Varalakshmi Vrat 2024: Know 8 Incarnations Of Goddess Lakshmi And Their Importance

In Southern India, worshipping Goddess Lakshmi is considered an auspicious month of the Savan. The Hindu devotees believe that keeping Varalakshmi Vrat in Sawan brings wealth, prosperity, happiness and peace. It will be observed on August 16. Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped on this day as the devotees observe fast on this day. On this occasion, the priest of Ramalingeswara Shivalayam in Srikakulam, Venkata Narasingrao Sharma explained the 8 incarnations of Lakshmi and their significance.

First is Adi Lakshmi. She is also known as Mahalakshmi. Devotees worship her for prosperity and happiness. The second incarnation is Dhana Lakshmi. Statues of Dhana Lakshmi are often placed in homes and businesses to attract financial success. The third incarnation is Dhanya Lakshmi–a goddess of agricultural wealth whose name means blessed.

The fourth incarnation is Gaja Lakshmi. This avatar of Lakshmi is a goddess who helps with animal husbandry. The fifth incarnation is Santana Lakshmi. The women worship this incarnation for children and their health. The sixth and seventh incarnations of Goddess Lakshmi are Veera Lakshmi and Vidya Lakshmi. The eighth incarnation is Vijaya Lakshmi. She is a manifestation of Durga, the goddess of victory. In this form, Lakshmi has eight arms and is adorned in blue garments, carrying a chakra, shankh, sword, and shield.

There are many temples of Goddess Lakshmi in Srikakulam town. Varalakshmi Puja is performed by all the devotees for prosperity. The mandap where the puja rituals will be performed should be cleaned and decorated. Devotees can make rangoli with rice flour and hang mango leaves as a part of decoration. For the puja ritual, a Kalash made of gold, silver or copper needs to be decorated and placed on a plate filled with rice. He further suggested keeping lemons and betel leaves. Coins should be kept in the rice and adorned with mango leaves. Coconut with turmeric tika should be placed on the Kalash. The idol or photo of the goddess should then be placed and decorated with red cloth, jewellery and flowers. One should make sure to light a diya.