Annual Fasts — Hindu Sacred Fast
Varalakshmi Vrat
Varalakshmi Vrat is one of the most significant vratas for married women in South India, observed on the Friday before Purnima (full moon) in the month of Shravan. The name comes from "Vara" meaning boon and "Lakshmi," making Varalakshmi the boon-granting form of the goddess of wealth and prosperity. The vrat is especially prominent in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, where it is celebrated with great festivity and elaborate rituals. Married women worship Varalakshmi as the embodiment of all eight forms of Lakshmi — Adi Lakshmi, Dhana Lakshmi, Dhanya Lakshmi, Gaja Lakshmi, Santana Lakshmi, Veera Lakshmi, Vijaya Lakshmi, and Vidya Lakshmi — seeking blessings for the well-being of their husbands and families.
Last updated: 23 April 2026 · Source: Vedic Tradition
Benefits
Varalakshmi Vrat is said to bestow the combined blessings of all eight forms of Lakshmi in a single worship. Married women who observe this vrat are blessed with long life for their husbands, marital harmony, and abundance of wealth. The vrat brings prosperity, good health, and happiness to the entire family. It is believed to fulfill sincere wishes and remove financial obstacles. Observing this vrat is considered equivalent to performing the Ashtalakshmi Puja on eight separate occasions. It also blesses childless couples with offspring and protects the home from misfortune.
Procedure
On the day of the vrat, women wake before sunrise, bathe, and wear new or washed clothes — preferably yellow or red. A kalash (pot) is filled with water, topped with betel leaves and a coconut, and decorated with turmeric and kumkum to represent Varalakshmi. The idol or image of Varalakshmi is adorned with gold and silk clothes, flowers, and jewellery. Puja is performed with shodashopachar (sixteen-step worship) including offering of kumkum, turmeric, flowers, akshata (rice), fruits, and naivedyam (sweet offerings). The Varalakshmi Vrat Katha is read aloud. Women tie a sacred thread (dora) around their wrists as a symbol of the goddess's protection. Neighbours and relatives are invited to participate and receive prasad.
When to Observe
Varalakshmi Vrat is observed once a year on the Friday immediately preceding the full moon (Purnima) in the month of Shravan (July–August). This is the Shukla Paksha Friday in Shravan. If two Fridays fall before Purnima in the same month, the one closer to Purnima is chosen. The vrat is predominantly observed in the states of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu, and by South Indian communities worldwide.
Fasting Rules
Women observe a day-long fast, abstaining from grains and non-vegetarian food. Many observe a fruit-only or milk-and-fruit fast. Food cooked with onion and garlic is avoided. The fast begins after the morning bath and continues until the puja is completed in the evening. Some women observe a nirjala (waterless) fast until the afternoon puja, then break it with the prasad. The fast is primarily observed by married women, though unmarried girls may also observe it to pray for a good husband.
How to Break the Fast
The fast is broken after the completion of the puja in the afternoon or evening. The prasad — which typically includes sweet pongal, coconut rice, fruits, and the naivedyam items offered to the goddess — is consumed first. A full sattvic meal is then eaten, which may include traditional dishes like pulihora (tamarind rice), bobbatlu (sweet flatbread), and payasam (sweet pudding). The sacred thread (dora) tied during the puja is kept on the wrist for several days or until the next year's vrat. Prasad is distributed to all family members, neighbours, and guests who attended the puja.
FAQ
Q.What is Varalakshmi Vrat?
Varalakshmi Vrat is one of the most significant vratas for married women in South India, observed on the Friday before Purnima (full moon) in the month of Shravan. The name comes from "Vara" meaning boon and "Lakshmi," making Varalakshmi the boon-gra...
Q.What are the fasting rules for Varalakshmi Vrat?
Women observe a day-long fast, abstaining from grains and non-vegetarian food. Many observe a fruit-only or milk-and-fruit fast. Food cooked with onion and garlic is avoided. The fast begins after the morning bath and continues until the puja is completed in the evening. Some women observe a nirjala (waterless) fast until the afternoon puja, then break it with the prasad. The fast is primarily observed by married women, though unmarried girls may also observe it to pray for a good husband.
Q.When should Varalakshmi Vrat be observed?
Varalakshmi Vrat is observed once a year on the Friday immediately preceding the full moon (Purnima) in the month of Shravan (July–August). This is the Shukla Paksha Friday in Shravan. If two Fridays fall before Purnima in the same month, the one closer to Purnima is chosen. The vrat is predominantly observed in the states of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu, and by South Indian communities worldwide.
Q.What are the benefits of Varalakshmi Vrat?
Varalakshmi Vrat is said to bestow the combined blessings of all eight forms of Lakshmi in a single worship. Married women who observe this vrat are blessed with long life for their husbands, marital harmony, and abundance of wealth. The vrat brings prosperity, good health, and happiness to the entire family. It is believed to fulfill sincere wishes and remove financial obstacles. Observing this vrat is considered equivalent to performing the Ashtalakshmi Puja on eight separate occasions. It also blesses childless couples with offspring and protects the home from misfortune.