Varalakshmi Vratam Festival on 12th August 2005, Prasanthi Nilayam

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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.

PHOTOS:

With Sai love from Sai brothers - ''

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

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