Devotees throng Durga temple to mark Varalakshmi Vratam

Vijayawada, July 31 :-

  The Kanakadurga temple atop Indrakeeladri witnessed unprecedented pilgrim rush on Friday, when women performed the auspicious ‘Varalakshmi Vratam’ with much devotion.

Since the ghat road was closed even for pedestrians, pilgrims had no option but to trek the hillock using steps. A large number of devotees, with women distinctly outnumbering men, began reaching the temple from the early hours of the day.

With many women opting to perform ‘metla pooja,’ a ritual in which turmeric and vermilion are applied to each step on the route, the queue moved at snail’s pace.

The goddess was adorned as ‘Varalakshmi Devi’ and the three-day ‘Pavitrotsavams’ were kicked off on the occasion.

Special ‘kumkuma poojas’ were performed at Bhavani Deeksha Mandapam, in which a good number of women, accompanied by their children, participated till afternoon.

The Hindu festival going by the name ‘Vara Lakshmi Vratam‘ is celebrated on the last Friday of the bright fortnight in the month of Ashadham, also called Adi, which corresponds to the English months of July-August.

 “Varalaksmi Vratha” is performed by Married Hindu ladies on the Friday just before the full moon day in the month of “Sravana” – July/August- according to Hindu calendar seeking the blessings of goddess Mahalakshmi, wife of Lord Vishnu, who is considered to be the abode of wealth and prosperity. There is a legend that says that this vratam was recommended by Lord Shiva to his wife Parvati to gain wealth and prosperity.