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THIRUKAARTHIGAI FESTIVAL- FESTIVAL OF LAMPS IN SOUTH INDIA
As we know that most of our Indian festivals are always based on great spiritual legends from Indian mythologies, they are well planned and organized by our ancestors based on climates, weather, harvest, economy and geography of the locality.
There are number of such very old festivals still being observed in our nation with the same trend and pattern. One such festival id ''THIRUKAARTHIGAI '' Deepa thiruvizha.
Uniqueness of the South India:
When Northern states enjoy the various festivals, people of Soth also appreciates and joins with them. But there are few festivals in Southern States [ Kerala and Tamil Nadu ] which are very unique. Thirukaarthigai lamp festival is one such grand festival which is being celebrated in these two southern most states of India.
This festival lies at the Kaarthigai Tamil month. It will usually in the midst of November and beginning of December. This year it is celebrated on December 11th- Thursday.
Legends behind the festival:
The legends quote one incident from Shiva Puranam. This is the story in which Bhrama and Vishnu tried their best to see the head and sacred feet of Lord Shiva. But they were in vain. Vishnu was able to see the feet and head of Shiva through staunch surrender and devotion. Mean while Bharama lied that he has seen Shiva's head and he lost his position in the worshipping cult in India like other 2 Gods.
The legend says that Shiva appeared as the great universal energy in the form of Light. So people worship the light as Shiva on this day by lighting clay lamps in their homes. The great universal energy can be realized within us by true surrender and devotion. The tiny flame on the clay lamp represents this spiritual message. This legend from the myth is being observed in the sacred place called THIRUVANNAAMALAI in Tamil Nadu.
Mythology also says that Parvathy Devi meditated towards Shiva and attained half of his body and appeared as ''ARDHA NAAREESHWARAR'' on this day.
Thirukaarthigai in Murugan shrines:
Other legend is taken from Skandha Purana. Lord Murugan requested Shiva and Parvathy to bless the 6 divine maidens called ''KAARTHIGAI PENGAL''. They were asked by Shiva to nourish and care Murugan in Saravana poigai [ pond with naanal grass near Ganga]. So Shiva has blessed them to shine as ever shining Kaarthigai stars. He said that people will respect and worship all these maidens at the month of Kaarthigai by lighting lamps. This festival teaches us to respect the motherly hood.
Thirukaarthigai in Vishnu temples:
Thirukaarthigai is also being observed in all Vishnu temples. In Tamil Nadu on this day Lord Vishnu will be decorated and taken out for procession around the temple. Then by evening 6 P.M, the ritual of burning a coconut tree trunk covered with dry palm leaves will be performed. This is called as ''SOKKA PAANAI''. Thirumangai aalwar [ the saint singer lived in 9th century A.D] will be celebrated for his birth star on this day and he will request Lord Vishnu to accept the winter season Vedic celebrations called ''THIRUVAAIMOLI'' festival. Lord will also write the permission letter on a palm leaf and ask this saint to commence the Vedic festifal. So the divine flame on this day represents the true wisdom.
Thirukaarthigai lamp festival is one of the ancient most Indian festival. Vedas, mythologies and many literatures have mentioned about various Kaarthigai occassions.
1. Thiruvannamalai is very famous for its 10 days Kaarthigai festival. On the Bharani star day huge broad lamp will be lighted on the mountain which can be viewed from few kilometers away. Immediately all the people will light lamps and decorate their homes. Direct television telecasts are available.
2. All Murugan temples have celebrated this before 2000 years.
3. Sambandhar [ Shavite saint singer of 7th century A.D] have mentioned about this festival in Thirumailai[ Mylapore in Madras city].
4. Sangam literature says that women drew floral drawings and decorated with rice powder and flowers and lighted clay and iron lamps.
5. In coastal colonies women used fish and pig fat oil to light the lamps.
6. Rich families used golden lamps and lighted with cow ghee.
Specialty in Coimbatore region of Tamil Nadu:
Coimbatore zone covers Erode, Salem, Thirupur, Pollachi areas in the Western part of Tamil Nadu. The culture of this zone differs from rest of the state. Here every temple has a small or tall granite pillar carved with idols. It will be placed in front of the main entrance. At the top we can see a large iron holder to hold the ''THIRUKAARTHIGAI CHATTI''. This is the clay lamp which can hold 1 liter of oil. On Thirukaarthigai day this lamp will be lighted and people offer poojas to this pillar. In olden days every day night they must have been lighted to show the ways for the night travelers.
Today how to celebrate this festival?
This is the month by which the North East monsoon in Tamil Nadu and Kerala tops and slight showers will be expected. Then comes the cold charming divine winter to do bajans and other rituals. So every day from Kaarthigai first day we need to put a pair of clay lamps at the entrance of our home. This was to help the travelers who travels at night time in olden days.
We can also increase the number of lamps in odd numbers.
Then on Kaarthigai full moon day, observe fasting in morning and chant Shiva namams and all chants upon Murugan or Vishnu. Clean the home and draw floral designs with rice powder mixed with water and decorate with color powders or flowers.
Wait for the dusk. Prepare all the lamps in your house. They must be well cleaned and decorated with saffron and turmeric paste. Big lamps can be decorated with flowers also. Then use pur cow ghee or gingly oil or castor oil or mixing of neem- castor- gingly- elupay and ghee. Mixed oils are available at shops.
Places to place the lamps:
Use cotton wick. Light the lamps after performing rituals to Lord Ganesha. Then put a clay lamp before him in prayer room. Then place a lamp in your kitchen, bed room, bath room, back entrance and middle of the drawing hall. Then arrange all other lamps according to your taste and imagination out side of the main gate. Let the lamps be in odd numbers. While placing the lamps chant your favorite God's names and ask for blessings.
How to light the lamp?
This is for the big or small brass or silver lamps with 5 faces. The lamp is the symbol of the universe. The base represents Bhrama and Saraswathy. Them main stem which uplifts the main lamp is the symbol of intelligence which makes us to uplift our self into spiritual light. This is Vishnu and Mahalaxmi. Then the top portion with 5 faces depicts Shiva's 5 faces. It is the representation of 5 natural elements and primordial energy Parasakthy also.
Let the wicks face in the following order in the morning time and during main rituals:
1. South East
2.South West
3.West
4. North West.
5. North East.
These directions are the directions of main natural forces which governs the globe and we are lighting to respect and tame them to bless us with good rain, sun shine and other natural wealth.
In evening on normal days let us use only 2 wicks facing mere East and West.
Lighting ceremony:
Use another small wick or light and start lighting the wick from anti clock wise starting from South East and complete it with East. While lighting chant AAdhiShankara's Kanaka Dhara sthotram on Mahalaxmi to bless us with the real spiritual wealth which will bring other materialistic wealth.
Then chant all other sacred chants and sing in praise of Gods.
Burn crackers out side of your entrance.
How to put off the lamps?
Lamps should not dry without oil or ghee. So after all rituals see the time and you can extend the time by pouring more oil or just take a flower and chant '' OM SHANTHY'' for 3 times and put off the lights. Discard the wicks and if oil is still can be used save it and clean the lamp with water daily before use. Lamp is the symbol of mother Goddess who needs to be cared every day. This is the real Vedic style of lamping taught by the great astrologer and aacharya Poojyasree Sree Jayachandraji in Kottyam - Chenganaseri.
Food offering on Kaarthigai deepam:
1. Coconuts with bananas.
2. Beetle leaves.
3. Pori urundai. Puffed rice mixed with jaggery paste and groundnuts makes the main prasadham for this occasion.
4. You can offer nay other vegetarian dishes to lamps and do the poojas.
5. Kaarthigai appam:
Rice flour or wheat has be mixed with jaggery and banana and blend it. Then heat the oil and pour one serving spoon of this dough and cook it. This is Kaarthigai appam. In Kerala special appam vessels are available. We can also use Paniyaara kal for cooking appam.
The festival extends for 3 days. Many people extend the keeping of 2 lamps till Pongal festival also.
Let us celebrate this very ancient festival of lights and attain spiritual bliss.
Thank you!
.
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Lord Murugan in ancient Tamil Nadu13-Paripaadal
Thamil Changam
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THE GREATNESS OF ANCIENT TAMIL LITERATURE- 13
PARIPAADAL -5 , MURUGAN
This song was composed by Nal Achudhanaar who was also a great musician who has set tune for this poem.
He is praising Murugan as follows,
The evening scenes in Thiruparangkundram: People lighted many lamps and sacrifice fire was worshipped by the priests. Some of the devotees played various musical instruments.
Some brought sandal paste, garlands, cock flags and cloths to Murugan.
Few offered peacocks, long spears and brass bells at the foot of kadhamba tree near the hillock. Few have installed long metal spears before Murugan and praised his deeds.
Do we want to visit heaven after seeing these devotional scenes?
* Musicians played Veena - a plucking instrument and many bees started singing along with that.
* Few played melodious flutes and for which many dragon flies sang and flew every where.
* Few men banged the drums . The noise of the cascade could not be heard when the drums were banged.
* Many young women sang and danced. There were many creepers with colorful flowers waving in the breeze.
* Peacocks were also dancing along with people at the slopes of the hillock.
* All these scenes were like the educated people gathered for a conference.
* The broad way between Thiruparangkundram and Madurai city became so crowded and got mashed with the flowers and garlands.
* Murugan is always residing in this hillock and accepting the various rituals performed by various devotees all over the Earth.
* The sacrificial fire smokes touched the haven and the angels were happy to smell that.
* The smokes from the temple some times shades the sun also.
* People also took holy dip in the temple tanks and spring.
* The cascade from the hillock irrigates the near by farms. The gems fell from ornaments will get studded in those farms and shines colorfully.
* Always people enjoyed feasts, festivals and gatherings in Madurai and Thiruparangkundram and also in the banks of Vaigai. This say that the country was peaceful without wars.
Poet's prayer:
Muruga! please bless me and my family with long span of life without and disease and hurdles. You have killed the demons by mounting on the elephant and now you are appearing on bluish peacock and holding the cock flag! We are at the foot hill of Thiruparangkundram singing your deeds! Please bless us!
Thankyou!
Home Disclaimer Contact us
2007-Sakthi Foundation Inc. .mailto:gethealed@sakthifoundation.org
Home
Articles in English
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Sakthi Thamil Changam - English articles Articles in English
THE GREATNESS OF ANCIENT TAMIL LITERATURE- 13
PARIPAADAL -5 , MURUGAN
This song was composed by Nal Achudhanaar who was also a great musician who has set tune for this poem.
He is praising Murugan as follows,
The evening scenes in Thiruparangkundram: People lighted many lamps and sacrifice fire was worshipped by the priests. Some of the devotees played various musical instruments.
Some brought sandal paste, garlands, cock flags and cloths to Murugan.
Few offered peacocks, long spears and brass bells at the foot of kadhamba tree near the hillock. Few have installed long metal spears before Murugan and praised his deeds.
Do we want to visit heaven after seeing these devotional scenes?
* Musicians played Veena - a plucking instrument and many bees started singing along with that.
* Few played melodious flutes and for which many dragon flies sang and flew every where.
* Few men banged the drums . The noise of the cascade could not be heard when the drums were banged.
* Many young women sang and danced. There were many creepers with colorful flowers waving in the breeze.
* Peacocks were also dancing along with people at the slopes of the hillock.
* All these scenes were like the educated people gathered for a conference.
* The broad way between Thiruparangkundram and Madurai city became so crowded and got mashed with the flowers and garlands.
* Murugan is always residing in this hillock and accepting the various rituals performed by various devotees all over the Earth.
* The sacrificial fire smokes touched the haven and the angels were happy to smell that.
* The smokes from the temple some times shades the sun also.
* People also took holy dip in the temple tanks and spring.
* The cascade from the hillock irrigates the near by farms. The gems fell from ornaments will get studded in those farms and shines colorfully.
* Always people enjoyed feasts, festivals and gatherings in Madurai and Thiruparangkundram and also in the banks of Vaigai. This say that the country was peaceful without wars.
Poet's prayer:
Muruga! please bless me and my family with long span of life without and disease and hurdles. You have killed the demons by mounting on the elephant and now you are appearing on bluish peacock and holding the cock flag! We are at the foot hill of Thiruparangkundram singing your deeds! Please bless us!
Thankyou!
Home Disclaimer Contact us
2007-Sakthi Foundation Inc. .mailto:gethealed@sakthifoundation.org
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Madurai Chithirai Festival-5
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MADURAI CHITIRAI FESTIVAL -5
KAL ALAGAR VAIGAI AATRIL,KAALAI VAIKKUM NALLA NAALIL........
Madurai never sleeps on ordinary days. Throught night people all over the nation reach and stay and pass across the city. Madurai is the gateway for the entire southern part of Tamilnadu and Kerala states.
It is called as ''thoongaa nagaram''...the sleepless city. At midnight 1 a.m one can taste hot Idlies, chatny or any non veg items all around the city. The central market and bazars are crowded with merchants.
There is no need to say about Chitirai festival especially the night before Chitirai poornima day. News papers and radio talks and forecast about the various events, venues and exact time when Alagar comes down to Vaigai river bank to start the climax of Chitirai festival. No space--no sleep--no sadness.
Let us see what happens inside Prasana Venketasa Perumal temple.
Alagar will be given a warm welcome by Vemketasa perumal. Alagar will take his dinner with him. Then he rest behind a large screen. He is taken out from the palanquin and placed on a golden altar for a long sacred bath. Milk, ghee, tender coconut, oil, curd, sandal paste, turmeric water, essence water, honey, herbal water will be poured on him.
Special water tanks are brought from Alagar malai. The water to bath Him is always from a special spring called Nuupura ganga.It is located at the top of Alagar malai. If we pour any other water, the idol will turn black.
Then Alagar takes a long rest. Near to dawn, the poojari get into trans and opens a big wooden box.
BOX FULL OF FORTUNES:
The wooden box has various colour clothes. The poojari in trans choose a cloth. The colour of the cloth depicts the fortune of the year. Then that cloth will be offered to Alagar.The idol is decorated with that cloth.
Now the temple announces the mass about the colour of the cloth. Then the entire state gets announced with the colour through the media.
green--fertile
blue-good monsoon
red-natural disasters
yellow-normal life
Now it is the time for Alagar to start his divine, long, enjoyable journey into Madurai. Again the devotees shout, screem and dance. The crowd plays varieties of instruments. All over the city ''GOVINDHA '' nama overflows with devotion.
There comes out Kal Alagar...........
He is seated on a big golden horse. Two legs are resting on the shoe rest. He holds a long spear in his right hand. His left hand holds the horse rope. The large diamond crown adorns his head. The shoulders are adorned with SreeAandaal's garlands.
*Aandaal---see Thirupaavai articles.
SreeAandaal from Sreevilliputhur[72 k.m south to Madurai] sends her garland for Alagar. Alagar waits for her garland and when it reaches the temple ,it is offered to Alagar.
The garland symbolize the jeevathman. Aandaal has surrendered her soul to him.
Now Alagar is slowly reaching the Vaigai river bank through the main road of Goripalayam area. There is no place even to stand.
Alagar enters into the crowd and moves towards Vaigai river. The river is dry in summer. But sometimes it is supplied with artificial water flow in a small area. Often Vaigai dam supplies water for this festival. But the water level is very very low. The river is flooded not with water, but with people.
When Aalagar enters into Vaigai, people scream with ''Govindha'' namam and the procession begins. Alagar will be received by Vijayaragava perumal and SreeKoodal Alagar .Slowly poojas will be done to all the three Gods. Tamilnadu state government offers special mantakapadi and poojas to Alagar.
Slowly Alagar moves into the city along the left bank of Vaigai . Many residential areas, colonies, slums invite him and enjoys the festival. He is the only God who visits all the sluggish slums and poor people.
By mid noon he reaches Ramarayar mantabham for lunch and short rest. There happens the most famous ''Theerth vaari''.1000s of devotees pump the sacred water on him and do this ritual. It will be like the summer showers.
Then Alagar proceeds to many areas. The local news papers, tv and radio often announces his journey map and timings .In all venues people wait to receive him. The festival continues till midnight by which he reaches Vandiyuur Mariamman temple. [Alagar's sister is Parvathydevi. She is called as Yogamaya in Krishnaavatharam and in this yugam she is named as Maari amman]
There he gets down from the horse and take sacred bath and completely gets smeared with sandal paste. It is very very rare to see him in this darshan, so lakhs of Madurai people gather and see him all over the night.
Next day night he shows all his 10 avatharams from 6 p.m till dawn and then proceeds to a village called Thaenoor on Garuda mount. He completes his task of visiting Madurai. There in Vaigai river he blesses a sage called Sudhapas.
Sudhapas story:
Sudhapas was a great saint meditating in the pond near Alagar malai inside the water .Durvasa mahamuni came to see him and he did not realise that. So Durvasa got angry and cursed him to become a frog., who lives without knowing the outer world. Then he said that Alagar will relive him from the curse in Vaigai river. So Sudhapas came to Thaenoor and started his penance. Alagar also accepted his bakthy and came to that place and blessed him.
So Alagar on Garuda will be taken to the river and a clay model of a frog will be placed befor Alagar. Then poojas will be done and Alagar starts back his long journey.
There is also a legend that he is visiting Madurai to see his sister Meenakshi's wedding. But on the way he was got hold by his devotees and missed the wedding.
Alagar 's Madurai visit is one of the world's greatest festival which binds many minds and teach us many spiritual lessons.
Lets us enjoy at least once. The festival usually falls on May month. All Tamil calendars will show us the date and events.
Let us visit Madurai this year and enjoy the Chitirai festival.
thanking you!!!
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MADURAI CHITIRAI FESTIVAL -5
KAL ALAGAR VAIGAI AATRIL,KAALAI VAIKKUM NALLA NAALIL........
Madurai never sleeps on ordinary days. Throught night people all over the nation reach and stay and pass across the city. Madurai is the gateway for the entire southern part of Tamilnadu and Kerala states.
It is called as ''thoongaa nagaram''...the sleepless city. At midnight 1 a.m one can taste hot Idlies, chatny or any non veg items all around the city. The central market and bazars are crowded with merchants.
There is no need to say about Chitirai festival especially the night before Chitirai poornima day. News papers and radio talks and forecast about the various events, venues and exact time when Alagar comes down to Vaigai river bank to start the climax of Chitirai festival. No space--no sleep--no sadness.
Let us see what happens inside Prasana Venketasa Perumal temple.
Alagar will be given a warm welcome by Vemketasa perumal. Alagar will take his dinner with him. Then he rest behind a large screen. He is taken out from the palanquin and placed on a golden altar for a long sacred bath. Milk, ghee, tender coconut, oil, curd, sandal paste, turmeric water, essence water, honey, herbal water will be poured on him.
Special water tanks are brought from Alagar malai. The water to bath Him is always from a special spring called Nuupura ganga.It is located at the top of Alagar malai. If we pour any other water, the idol will turn black.
Then Alagar takes a long rest. Near to dawn, the poojari get into trans and opens a big wooden box.
BOX FULL OF FORTUNES:
The wooden box has various colour clothes. The poojari in trans choose a cloth. The colour of the cloth depicts the fortune of the year. Then that cloth will be offered to Alagar.The idol is decorated with that cloth.
Now the temple announces the mass about the colour of the cloth. Then the entire state gets announced with the colour through the media.
green--fertile
blue-good monsoon
red-natural disasters
yellow-normal life
Now it is the time for Alagar to start his divine, long, enjoyable journey into Madurai. Again the devotees shout, screem and dance. The crowd plays varieties of instruments. All over the city ''GOVINDHA '' nama overflows with devotion.
There comes out Kal Alagar...........
He is seated on a big golden horse. Two legs are resting on the shoe rest. He holds a long spear in his right hand. His left hand holds the horse rope. The large diamond crown adorns his head. The shoulders are adorned with SreeAandaal's garlands.
*Aandaal---see Thirupaavai articles.
SreeAandaal from Sreevilliputhur[72 k.m south to Madurai] sends her garland for Alagar. Alagar waits for her garland and when it reaches the temple ,it is offered to Alagar.
The garland symbolize the jeevathman. Aandaal has surrendered her soul to him.
Now Alagar is slowly reaching the Vaigai river bank through the main road of Goripalayam area. There is no place even to stand.
Alagar enters into the crowd and moves towards Vaigai river. The river is dry in summer. But sometimes it is supplied with artificial water flow in a small area. Often Vaigai dam supplies water for this festival. But the water level is very very low. The river is flooded not with water, but with people.
When Aalagar enters into Vaigai, people scream with ''Govindha'' namam and the procession begins. Alagar will be received by Vijayaragava perumal and SreeKoodal Alagar .Slowly poojas will be done to all the three Gods. Tamilnadu state government offers special mantakapadi and poojas to Alagar.
Slowly Alagar moves into the city along the left bank of Vaigai . Many residential areas, colonies, slums invite him and enjoys the festival. He is the only God who visits all the sluggish slums and poor people.
By mid noon he reaches Ramarayar mantabham for lunch and short rest. There happens the most famous ''Theerth vaari''.1000s of devotees pump the sacred water on him and do this ritual. It will be like the summer showers.
Then Alagar proceeds to many areas. The local news papers, tv and radio often announces his journey map and timings .In all venues people wait to receive him. The festival continues till midnight by which he reaches Vandiyuur Mariamman temple. [Alagar's sister is Parvathydevi. She is called as Yogamaya in Krishnaavatharam and in this yugam she is named as Maari amman]
There he gets down from the horse and take sacred bath and completely gets smeared with sandal paste. It is very very rare to see him in this darshan, so lakhs of Madurai people gather and see him all over the night.
Next day night he shows all his 10 avatharams from 6 p.m till dawn and then proceeds to a village called Thaenoor on Garuda mount. He completes his task of visiting Madurai. There in Vaigai river he blesses a sage called Sudhapas.
Sudhapas story:
Sudhapas was a great saint meditating in the pond near Alagar malai inside the water .Durvasa mahamuni came to see him and he did not realise that. So Durvasa got angry and cursed him to become a frog., who lives without knowing the outer world. Then he said that Alagar will relive him from the curse in Vaigai river. So Sudhapas came to Thaenoor and started his penance. Alagar also accepted his bakthy and came to that place and blessed him.
So Alagar on Garuda will be taken to the river and a clay model of a frog will be placed befor Alagar. Then poojas will be done and Alagar starts back his long journey.
There is also a legend that he is visiting Madurai to see his sister Meenakshi's wedding. But on the way he was got hold by his devotees and missed the wedding.
Alagar 's Madurai visit is one of the world's greatest festival which binds many minds and teach us many spiritual lessons.
Lets us enjoy at least once. The festival usually falls on May month. All Tamil calendars will show us the date and events.
Let us visit Madurai this year and enjoy the Chitirai festival.
thanking you!!!
Monday, October 27, 2008
SKANDHA SASTI FESTIVAL
SKANDHA SASTI FESTIVAL
Tamil Nadu and Kerala states celebrate 6 days festival at the month of October-November for Lord Skandha. He is also known as Murugan and Subhramanya.
WHO IS SKANDHA?
He is the son of Shiva-Parvathy. He is the symbol of the Shivasakthy bhava. Skandha is considered to be the holistic bliss of Shivasakthy.
Saint Vyasa has celebrated the deeds of Skandha in his Skandha puranam.
WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THE WORD SKANDHA?
The word Skandha means ‘’one who is the abode of kindness and beauty’’.
LEGEND OF SKANDHA: The 3 great demons SOORA PADUMA- GAJAMUHA SOORA AND SINGA MUGA SOORA got many boons from Bharama and started ruling the entire universe.
They misused the powers and freedom which they possessed. They have also imprisoned Indra and his people from heaven. Indra’s wife Indrani meditated upon Shiva and Shiva promised to save all the angels from the demons.
The demons were blessed with a boon that only a son born from a man should kill them. So Shiva opened his third eye and produced a flame of energy.
This flame was carried by the god of wind ‘’vaayu’’ and god of fire ‘’Agni’’ to river Ganga.
Goddess Ganga received the flame and incubated in 6 lotus flowers. The flame was transferred into 6 embryos and nourished inside the flowers. So Skandha is also known as ‘’KAANGAY YA’’. 6 maidens known as ‘’Kaarthigai strees’’ were appointed by Shiva to care the embryos. So he is also name as ‘’KAARTHIGAYYA’’.
On Vaikaasi vishaka day the embryos were developed into 6 babies. They were brought up by the 6 maidens and finally Parvathy Devi hugged them and made as one child. Shiva named him as ‘’Skandha’’.
Skandha enjoyed his childhood in Kailash and when the time came to kill the demons, Parvathy gave him her sakthy as the ‘’sacred spear’’. This is the symbol of ‘’ pure wisdom’’.
THE SIX DAYS WAR:
Skandha went to Veera Mahendrapuri which was the capital city of the demons. For 6 days from the new moon day he mediated upon Shivasakthy and fought with the 3 demons.
On the 6th day [ sasti – 6th day after ammavyasa] by dusk he killed the elephant headed demon Gajamuha soora.
The second brother Simhamuha soora took the form of a hill in the midst of the oceans. It was also known as ‘’Krownja giri’’. He has swallowed all the angels.
Skandha threw his spear and made the hill as pieces. Finally he faced the Padma soora who can take any form as he like.
THE CLIMAX SCEEN IN THE MIDST OF THE SEAS:
The war went on for many hours and finally the demon took the form of a mango tree in the midst of the oceans. Skandha broke the mango tree and made the demon to surrender to his feet and made him to shed his ‘’self ego’’.
Then Skandha transferred the demon as a beautiful peacock and his brother as a cock. The peacock became his mount and the cock accepted to be his flag.
This is the legend behind Skandha sasti. Skandha married Indra’s daughter Devasena or Devayaani after the war. Later he too married other girl Valli.
SIX GREAT ABODES OF SKANDHA: There are six sacred most shrines for Skandha in Tamil Nadu. They are known as ‘’AARU PADAI VEEDU’’. These places are considered to be the 6 forts for Skandha where he fought with the demons.
There are several 1000s of shrines for Skandha where the festival will be observed with divinity and fun.In each shrine the festival will be observed with unique beauty and spiritual meaning.
The most interesting scene can be seen in SIKKAL near Nagapattinam in TamilNadu. Here the Lord’s face will be spilling the sweating when he receives the sacred spear from his mother.
SPECIALITY BEHIND SKANDHA’S WAR:
Skandha has shown that our self ego cannot be removed completely, but it can be transformed as creative and positive energy with which we can serve this world. So the demons were totally transformed as beautiful peacock and cock. Peacock is the most celebrated bird in TamilNadu as the mount of Skandha.
SOORASAMHARAM:
On new moon day in all temples the sacred flag will be hoisted to open the festival with staunch fasting. People who observe the fasting wait for the flag hoisting ceremony and they take bath and tie the sacred thread on the right wrist.
Thiruchendoor near Thirunelveli is the place which is considered to be the battle field where Skandha killed the demons. So this shrine celebrates the festival with the maximum spirit.
People who live far away from the shrine wait for the call and news for the time to open the fasting.
On the sixth day dusk, Skandha performs rituals to his brother Ganesha, uncle Vishnu and parents. Then he receives the sacred spear from his mother Parvathy and leads to the sea shore where the war will be dramatized and viewed by lakhs of devotees.
The war is known as ‘’SOORA SAMHARAM’’. Immediately after the festival, people take bath in the sea and finish the fasting.
HOW TO UNDERGO SKANDHA SASTI FASTING?
On ammavyasa day take bath and offer poojas to Lord Ganesha. Then begin the fasting from next day. Fasting can be done based on your health and work.
Types of Sasti fasting:
1. People drink only one tumbler of milk a day.
2. People drink a cup of milk with fruits.
3. People take food once a day.
4. People avoid food at night.
5. People take wheat food at night.
6. People do not eat anything for 6 days.
7. People eat cooked rice with coconut paste without salt once in a day.
THE MOST IMPORTANT FASTING: It is the process of cleansing the body and mind after Deepawali feasts. But apart from all these it is the process of cleaning the mind and realizing the ‘’self’’.
Then every day take bath twice and chant the sacred most scripture called ‘’SKANDHA SASTI KAVASAM’’. It is available in all forms.
The main name of Skandha has to be chanted 108 times every day. It is ‘’OM SARVANA BHAAVAYA NAMAHA’’. This is called as ‘’sataakshara mantra’’.
Perform any type of rituals to Skandha and also sing and praise of Lord. You can visit any Skandha shrine also for rituals.
Every day try to observe your mind. Try to remove at least one unwanted thought from your mind and try to feel the ‘’self’’ within you.
On sasti day observe silence as possible as you can and try to visit any near by shrine for SOORASAMHARAM event. You can also watch to the TV for the direct telecast.
Observing the self within us is the main event. After the SOORASAMHARAM, take bath and offer poojas to Skandha and eat fruits only.
Next day cook fresh vegetarian food and offer to Skandha and feed few poor people and complete your fasting.
*This fasting is mostly observed for child birth and diseases.
Let us observe the Skandha sasti and attain all boons we wish from Muruga.
Thankyou!
Tamil Nadu and Kerala states celebrate 6 days festival at the month of October-November for Lord Skandha. He is also known as Murugan and Subhramanya.
WHO IS SKANDHA?
He is the son of Shiva-Parvathy. He is the symbol of the Shivasakthy bhava. Skandha is considered to be the holistic bliss of Shivasakthy.
Saint Vyasa has celebrated the deeds of Skandha in his Skandha puranam.
WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THE WORD SKANDHA?
The word Skandha means ‘’one who is the abode of kindness and beauty’’.
LEGEND OF SKANDHA: The 3 great demons SOORA PADUMA- GAJAMUHA SOORA AND SINGA MUGA SOORA got many boons from Bharama and started ruling the entire universe.
They misused the powers and freedom which they possessed. They have also imprisoned Indra and his people from heaven. Indra’s wife Indrani meditated upon Shiva and Shiva promised to save all the angels from the demons.
The demons were blessed with a boon that only a son born from a man should kill them. So Shiva opened his third eye and produced a flame of energy.
This flame was carried by the god of wind ‘’vaayu’’ and god of fire ‘’Agni’’ to river Ganga.
Goddess Ganga received the flame and incubated in 6 lotus flowers. The flame was transferred into 6 embryos and nourished inside the flowers. So Skandha is also known as ‘’KAANGAY YA’’. 6 maidens known as ‘’Kaarthigai strees’’ were appointed by Shiva to care the embryos. So he is also name as ‘’KAARTHIGAYYA’’.
On Vaikaasi vishaka day the embryos were developed into 6 babies. They were brought up by the 6 maidens and finally Parvathy Devi hugged them and made as one child. Shiva named him as ‘’Skandha’’.
Skandha enjoyed his childhood in Kailash and when the time came to kill the demons, Parvathy gave him her sakthy as the ‘’sacred spear’’. This is the symbol of ‘’ pure wisdom’’.
THE SIX DAYS WAR:
Skandha went to Veera Mahendrapuri which was the capital city of the demons. For 6 days from the new moon day he mediated upon Shivasakthy and fought with the 3 demons.
On the 6th day [ sasti – 6th day after ammavyasa] by dusk he killed the elephant headed demon Gajamuha soora.
The second brother Simhamuha soora took the form of a hill in the midst of the oceans. It was also known as ‘’Krownja giri’’. He has swallowed all the angels.
Skandha threw his spear and made the hill as pieces. Finally he faced the Padma soora who can take any form as he like.
THE CLIMAX SCEEN IN THE MIDST OF THE SEAS:
The war went on for many hours and finally the demon took the form of a mango tree in the midst of the oceans. Skandha broke the mango tree and made the demon to surrender to his feet and made him to shed his ‘’self ego’’.
Then Skandha transferred the demon as a beautiful peacock and his brother as a cock. The peacock became his mount and the cock accepted to be his flag.
This is the legend behind Skandha sasti. Skandha married Indra’s daughter Devasena or Devayaani after the war. Later he too married other girl Valli.
SIX GREAT ABODES OF SKANDHA: There are six sacred most shrines for Skandha in Tamil Nadu. They are known as ‘’AARU PADAI VEEDU’’. These places are considered to be the 6 forts for Skandha where he fought with the demons.
There are several 1000s of shrines for Skandha where the festival will be observed with divinity and fun.In each shrine the festival will be observed with unique beauty and spiritual meaning.
The most interesting scene can be seen in SIKKAL near Nagapattinam in TamilNadu. Here the Lord’s face will be spilling the sweating when he receives the sacred spear from his mother.
SPECIALITY BEHIND SKANDHA’S WAR:
Skandha has shown that our self ego cannot be removed completely, but it can be transformed as creative and positive energy with which we can serve this world. So the demons were totally transformed as beautiful peacock and cock. Peacock is the most celebrated bird in TamilNadu as the mount of Skandha.
SOORASAMHARAM:
On new moon day in all temples the sacred flag will be hoisted to open the festival with staunch fasting. People who observe the fasting wait for the flag hoisting ceremony and they take bath and tie the sacred thread on the right wrist.
Thiruchendoor near Thirunelveli is the place which is considered to be the battle field where Skandha killed the demons. So this shrine celebrates the festival with the maximum spirit.
People who live far away from the shrine wait for the call and news for the time to open the fasting.
On the sixth day dusk, Skandha performs rituals to his brother Ganesha, uncle Vishnu and parents. Then he receives the sacred spear from his mother Parvathy and leads to the sea shore where the war will be dramatized and viewed by lakhs of devotees.
The war is known as ‘’SOORA SAMHARAM’’. Immediately after the festival, people take bath in the sea and finish the fasting.
HOW TO UNDERGO SKANDHA SASTI FASTING?
On ammavyasa day take bath and offer poojas to Lord Ganesha. Then begin the fasting from next day. Fasting can be done based on your health and work.
Types of Sasti fasting:
1. People drink only one tumbler of milk a day.
2. People drink a cup of milk with fruits.
3. People take food once a day.
4. People avoid food at night.
5. People take wheat food at night.
6. People do not eat anything for 6 days.
7. People eat cooked rice with coconut paste without salt once in a day.
THE MOST IMPORTANT FASTING: It is the process of cleansing the body and mind after Deepawali feasts. But apart from all these it is the process of cleaning the mind and realizing the ‘’self’’.
Then every day take bath twice and chant the sacred most scripture called ‘’SKANDHA SASTI KAVASAM’’. It is available in all forms.
The main name of Skandha has to be chanted 108 times every day. It is ‘’OM SARVANA BHAAVAYA NAMAHA’’. This is called as ‘’sataakshara mantra’’.
Perform any type of rituals to Skandha and also sing and praise of Lord. You can visit any Skandha shrine also for rituals.
Every day try to observe your mind. Try to remove at least one unwanted thought from your mind and try to feel the ‘’self’’ within you.
On sasti day observe silence as possible as you can and try to visit any near by shrine for SOORASAMHARAM event. You can also watch to the TV for the direct telecast.
Observing the self within us is the main event. After the SOORASAMHARAM, take bath and offer poojas to Skandha and eat fruits only.
Next day cook fresh vegetarian food and offer to Skandha and feed few poor people and complete your fasting.
*This fasting is mostly observed for child birth and diseases.
Let us observe the Skandha sasti and attain all boons we wish from Muruga.
Thankyou!
Friday, October 24, 2008
How and why celebrate Deepawali
How to celebrate DEEPAWALI FESTIVAL
“Thamasoma Jyothir Gamaya” Let me move from darkness to Light.
These are the golden words from Mother India.
Navarathry , the festival of “Energy” THE FESTIVAL OF “Energy” , is the longest festival in our nation.
Deepawali is the festival of “Light” and its spectrum of colors. most fun and colors. The reasons are:
THE CONCEPT OF LIGHT: Lighting oil lamp is a very important and auspicious event in every house. The very first cosmic light that manifested as this Universe, is still radiating from our Sun and is trapped and converted to oil by our beloved plants. The very same cosmic light in our homes we lit as an oil lamp. Lighting lamp we acknowledge our connection to this gigantic Cosmos.
Symbolically, the body of the lamp represents the physical universe and the light represents the manifesting eternal Energy (Sakthi). Each individual being is the Cosmic representation with an inner life (light) force in it. When we are all harmoniously aware of it we all shine like rows of lighted lamps. Deepawali means this “row of lighted lamps”.
SEASON AND DEEPAWALI: Deepawali is usually celebrated at the month of October – November. This the post monsoon time in Northern part of India and welcome the winter. So ancient Indians have welcomed the new season with lamps which give light and brightness for the travelers.
After the fresh year agriculture they devote time to enjoy the materialistic wealth leisurely equally with acknowledging the spiritual knowledge of life.
The South Indian states, especially Kerala and Tamil Nadu was infact traditional celebrating this festival of lights as “Kaarthikai Deepam”, with the same concept of Deepawali.
Why is Deepawali celebrated in five days?
DAY 1- Prayer to Deva of DEATH: Prayer is a respectful acknowledgement to a cosmic force or law through a positive statement. We acknowledge death as an inevitable aspect of life helping us to renew our physical body.
In Indian tradition we call all forces or Laws of nature as a Deva or Devatha. Death is a timely factor and so the Deva is called “Yama Deva” (Yama means timely). Thinking of death in a positive manner removes fear of death of this physical body and only then we can be aware of our true Eternal Self, shining splendorous like a Deepawali light.
This positive ritual is done on the previous night before the Deepawali day, by lighting a sesame oil filled clay lamp facing south direction, the direction of Lord Yama.
DAY 2- CHATHURDASI
This day is celebrated as the main Deepawali festival in TamilNadu. It is named as “Naraga Chathurthi”.
Legend behind NARAGA CHATHURDASI: Sree Krishna and his beloved wife Sathyabhama gave birth to a son. He was asked to take care Sonithapuri[Bihar] in the eastern part of India.
Unfortunately he became a terrorist and had the hobby of kidnapping and marrying many young women and also imprisoned many kings his state capital. Krishna and his wife warned and advised him to give up his eveil deeds. At the last resort they ended up waging a war with their own son. Sathyabhama become an ideal queen mother on Earth by killing her own son in the battle,.
The Sonthiapuri was heavily stained with blood (Sonitham) due to the war. Sree Krishna released all the imprisoned kings and women and made them to take oil bath in Ganga river (Ganga represents bliss). The kingdoms were returned to the kings, but the thousands of imprisoned women refused to go back because they will not be socially be accepted. Krishna gave a social security to these thousands of women by officially marrying them as King’s wives. These thousands of women were taken to Dwaraka with great honor and dignity and they celebrated this eventful day of their life.
This legend from Bahavatham[ Krishna’s life] was observed as Deepawali in traditional TamilNadu.
HOW TO CELEBRATE NARAGACHATHURTHI?
1. Boil fresh Sesame oil and place it in a vessel for all the family members to get smeared for oil bath on day one night itself in the prayer room. Sesame oil is the only oil named as “Good Oil” in Ayurveda.
2. Place a vessel full of fresh clean water and pray to river Ganga to purify our body and mind and be aware of our own inner bliss.
3. Dhanwanthri, the Lord of health is prayed for good health of the body along with Goddess Mahalakshmi for eight forms of wealth.
4. On chathruthy day, 48 minutes before sun rise, smear the body with oil and take bath in boiled water. The Ganga water can be added to the main water tub.
5. While taking bath, chant the following chant,
‘’ Ganga sankaasa kaavery, Sree Rangaesa manohari,
Kalyani kaali, kalshraadhe, Namasthae su subhajari".
Then offer all the new clothes, sweets, snacks to Sree Krishna and perform the rituals. Vishnu Sahasra nama is mostly chanted on this occasion.
DAY 3- AMMAVASYA (New Moon day)- In North India, Deepawali is celebrated as the victorious return of Rama with Seetha after killing Ravana. Rama is ever remembered for his attachment-free (emotional-free) decisions in life. When Rama entered into Ayodhya on this new moon day, people celebrated the night by setting row of lamps as the ‘’success over the evil by the king’’.
HOW TO CELEBRATE THIS AMMAVASYA DAY?
1. By evening 6 P.M, light 5 new clay lamps and put in the following places. Five also represent the Five Pancha Bhootas, the Cosmic principles behind the manifestation of this Universe.
2. One in the prayer hall, one in the right part of the entrance gate- this to welcome Goddess Mahalakshmi, one in the back door- to ask the goddess of negative thoughts (Moo-Devi) to go away, one in the Tulasi plant pot, one in a near by temple ( to honor all local Devatas).
3. Place all the new vessels, sweets, clothes before Mahalakshmi and Ganapathy and perform pooja to Mahalakshmi and remember Lakshmi coming out of ocean and marrying Vishnu.
4. In Gujarath, many begin their fresh business year on this evening. Then place many lamps chanting ‘’SREERAMA JAYAM’’ all around your home.
5. Those who read Ramayanam routinely will conclude the reading with CORONATION CHAPTER from Ramayanam in this night and offer special poojas to Sree Hanuman.
DAY 4- GOVARDHAN POOJA This day is celebrated to thank the sacred hill GOVARDHAN in Vrindhavan where SreeKrishna lived and also to honor cows, the second mother of man which gives nourishing milk. A clay model of the sacred hill with many germinated seeds on it is made for doing the pooja. Singing songs in praise of SreeKrishna is also a part of the ritual.
DAY 5- BAIYAA DOODHJ: This is the day to respect the relation of brothers and sisters. Puranas say that once when Yama visited his sister’s home Yemi – sister invited him and gave warm feasts. She too applied saffron tilak on his head and requested him not to shorten the life of good loving brothers and sisters.
DEEPAWALI AND ANNAPOORANI POOJA:
Anna poorani is the incarnation of Sree Parvathy Devi. She is considered to take abode in KAASI – the sacred most place on the bank of river Gnaga in North India. She is considered to be the Goddess who offer food to all living creatures on this planet. All the plants that offer themselves as food is the form of Annapoorani. Honoring Annapoorani is honoring all food vegetation of the planet.
Her golden idol is placed on a chariot prepared with 100, 000 sweets and she is celebrated all around the Kaasi city with fun and crackers for 3 days along with Ganga. The sacredness of the river Ganga is also celebrated along with Annapoorani. Annapoorani pooja can also be done for all three days with Mahalakshmi pooja. Chant Laitha Sahasranama and make contributions to poor and needed.
KEDARA GOWRI POOJA- THE SACRED MOST TIME TO RESPECT WEDDING:
SreeParvathy devi took staunch meditation in Himalayas – Kedarnath [in Kashmir] and attained the left half of Shiva’s body. This is the time for South Indian women to remember their wedding life, its greatness and importance. The rituals are as follows:
1. Women and men observe fasting on new moon day.
2. The new moon day night poojas to Shiva and Parvathy is performed.
3. Next day cook pure vegetarian food without onion and garlic and offer to Shiva and Parvathy.
4. Put 21 knots in a sacred yellow thread and apply that on a Shivaling and the husband needs to tie that on his wife’s left wrist.
5. Then he need to offer food to her and clean the plate or banana leaf and show his respect.
6. The 21 knots represents 21 days of Devi’s penance and also the 21 following darmas for a couple: The most important are to help / support poor children. Encourage farmers and Vedic Scholars. Be aware of not wasting food and protect environment.
A husband and wife should understand that leading the very purpose of a married life, is to extend their service from their family to the society. This is the only way that world peace and individual peace can be achieved.
So let us enjoy the DEEPAWALI FESTIVAL in its true sense and make our Journey towards the Source with bliss.
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