Significance of Aadivaar Thakkam Vratam

Aadivaar Thakkam Vratam is a special Friday fast observed mainly by women to seek the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity. This ritual is followed by both men and women for gaining wealth, harmony in family life, and overall well-being. Here’s a detailed explanation of how to observe the Aadivaar Thakkam Vratam:

Significance of Aadivaar Thakkam Vratam

• The term “Aadivaar” refers to Friday, a day dedicated to Goddess Mahalakshmi.
• This fast is primarily observed to please Goddess Lakshmi, who is believed to bring wealth, fortune, and prosperity to the household.
• It is said that observing this Vratam with devotion brings success, happiness, and material gains to the family.
• Goddess Mahalakshmi is depicted sitting on a lotus flower, symbolizing purity, beauty, and wealth.

Steps to Observe Aadivaar Thakkam Vratam

Preparation for the Vratam

• On the day of the Vratam, clean the house, especially the prayer area, and decorate it with rangoli (kolam).
• Place a picture or idol of Goddess Mahalakshmi on a clean, decorated platform.
• Arrange the necessary items like turmeric, kumkum, flowers, coconut, ghee lamp, oil lamp, rice, and various fruits for the puja.
• The devotees should take a bath early in the morning and wear clean clothes before starting the puja.

Performing the Puja

• Begin the ritual by lighting oil lamps or ghee lamps in front of the Goddess’s picture or idol.
• Offer flowers, especially lotus flowers, as they are considered the favorite of Goddess Lakshmi.
• Recite slokas like Mahalakshmi Ashtakam, Sri Suktam, and Lakshmi Sahasranamam to invoke the blessings of the Goddess.
• The main part of the Vratam is listening to or narrating the Aadivaar Thakkam Vrat Katha (story associated with the fast).

Aadivaar Thakkam Vrat Katha (The Story)

• The story often revolves around a poor woman who, despite her hardships, observed the Vratam with great devotion. She prayed to Goddess Lakshmi, and with her divine blessings, she overcame all her financial difficulties and gained immense wealth.
• Narrating or listening to this story during the puja is believed to please Goddess Lakshmi and ensure her blessings.

Offerings and Prasadam

• Prepare special food offerings like Puliyodarai (tamarind rice), sundal (boiled chickpeas with seasoning), and sweet dishes.
• These offerings are placed in front of the Goddess and then distributed as prasadam to family members and visitors after the puja.

Rituals to Follow for 16 Fridays

• The Vratam should be observed continuously for 16 Fridays to complete the ritual.
• On each Friday, the devotee should fast throughout the day, consuming only fruits, milk, or buttermilk in the morning.
• The main puja is performed in the evening, followed by a small meal or prasadam.

Key Offerings

• Lotus Flowers: Essential for the puja as they are a favorite of Goddess Lakshmi.
• Lamp Lighting: Lighting lamps with ghee or oil is considered auspicious, bringing wealth and prosperity.
• Turmeric and Kumkum: These symbolize purity and are applied to the idol as part of the ritual.

Concluding the Vratam

• After completing 16 Fridays, the devotee may offer a gold coin, jewelry, or a gold ring to the Goddess as a token of gratitude.
• Additionally, making a donation in the form of Annadanam (food donation) or offering clothes to the needy is highly recommended.

Benefits of Aadivaar Thakkam Vratam

1. Wealth and Prosperity: It brings financial stability and prosperity in life.
2. Family Harmony: The Vratam helps in creating a peaceful and harmonious family life.
3. Marital Bliss: It is believed to strengthen the bond between husband and wife, bringing happiness to married life.
4. Blessings of Children: Women praying for children observe this Vratam to seek the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi for progeny.
5. Overall Well-being: The Vratam enhances the overall well-being and happiness of the family.

Special Worship for Goddess Lakshmi

• Purna Ahuti: A ritual performed as a part of the Vratam, offering complete devotion and prayers to the Goddess.
• Cow Worship: Offering prayers to the sacred cow is considered auspicious as cows are symbols of wealth and prosperity in Hindu tradition.
• Tulsi Archana: Offering Tulsi leaves to Goddess Lakshmi is believed to be very beneficial and brings her divine blessings.

Flowers Suitable for the Puja

• Lotus: The most preferred flower for Goddess Lakshmi.
• Marigold, Jasmine, and Chrysanthemum: Other commonly used flowers for the puja.

Maintaining Purity During the Vratam

• Devotees should maintain a calm mind, free from negative thoughts, and focus entirely on the prayer and devotion towards the Goddess.
• It is important to observe the Vratam with complete dedication and a pure heart to receive the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi.

Significance of Offerings

• Puliyodarai (Tamarind Rice) and Chickpea Sundal are special dishes prepared during this Vratam.
• The use of coconut, fruits, and sweets as offerings symbolizes abundance and prosperity.

Completing the 16-Week Ritual

• After 16 consecutive Fridays, it is customary to visit a Vishnu temple, as Vishnu is the consort of Goddess Lakshmi.
• Offering food to the needy, performing charity, and visiting holy places are also recommended to complete the ritual.

Aadivaar Thakkam Vratam is a beautiful tradition that focuses on seeking the divine grace of Goddess Lakshmi. By observing this fast with sincerity and devotion, devotees believe they can attract wealth, peace, and overall prosperity into their lives.