother-in-law and elders, this occasion marks their entry into the spiritual traditions of their new family. It is customary to purchase a silver Kalasham (Velli Chombu) and Ambal Mugam, used for the first time in the marital home, items that are often cherished as sacred heirlooms, passed down through generations.
There are no rigid rules for this viratham, what matters is pure devotion and faith. The Skanda Purana highlights the glory of Varalakshmi Viratham, describing how those who observe it with sincerity receive divine blessings in abundance.
On this day, let us bow in prayer before Goddess Varalakshmi, offering our hearts filled with love, gratitude, and faith. May she bless every home with peace, prosperity, health, and happiness.
Source / Image Credit : Pinterest , YouTube Lavan's Kitchen & Crafts , Samayam Tamil