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Traditional story (retold)
Part 1: Sheela and Her Family
The katha is that in a city a woman named Sheela lived with her husband. The husband fell into bad company and the condition of the house began to worsen, yet Sheela remained firm in dharma and faith.
Part 2: The Guidance of the Elderly Woman
One day an elderly woman told her to keep the Vaibhav Lakshmi vrat. Sheela kept the Friday vrat with faith.
Part 3: The Change
Slowly her husband's nature changed and happiness returned to the home. Sheela performed the udyapan of the vrat with gratitude. This episode is told among the people as an inspiration of faith and patience.
Thus ends the complete Vaibhav Lakshmi Vrat Katha
At a glance
• Goddess: Vaibhav Lakshmi Mata
• When: Friday (11 or 21 Fridays)
• Fast: One meal in the day
• Special: Puja before a Shri Yantra or a picture of Lakshmi
• Main lesson: Happiness stays in the home through truth, hard work and faith
Introduction and significance
The Vaibhav Lakshmi vrat is kept on Friday for Mother Lakshmi. It is very popular in Gujarat and Maharashtra. It is kept for 11 or 21 Fridays.
In the vrat, Lakshmi in her eight forms (Ashtalakshmi) is meditated upon.
When it is observed
• Every Friday.
• 11 or 21 Fridays according to the resolve.
Puja samagri
• A picture of Lakshmi Ji or a Shri Yantra
• A chowki, a red cloth
• Roli, rice, a lotus flower
• A coin, a silver coin or a piece of jewellery
• Kheer, sweets
• Incense, lamp
Vrat vidhi
1. On Friday bathe and set up the picture of Lakshmi Ji on a chowki.
2. In front of it place a kalash of water on a heap of rice.
3. Worship with roli and akshat and offer kheer as bhog.
4. Listen to the katha and perform the aarti.
5. In the evening take the prasad and have one meal in the day.
6. Do the udyapan after the fixed number of Fridays.
Udyapan vidhi
On the last Friday feed 7 or 11 married women or girls and distribute copies of the vrat katha.
Do's
• Keep the home and mind pure.
• Respect married women.
• Give charity.
Don'ts
• Avoid lies and laziness.
• Do not get angry during the vrat.
• Avoid tamasic food.
Benefits (as believed)
It is believed that when the vrat is kept with faith, the wish for peace, happiness and prosperity in the home is fulfilled. It is not a guarantee of financial gain.
Mantras and aarti
• Mantra: "Om Shreem Hreem Shreem Kamale Kamalalaye Praseeda Praseeda Om Shreem Hreem Shreem Mahalakshmyai Namah"
• Aarti: https://divyavani.app/aarti/om-jai-lakshmi-mata
• Mahalakshmi Ashtakam: https://divyavani.app/stotra/mahalakshmi-ashtakam
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: For how many Fridays should the Vaibhav Lakshmi vrat be kept?
A: 11 or 21 Fridays, according to the resolve.
Q: Does one have to skip the vrat during menstruation?
A: In tradition that Friday is skipped and the count carries on. Follow your own family's tradition.
Q: What bhog is offered in the Vaibhav Lakshmi vrat?
A: Kheer and sweets are generally offered.
Q: Can men take part in it?
A: Yes, anyone can keep it with faith.
Q: How is the udyapan of the vrat done?
A: On the last Friday feed 7 or 11 girls or married women.
Precautions
Take care of your health while fasting and consult a doctor if needed. This katha is a retelling of a traditional story. The method and the form of the katha differ by region.