Varalakshmi Puja is a popular Hindu festival celebrated to worship and seek the blessings of Goddess Varalakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. It is typically observed on the Friday before the full moon day in the month of Shravana (July-August). Here's a general guide on how to perform Varalakshmi Puja:
Preparation:- Choose a suitable date and time for the puja, preferably on the designated Friday.
- Clean the puja area or the room where the puja will be conducted.
- Gather the necessary items for the puja, including a picture or idol of Goddess Varalakshmi, flowers, fruits, betel leaves, turmeric powder, kumkum (vermilion), rice, coconut, a puja plate, a bell, incense sticks, a diya (oil lamp), and prasad (sacred food offering).
- Place the picture or idol of Goddess Varalakshmi on a clean and decorated puja altar or table.
- Decorate the altar with flowers, especially marigolds, and mango leaves, as they are considered auspicious for this puja.
- Light the diya (lamp) and incense sticks.
- Begin the puja by invoking Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles, by chanting the Ganesh mantra.
- Offer flowers, incense, and a lit diya to Lord Ganesha.
- Invoke Goddess Varalakshmi by chanting Varalakshmi mantras and offer flowers, incense, and a lit diya to her.
- Place a decorated kalasha (a brass or silver pot filled with water) on a bed of rice in front of the altar.
- Decorate the kalasha with turmeric and kumkum, and tie a thread around it.
- Fill the kalasha with water, and add betel leaves, betel nuts, coins, and rice grains to it.
- Place a coconut on top of the kalasha, covered with a red cloth.
- Offer flowers, turmeric, kumkum, and rice grains to the kalasha.
- Perform the abhishekam (ritual bath) for the kalasha with water, milk, curd, honey, and ghee, while chanting the Varalakshmi mantras.
- Offer fresh clothes or a saree to the picture or idol of Goddess Varalakshmi.
- Decorate the goddess with flowers and jewelry.
- Offer fruits, sweets, and other delicacies as naivedyam (food offering) to Goddess Varalakshmi.
- Offer betel leaves, betel nuts, and a sacred thread (moli) as a symbol of respect and devotion.
- Chant Varalakshmi mantras and sing devotional songs (bhajans) dedicated to Goddess Varalakshmi.
- Perform aarti by waving a lit diya in front of the picture or idol of Goddess Varalakshmi while singing the Varalakshmi aarti.
- Offer your prayers and seek the blessings of Goddess Varalakshmi for wealth, prosperity, and well-being.
- Finally, conclude the puja by offering your gratitude to the goddess and praying for her blessings.
Please note that the above steps are a general guideline, and the specific rituals and customs may vary depending on regional traditions and personal preferences. It is advisable to consult with a knowledgeable person or a priest to understand any specific rituals or variations followed in your region.