Varalakshmi Vratam Festival on 12th August 2005, Prasanthi Nilayam

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Varalakshmi Vratam Festival on 12th August 2005, Prasanthi Nilayam

The festival Varalakshmi Vratam is performed in the month of Sravana and is

undertaken by Sumangalis (whose husbands are still living) for good progeny,

good health, and wishing long life for the husbands and the family. This

festival is to propitiate Sri Varalakshmi (Mahalakshmi), the consort of Lord

Vishnu, who is the embodiment of all Mangalam (auspiciousness). On the 12th

of August 2005, this Vratam was performed in the immediate Divine Presence of

Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba in Sai Kulwant Hall. A large number of ladies

occupied both sides of the Hall beholding the beauteous form of the Lord. It

was a sight to see their joyful visages, performing the Puja meticulously to

the instructions of the priests. Legend has it that this Vratam was narrated by

Lord Siva Himself. Here in Prasanthi Nilayam, they were fortunate to perform the

same in the Divine Presence of Sai Siva Himself. Sai Kulwant Hall was ornately

decorated with beautiful flowers and an idol of Goddess Lakshmi was placed on

the stage. Huge pictures of Bhagawan and Goddess Varalakshmi adorned the

pillars of the darshan Hall. The Puja began with Ganapati Prarthana (Ganapati

worship). A silver idol of Goddess Varalakshmi and other requisite Puja

materials were supplied to the participants of the Vratam. During the course of

the Puja, the chief priest narrated the legend of the Vratam, which reads as

follows: Goddess Parvati once asked Lord Siva to recommend her a Vratam, which

would be beneficial for the womenfolk on earth who seek prosperity. Then, Lord

Siva preached her about Varalakshmi Vratam (as mentioned in Skanda Puranam). To

illustrate the sanctity of this Vratam, Lord Siva then narrated the story of one

Charumati. Charumati was a true Pativrata (devoted to husband in all sincerity).

Pleased with her true and undivided

devotion to her husband, Goddess Lakshmi appeared in her dream and advised her

to undertake the Varalakshmi Vratam on the auspicious day of Sravana Shukla

Shukra Varam. Charumati performed this Puja with utmost devotion, the same day,

in the dream itself (Manasika Puja). The next day she narrated this dream to her

husband, and with his full consent, to all other womenfolk in town. On the

auspicious day, she did not fail to perform Varalakshmi Vratam as prescribed to

her by Goddess Parvati. Then some miracles took place. Everything seemed

bountiful. Ever since, this Vratam has been regularly performed in households.

At the end of the Puja, Arati was performed. An announcement was made that all

participants would be served with sumptuous lunch as prasad in the canteen. A

musical programme by renowned artiste Nityashree Mahadevan was also announced

to be held in the evening session. To crown it all, Bhagawan Himself went round

the participants showering His benedictions.

Images of Varalakshmi Puja at Prasanthi

Nilayamhttp://www.sssbpt.org/Pages/Prasanthi_Nilayam/Varalakshmi_Photos.htm

 

 

Text source:

http://www.sssbpt.org/Pages/Prasanthi_Nilayam/Varalakshmi_report.htmPhotos

source: http://www.sssbpt.org/Pages/Prasanthi_Nilayam/Varalakshmi_Photos.htm