Varalakshmi Vratham - Story behind the auspiciousness of Sravana Friday

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Some time during the Vedic period, Sounaka and other revered saints visited ashram of Sootha Maharshi in Naimisaranya (Forest Naimisa). After the welcome formalities, the visitors requested Sootha Maharshi to explain about one vratham or prayer that can bless womenfolk of the world with all the worldly riches.

Sootha Maharshi gave a pleasant look at the visitors and said, " My dear blessed souls, on your request I will now explain you the holiest of obeisance. This worship was explained first by the Lord Shankara to Goddess Parvathi. Now I am telling you. This respect is called Varalakshmi Vratham."

Goddess Parvathi, one fine day prayed to Lord Shiva who was meditating. Lord Shiva after listening to the salutations of Goddess Parvathi opened his eyes. Then Goddess Parvathi asked him, "My Lord, please enlighten me with a worship that can be done by women to seek the blessings of the Lord Almighty to achieve their worldly desires and be in peace."

Lord Shiva replied in a soothing tone, "My Dear Lady, Varalakshmi Vratham should be performed with a pure heart on the Friday falling before the Sukla Paksha (the fortnight of the moon's increase) in Sravana Maasa of the year."

Deity Parvathi urged, "Hey Lord, please explain the system of this worship. Whom should one worship? How should one do it and who performed this vratham earlier?"

Lord looked at Parvathi and added, "Listen Katyayani. A Brahmin lady, Charumathi used to live in Kundinam town of Magadha kingdom. She was a submissive housewife. She worshipped her husband on par with Almighty and was serving her in-laws in all aspects with love and respect.

"Goddess Sri Mahalakshmi favoured the chaste and virtuous wife. One day Charumathi perceived a dream in which Goddess Sri Mahalakshmi told her, "Charumathi! I'm Varalakshmi Devi. Mercy came on you from my heart. You perform Pooja on Friday before the full moon in Sravana Maasa and I will bestow all your wishes."