🌺 Varalakshmi Vratam: The Divine Feminine Blessing of Wealth, Health & Harmony

🪷 What is Varalakshmi Vratam?

Varalakshmi Vratam is one of the most sacred and auspicious festivals in South India, especially observed by married women to invoke the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi—the bestower of boons, wealth, auspiciousness, and well-being. It is celebrated on the second Friday of the month of Shravan (July–August), just before Raksha Bandhan and Shravana Purnima.

The word Varalakshmi means “the Lakshmi who grants boons”, and this vratam (vow or observance) is believed to be equal to worshipping Ashtalakshmi—the eight forms of Lakshmi representing:

Wealth (Dhana Lakshmi)
Courage (Veera Lakshmi)
Victory (Vijaya Lakshmi)
Knowledge (Vidya Lakshmi)
Children (Santana Lakshmi)
Grain/Food (Dhanya Lakshmi)
Power (Gaja Lakshmi)
Fortune (Adi Lakshmi)

📖 The Story Behind Varalakshmi Vratam

According to the Skanda Purana, the vratam was first observed by a pious woman named Charumati, who lived in the city of Magadha (modern-day Bihar). A devout wife and daughter-in-law, Charumati was visited by Goddess Lakshmi in her dream. The Goddess, moved by her devotion and humility, instructed her to observe the Varalakshmi Vratam to attain prosperity, health, and happiness for her family.

Charumati performed the vratam with utmost devotion, and soon, wealth, joy, and divine blessings showered upon her home. Since then, women across India have followed this sacred tradition, especially in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana.

✨ Why Observe This Vratam? (Benefits)

Varalakshmi Vratam is not just about external wealth—it's about inviting inner abundance and spiritual harmony. Those who observe this vratam with sincerity and devotion are believed to receive blessings in the form of:

💰 Prosperity in home and career
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Harmony in relationships and family life
🧘‍♀️ Peace of mind and spiritual upliftment
💪 Good health and vitality
👶 Blessings of progeny and continuity of family lineage
🌸 Protection from obstacles and negativity

🪔 Rituals of Varalakshmi Vratam

Here’s how the vratam is traditionally performed:

🧼 1. Purification

Women wake up early, bathe, and clean the house.
A sacred space is set up for the puja, often with a decorated kalasham (pot) symbolizing Goddess Lakshmi.

🪙 2. Setting Up the Kalasham

A silver or brass pot is filled with rice, coins, turmeric, and betel nuts.
A coconut wrapped in red/yellow cloth is placed on top.
The pot is adorned with a face of the goddess (Lakshmi Mukham) and decorated with flowers, jewelry, and silk cloth.

🕯 3. Invocation of Lakshmi

The Goddess is invoked into the kalasham with mantras and offerings.
Women chant Sri Sukta, Lakshmi Ashtottara Shatanamavali, and sing devotional songs.
The thread of the vratam (sacred yellow thread) is tied around the wrists while praying for blessings.

🥣 4. Naivedyam & Offerings

Offerings include sweet dishes like payasam, obbattu, laddus, and fruits.
After the puja, prasadam is distributed and women exchange tambulam (betel leaves, turmeric, kumkum, gifts).

🙏 5. Charity & Blessings

It's considered highly auspicious to offer food, gifts, or clothing to other women or the needy on this day.

🌕 A Day of Feminine Grace

Varalakshmi Vratam is a celebration of divine feminine power. It honors the sacred roles of women as nurturers, protectors, and embodiments of Lakshmi herself. It’s not only for married women—anyone can observe it with devotion to receive the mother goddess’s grace.

🧘‍♀️ Integrating Yogic Wisdom

For those on the path of Kundalini Yoga, this day is a powerful time to activate Shakti energy within. Combine your vratam with:

Meditation on abundance
Chanting ‘Om Shreem Mahalakshmiyei Namaha’
Practicing kriyas for the Third Eye or Navel center, the seats of manifestation and power

📿 Final Thoughts

Whether you observe it traditionally or in a modern way, Varalakshmi Vratam is a powerful portal to tap into grace, gratitude, and the vibration of wealth in all forms—material, emotional, and spiritual. The goddess does not just give gold—she gives the wisdom to use it well.

Meet Prakash Chegu

Name: Prakash Chegu

Background: Prakash Chegu is a highly experienced Kundalini Yoga teacher with over four decades of dedicated practice and two decades of teaching in the field. Born and raised in a deeply spiritual family in a small town in Southern India, the spiritual practice at the core of the life-style is ingrained in all aspects of life. Prakash's journey into Kundalini Yoga began at a very young age. Growing up in a family deeply rooted in yogic practices viz., Kriyas, Mantras, and Meditation, he developed a profound connection with the ancient practice.

Education and Training: Prakash pursued a rigorous and traditional education in yoga, alongside a strong engineering and technology, that nurtured his insatiable curiosity into everything life has to offer including Yogic Philosophy from the ancient scriptures, Vedas, and Upanishads. He further honed his skills by studying under renowned Kundalini Yoga masters across the world and undertaking advanced training in Kundalini Yoga therapy, meditation, and an ancient yogic healing modality called Sat Nam Rasayan.

Teaching Style: Prakash's teaching style is deeply rooted in authenticity and spirituality. He believes in the transformative power of Kundalini Yoga and seeks to share its immense benefits with his students. His classes are dynamic, inspiring as well as harmonious, and a blend of traditional techniques and modern understanding, making the practice accessible to people from all walks of life.

Prakash is known for his:

Compassion: He creates a nurturing and inclusive environment where students feel supported in their personal journeys. Prakash understands that everyone's path is unique and offers individualized guidance to help students reach their full potential.
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Holistic Approach: Prakash emphasizes the integration of mind, body, and spirit in his teachings. He incorporates pranayama, mantra chanting, and meditation to help his students achieve a state of balance and harmony.
Innovation: While deeply rooted in tradition, Prakash is open to weaving modern techniques and scientific insights related to yoga and energy work. He continually deepens his teaching methods by integrating scientific research that keeps increasingly validating ancient technologies to provide his students with a well-rounded and relevant experience.

Value Generation: Prakash Chegu is not just a yoga teacher; He's a spiritual alchemist, a guide who empowers his students to unlock their full potential. His immense domain experience and deep spiritual connection allow him to:

Help individuals release physical and emotional blockages, enabling them to experience greater vitality and emotional well-being.
Assist students in tapping into their inner wisdom and intuition, fostering personal growth and self-awareness.
Guide individuals on a journey of self-discovery, helping them connect with their purpose and passion.
Foster a sense of community and support among her students, creating a network of like-minded individuals dedicated to personal growth and spiritual evolution.

Additionally, Prakash Chegu is a successful entrepreneur, and Engineer from a reputed university that brings depth and adequate practical knowledge of Yogic Philosophy in technology and life in general.

Prakash Chegu's classes are sought after by those who seek not only physical health but also spiritual transformation. His dedication to Kundalini Yoga and his ability to generate immense value in the lives of the students make him a respected figure in the world of yoga and holistic wellness.