Varamahalakshmi Puja or Varamahalakshmi Vratham, holds a significant place in Hindu traditions and is a holy festival dedicated to the worship of Goddess Lakskmi –  revered as the divine bestower of wealth, prosperity, courage, wisdom and fertility.

The festival is celebrated with devout faith in the South Indian states of Karnataka, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh during the month of Sravana, on the Friday preceding the full moon day. It is considered as a very auspicious festival for married women, who invoke the blessings of the Goddess – the granter of wishes – by holding an age-old fast. Mandalas & elaborate rangolis, fragrant flowers & fresh fruits, sweets & savouries are offered to worship the deity, and invoke blessings of well-being, longevity and prosperity for the family. Women don silk sarees, adorn gold jewellery and wear flowers in their hair to perform the holy rituals. The atmosphere is filled with the sweet scent of incense, and homes resound with the melody of bhajans sung to appease the Goddess. An elaborate spread of delicacies like obattu, kosumbari, puliyogare and hesaru bele payasa are prepared to offer to the Goddess and share heartily with friends & family. The day is celebrated with the spirit of sanctity and abundance, coming together to worship the Mahalakshmi Devi.

It is believed that worshipping Goddess Lakshmi on this day is equivalent to worshipping all her 8 avatars or the Ashtalakshmi – Goddess of Wealth (Shri), Earth (Bhu), Learning (Saraswati), Love (Priti), Fame (Kirti), Peace (Shanti), Pleasure (Tushti) and Strength (Pushti).

Like most Indian festivals, purchasing gold or silver during Varamahalakshmi is a popular tradition. In fact, gold coins are offered to the Goddess during the festive rituals, as a symbol of prosperity and abundance.

On this auspicious occasion of Varamahalakshmi, commemorate Goddess Mahalakshmi and bring home divine blessings with C. Krishniah Chetty’s exclusive “Garudadri Maha Vishnu Varalakshmi,”.  The rare depiction of Lord Vishnu along with Shri Garudadri embodies meticulous detail with a profound devotion. This masterpiece, inspired by the Vishnu Purana, features the Kanakavarshini Lakshmi idol seated on Lord Maha Vishnu, on Garuda, the mythical bird and mount of Lord Vishnu, reverently holding the deities on his shoulder, while Hanuman and Chamaradhari, an exalted devotee of Lord Vishnu, stand on either side of the deities.

Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi in Garudadri Maha Vishnu Varalakshmi shower gold from both their right hands, symbolising abundant blessings of wealth and prosperity bestowed upon devotees. This divine grace fills life with richness and abundance.

Garuda symbolises strength, protection, and liberation, ensuring the devotee’s journey is safeguarded from all obstacles. Hanuman and Chamaradhari stand on either side of the deities, offering their respects.

Each detail in this collection is intricately carved, from the Goddess’s nose pin to the weapons in the deities’ hands. The backdrop features Sheshanaga, Vishnu Tilak, and embossed temple gopuram arrays. Inspired by the Vishnu Purana, an ancient Hindu text, this ensemble faithfully represents divine narratives and celestial beings.

The Kanakavarshini motif, associated with prosperity and abundance, finds mention in Vishnu Purana, symbolising the cynical nature of time. Lord Vishnu holding Surya and Chandra in his hands signifies the Lord’s control over day and night, and by extension, the lifespan. 

“Garudadri Maha Vishnu Varalakshmi,” by C Krishniah Chetty Group of Jewellers, is offered in two exclusive variations:

1. The first variation features pure 990 silver, with Goddess Lakshmi adorned in elegant gold plating.

2. The second variation combines the richness of copper and silver: the backdrop design of the gopuram, tilak, and base is intricately crafted in copper, while the idols, crafted from 990 silver, showcase Goddess Lakshmi in striking gold plating.

Each variation captures the essence of devotion and immaculate craftsmanship, ensuring a blend of purity and artistic finesse. Inspired by the Vishnu Purana, this ensemble resonates with divine narratives and celestial beauty, making it a timeless treasure for spiritual adornment.

Varamahalakshmi is a momentous festival that fills homes and hearts with the blessings and boons of Goddess Lakshmi, ushering the hope for prosperous tidings. It is a divine manifestation of faith in its purest sense, and an upholding of the rich cultural heritage of South India. May this beautiful festival of Varamahalakshmi shower grace, abundance and prosperity to all.