Mahalakshmi Vrat
Mahalakshmi Vrat begins on Shukla paksha Ashtami tithi of Bhadrapada month, four days after Ganesha Chaturthi. This vrat is observed for sixteen consecutive days that culminates on Krishna paksha Ashtami of Ashwina masa. This vrat is popular in North India and some parts of South India. This vrat rituals are performed to appease and seek blessings of Goddess Mahalakshmi.
Mahalakshmi Vrat 2023
Fri , 22nd Sep 2023
Legend
There are several legends associated with origin of Mahalakshmi vrat in puranas. According to the most famous legend, it is said when the Pandava king Yudhishthira lost his kingdom and all his wealth, Lord Krishna suggested to observe the Mahalakshmi Vrat for sixteen consecutive days to regain his lost kingdom and wealth.
It also is believed that when King Dhritarashtra and Queen Gandhari sought blessings from Saint Vedvyas, he advised the royal couple to observe the Mahalakshmi vrat for eternal prosperity and happiness in their kingdom.
Rituals
On the day of Ashtami devotees wake up early, take a holy bath. The house is cleaned and pooja altar is sanctified. The pooja space is decorated along with setting up an idol of MahaLakshmi on the chowki in the pooja altar. Wear fresh or new clothes, perform hydration ceremony to the Lakshmi idol, perform pooja, chant MahaLakshmi mantras and slokas. Offer flowers, incense, light lamps and perform Aarti, followed by offering fruits, grains and special neivedhyam like sweets or Kheer, to the Goddess. This day coincides with Dhurva Ashtami. On this day, a special custom of tying Abhaya Sutra- a sutra or a cotton thread of sixteen strings and sixteen knots are put in it, after tying the knots ground turmeric is applied to color the cord yellow.
This string is tied on the wrist of the devotees are observing the fast. This thread is worn for all sixteen days. We can also organize Mahalakshmi homa and group prayer rituals during this fast period. Some donation is offered every day, like food donation or vastram donation to the poor and needy. This fastlasts till Ashwin Krishna paksha Ashtami. Sometimes this vrat days reduce to fifteen days or might extend to seventeen days based on the length of the this.
Lakshmi Mantra
Kshirodarnavasambhuta Lakshmishchandra Sahodara |
Vratenappanen santushta bhavartodvapuballabha ||
Benefits
Important Timings On Mahalakshmi Vrat
Sunrise | September 22, 2023 6:19 AM |
Sunset | September 22, 2023 6:20 PM |
Ashtami Tithi Begins | September 22, 2023 1:35 PM |
Ashtami Tithi Ends | September 23, 2023 12:18 PM |
Mahalakshmi Vrat festival dates between 2019 & 2029
Year | Date |
---|---|
2019 | Friday, 6th of September |
2020 | Tuesday, 25th of August |
2021 | Monday, 13th of September |
2022 | Saturday, 3rd of September |
2023 | Friday, 22nd of September |
2024 | Wednesday, 11th of September |
2025 | Sunday, 31st of August |
2026 | Friday, 18th of September |
2027 | Tuesday, 7th of September |
2028 | Sunday, 27th of August |
2029 | Saturday, 15th of September |