Celebrated In: India
Celebrated By: Hindu (Hindu)
Mahalakshmi Vrata and puja, dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, is observed for 16-days starting from the eighth day of the Shukla Paksha of Bhadrapad Month (August – September) as per traditional Hindu calendar followed in North India. Mahalaxmi Puja and Vrata dates are based on the North Indian calendar and is only observed mainly in North India.
The 16-day Mahalakshmi Vrata ends on the eighth day of the Krishna Paksha of Aswhin month (on the Ashtami day of waning phase of moon).
The Vrata is observed mainly by women but in some communities men also observe the rules associated with the Vrata.
Non-vegetarian food is avoided during the Vrata period. The popular belief is that Goddess Lakshmi blesses devotees with wealth and prosperity during the period.
Tying the sacred thread having sixteen knots after traditional puja is an important ritual during the period.
A specifically prepared Kalash symbolizing Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped on the last day of Mahalakshmi Vrata.
Mahalaxmi Fast Story
In ancient times, a poor brahmana lived in a village. This brahmana was totally devoted to Lord Vishnu and used to worship him regularly. Lord Vishnu was impressed and appeared in front of him. He asked the brahmana to express his desire. Brahma asked Lord Vishnu for wealth. He wanted Goddess laxmi to reside in his home. Lord Vishnu guided the brahmana towards Goddess Laxmi. He said that a lady would come to the temple and the brahmana should invite her to his place. Lord Vishnu also said that the same lady was Goddess Laxmi.
Lord Vishnu said that if Goddess Laxmi was in the brahmana’s home, he would acquire a lot of wealth. The brahmana waited in front of the temple at 4 in the morning. When he saw the lady, he invited her to his place. Goddess Laxmi realized that Lord Vishnu had said all this to the brahmaa. She asked the brahmana to keep Sri Mahalaxmi Fast for sixteen days. She said that all his desires would be fulfilled if he pours water to the Moon on the sixteenth night of the fast.
The brahmana fasted for sixteen days and called out Goddess Laxmi by facing the northern direction. Goddess Laxmi kept her words and the brahmana became rich. Since that day, this fast is kept in order to please Goddess Laxmi and receive her blessings.