Mahalakshmi Vratham is different from Varalakshmi Vratham.The greatness of Mahalakshmi Vratham was explained to Yuthisthira by Lord Krishna. Yuthisthira wanted to know about a Vratham with which he can get back all that he had lost including property and wealth. The importance of the Vrata is also mentioned in the Bhavishya Puranan. The main ritual during the Vratham is abstaining from non-vegetarian food, waking up early taking bath and praying to Goddess Lakshmi for prosperity.
Mahalakshmi is the presiding Goddess of the Middle episode of Devi Mahatmya. Here she is depicted as Devi in her universal form as Shakti. The manifestation of the Devi to kill Mahishasura is formed by the effulgences of all the gods. The Goddess is described as eighteen armed bearing string of beads, battle axe, maze, arrow, thunderbolt, lotus, bow, water-pot, cudgel, lance, sword, shield, conch, bell, wine-cup, trident, noose and the discus sudarsana. She has a complexion of coral and is seated on a lotus. She is known as Ashta Dasa Bhuja Mahalakshmi.
In Chennai, one of the most popular temples is the Ashtalakshmi Temple in Beasant
Nagar. Located on the seashore, the winding steps takes one to the different shrines of Lakshmi one
after the other.
- Adi Lakshmi - The First manifestation of Lakshmi
- Dhanya Lakshmi - Granary wealth
- Dhairya Lakshmi - Wealth of courage
- Gaja Lakshmi - Elephants, symbols of wealth
- Santana Lakshmi - Wealth of continuity, progeny
- Vijaya Lakshmi - Wealth of victory
- Vidya Lakshmi - Wealth of knowledge and education
- Dhana(Maha) Lakshmi - Monetary wealth
It is said that Lakshmi will enter the house of anyone who thinks of her and bless them. There
are many festivals in the year dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi. Among them, Mahalakshmi Vratham is considered very
auspicious because it is marked by strict observance of certain practices and austerities.
As health, wealth and prosperity depend upon the rythmic play of these forces, the worship of Lakshmi is
said to be to obtain these three. Hence this festival is observed, invoking the blessings of Lakshmi.