Mangalore : Hundreds of married women gathered in large numbers in the temple and celebrated Varamahalakshmi Pooja across Dakshina Kannada.

Women offered puja to Mahalakshmi goddess of wealth, auspiciousness and prosperity for the long life of her husband.

Mahalakshmi Vratha is observed on a Friday that falls before the full Moon day of the month of Shravanamasa (August – September).

On the particular day, women take bath early, make a rangoli and place the kalasha, filled with rice and topped with fresh mango leaves, a coconut and cloth are placed on the mandala and Lakshmi is invoked.

It is said that Goddess is appeased by decorating the Kalasa with flowers, jewellery, vastra (new clothes – saree) fruits, dry fruits, fresh grains, sweets and savouries.

Few women keep coins, or even make the garland of notes. Most of the temple began the Vratha at 11 am, beginning with the Puja to Lord Ganesha, followed by the worship of Varalakshmi.

After the puja, the raksha is worshiped and tied to the right hand of the woman.