Vara Mahalakshmi Vrat 2026: Date, Puja Muhurat, Vidhi & Significance

Vara Mahalakshmi Vrat is one of the most propitious festivals in South India, dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi—the bestower of wealth (Dhan), prosperity (Sampath), and boons (Varam). Celebrated primarily by married women (Sumangalis) in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra, this festival is observed to seek the longevity and health of their husbands and the well-being of the family.

For 2026, Vara Mahalakshmi Vrat falls on the Second Friday of the auspicious Shravana month, which is Friday, August 21, 2026.

📅 Vara Mahalakshmi 2026 Date & Auspicious Lagna

Worshipping the Goddess during specific Lagnas (fixed ascendants) is believed to bring long-lasting stability and wealth. Here are the most auspicious timings for August 21, 2026.

Time of Day	Lagna (Ascendant)	Puja Muhurat (Approx)
Morning (Best)	Simha (Leo) Lagna	06:10 AM to 08:20 AM
Afternoon	Vrishchika (Scorpio) Lagna	01:00 PM to 03:15 PM
Evening	Kumbha (Aquarius) Lagna	07:00 PM to 08:30 PM
Midnight	Vrishabha (Taurus) Lagna	11:45 PM to 01:40 AM (Aug 22)

*Note: Timings are based on Bangalore IST. Please consult our astrologers for your city-specific muhurat.

Significance of Varalakshmi Vrat

The name ‘Vara-Mahalakshmi’ literally translates to the Goddess who grants boons (Varas). It is believed that worshipping Goddess Varalakshmi on this single day is equivalent to worshipping Ashtalakshmi—the eight forces of energy: Wealth, Earth, Learning, Love, Fame, Peace, Pleasure, and Strength.

Legend says that Goddess Parvati once asked Lord Shiva for a vrat that would bestow prosperity upon women on earth. Lord Shiva recommended the Varalakshmi Vrat, narrating the story of Charumati, a devoted woman whose dedication pleased Goddess Lakshmi, bringing immense wealth to her family.

Varalakshmi Puja Vidhi: Step-by-Step Guide

1. Preparation (The Day Before)

Clean the house and the puja altar. Decorate the threshold with Rangoli (Kolam). Prepare the Kalasham (sacred pot) by filling it with rice, water, coins, and dry fruits.

2. Kalash Sthapana

On the puja day, place the Kalash on a bed of rice spread over a banana leaf. Adorn a coconut with turmeric and kumkum to represent the face of the Goddess (or use a silver face mask). Drape a small saree or cloth around the Kalash.

3. Prana Pratishtha (Invocation)

Invoke Lord Ganesha first (Vighnaharta). Then, invite Goddess Lakshmi into the Kalash by chanting “Padmasane Padmakare, Sarva Lokaika Pujite, Narayana Priye Devi, Supreeto Bhava Sarvada.”

4. The Sacred Thread (Dorak)

A yellow thread with 9 knots (Nonbu Kayiru) is worshipped and tied around the right wrist of the women performing the puja. This signifies the protection and bond with the Goddess.

5. Offerings (Naivedyam)

Offer traditional dishes like Obbattu/Holige, Sundal, Payasam, and Vada. Perform the Mangala Aarti to conclude.

Essential Puja Samagri List

• 🟡 Decor: Flowers (Lotus/Jasmine), Mango Leaves, Banana Leaf.
• 🔴 Kumkum & Turmeric: For the Kalash and Goddess.
• 🥥 Kalash Items: Coconut, Rice, Coins, Betel Leaves/Nuts.
• 🧵 Ritual Items: Yellow Thread (Saradu/Dorak), Camphor, Incense.
• 👗 Vastra: Blouse piece or mini saree for the Goddess.

Why Hire a Purohit from SmartPuja?

Performing the Shodashopachara Puja (16-step worship) requires precise Sanskrit chanting and procedural knowledge. Our Vedic Pandits ensure:

• ✅ Proper Vidhi: Authentic Ganpati Puja, Kalash Sthapana, and Lakshmi Avahana.
• ✅ Samagri Included: We bring all the necessary puja items (except perishables).
• ✅ Language Choice: Pandits available in Kannada, Telugu, Tamil, Marathi, and Hindi.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)