Varalakshmi Vratam Observed with Grandeur at Sri Padmavati Ammavari Temple

The auspicious Varalakshmi Vratam was performed with religious fervour and grandeur on Friday at the Sri Padmavathi Ammavari Temple in Tiruchanoor.

As part of the ritual, the Goddess was awakened with Suprabhatam in the early hours, followed by Sahasranamarchana, Nitya Archana, and Abhishekam to the Moolavarlu and Utsav Murthies. On this sacred occasion, the deity was adorned in a special golden saree, captivating devotees with her divine appearance.

Later, the Utsava Murthy of Sri Padmavathi Ammavaru was taken to the Asthana Mandapam and seated on the specially decorated Padma Peetham. 

A series of rituals included Vishwaksena Aradhana, Punyahavachanam, Kalasha Sthapana, Anga Puja, Lakshmi Sahasranama Archana, and Ashtottara Sata Namavali were observed. 

The Goddess was worshipped with traditional flowers like rose, jasmine, chrysanthemum, maruvam, tulasi, lotus, and others.

A unique decoration with nine sacred threads was offered to the Goddess, symbolising nine divine forms.

The Agama Advisor of the temple Sri Srinivasacharyulu elaborated on the significance of Varalakshmi Vratam as mentioned in the Bhavishyottara Purana, where Sage Vyasa explained the procedure and benefits. 

He recalled how Lord Siva narrated this Vratam to Parvati Devi and the tale of Charumathi, a devotee from the Treta Yuga, who attained divine blessings by observing the Vratam. 

As per legends, Sri Padmavathi Ammavaru is considered as an incarnation of Mahalakshmi Herself, and women observing this Vratam are being blessed with progeny, longevity, prosperity, and family welfare.

Twelve varieties of Naivedyam were presented to the Goddess, followed by Maha Mangala Harathi, marking the conclusion of the event.

TTD's Elaborate Arrangements

TTD Executive Officer Sri J. Syamala Rao, speaking to media, said the Varalakshmi Vratam was conducted in a grand and spiritually enriching manner at the temple. 

Prasadam distribution was arranged for every devotee. A large number of women devotees took part in the vratam.

To ensure a smooth experience, separate queue lines, Annaprasadam, drinking water, and buttermilk stalls were arranged. The ritual was also broadcast live on SVBC for the benefit of global devotees.

TTD distributed,

8 lakh bangles

1.6 lakh sacred threads (Kankanams)

1.6 lakh turmeric and kumkum packets

Lakshmi Ashtottara Shata Namavali books across its 51 temples in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana on the auspicious occasion.

Ashtalakshmi Mandapam – A Visual Treat

The TTD Garden Department, under the supervision of Deputy Director Sri Srinivasulu, crafted an enchanting Ashtalakshmi Mandapam at the Asthana Mandapam using 3 tonnes of traditional flowers and 30,000 cut flowers, over 3 days of dedicated work by 40 staff members.

The floral decoration featured fruits like apples and citrus, divine figures of Gaja Lakshmi, and twin Airavathas that captured the devotees' attention. The entire area was beautifully adorned with colorful flowers like roses and lotus. The floral setup was sponsored by a donor from Chennai.

LED Screens for Devotee Convenience

To facilitate viewing, five LED screens were installed at key locations: Asthana Mandapam, Pushkarini, Vahana Mandapam, Friday Gardens, and Tholappa Garden.

Swarna Ratham Procession

In the evening at 6:00 PM, the Goddess will bless devotees during the Swarna Ratham  procession through the four Mada streets surrounding the temple.

The event was graced by  TTD Board Members Smt. Panabaka Lakshmi, Sri G. Bhanuprakash Reddy, Ex-officio Member Sri Divakar Reddy, Additional EO Sri C.H. Venkaiah Chowdary, JEO Sri Veerabrahmam, CVSO Sri Muralikrishna, Deputy EO Sri Harindranath, HDPP Secretary Sri Sriram Raghunath, VGOs Sri Surendra, Sri Ramkumar, AEO Sri Devarajulu, Chief Priests Sri Babuswami, Superintendents Sri Ramesh, Smt. Srivani, temple inspectors and a large number of devotees.