Varamahalakshmi Vratam 2026: The Friday Fast of Goddess Lakshmi
Varamahalakshmi Vratam (also called Varalakshmi Vratam) is one of the most important vrats for women in South India, observed on the second Friday before the full moon of the Hindu month Shravan (Avani). It is dedicated to Goddess Varamahalakshmi — the goddess who grants boons — and is celebrated with great devotion in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu. In 2026, Varamahalakshmi Vratam is expected in August.
Expected August 2026 (second Friday before Shravan Purnima) · Exact date will be updated · Verified Regional DataVaramahalakshmi Vratam
✓ Verified Regional DataVaramahalakshmi Vratam 2026
Expected August 2026 (second Friday before Shravan Purnima)
Deity
Goddess Varamahalakshmi — a form of Goddess Lakshmi
Date Calculation
Second Friday before Shravan Purnima (Shravan / Avani month)
Primary States
Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu
About Varamahalakshmi Vratam
Varamahalakshmi Vratam is a one-day fasting and puja ritual performed by married women (sumangalis) for the health, longevity, and prosperity of their husbands and families. The word "Vara" means boon, "Maha" means great, and "Lakshmi" is the goddess of wealth and prosperity. Performing this vrat is believed to be equivalent to worshipping the Ashtalakshmi — the eight forms of Goddess Lakshmi. Women prepare an elaborate puja with a decorated kalasha (pot), draw intricate kolam (rangoli) at the entrance, and perform the vrat katha (story) before breaking the fast in the evening.
The Vrat Katha of Varamahalakshmi
The vrat katha tells the story of Charumathi, a devoted wife in the city of Kundina. One night, Goddess Mahalakshmi appeared to her in a dream and instructed her to observe the Varamahalakshmi Vrat on the second Friday before Shravan Purnima. Charumathi followed the goddess's instructions carefully and performed the puja with complete devotion.
By the goddess's grace, Charumathi was blessed with wealth, good fortune, and every happiness. Her neighbours and friends were so impressed by her prosperity that they began observing the vrat too. The tradition spread from household to household and has continued for generations.
The goddess Varamahalakshmi is said to appear before her devoted worshippers on this day and grant their wishes. She is specifically associated with granting boons related to family welfare, children, and domestic happiness.
✦Equivalent to Ashtalakshmi
Performing Varamahalakshmi Vratam is traditionally said to be equivalent to performing the puja of all eight forms of Goddess Lakshmi (Ashtalakshmi): Adi Lakshmi, Dhana Lakshmi, Dhanya Lakshmi, Gaja Lakshmi, Santana Lakshmi, Veera Lakshmi, Vidya Lakshmi, and Vijaya Lakshmi.
Varamahalakshmi Vrat Vidhi
Preparation (Day Before)
The house is cleaned thoroughly. An elaborate kolam (rangoli) is drawn at the entrance. The puja room is decorated. The main puja items — kalasha, turmeric, kumkum, flowers, fruits, coconut, silk cloth, and jewellery — are prepared.
Morning Ritual — Sankalpa
Early morning, the woman takes a vow (sankalpa) to observe the vrat with purity of heart and body. She bathes, wears a new or auspicious silk sari, and applies turmeric-kumkum.
Kalasha Puja (Sacred Pot Worship)
A kalasha (brass or silver pot) is filled with water, topped with a coconut wrapped in silk and adorned with jewellery. The kalasha represents Goddess Varamahalakshmi herself. It is installed on raw rice in a plate and worshipped with 16-step (Shodashopachara) puja.
Vrat Katha and Arati
The vrat katha (story of Charumathi) is read aloud or listened to. The mangalsutra and bangles of other married women are placed near the kalasha to receive blessings. Aarti is performed with camphor and lamps.
Prasad and Breaking of Fast
After evening puja, prasad is prepared and distributed. The fast is broken after sunset. Sweet pongal, coconut rice, and fruits are common prasad items.
Varamahalakshmi Prasad
Prasad Items
- •Sweet pongal (chakra pongal)
- •Pulihora (tamarind rice)
- •Coconut rice
- •Fruit offerings
- •Sundal (boiled lentil snack)
- •Modak / kozhukattai
ℹ️ Dishes and offerings may vary by region and family tradition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Source Details
Data Source
Hindu lunisolar calendar — second Friday before Shravan Purnima · Verified regional sources
Editorial Review
6 June 2026
Verification Status
Verified Regional Data
Region / Location
Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu