The most auspicious Varalakshmi Vratam was observed at all Sivanandashrams. At Sivanandashram, Reservoir Hills, Ganga Arati commenced at 5.30pm followed by Satsang. The Satsang programme comprised a reading, Kirtans, Bhajans and the Lakshmi Arati.

In the reading from Yoga Lessons for Children by Sri Swami Sivananda, the Master extolled the characteristics and glory of Mother Lakshmi. He said, “The Vedas describe Mother Lakshmi as the Goddess of riches. God manifests in the form of wealth. There is material as well as spiritual wealth. Mother Lakshmi provides us with both, but some think of Her as a symbol of material wealth only. It is true that She will grant us this if we desire. But we should pray to Her for something lasting, something more precious and worthwhile – it is spiritual wealth of God. Mother Lakshmi also gives joy. She makes life on earth bearable. Without Her, life on earth would be a journey of pain and suffering”. 

In respect of Her Divine qualities, the Master said, "She appears to the world as a Goddess of peace. When we pray to Her, there is peace in the universe – peace among nations and mankind, and freedom from conflicts and wars. The Divine Mother takes care of the welfare of Her children and blesses the world with good health”.

Sri Swami Sivananda said that every home is the dwelling-place of Mother Lakshmi, and that at sunset, when the lamps are lit, we pray to Her and ask Her to bless our homes. To earn the blessings of Mother Lakshmi we have to pay attention to three important aspects of our lives at home. These are cleanliness, hospitality and charity. If we practise these virtues, we will obtain the Grace of Mother Lakshmi in abundance and will never suffer from any want. He explained further, “The Mother is pleased with a home that is spotlessly clean. She blesses such homes with Her sweet Presence. She is not present in homes that are kept untidy and unkempt. So, we should learn to take very great care of the material things which she represents and has given us”.

The esoteric meaning of Mother Lakshmi’s grandeur, is encapsulated in, “Mother Lakshmi is depicted in pictures as being richly dressed. She wears ornaments of gold. The elephant seen at Her side represents pomp and grandeur. She stands on a lotus and holds two lotus flowers in full bloom, representing fullness in all aspects, both material and spiritual.  This theme is further enunciated in, “The higher nature of the Mother is really spiritual wealth – a pure heart, sweetness of manners, behaviour and speech, service to the Guru, etc. Pray to Mother Lakshmi to grant you the divine spiritual wealth instead of material things. You will then enjoy everlasting peace and happiness”.

The Lakshmi Arati that was sung is a devotional hymn praising Maa Lakshmi and expresses deep reverence to Her as the beloved of Lord Vishnu and as the source of happiness, prosperity, virtues and spiritual blessings. The Arati praises Mother Lakshmi’s radiant and beautiful form and recalls Her emergence during the churning of the cosmic ocean. She is described as the bestower of wealth, nourishment, success and fulfilment, while Her Grace brings auspiciousness to the home and removes fear and anxiety.

An important message of the Lakshmi Arati is that true prosperity is not merely material wealth. Where Mother Lakshmi’s Grace is present, there should also be righteousness, good qualities, peace, contentment and devotion. The devotee therefore seeks Her blessings not only for financial well-being but for a harmonious and virtuous life. Singing the Arati with faith and devotion will cultivate gratitude, positivity, peace of mind, prosperity and spiritual strength. Ultimately, it is a prayer that Divine Grace may illuminate our homes, purify our hearts and enable us to use our blessings for the welfare and service of others.

May the Master’s potent description of Mother Lakshmi as a Goddess of peace, resonate boldly today, more than ever. May Her blessings permeate our lives in all respects. May our Master’s assurance that the Divine Mother takes care of the welfare of Her children and blesses the world with good health, peace and prosperity, also find resonance in each of us.