Vara Mahalakshmi Vrata

Namaste

We warmly welcome you to participate in the Vara Mahalakshmi Vrata Kumkuma Archana at the temple. Kumkuma Archana is a devotional worship in which devotees collectively chant the sacred names of Sri Mahalakshmi and offer kumkum as an expression of devotion and prayer.

Before you come

• Wear clean, preferably traditional clothing.
• Ladies may wear a saree, salwar suit or other traditional attire.
• Arrive 10–15 minutes before the scheduled start time so everyone can be seated before the puja begins.
• Switch mobile phones to silent mode during the puja.
• There is no need to worry if you are unfamiliar with the procedure. The volunteers will guide everyone.

What the temple will provide

• Lakshmi Coin
• Rice
• Kumkum
• Turmeric
• Akshata
• Flowers
• Puja plate/tray
• Other common puja materials
• Paan Patha
• Sacred thread

The temple will also arrange the Mahalakshmi deity/puja setup, lamps, incense, naivedyam and other common puja requirements. Devotees do not need to bring a complete puja kit.

What devotees may bring

• A small personal plate or puja tray, if you wish.
• You may bring cash offering to be placed in the kalash.
• A small offering for Mahalakshmi, such as fruit or flowers, if desired.
• Your family Gothram and names, if these are being collected for the sankalpa.
• A small bag to take home prasadam and any puja items.

What will happen during the Kumkuma Archana

1. Seating

Please take your assigned seat when you are called. Puja kit will be provided by the volunteers

2. Sankalpa

We will begin with the sankalpa, invoking Sri Mahalakshmi and stating the purpose of the worship. You may be asked to mentally remember your name, family, Gothram (if applicable), and prayer or intention. You do not need to know the Sanskrit wording.

3. Invocation and puja

We will invoke Sri Mahalakshmi and perform the preliminary puja. Join in prayers and mantras as guided.

4. Kumkuma Archana

Chant the sacred names of Sri Mahalakshmi, traditionally including the 108 names (Ashtottara Shatanamavali). As each name is chanted, devotees will take a small amount of kumkum and offer it as instructed. If you cannot keep pace with every name, simply participate with devotion and concentration.

You can read or practise the 108 names in Devanagari, Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, or English.

5. Collective prayers

There may be additional prayers, stotras or Lakshmi mantras. Join in as guided.

6. Sacred thread

Vara Mahalakshmi sacred thread (toram) is part of the programme, it will be blessed during the puja. This will be explained when and how it should be worn.

7. Aarti

The puja will conclude with Mahalakshmi Aarti.

8. Thambulam

Thambulam will be distributed after the puja. Remain seated until your area has been served and follow volunteer instructions.

How long will it take?

Please allow approximately 30 minutes for the complete Kumkuma Archana. The exact duration may vary depending on the number of devotees. We request everyone to remain seated until the ceremony has been completed.

A few important points

• You do not need prior experience to participate.
• Volunteers will guide everyone through the ceremony.
• Please avoid talking during the archana.
• Please keep kumkum and other puja materials within your own space.
• Please do not leave your seat during the main archana unless necessary.
• Parents are requested to help children participate respectfully.
• Volunteers will be available to assist anyone who is unsure what to do.