Varalakshmi Vratham, This and That

In the Hindu culture, the Friday before the Pournima (or full moon) in the Hindu month of Sraavana is celebrated in the honor of Goddess Lakshmi Devi - Varalakshmi Vratham as the festival is known is an auspicious occassion for women of Hindu Tradition. Goddess Lakshmi - the beautiful goddess who personifies all the eight virtues of nature (called Ashta Laskhmi) is said to be the bestower of health, wealth and prosperity. On this day, women in the Southern States of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and some parts of Tamil Nadu celebrate this festival and pray for the health, wealth and prosperity of their families.
As part of the ritualistic tradition of this festival, I perform this pooja at home every year. More so because Shree Lakshmi Devi is one of my favorite goddesses (Ishta Devata!) and also because I would like to expose my children to my culture and tradition, to whatever little they can be exposed to and whatever little I can teach them, here at home (Home away from home :-)
Traditionally, we at home prepare ahead, by cleaning and getting things ready for the pooja the previous day. On the day of the pooja, I wake up early, bathe early and start my preparations. I arrange everything (as seen below) and perform the pooja after having cooked a variety of delicious dishes which are offered to Goddess Lakshmi during the Pooja. We invoke the Goddess into the kalasham (silver pot filled with water and a coconut decorated above it) by praying to her. Then after the pooja is done, we offer fruits, sweets, savory and other cooked food as offering. As part fo the ritual, tradtionally we invite several girl friends home and offer them thambulam - an offering of Tumeric (pasupu), Vermillion (Kumkum), Betel Leaves and Supari and a special gift. They also get to eat the specially prepared neivedyam or offering and the delicacies prepared for the day!
Whew! That took a lot of effort to put it in the right words! I am not as religious as it seems from above. More of a simple, god fearing person, though I enjoy all the festivals and culture that my Hindu tradition has to offer. Not to mention that mom was around this time and I was able to do all this a little more easily!

Here are some Pictures from the Pooja:


Varalakshmi Vratham - Kalasham with the Goddess and the preparation for the Pooja


Varalakshmi Vratham Pooja Saamagri (Pooja Items)


Preparing for the Pooja


Offering of Fruits and New Clothes (my New Saree)



The Goddess after the Pooja!


Finally the Prasadam (offering) -clockwise from left: Bobbattu or Obbattu, Cucumber Kosambri, Masala Vada, Cabbage Koora, Green Beans Koora, Appalam, Chitrannam (orLemon Rice), Rice with Majjiga Pulusu (Gravy made of Buttermilk).

We also had Obbattu or Bobbattu Chaaru and some curds too!

Hope you guys enjoyed my pooja and the food!

I also wanted to share with you guys some pictures of everyday life in my home - having been inspired by my blog buddy Archana of Rang Decor, Rang - Colors of Life, Mallika My Princess etc. (no idea how she keeps up with 4 blogs!) I have been taking pictures in and around my house and my life! Here are some:


Isha's picture - Her imaginary house, herself and her imaginary dog! The blue sky and the sun, not sure what the red and yellow stuff is! She said "Mom, u have to just imagine!" :-)



Isha is very much into Balloons, Hearts, People and the Sun!


A riot of Roses - I love fresh flowers!


Pink Gladioli - Cheering up any soul! Thanks N for the wonderful flowers!


Hope you guys enjoyed the long post!