Maha Lakshmi Vrat
Maha Lakshmi Vrat is observed for 16 days from the Ashtami of Bhadrapad-Shukla Paksha to Ashtami of Ashwin-Krishna Paksha. These dates fall around September each year. This is a very powerful time to offer concentrated prayer to Goddess Lakshmi for wealth and prosperity.
Legend
According to Hindu mythology, there are various
legends associated with this festival. In Bhavishya Purana (one of the 18 major
Puranas or ancient Hindu scriptures), it is believed that when Yudhishtira
(eldest brother of the Pandavas) asked Lord Krishna about any ritual or fast
that can be observed to regain their lost prosperity and wealth, which they
lost in the dicing game, Lord Krishna suggested Mahalakshmi Vrat. This fast is believed to help in
regaining health, wealth, prosperity, family and kingdom through the divine
grace and benevolence of Goddess
Lakshmi.
A popular legend also suggests that this fast was
recommended by Lord Shiva to his wife Parvati to gain wealth and good fortune.
Another legend explains the story of a very devout lady named Charumati. She
was visited by Lakshmi, the
Goddess, in her dream and she asked Charumati to observe this fast
to get her wishes fulfilled. She dutifully observed this fast along with other
ladies of the village with great love and devotion. They offered the Goddess a
lot of delicacies too. When the fast was completed successfully, they were
amazed that their bodies were beautifully adorned with expensive jewels and
their houses were filled with abundance riches. Since then, women observe this
fast for prosperity.
Rituals
and Observations
This festival is
celebrated mainly in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka
and Tamil Nadu. On this festival, women get up early and take a ritual bath and
offer prayers to Surya Bhagwaan (Sun God). They sprinkle some sacred water on
their bodies and then tie sixteen knotted strings on their left wrist. A
Kalasha (a metal pot) is filled with water and is decorated with betel or mango
leaves. A coconut is ornamented beautifully with a red-coloured cloth and a
thread is further tied around it. This coconut is placed on the top of the
Kalasha. A sacred symbol called Swastika, which represents four lines known as
four Vedas (Holy Scriptures), is drawn on Kalasha with vermillion. Earthen
lamps and incense sticks are lit, and mantra for Lakshmi is
recited with full enthusiasm. After performing Laxmi puja (worship), the Mahalkashmi vrat ends with great celebration and
devotion.
2016 Dates :
Mahalakshmi Vrat Begins on
September 9, 2016
Mahalakshmi Vrat Ends on
September 23, 2016
Post a Comment