The Varalakshmi Vratam is primarily performed by married women (sumangali), for their own well-being, and in order to ask the goddess to bless their husbands with health and longevity.

During an auspicious hour, the women sing a song of greeting to Lakshmi, and carry the tray and kalasham into the puja room.

According to one story, a Brahmin woman named Padmavati, known to be pious and dutiful to her husband, as well as reputed to assist the sick, poor, and the needy, was observed by Lakshmi in the kingdom of Kosala.

[10] In a similar story, a virtuous and honest woman named Charumati, devoted to her husband and in-laws, receives a dream from Vishnu.

The deity tells her to worship the goddess Lakshmi every year during the month of Shravana, which would avail her the blessings of his consort, as well as all forms of wealth.

[11] Some of the rituals that are performed on this occasion are regarded by some scholars to be significant:[12] The essences of the goddess, indeed of all females, are said to be arishina and kunkum [sic].

... Turmeric, though applied to the exterior of the female, to her skin, enlivens her interior life, layering her from within, adding depth and texture.