Mahalakshmi Vrat Story, Significance, Rituals and Dates

On the day of Mahalakshmi Vrat (Bhadrapada Shukla Ashtami), devotees wake up at sunrise and take an early bath. Special prayers are offered to Goddess Lakshmi every morning for 16 continuous days. All the eight forms of Mahalakshmi are worshipped during this period.

In some regions, devotees also worship Surya Bhagwan during this period. Devotees offer ‘aargya’ to Sun God everyday at the time of sunrise.

As a part of the ritual, sixteen knots are tied in a string and the observer of Mahalakshmi Vrat wears it on his/her left hand.

Devotees worship the idol of Goddess Lakshmi with utmost dedication and pray the Goddess to shower happiness and prosperity on their entire family. After the puja, sixteen Durva grass is tied together. It is dipped in water and then sprinkled over the body. At the end of the puja, Mahalakshmi Vrat Katha is recited every day.

The observer of Mahalakshmi Vrat follows it for complete 16 days with full austerity. Eating non-vegetarian food is completely restricted during this period.

During Mahalakshmi Vrat, reading religious books like ‘Lakshmi Sahasranaam’, ‘Satanamavali’ and ‘Lakshmi Ashtottara’ is considered to be highly beneficial.

The fast is ended on Ashwin Krishna Ashtami after offering evening prayers to Goddess Lakshmi. On the last day, a Purna Kumbha or Kalash is worshipped. The Kalash is filled with water, a few coins, and akshatas. The neck is covered with mango or betel leaves, with a coconut placed on the top. During the puja, the Kalash or Purna Kumbha and coconut are smeared with sandalwood, turmeric paste, and kumkum. A new and fresh cloth is tied to the Kalash, which is emblematic of Goddess Lakshmi and worshipped by the devotees. On the last day, nine different varieties of sweets and savories are prepared for offering to Goddess Lakshmi. It is later distributed as Prasad among all friends and family members.