Varalakshmi Vratham is celebrated on the Second Friday of Sravana masam every year. Varalakshmi Vratham is observed by married women in South India i.e Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
Varalakshmi is another form of Lord Vishnu’s consort. Lakshmi the Goddess of Wealth. Varalakshmi is believed to be the one who grants boons (varam). Vratham means performing a ritual. Varalakshmi Vratham means “Performing a ritual for seeking the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi”.
Varalakshmi Vratham is a pooja performed by married women for the well – being of their families and performing Varalakshmi Vratham is said to be equivalent to worshiping Ashatalakshmi or Eight Lakshmis of Hindus i.e Goddess of Wealth (Siri), Earth (Bhu), Learning (Saraswati), Love (Priti), Fame (Kirti), Peace(Shanti), Pleasure(Tushti) and Strength (Pushti).
On thia day married women prepare and offer Naivedhyam to the Goddess. Some of the Naivedhyam recipes are –
RAVA KESARI
GUGGILU
VADA PAPPU
RAVA LADOO
ATUKULA LADOO
GARELU
ATUKULA PAYASAM
SABUDHANA KI KHEER
CHAKKARA PONGAL
POORNAM BOORELU
MAMIDIKAYA PULIHORA