Varalakshmi Vratam Date Decision: August 21 or 28? What Do the Shastras Say?

With the arrival of Sravana Masam, the first thing that comes to the minds of married women is Varalakshmi Vratam. However, many are experiencing confusion this year regarding whether to perform the Vratam on August 21 or 28. Traditionally, it is customary to observe this Vratam on the Friday preceding the Purnima (full moon) in the month of Sravana. If Purnima falls on a Friday, the Shastras state that the Vratam should be performed on that very day. Based on this calculation, Purnima occurs on Friday, August 28 this year.

However, all of our Telugu Panchangams explicitly mention August 21st as the day for Varalakshmi Vratam. Meanwhile, Panchangams in other languages (non-Telugu) indicate that the Vratam should be performed on the 28th, which has caused this confusion. As a Dharma Shastra scholar, I will clearly explain this matter to you based on the Puranic slokas.

What Does Dharma Shastra Say? (Pramana Slokas)

Varalakshmi Vratam

Sravana Sukla Purnimopantha Bhargavadine Varalakshmi Vratam Karyam... (Sanskrit texts detailing the rules of the Vratam). According to the above verses, there are clear rules regarding when to perform the Vratam:

• Sravana Masam Shukla Paksha: This Vratam must strictly be performed during the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase) of the Sravana month.
• Friday Before Purnima: Varalakshmi Vratam should be observed on the Friday just before Purnima.
• If Purnima also falls on that Friday, the Vratam should be performed on that Purnima day itself. This is known as "Bhargavi" (as explicitly mentioned in the Skanda Purana, Tattva Katha).

The Word of Skanda Purana

According to the Skanda Purana, Goddess Lakshmi, the beloved of Hari, should be worshipped at home on a Friday during the auspicious final days of the Shukla Paksha in the Sravana month. If a Purnima accompanied by a Friday occurs during the Pradosha time in Sravana, it is highly auspicious for the Vratam. Performing it during Shukla Paksha brings growth and prosperity. But if done during Krishna Paksha, the merit is diminished, and it is warned that it brings utter destruction to the performer. Therefore, one should make every effort to worship Mahalakshmi to the best of their ability on a Friday night during Shukla Paksha.

The Word of Bhavishyottara Purana

According to the Bhavishyottara Purana, if Purnima spans across Friday night, it should be chosen. Otherwise, Varalakshmi Vratam should be observed on the Friday preceding Purnima. Under no circumstances should the auspicious Varalakshmi Vratam be performed during Krishna Paksha. It has been made clear that doing so, knowingly or unknowingly, causes the destruction of one's husband and sons. In all Puja Vratams, the time spanning the afternoon is primarily to be chosen.

Past Examples - Analysis of the Current Situation

In the past, Varalakshmi Vratam fell on a Purnima day on August 3, 2001. On that day, according to Indian Standard Time, Chaturdashi lasted until 9:08 AM, after which Purnima prevailed. Similarly, on August 19, 2005, the Vratam also fell on a Purnima day. However, on that day, Purnima prevailed until 11:22 PM IST, making it Shastra-compliant to perform the Vratam then.

So why shouldn't it be performed on August 28 this year?

The Vratam must always be performed in Shukla Paksha, not in Krishna Paksha. This year, on August 28, Purnima prevails only until 09:48 AM IST. After that, Krishna Paksha begins. By the time we observe the Vratam (afternoon or evening), it will be Krishna Paksha, so performing it at that time is a great dosha. Since observing the Vratam in Krishna Paksha is inauspicious according to the Puranas, Varalakshmi Vratam should not be performed on the 28th.

Therefore, following the evidence from the Shastras, observe Varalakshmi Vratam on August 21st this year without any doubts.