This year Varalakshmi pooja falls on 16 th August. It is celebrated on the second Friday of the Shravan month as per the Hindu calendar. It is the festival celebrated to worship Goddess Lakshmi.
New Delhi, NCT, India
2020
TThis Year
Varalakshmi Vratam
July 2020
12 Hour24 Hour24 Plus
Simha Lagna Puja Muhurat (morning) - 06:59 AMto 09:17 AM
Vrishchika Lagna Puja Muhurat (afternoon) - 01:53 PMto 04:11 PM
Kumbha Lagna Puja Muhurat (evening) - 07:57 PMto 09:25 PM
Vrishabha Lagna Puja Muhurat (midnight) - 12:25 AMto 02:21 AM, Aug 01
Notes: All timings are represented in 12-hour notation in local time of New Delhi, India with DST adjustment (if applicable).
Hours which are past midnight are suffixed with next day date. In Panchang day starts and ends with sunrise.
Hours which are past midnight are suffixed with next day date. In Panchang day starts and ends with sunrise.
2020 Varalakshmi Vratam
About Goddess Varalakshmi
Varalakshmi Puja day is one of the significant days to worship the goddess of wealth and prosperity. Varalakshmi, who is the consort of Lord Vishnu, is one of the forms of Goddess Mahalakshmi. Varalakshmi was incarnated from the milky ocean, popularly known as Kshir Sagar. She is described as having the complexion of milky ocean and adorns similar color clothes.
It is believed that the Varalakshmi form of the goddess bestows boons and fulfills all desires of her devotees. Hence this form of the goddess is known as Vara + Lakshmi i.e. Goddess Lakshmi who bestows boons.
About Varalakshmi Vrat
The Varalakshmi fasting is observed on the last Friday during Shravana Shukla Paksha and falls just few days ahead of Rakhi and Shravana Purnima.
Varalakshmi Vrat is suggested not only for women but also for men. However, in Andhra, Telangana and Maharashtra regions, Varalakshmi fasting in mainly performed by married women only. The Varalakshmi fasting is performed with the desire of worldly pleasures and it includes children, spouse, luxury and all sorts of earthly pleasures.
Varalakshmi Vratam is very popular fasting and Puja day in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra. In these states, Varalakshmi Puja is performed mostly by married women for the well-being of husband and the other family members. It is believed that worshipping Goddess Vara-Lakshmi on this day is equivalent to worshipping Ashtalakshmi i.e. the eight Goddesses of Wealth (Sri), Earth (Bhu), Learning (Saraswati), Love (Priti), Fame (Kirti), Peace (Shanti), Pleasure (Tushti) and Strength (Pushti).
However, in North Indian states Varalakshmi Puja is not as popular as those of South Indian states. Varalakshmi Vratam is one of the most appropriate days to propitiate and to seek blessings of the Goddess Lakshmi.
Varalakshmi Puja Muhurat
As per Electional Astrology, the most appropriate time to worship Goddess Lakshmi is during fixed Lagna. It is believed that if Lakshmi Puja is done during fixed Lagna would bestow long-lasting prosperity.
Hence we have given four Puja timing in a day when fixed Lagna prevails. Any suitable time can be chosen for Varalakshmi Puja. However, evening time which overlaps with Pradosh is considered the most appropriate to worship Goddess Lakshmi.
Varalakshmi Puja Vidhi
The Puja steps in Varalakshmi Puja Vidhi are similar to Maha Lakshmi Puja during Diwali. However it includes Puja steps and Mantra for Dorak and Vayana. The sacred thread which is tied during Varalakshmi Puja is known as Dorak and sweets offered to Varalakshmi is known as Vayana.
Please check detailed Varalakshmi Puja Vidhi with all rituals as described in religious books.
Ayudha Puje | |
---|---|
Also called | Ayudha Puja also observed as Saraswati Puja |
Observed by | Hindus |
Celebrations | Ayudha Puja and Saraswati Pooja |
Observances | Veneration of implements, machines, weapons, books and musical instruments |
Begins | Ayudha Puja on Navami (ninth) day in Navaratri |
2019 date | 7 October |
Frequency | annual |
Related to | Dasara or Navaratri or Golu |
Saraswati Puja (goddess of wisdom & learning) is also performed concurrent with Ayudha Puja. Books and drums are kept for her blessings
Ayudha Puja is a part of the Navratri[2] festival (festival of triumph), a Hindu festival which is traditionally celebrated in India. It is also called 'Astra Puja', the synonym for Ayudha Puja. In simple terms, it means “Worship of Instruments”. It is celebrated in Tamil Nadu as Ayudha Pujai (Tamil: ஆயுத பூஜை), in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh as Aayudha Pooja (Telugu: ఆయుధ పూజ), in Kerala as Ayudha Puja (Malayalam: ആയുധ പൂജ), 'Astra Puja' (Odia: ଅସ୍ତ୍ର ପୂଜା) or 'Ayudha Puja' in Odisha, 'Shastra Puja' (Marathi: आयुध पूजा/ खंडे नवमी) or 'Ayudha Puja/ Khande Navami' in Maharashtra, and in Karnataka (in erstwhile Mysore State) as “Ayudha Puje” (Kannada: ಆಯುಧ ಪೂಜೆ). The festival falls on the tenth day of the bright half of Moon's cycle of 15 days (as per Almanac) in the month of September/October, and is popularly a part of the Dasara (well known as deepavali in TamilNadu) or Navaratri or Durga Puja or Golu festival. On the tenth day of the Dasara festival, weapons and tools are worshipped. In Karnataka, the celebration is for killing of the demon king Mahishasura by goddess Durga. After slaying of the demon king, the weapons were kept out for worship. While Navaratri festival is observed all over the country but in South Indian states, where it is widely celebrated as Ayudha Puja, there are slight variations of worship procedure.[3][4]
The principal Shakti goddesses worshiped during the Ayudha puja are Saraswati (the Goddess of wisdom, arts and literature), Lakshmi (the goddess of wealth) and Parvati (the divine mother), apart from various types of equipment; it is on this occasion when weapons are worshipped by soldiers and tools are revered by artisans.[5] The Puja is considered a meaningful custom, which focuses specific attention to one’s profession and its related tools and connotes that a divine force is working behind it to perform well and for getting the proper reward.[4][6]
In the cross cultural development that has revolutionized the society, with modern science making a lasting impact on the scientific knowledge and industrial base in India, the ethos of the old religious order is retained by worship of computers and typewriters also during the Ayudha Puja, in the same manner as practiced in the past for weapons of warfare.[7][8] In Orissa, tools traditionally used for cultivation like plough, war like sword and dagger, and inscription writing like 'karani' or 'lekhani' (metal stylus) are worshiped.[9]
Legend[edit]
Two historical legends relate to this festival. The popular legend which was also practiced symbolically by the Maharajas of Mysore alludes to a historical legend. It is said that on Vijayadashami day Arjuna, third of the five Pandava brothers, retrieved his weapons of war from the hole in the Shami tree where he had hidden it before proceeding on the forced exile. After completing his vanvas (exile period) of 13 years including one year of Agyatavas (living incognito) before embarking on the warpath against the Kauravas he retrieved his weapons. In the Kurukshetra war that ensued, Arjuna was victorious. Pandavas returned on Vijayadashami day and since then it is believed that this day is auspicious to begin any new venture. But in Karnataka, Ayudh Puja is celebrated by general public one day before of original festival day Vijayadashami (the Ayudh Puja Day).[10]
Another legend is of a pre-battle ritual involving human sacrifice as part of the Ayudh Puja (considered a sub-rite of Dussehara festival that starts after the rainy season and is propitiated before launching military campaigns). This practice is no more prevalent. Now, instead of a human sacrifice, buffalo or sheep sacrifice is in vogue, in some Hindu communities. The past practice is narrated in the Tamil version of Mahabharata epic. In this ritual, prevalent than in Tamil Nadu, ‘Kalapalli’ was a “sacrifice to the battlefield”, which involved human sacrifice before and after battles. Duryodhana, the Kaurava chief was advised by astrologer (Sahadeva) that the propitious time for performing Kalapalli was on amavasya day (New Moon day), one day before the start of Kurukshetra war and Iravan (son of Arjuna), also spelt Aravan, had agreed to be the victim for the sacrifice. But Krishna, the benefactor of Pandavas smelt trouble and he devised a plan to persuade Iravan to be the representative of the Pandavas and also of the Kauravas. Krishna had suggested to Yudhishthira-the eldest of the Pandavas, to sacrifice Aravan to goddess Kali as a part of Ayudh Puja. After this sacrifice, Kali had blessed Pandavas for victory in the Kurukshetra war. Similar cult practices (considered as Draupadi cult practices) were prevalent in North Karnataka also but the ritual of human sacrifice was done one day after the Dasara on a stone altar outside a Kali temple.[11] This part is disputed as it is not mentioned in Mahabharata. As per Mahabharat, Irawan the son of Naga Princess Ulupi and Prince Arjun, died on battle field, fighting bravely against demon(daitya) Alambusha.[12]
Mode of worship[edit]
Veneration of vehicles as part of Ayudha PujaAn imported car decorated for the Puja
The tools and all implements of vocation are first cleaned. All the tools, machines, vehicles and other devices are then painted or well polished after which they are smeared with turmeric paste, sandalwood paste (in the form of a Tilak (insignia or mark)) and Kumkum (vermillion). Then, in the evening, previous to the puja day, they are placed on an earmarked platform and decorated with flowers. In the case of weapons of war, they are also cleaned, bedecked with flowers and tilak and placed in a line, adjacent to a wall. On the morning of the puja that is on the Navami day, they are all worshipped along with the images of Saraswati, Lakshmi and Parvati. Books and musical instruments are also placed on the pedestal for worship. On the day of the puja, these are not to be disturbed. The day is spent in worship and contemplation.[13][14]
Practices in southern states[edit]
- Karnataka
In Karnataka, the erstwhile Mysore state of the Maharajas of Mysore, the ancient Dasara festival started as a family tradition within the precincts of the palace. The royal family performs the Ayudh Pooja as a part of the Dasara, inside the palace grounds. The rituals observed are first to worship the weapons on the Mahanavami day (9th day), followed by “Kushmanda” (pumpkin in Sanskrit)– the tradition of breaking a pumpkin in the palace grounds. After this, weapons are carried in a golden palanquin to the Bhuvaneshwari temple for worship. The tradition of the festival is traced to the Vijayanagara Empire (1336 A.D. to 1565 A.D.) when it became a Naada Habba (or people's festival). Raja Wodeyar I (1578–1617) who was viceroy to the Vijayanagar ruler, with his seat of power in Mysore, reintroduced the Vijayanagar practice of celebrating the Dasara festival, in 1610 A.D. He set rules on how to celebrate the Navaratri with devotion and grandeur. After a gala nine days of durbar, the Maharaja performs a pooja in a temple in the palace precincts, which is followed by a grand procession through the main thoroughfares of the Mysore city to the Bannimantap on a caparisoned elephant. The Bannimantap is the place where the Maharaja worships the traditional Shami or Banni Tree (Prosopis spicigera); the legend of this tree is traced to the Mahabharat legend of Arjuna (where he had hidden his weapons of war). The significance of the Shami tree worship is to seek blessings of the tree (where Lord Rama is also said to have worshipped) for success in the desired avocations (including war campaigns).[15][16][17] This festival is also celebrated with lot of fanfare throughout the state, in all villages. In the rural areas, every village and community observe this festival with fervour but there have been conflicts on several occasions as to which community has the first right to perform the Pujas. Generally, the Ayudh puja in villages begins with the sacrifice of sheep and smearing the bullock carts with sheep blood.[18][19]
- Kerala
In Kerala, the festival is called Ayudha Puja or Saraswati Puja as part of the ten-day puja ceremonies, also named as the festival of autumnal equinox that is observed three weeks from the date of the equinox. The practice followed in the worship on two days involves the opening day, which is called Pujaveppu (meaning: keeping implements for worship). The closing day festival is called Pujayeduppu (meaning: taking implements back from worship). On the Pujaveppu day, all tools, machines, and instruments, including vehicles, musical instruments, stationery and all implements that help one earn the livelihood, are worshipped. On the closing day, these are taken back for re-use.[20][21] In villages in Kerala, the Ayudha puja is observed with great reverence and several martial art forms and folk dances are also performed on that day.[citation needed]
- Tamil Nadu
In Tamil Nadu, Golu is the festival celebrated during the Navaratri period. On this occasion dolls, predominantly that of the Gods and Goddesses from Hindu Tradition are artistically arranged on a seven-stepped wooden platform. Traditionally, 'marapachi' wooden dolls representing Perumal and Thayaar are also displayed together at a dominant location on the top step of the platform erected specially for the occasion. On the 9th day (Navami day), Saraswati puja is performed when special prayers are offered to goddess Saraswati - the divine source of wisdom and enlightenment. Books and musical instruments are placed in the puja pedestal and worshipped. Also, tools are placed for the Ayudh puja. Even vehicles are washed and decorated, and puja performed for them on this occasion. As part of the Golu festival, Saraswati puja is performed as Ayudh puja. This is followed by the Vijayadashami celebrations at the culmination of the ten-day festivities. Apart from the golu pooja, Ayudah Puja has become very popular when business houses celebrate it ardently.[22][23]
Maharashtra[edit]
In Maharashtra, the festival is celebrated as Ayudha Puja/Shastra Puja, Vijayadashami, Dasara and Saraswati Puja. All weapons, vehicles, agricultural equipment, machines and metal items are worshiped with leaves of the shami tree (Marathi: आपट्याची पाने/सोने), marigold flowers and the 'dhaan' that is grown during 9 days of Navaratri. Marigold flowers have a special significance on Dasara day. [24] Saraswati Puja is performed and books, musical instruments, etc. are worshiped alongside the goddess. People perform a ritual called Simollanghan (Marathi: सीमोल्लंघन), crossing boundary of the village and collect leaves of the apta tree. The leaves signify gold. People visit each other's homes in the evening and distribute the gold (leaves) as a mark of love and respect.[25] Royal Dasara celebrations take place at various places like Kolhapur. [26]
See also[edit]
References[edit]
- ^http://www.festivalsofindia.in/Ayudha-Puja/index.aspx
- ^'Ayudha Pooja, Saraswati Puja - The Festival of Triumph celebration-Dravidian'. 2016-09-07. Archived from the original on 2016-09-23. Retrieved 2016-09-22.
- ^Kittel, F (1999). Kannada English Dictionary. Ayudhapuja. Asian Educational Services. p. 162. ISBN978-81-206-0049-2. Retrieved 2009-09-18.
- ^ abIshwaran, Karigoudar (1963). International studies in sociology and social anthropology, Volume 47. Foot note 2 by Alan Reals. Brill Archive. p. 206.
The Ayudhapuja is a festival that occurs some times in the months of September/October every year in the Karnataka State, to celebrate an episode from the Mahabharata, in which the exiled Pandavas worship their weapons. It is now celebrated by all as worship of whatever tools or material they use to eke out their livelihood
- ^Ziegenbalg, Bartholomaeus (1869). Genealogy of the South-Indian gods: a manual of the mythology and religion ...Ayud Puja=100, 106. Higginbotham. p. 208. Retrieved 2009-09-18.
- ^Religion and society, Volume 24. Ayudh Puja. Christian Institute for the Study of Religion and Society, Bangalore. 1977. p. 47. Retrieved 2009-09-18.
- ^Saraswati, T.S (2003). Cross-cultural perspectives in human development: theory, research, and ...Ayudpuja: Individualism in a collectivist culture. Sage. p. 194. ISBN978-0-7619-9769-6. Retrieved 2009-09-18.
- ^Dodiya, Jaydipsinh (2000). Indian English poetry: critical perspectives. Sarup & Sons. p. 103. ISBN978-81-7625-111-2. Retrieved 2009-09-18.
- ^Kanungo, Panchanan (2014). Sanskruti Baibhaba. Bhubaneswar.
- ^'Ayudha Puja or Worship of Tools'. Archived from the original on 3 October 2009. Retrieved 2009-09-18.
- ^Hiltebeitel, Alf (1991). The Cult of Draupadī: On Hindu ritual and the goddess. Chapter 9: Aravan’s Battlefield Sacrifice to Kali. University of Chicago Press. p. 284. ISBN978-0-226-34048-7. Retrieved 2009-09-18.
- ^http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m06/m06091.htm#fr_438
- ^Misra, Promode Kumar (1978). Cultural profiles of Mysore City. Ayudha Puja. Anthropological Survey of India, Govt. of India. p. 106. Retrieved 2009-09-18.
- ^'Ayudha Puja'. Archived from the original on 2011-08-11. Retrieved 2009-09-18.
- ^'Wadiyar performs Ayudha Pooja in Mysore Palace'. news.oneindia.com. Retrieved 2009-09-18.
- ^'Vijayadashmi: The triumph of righteousness'. Retrieved 2009-09-18.
- ^'A historic festival'. Archived from the original on 2007-07-16. Retrieved 2009-09-18.
- ^Beals. Ayudha Puja Incident. Stanford University Press. pp. 117–124. ISBN978-0-8047-0302-4. Retrieved 2009-09-18.
- ^Srinivas (1955). India's villages: a collection of articles originally published in the Economic weekly of Bombay. Ayudha Puja. West Bengal Govt. Press. pp. 139, 140. Retrieved 2009-09-18.
- ^'Navratri rituals: Golu, Saraswati puja, Vidyarambham... : 4'. The Deccan Chronicle. 2013-10-05. Retrieved 2013-10-16.
- ^Logan, William (2000). Malabar manual. Ayudh Puja. Asian Educational Services. p. 162. ISBN978-81-206-0446-9. Retrieved 2009-09-18.
- ^'Golu or Bommai Kolu'. Retrieved 2009-09-18.
- ^'Ayudha pooja 2003'. Archived from the original on 2009-01-07. Retrieved 2009-09-18.
- ^'marigold-flower-prices-shoot-up-on-dussehra'. Maharashtra Times.
- ^'सीमोल्लंघन! - तरुण भारत'. तरुण भारत. 2018-10-17. Retrieved 2018-10-18.
- ^'Royal Dasara:Kolhapur'. Maharashtra Times.
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