Introduction
Varamahalakshmi is the epitome of grace and prosperity and is celebrated with great enthusiasm and piety throughout Southern India. This is an auspicious festival celebrated in reverence to Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Vishnu’s consort, which invites immense blessings from the gods to its devotees. Let’s find out what this sacred festival is all about, its rituals, and the traditions associated with it.
The Significance of Varamahalakshmi Puja
Varamahalakshmi is the special form of Goddess Lakshmi, who gives ‘varam’ or boons to the devotees. It is believed that worshipping Varamahalakshmi brings good fortune, wealth, health, and happiness to the family. By observing this vratham, it is believed that women can attain all the eightfold forms of Lakshmi: Adi Lakshmi, Dhanya Lakshmi, Dhairya Lakshmi, Gaja Lakshmi, Vijaya Lakshmi, Vidya Lakshmi, Santana Lakshmi, and Padma Lakshmi.
Preparations for Varamahalakshmi Puja
The preparations for Varamahalakshmi Puja begin quite in advance. A Friday before the full moon in the Hindu month of Shravan, regarded as an auspicious day, is normally selected for the puja. The cleaning of puja altar, decorating it with colourful rangoli designs, blooms, and items which are considered auspicious and of good omen form an integral part of the preparations.
Kalash is a holy brass or copper pot, beautifully decorated with mango leaves, coconut, and turmeric paste. It stands filled with rice, coins, and other items that are considered auspicious, signifying abundance and prosperity. The Goddess Lakshmi in visible form manifests through the Kalash.
Varamahalakshmi Puja Rituals
The Varamahalakshmi Puja is a very detailed ritual encompassing several steps. It starts by invoking the presence of the goddess in the form of mantras and prayers. The Kalash is worshipped with great devotion, and offerings of fruits, flowers, and sweets are made.
The married women keep a fast on this day and pray to Goddess Lakshmi for the well-being of their husbands and children. The puja concludes with aarati, after which the prasad is distributed.
The Cultural Significance of Varamahalakshmi
Varamahalakshmi forms an intrinsic part of South Indian cultural heritage. It embodies womanhood and motherhood, symbolizing the spirit of togetherness. Women come together to perform the puja with stories, recipes, and blessings.
The festival also shows the traditional crafts and arts relevant for that particular region. The decorations, the rangoli designs, and attire worn during the puja reflect the rich cultural heritage of the region.
Varamahalakshmi: Modern Interpretations
Though Varamahalakshmi remains the same in her core essence, changing times have brought about many changes in the festival. Women today manage their professional commitments alongside the religious rituals associated with the festival. The focus is more on empowering women with financial independence and social responsibility.
Varamahalakshmi is no longer a ritual confined to traditional puja forms alone. It has evolved into a forum of get-togethers for women to meet, network, and share with one another. Revival of interest in the festival is also taking place among the younger generation that is keen to reach out to its cultural roots.
Culinary Delights Associated with the Varamahalakshmi Festival
Varamahalakshmi Puja is not just a spiritual affair but also a culinary extravaganza. No festival seems complete without a spread of sumptuous, traditional delicacies that reflect the love and care with which food is prepared. Let’s delve into some of the mouthwatering delicacies associated with this auspicious occasion.
A Feast for the Gods
On Varamahalakshmi Puja, food is prepared and offered to Goddess Lakshmi; hence, much attention is given to the purity and taste of the food. Common food items include:
Payasam
A creamy, rich sweet dish made of rice, milk, sugar, and cardamom, occasionally garnished with nuts and raisins. This dish forms a major constituent in the festive food culture in South India.
Vadas
Crunchy, savoury fried lentil dumplings with a soft core. Vadas accompany the main course.
Sambar
This is a vegetable stew with lentils in a tangy, spicy broth. It is a classic South Indian preparation. Rice goes well with it.
Rasam
Brewed as a flavorful soup with tamarind, peppercorns, and other spices in its ingredient list, it is known for its digestive properties and taken with rice.
Curd Rice
A very simple yet refreshing dish made from yogurt, rice, and seasoning, rice is supposed to have a cooling effect and is soothing.
Sweet Dishes for Goddess Lakshmi
Since Varamahalakshmi is an offering to Goddess Lakshmi, goddess of wealth and prosperity, so sweet dishes are given special importance on the menu. Some of the popular sweet dishes include:
Ladoo
The sweet round-shaped ones that consist of gram-flour, coconut, or milk solids happen to be a favorite during festivals.
Burfi
A dense and strong milk-based sweet confectionery item, burfi appears in various flavours, such as cashew, pistachio, or coconut.
Mysore Pak
Made of gram flour, ghee, and sugar, Mysore Pak is a melt-in-the-mouth sweet preparation and one of the primary specialties of Karnataka.
Regional Variations
Though these dishes prevail all over South India, regional variations in preparation and ingredients used do exist. While in Kerala, you might see a sweeter version of payasam, supplemented with coconut milk, the Tamil Nadu variant gives more prominence to spicy and tangy accompaniments.
Hence, partaking and relishing such culinary delights with family and friends adds to the joy and celebration of Varamahalakshmi. Sharing food with others is believed to bring prosperity and happiness.
Varamahalaxmi across various states
In South India varamahalaxmi is considered as heart of all festivals. It is mainly celebrated in all its vigor across all districts of Karnataka.
In the states of Andra Pradesh, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu, The festival is celebrated by decorating Kalash, with great pomp and ceremony followed by pooja.
A feast is prepared, and women gather in groups to celebrate and wear beautiful traditional sarees, sharing their devotion and praying for blessings for their families.
Varamahalaxmi in the state of Maharashtra
The festival is primarily a south Indian festival,Varamahalxmi festival has recently gained popularity in Maharashtra. Women in the state have embraced the traditions, incorporating their regional and culture in the celebrations.
