Varamahalakshmi has a lot to prepare: the kalash, the decorations, the offerings, and the right order of worship. A pandit leads the puja, so you can enjoy the day with family.
Why it is done
Varamahalakshmi Vratam is a festival, mainly in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Tamil Nadu, where women worship Lakshmi, usually with a decorated kalash. Many families tie a sacred thread and offer sweets. Details vary by family.
Who it is for
Women and families observing Varamahalakshmi; households new to the festival; families who want a pandit to lead the puja at home.
When to do it
Traditionally observed on a Friday in the month of Shravana, close to the full moon. Your pandit can confirm the date and a muhurat for your city. Follow your family's custom.
Choose your ceremony
About 1.5 hours for the standard ceremony; about 2 hours for the extended one.
- Live video puja: A live video Varamahalakshmi Puja works if the family is abroad or in another city: the pandit leads on video and you follow along at home. You arrange the samagri yourself, and a helper at home makes the setup and the offerings easier.
- Standard: The standard ceremony: the kalash set-up, sankalp, Lakshmi worship and aarti. About 1.5 hours, 14 vidhi steps, led by one pandit.
- Extended: The extended ceremony: a fuller puja with more steps, more offerings and a longer worship of Lakshmi. About 2 hours, 21 vidhi steps, led by one pandit.
Choose the standard for a simple puja at home. Choose the extended ceremony if your family follows the fuller vidhi or if you are hosting guests.
Choose 'With samagri' and the pandit brings the ritual items. Choose 'Own samagri' if you already have them or prefer to buy them yourself, and ask the pandit for the list in advance.
The sequence
- Pavitrikaran and achaman
- Ganesh pooja
- Sankalp with family details
- Kalash sthapana, decorated with coconut and mango leaves
- Invocation of Lakshmi
- Puja with flowers, offerings and the sacred thread tied as per custom
- Vrata katha, if your family reads it
- Aarti and prasad
How to prepare
- Clean the home and puja area
- Prepare the kalash with a coconut, mango leaves and a cloth
- Arrange flowers, fruits and sweets, as per your family's custom
- Prepare naivedya in advance
- Confirm the muhurat with the pandit
- Decide whether you will use pandit-provided samagri or your own
Who should attend
The women of the household, who traditionally lead the puja, and the family. Guests are often invited for prasad.
Your tradition
Customs vary between Karnataka, Andhra, Telangana and Tamil Nadu families, including how the kalash is decorated and which offerings are made. Tell us your region and language when booking.
Safety
This ritual uses a diya or lamp and often camphor. Keep the flame on a stable, heat-safe surface away from curtains, children and pets, and keep a little water nearby.
Questions
When is Varamahalakshmi Puja? Traditionally a Friday in Shravana close to the full moon. Your pandit can confirm the exact date.
How long should I plan for? About 1.5 hours for the standard ceremony and about 2 hours for the extended one.
Do we need a decorated kalash? Yes, the kalash is central to the puja. Decorations vary by family.
Can I do it if I am new to the festival? Yes. Tell the pandit it is your first time and they can guide you.