Mahalakshmi Vrat 2023: Date, Time, Rituals, Celebrations and Significance
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The Mahalakshmi Vrat festival is one of Hindu culture’s most important observances. The fast is dedicated to Maa Lakshmi, the Goddess of Prosperity, Fortune, and Wealth, and lasts 16 days. It begins on the ashtami tithi of Shukla Paksha in Bhadrapada and finishes on the 8th day of Krishna Paksha (ashtami) in Ashwin. The 16-day period falls in September-October according to the Gregorian calendar. Four days after Ganesh Chaturthi, the fast begins. This Hindu Festival is very famous in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.
Mahalakshmi Vrat Date 2023
Begin on Friday, September 22, 2023
and Ends on Friday, October 6, 2023
Mahalakshmi Vrat Rituals
The Mahalakshmi Vrat Procedure is straightforward. Those who are unable to fast for 16 days may do it for three days instead (first, eighth and sixteenth day of this period).
- Before performing puja to Goddess Lakshmi, devotees rise early in the morning and bathe. This is done for the duration of the fast, which is 16 days. At sunrise, some believers offer aaragya to the sun god.
- A Kalash filled with water and rice is placed in front of the goddess’s idol, symbolising prosperity. The kalash is then wrapped in betel and mango leaves and served on a bed of rice.
- During the time, all eight avatars or incarnations of Mahalakshmi are worshipped.
- On one’s left hand, a thread with sixteen knots should be worn.
- Following the puja, 16 Durva grass (doob, or delicate shoots with three blades) are knotted together and sprinkled all over the body.
- To end Mahalakshmi Puja, devotees recite Mahalakshmi Vrat Katha every day.
- During the Mahalakshmi Vrat, it is completely forbidden to consume alcohol or eat non-vegetarian food.
- Devotees should read auspicious religious texts or scriptures such as Satanamavali, Lakshmi Ashtottara, and Lakshmi Sahastranaam.
Mahalakshmi Vrat Significance
Among the many traditions linked with Mahalakshmi vrat, the Bhavishya Purana tells that Yudhisthir, the eldest Pandava, begged Lord Krishna for advice on how to reclaim money lost to the Kauravas through gaming. Lord Krishna encouraged him to practise the Mahalakshmi Vrat, which bestows good fortune, money, and success on devotees.
According to another tradition, Lord Shiva urged Goddess Parvati to fast for wealth and good fortune. Another story has Goddess Lakshmi visiting a woman named Charumati in her sleep and asking her to fast. Charumati followed the fast alongside other ladies, and when it was finished, they discovered themselves covered in jewels and their homes brimming with riches. Since then, ladies (and men) have observed the fast in order to attain prosperity.
The day also coincides with Durva Ashtami Vrat, during which Durva grass is honoured. Radha Ashtami and Jyeshta Devi Puja are both prominent festivals observed on the same day.