Dubai: VML Samithi UAE Hosts Grand Varamahalakshmi Puja
Report: Sathish pujary
Pics: Ashok Belman
Dubai, Jul 30: Vara Mahalaxmi Samithi, UAE, comprising more than 70 members irrespective of caste, conducted the biggest-ever puja for women on Friday July 27.
The women performed Sri Varamahalakshmi Vrutha at JSS Private School auditorium, Al Safa, Dubai. This is the sixth consecutive year such a vibrant 'puja' has been organized by the VML Samithi. Jam-packed audience, with nearly 1,200 devotees, witnessed the event.
The puja began at 3.30 pm, with lighting of the lamp by the membes of VML Samithi, and performed by Vedamoorthy Sri Sri Gururaj Udupa who came from Mangalore along with Purohit Raghu Bhat. Anand Salian and his wife Usha Anand did the rites on behalf of the committee and devotees. The chanting of Vishnu Sahasra Namavali by the VML members and Mahalakshmi Astakam by the devotees was followed by Ayigirinandini song.
The Mantap was beautifully decorated by Rajesh Kuttar and his team, installed in front of the stage like a Mandal surrounded by lighted lamps. 'Tulasi Katte', decorated with a 'Rangoli' of flowers looked spectacular. Six bhajan teams led by Suma Narayan, Vishwakarma Seva Samithi, Mogaveers UAE, Padmashari, Jabel Ali Bhajan Team and Narayan Seva Samithi performed the Akand Bhajan soulfully and gracefully.
Varalakshmi Vratha is a festival to propitiate the goddess Lakshmi, the consort of Vishnu, one of the Hindu Trinity. Varalakshmi is one who grants boons (Varam). ‘Vara Lakshmi Vrata' is celebrated on the second Friday in the month of Śravana known as Sukla paksha proceeding the full moon day. Varalakshmi Vratha is peformed by married women for the well being of the family members, especially the husband.
Significance: Eight forces or energies are recognised and they are known as Sri (Wealth), Bhu (Earth), Sarasvati (learning), Priti (love), Kirti (Fame), Santi (Peace), Tushti (Pleasure) and Pushti (Strength). Each one of these forces is called a Lakshmi and all the eight forces are called the Ashta Lakshmis or the eight Lakshmis of the Hindus. Vishnu is also called Ashta Lakshmi Padhi which is equivalent to saying that he is the asylum for the eight-Lakshmis or forces. In fact, Vishnu representing the preservative aspect of the universe radiates these forces from him. These forces are personified and worshipped as Lakshmis, since abstract force is beyond the comprehension of the ordinary people. As health, wealth and prosperity depend upon the rhythmic play of these forces, the worship of Lakshmi is said to be to obtain these three. Only a woman can sympathise with another woman. Lakshmi is a woman. So she will more readily sympathise with women. Hence this festival is observed largely by women, invoking the blessings of Lakshmi on them, their husbands and their children.
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The Nrutya Rupaka ‘Mahishasura Mardini’ was beautifully performed by members Jasmita Vivek, Divya Prakash, Shubhapriya Sharath, Shrutha Naveen, Soumya Dhananjay, Pavana Sudarshan, Harsha Laxmi Narayan, Nisha Ahwin, Beena Rajesh, Suvarna Satish, Ramananda Shetty, Suresh Sanil, Prakash Shetty, Jesh Bayyar, Rajesh Belapu, Sandeep Barke, Manoj Bolar and Girish. It was choreographed by Jasmitha Vivek and directed by Rajesh Kuttar, with make-up and support by Kishore Gatty, Vishwanath Shetty and Yaksha Mitraru. A prayer “Sumanasa Vandita” was presented gracefully and appreciated wholeheartedly by the devotees.
The Bhajan groups, media, Satvik Living team were felicitated for their participation and soulful presentations. Sampada from Satvik Living in her brief speech provided useful information for the women on how to follow Satvik life.
The Puja concluded at 10 pm with the 'Mahamangalarathi' followed by non-stop 'Aarati' songs rendered by the group. It continued with 'Kannikaaradhane', 'Brahmanaradhane' and suhasin Aradhane one after the other. Kannikaaradhane was offered to 3 babies Aanvi Santhosh, Aanvita Ramanand and Aanvi Jagannath.
'Mahaprasada' distribution was unique with all the devotees being served with sumptuous mouth-watering vegetarian delicacies including 'Payasa' and 'Jilebi'.
Ramanad Belapu compered the event.