A day dedicated to Lakshmi

BANGALORE: The festive season is back after a gap. Closely following Naga Panchami, which was celebrated a week ago, it's Vara Mahalakshmi Vrata this Friday. Several major festivals are to follow: Onam, Raksha Bandhan, Ganesha Chaturthi and Krishna Janmashtami.
Vara Mahalakshmi Vrata is observed on a Friday prior to Shravan Poornima or the Full Moon day.
Married women invoke Goddess Lakshmi for good progeny, sound health and prosperity of their family.
Lord Shiva describes the glory of this vrata in Skanda Purana. The puja spot is spring-cleaned and a richly decorated `mandapa' is set up. `Rangoli' designs are etched on the floor. After the auspicious Ganesha puja, Goddess Lakshmi is invoked in a `kalasha' (holy pot made of gold, silver or copper). It is filled with rice or water and a sprinkling of precious items and is decorated with mango leaves and flowers with a coconut placed on it. This holy pot is placed on a `mandala' (a sacred diagram of geometric patterns, symbolic of the Universe) with paddy and rice forming the base. An image of Lakshmi is placed. Puja is then offered to a sacred yellow thread (`raksha'). One is offered to the Goddess and another is worn on the right wrist by the woman observing the `vrata'. This is followed by an elaborate Lakshmi puja. `Mahalakshmi Ashtakam' and other Devi `stotras' are recited. After the puja, married women invitees are offered a coconut and flowers.
Lakshmi's manifestations: Devi Shakti is worshipped in different forms -- Lakshmi, Saraswathi, Kali, Durga and so on. Among Her many manifestations, a bejewelled Lakshmi or Mahalakshmi, the consort of Vishnu, is seen seated or standing on a lotus and dressed in red, holding an overflowing pot of gold coins and grains. Varalakshmi is depicted with two lotuses in two of her hands. The other two hands show `abhaya' and `varada mudras'.
The Goddess symbolises eight forces, which are considered the protecting power of Lord Vishnu. They represent `Sri' (wealth and fortune), `Bhu' (earth), `Vidya' (learning), `Preeti' (love), `Keerti' (fame), `Shanti' (peace), `Tushti' (pleasure) and `Pushti' (strength). Together they are called `Ashta Lakshmi'. Varalakshmi is considered the ninth form.
All great prophets who have done great spiritual work in the past were devotees of Mother Lakshmi, Devi and Saraswathi.
- Daivajna K N Somayaji