📅 Observance Details

AspectDetails
VratMahalakshmi Vrat
Begins On19 September
Hindu MonthBhadrapada
PakshaShukla Paksha
TithiAshtami
DeityGoddess Mahalakshmi
Duration16 Days
Ends OnAshwin Krishna Ashtami

📖 What is Mahalakshmi Vrat?

Mahalakshmi Vrat is a sacred 16-day vrat (Shodashopachara Lakshmi Vrat) dedicated to Goddess Mahalakshmi, the divine bestower of wealth, prosperity, harmony, and fortune.

The vrat begins on Bhadrapada Shukla Ashtami and concludes on Ashwin Krishna Ashtami.


🌺 Who is Goddess Mahalakshmi?

Goddess Mahalakshmi is:

  • The consort of Lord Vishnu
  • The embodiment of Ashta Lakshmi (eight forms of wealth)
  • The sustaining power of the universe

Ashta Lakshmi Forms:

  1. Adi Lakshmi
  2. Dhana Lakshmi
  3. Dhanya Lakshmi
  4. Gaja Lakshmi
  5. Santana Lakshmi
  6. Veera Lakshmi
  7. Vijaya Lakshmi
  8. Vidya Lakshmi

🌸 Religious & Spiritual Significance

Observing Mahalakshmi Vrat is believed to:

  • Remove poverty and obstacles
  • Bring financial stability
  • Bless families with abundance
  • Ensure peace and harmony in the household

The Ashtami Tithi is especially auspicious for Shakti worship.


🛕 Mahalakshmi Vrat Vidhi (Day 1)

🌼 Preparation

  • Early morning bath
  • Clean the puja area
  • Install a kalash or idol/image of Mahalakshmi

🪔 Puja Steps

  1. Sankalp (vow for 16 days)
  2. Kalash sthapana
  3. Offering lotus flowers
  4. Chanting Lakshmi mantras
  5. Naivedya offering
  6. Daily aarti

📿 Mantra

ॐ श्रीं महालक्ष्म्यै नमः


🥣 Fasting Rules During Mahalakshmi Vrat

Devotees observe:

  • Partial fast (one meal a day)
  • Satvik food only
  • Avoidance of tamasic foods

Some women observe full fasting on first and last day.


🍽️ Naivedya (Offerings)

OfferingSymbolism
Rice & milkNourishment
SweetsProsperity
FruitsAbundance
CoconutCompleteness
Lotus flowersPurity

🌿 Regional Observance & Traditions

Mahalakshmi Vrat is widely observed in:

  • Maharashtra
  • Gujarat
  • Madhya Pradesh
  • Rajasthan
  • Odisha

In Maharashtra, it is also known as Mahalkshmi Vratam.


🌼 Spiritual Benefits of Observing Mahalakshmi Vrat

  • Financial stability
  • Domestic harmony
  • Fulfillment of wishes
  • Divine feminine grace

📅 Calendar-Style Table Entry

ObservanceLunar DateDuration
Mahalakshmi Vrat BeginsBhadrapada Shukla Ashtami16 Days

❓ Short FAQ – Mahalakshmi Vrat

Q1. When does Mahalakshmi Vrat start?
It begins on Bhadrapada Shukla Ashtami.

Q2. How long is Mahalakshmi Vrat observed?
For 16 consecutive days.

Q3. Who can observe this vrat?
Both men and women.

Q4. Is fasting compulsory for all 16 days?
Partial fasting is acceptable.

Q5. When is the vrat concluded?
On Ashwin Krishna Ashtami.