There are many legends that surround the significance of Varamahalakshmi Vratam.
One of the sacred Hindu scriptures, Skanda Purana mentions that worship of Goddess Lakshmi is a great means to seek her blessings for a wellness of husband and family.
Thus, it became a tradition by married women to perform this Pooja for the health, wealth and prosperity of the entire family.
Charumati
In the Kingdom of Vidarbha, there was a beautiful town called Kundinagaram. Charumati, a chaste woman in every sense, resided in that town along with her family.
Pleased with her attitude and chastity, Goddess Lakshmi appeared in her dream and asked to perform the Vratam, which will fulfill all her desires.
Charumati determines to follow the Goddess’ instructions. She, along with other women from the town, prepare and perform the vratham with utmost sincerity and devotion. Pleased with the Vratham, Goddess Varalakshmi blessed all women with riches and prosperity.
Following this event, many women perform this Pooja with utmost faith and trust till date.
Shyamabala
Yet another legend that surrounds this Vratham is the story of Shyamabala. She was the daughter of King Bathrasiravas and Queen Surachandrika. She was married to a prince in the neighboring kingdom.
One day, an old lady, came to the Queen and advised her to perform the Varalakshmi Pooja. The insensitive queen was rude and shooed her away from the place.
However, the princess invited the old woman, listened to the greatness of the Vratam and decided to perform the Vratha. Soon, she could see that her husband and the kingdom started prospering with all riches.
On the other side, her parents were suffering due to loss of wealth and hardship. The daughter sent them pots of gold with an intention to help her parents.
However, the pots of gold turned into ashes the minute the Queen set her eyes on them. Shyamabala realized this was due to the sin committed by the Queen when she drove the old lady away.
She requested her mom to ask forgiveness to the Goddess and perform the Vratham. The queen followed her suggestion, and she immediately got back the lost glory.
Chitranemi
There was a small tiff between Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati while playing a game of dice. Unable to decide who was the winner of the game, they asked Chitranemi to give the verdict.
Chitranemi, being the humble servant of Lord Shiva declared Lord Shiva as the winner. This upset the Goddess and cursed Chitranemi to turn into a leper. Helpless and anxious Chitranemi sought the help of Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva pleaded Goddess Parvati to relieve him from the curse.
Goddess Parvati relented and mentioned that Chitranemi would be cured of the disease the day all the women in the world observed the Varaklakshmi Vratam. Ever since, women follow the tradition of worshipping Goddess VaraLakshmi on this day.
