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Hanumath Jayanti

Posted on January 11, 2013 by admin

Hanumath Jayanthi is a sacred occasion to celebrate Hanuman’s Birth day and get his blessings. Hanuman (Aanjeneyar) is worshiped by all Hindus in India who worship Lord Rama and Lord Sita. In every Rama temple, Hanuman statue is another significant and Hanuman will face right opposite to Rama statue with his palms folded and head bowed showing respect to Lord Rama. We call Hanuman by different names as Aanjeneyar, Maruthi, Pavanasuta, bajrangbali. Hanuman is son of God Vayu and Anjana.

He is a great devotee and Brahmachari. He served Sri Rama with pure love and devotion, without expecting anything in return. He lived to serve Sri Rama. He was humble, brave and wise. He possessed all the divine virtues. Because of these good qualities Lord Sita blessed him to be Siranjeevi(No Death). Lord Hanuman tried to prove to us that any matters which done with full of commitment and self confidence will be success in the end. In another word, Lord Hanuman empowered us with the word “I can” indirectly.

Hanumath Jayanthi is supreme to all Jayanthis.It is a belief that if we pray to Lord Hanuman and perform vrat(fasting) on this auspicious occasion, we get all sorts of good things and great blessings from Lord. Our sorrows will get over and we can lead a happy life with our family.

Whenever we pray to Lord Rama, Lord Hanuman will appear there as a devotee and he also join with us to pray Lord Rama and at the same time he bless us all with good in our life. We have to chant Lord Rama’ Name when we pray to Lord Hanuman. We can offer milagu vada garland, beetle leaves garland and butter as neivedhyam to Lord Hanuman. It is good if we get a Hanuman photo and pray to him by keeping sandal and kumkum dots in his tail daily. Poha, Sugar, honey, Panagam, Neermoor are some of the things that he likes more and we can offer them as neivedhyam.

KumKum dots in Lord Hanuman’s Tail :

It is a great belief that if we pray to Lord Hanuman by keeping sandal and kumkum dots, we can get rid of all worries in our life and get the Lords’s blessings as we all know Lord Hanuman’s mighty power lies in his holy tail.

If we plan to start this, then Every day we should keep one kumkum dot in the tail starting from his hip and then slowly move on to the end of the tail. We have to chant Lord Rama’s holy mantras while doing this. When we reach the end of tail, we can consider that day as auspicious and we can offer vada garland to Lord as neivedhyam. Again we can clean all the dots and start from the beginning.

This year, this occasion falls on 11th January. Devotees should chant “Hanuman Chalisa” on this day (it is good if we chant for 21 times) and get the blessings of Lord Hanuman.

Most of the devotees fast on that day. We can also prepare 108 Milagu vadai and offer as neivedhyam to Lord Hanuman

Koodaravalli

Posted on January 11, 2013 by admin

Andal is the only woman among the Azhwars. Her devotion to Lord Ranganathar gave rise to many pasurams. This bhakthi endeared her to the Lord, who accepted her as his bride.

Sri Andal sang the Thiruppavai containing 30 verses – one verse for each day of Margazhi (December – January) – in praise of Lord Narayana. On the 27th day, while singing “Koodaarai vellum seer Govinda…”, the Lord blessed her with the boon of marriage. This day every year is celebrated at Koodaravalli to commemorate this event.

In the second pasuram, “Vaiyathu vaazhvirgal”, Andal details the procedures involved in observing the fast during the month. Sri Andal exhorts us to chant the name of the Lord for the whole day, avoid ghee, milk, have a bath early in the morning (brahmamuhurtham), avoid any adornments like kohl or flowers, avoid all negative emotions and words, do acts of charity, and do one’s duties while singing praises of the Lord.

Sri Andal and her friends complete their fast on the 27th day, and prepare to enjoy themselves for the last three days of the month.

The 27th pasuram, “koodarai vellum” signifies the conclusion of the fast.

koodaarai vellum seer gOvindhaa undhannai(p)

paadi(p) paRai kondu yaam peRum sammaanam

naadu pugazhum parisinaal nanRaaga(ch)

choodagamE thOL vaLaiyE thOdE sevip poovE

paadagamE enRanaiya palagalanum yaam aNivOm

aadai uduppOm adhan pinnE paaR chORu

mooda ney peydhu muzhangai vazhi vaara(k)

koodi irundhu kuLirndhElOr embaavaay

The friends wear good clothes and ornaments and visit the temple, where they continue to sing praises of Lord Narayana. Akkaravadisal soaked in ghee and milk is offered to the Lord and shared amongst them.

Today, devotees go to the temple, offer Ghee filled Akaravadisal to Lord Govinda and end their fast on this day. Many perform Annadanam on this day.This Year Koodaravalli is celebrated on 11th January 2013

Thiruvadarai or Arudra Darshinam

Posted on December 27, 2012 by admin

Thiruvadarai is the star Arudra. The prefix Thiru denotes its enormous size (several crore times bigger than the sun). The only other star with this prefix is Thiruvonam, which is dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

The festival Thiruvadarai is celebrated on the day that the star occurs in the month of Margazhi (December-January). It is the day on which Lord Shiva as Nataraja is believed to have performed his cosmic dance.

Arudra signifies a red flame. Lord Shiva in the form of light performs his functions of creation, protection, destruction and concealing.

The temple at Chidambaram celebrates the day with a great abhishekam. The offering of Kali (a sweet dish made of pounded rice and jiggery) is made to the Lord and then distributed amongst devotees, who accept this as a gift of bliss from the Lord himself.

There is a story about how Kali came to be the neivedyam. Sendanar, a devout follower of the Lord, would eat only what was left over from the food that was offered to the Lord. One Thiruvadarai day in Margazhi he offered a humble repast of Pittu and Kali, with the regret that he could not offer anything better. The Lord was so pleased wtih his devotion, that he showered Sendanar with Pittu and Kali. Ever since that miracle occurred, Kali is made as the main offering to Lord Nataraja on this day. It is served with a koottu which has seven varieties of vegetables.

In Thirupperundurai, the day is observed as the birth anniversary of Saint Manickavasagar.

This year, Thiruvadarai falls on 28^th December 2012.

Vaikunta Ekadasi

Posted on December 22, 2012 by admin

Vaikuntha Ekadasi or Mukkoti Ekadasi is the Shukla paksha Ekadashi that occurs during the Dhanurmasa period in the Hindu calendar (corresponding to late December – January in the English calendar). Vaishnavism (Worship of Lord Vishnu) culture believes that ‘Vaikuntha Dwaram’ or ‘the gate to Lord’s Inner Sanctum’ is opened on this day. VAIKUNTA EKADASI, or MUKKOTI EKADASI, is the most important of the twenty four Ekadasi observances in South India. According to Vishnu Purana, fasting on Vaikunta Ekadashi is equivalent to fasting on the remaining 23 Ekadashis of the (Hindu) year.

Vaikunta Ekadasi in Temples

While Vaikunta Ekadasi is observed in all Vaishnava temples, this day is celebrated with lots of gusto in Sri Ranganatha temple, Sri Parthasarathy Temple and in Tirumala Tirupati.

The most important festival celebrated for full twenty one days during the Tamil month Margazhi (December-January), is divided into two ten days as pagal pathu and ra pathu, with all pomp and pageantry. On Ekadesi day, Lord Ranganatha, attired in a splendid garment, proceeds in a magnificent procession through Paramapada Vasal, arriving at Thirumamani Mandapam in the thousand in a pillared hall to the thrill and joy of the devotees gathered in lakhs who have come from all over India and abroad. This occasion is the peak point of all festivals conducted in the Temple, on this day of days.

Sri Ranganatha becomes a virtual king and is known as Sri Rangaraja. He holds his Divine Durbar in that huge hall which is further extended by a specially erected and tastefully decorated pandal. Throughout the day, Nalayira Dhivyaprabandham is recited, and gets back to the Temple only late in the night. A paradise on Earth indeed!!!

In Triplicane Parthasarathy Temple Vaikunta Ekadasi is one of the biggest temple festivals. A Vaikunta Ekadasi celebration starts with the Pagal pathu urchavam and ends with Rapathu urchavam.

Science behind Ekadasi

It is an age old practice for Indians to observe a fast (vrat) on Ekadasi days. According to scriptures, fasting helps to create harmony between the body and soul. Ekadasi is the 11^th day of the moon cycle, both from the full moon and from the new moon (equi-distant).

Due to the Orbital path combination of the Sun, Moon and Earth, the air pressure on Earth varies to a greater extent, both on the New moon day and the Full moon day. This can be observed when we go to the sea on these days, where tidal waves are very high and rough.

On both the days, the earth pressure is at its maximum, thus leading to imbalance in the thought process. It takes about 3-4 days for the food we eat to reach our brain. Now during Ekadasi, which falls on the 11^th day (4 days before the No Moon/Full Moon day), if we fast/eat less, the chances of brain indulging in extreme activity due to high pressure imbalance becomes minimum.

Another reason for observing fast on this day is since the atmospheric pressure is lower on the 11^th day; it is the best time to cleanse the bowel system.

Fasting on Ekadasi or at least not consuming cereals and pulses, helps to flush out the toxins from our body making our body stronger.

After fasting on Ekadasi, on the next day, we should get up early and eat before sunrise by partaking fruits and herbs. Nellikkai and Agatti keerai act as toning agents on our digestive tract while Sundaikkai removes the toxic remains completely.

Story behind Ekadasi

The austerity is associated with much deeper aspects. This is explained in the Padma Puranam (the second amongst the eighteen puranas), which tells us about the beginnings of Ekadasi with this legend.

The Padma Purana says: “ekadasi vrata samam vrata nasti jagattrayeanicchaya’pi yat krtva gatir evam vidha’vayoh ekadasi vratam ye tu bhakti bhavena kurvate na jane kim bhavet tesam vasudeva anukampaya” , which translates as:

In the three worlds, there is no kind of fasting which is even comparable to the Ekadasi fast. Even if one performs this fast without a proper attitude, he achieves the Supreme Abode. If one fasts on Ekadasi day, with full devotion, what happens to him by the mercy of the Supreme Lord, I cannot say (the merit he achieves cannot be described).

During the Krita Yuga, also termed the golden age, an asura called Muran harassed both devas and mortals. Unable to bear his tyranny, the devas sought refuge in Shiva. He directed them to approach Vishnu. Vishnu agreed to help the devas and went out to battle with Muran.

During the long battle, which lasted one thousand celestial years, Vishnu needed to rest for a while. He entered a beautiful cave called Himavati in Badarikashrama to sleep in. Muran wanted to strike Vishnu while he was sleeping. However, Shakti – Vishnu’s female energy – emerged out of his body and assumed the form of a beautiful damsel who fought Muran and vanquished him. When Vishnu awoke he was very pleased and named this maiden as Ekadasi and granted her a boon. The maiden said, “O Lord, if You are pleased with me and wish to give me a boon, then give me the power to save people from the greatest sins if they fast on this day”. Vishnu granted her the boon and declared that people worshipping her would reach Vaikunta. Thus, was born the first ekadasi, which was a Dhanurmasa sukla paksha ekadasi. Sages and devout people have been since, observing the ekadasi vrata regularly. Here, the demon Muran represents the tamasic and rajasic qualities in us. The import of the ekadasi vrata is that one can conquer rajasic and tamasic tendencies in us through fasting. This helps us reach our ultimate destination, Vaikuntha, which is the place or stage of no ‘kuntitha’ or dullness, stupidity and misery.

It is also said that the cave where Sri Vishnu took rest is Badri Kashramam. Vadhari means dates (Elandhai) in Sanskrit. And as the years passed on, Vadhari became known as Badri.

Dhanur Maasam ( Marghazhi)

Posted on December 17, 2012 by admin

SrI:
NamO Narayanaya
From (16th December 2012) starts Dhanur maasa (aka Margazhi). This is most sacred month as Lord Sri Krishna says,
that in the months I am the month of Margazhi.

In Lord’s Varaha Avatar, HE assures Bhoomi maa that it is very easy to reach HIM. All one has to do is to:

1. Keep thinking of HIM
2. Keep singing HIS praise
3. Pray to HIM atleast offering one flower

Bhoomi maa incarnates as Sri Andal and performs the Margazhi vrath giving us the divine Thiruppavai (a Tamil prayer containing 30 verses).

Elders have clearly mentioned that Thiruppavai has the entire essence of the Vedas. While the Thiruppavai has very deep meanings, the core message as pointed out by elders are:

1. Lord Sriman Narayana is the paramatma
2. We can reach HIM by thinking of HIM; singing HIS praise; worshiping HIM by offering just a flower
3. Serving HIM is the only purpose of our’s in this and every birth.

Let us pray Lord Sriman Narayana (Vishnu bhagwan) for everyone to live in peace, harmony, great health and prosperity.

sarve janaa sukhino bhavanthu
HH Srimad Azhagia Singar Thiruvadigale Saranam

Karthigai Deepam

Posted on November 26, 2012 by admin

When is it celebrated in India?

Kaarthigai Deepam, the festival of lights, is celebrated on the full moon day of the Kaarthigai month which coincides with Krithikai star.

Legends behind Karthigai Deepam

Karthigai Deepam is celebrated to commemorate the occasion when Lord Shiva emerged as a huge pillar of fire to resolve the conflict for supremacy between Lord Vishnu and Brahma.

Once, Brahma and Vishnu were touring the universe. They came across a huge pillar of light. It extended as far as they could see. It went all the way down into the Earth, and all the way into the sky, farther than they could see. They were curious – what could this be? So Vishnu took the form of a boar and dug down into the Earth, trying to find the beginning of the pillar of light. Brahma took the form of a swan, and flew into the sky, trying to find the end of the pillar. They both went as far as they could, but they could not find the beginning or end of the pillar of light. The pillar appeared infinite. Finally they realised that the pillar was none other than Lord Shiva.

They both came back to where they had started. As Brahma was going up, he saw a kanta/ Ketaki/ Thaazampoo flower dear to Shiva. This flower dropped from the head of Siva as Siva was laughing at the childish fight between Brahma and Vishnu. Brahma, noticing the flower, asked it who was wearing it and why it was falling. The talking flower replied that it was falling from the middle of the fiery column for eons, that it never saw the top of it and that it would be impossible for Brahma to reach the top. Brahma, as creator of the Universe, did not want to admit that he could not find the end of the pillar. His ego forced him to ask the flower to bear false witness to Brahma’s finding of the end of the pillar.

Vishnu spoke the truth, and said he could not find the bottom of the pillar. Brahma addressed Lord Hari (Vishnu) saying that he found the top and the Ketaki/Thazampoo was his witness. The flower supported what Brahma said and spoke in words confirming what Brahma said to Vishnu. Vishnu paid homage to Brahma and worshipped him ritually in sixteen ways.

Siva the True Witness of the universe and the repository of intelligence came out of the fiery column to punish Brahma for his false claim and conscripting a false witness. He cursed Brahma that no one would worship him, as he had lied. This is why there are not many Brahma temples in India, because Lord Shiva cursed him. Also, Shiva gave a curse to kaita/Ketaki/Thaazampoo, so that no one offers this flower in Pooja.

Soon after, Lord Shiva appeared as a hill (Arunachala Hill) at Tiruvannamalai in Tamil Nadu. The Hill is referred to in the Puranas as the oldest hill on earth, and is regarded as the heart of the earth owing to its sanctity. In one of his Ashtakas, Sri Sankara refers to Arunachala ‘Meru’ and says that Siddha Purushas are found here and also on the Himalayas. Shaktas regard this hill as Sri Chakra, a diagram of forty-three triangles. Some consider that the form of the hill resembles the first half of the Sri Chakra which is called Meruprastana, the emblem of the Cosmos.

To signify the importance of Lord Eswaran (Siva) taking the form of a flame, this day is called Maha Dheepam. Indeed, the very names `Tiruvannamalai’ and `Arunachala’ translate as `holy fire hill.’ The Shivalinga in the temple here is the agni linga. The tiny lamps lit during the Karthigai festival (Karthigai Deepam) are believed to be the miniature replicas of the fire linga.

Karthigai festival in Thiruvanamalai hills is very famous. On Karthigai day, a huge lamp (dheepam) is lit up on the hill, visible for several kilometers around the hill. The dheepam is called Mahabharanidheepam.

Lord Muruga and karthigai deepam

Lord Muruga was formed from the third eye of Lord Shiva as six flames in a lake “Saravana Poigai”. On Thirukarthigai day, all his six forms were united by Parvathi (his mother) and so he is celebrated as “Shanmuga” meaning one with six faces. Special poojas are performed to Lord Muruga on this day.

King Mahabali and Karthigai Deepam

The story behind Onam (for Keralites) and Thirukkarthigai (for Vaishnavites) is the same. It is linked to the fifth avatar of Lord Vishnu “Vamana”.

Mahabali was the son of Veerochana and grandson of Prahlad, the devout son of demon King Hiranyakashyap. Mahabali had a son called Bana, who became a legendary king in his own right and became very popular. Mahabali belonged to the Asura (demon) dynasty but was an ardent worshipper of Lord Vishnu. His bravery and strength of character earned him the title of “Mahabali Chakravathy” or Mahabali – the King of Kings.

The beautiful state of Kerala was once ruled by this Asura king Mahabali. The King was greatly respected in his kingdom and was considered to be wise, judicious and extremely generous. It is said that Kerala witnessed its golden era in the reign of King Mahabali. It was said Mahabali was very generous and charitable. Whenever anybody approached him for help or request he always granted their wishes.

Watching the popularity of a demon King, Lord Indra got envious and insecure. In a fit of jealously, Indra went to Lord Vishnu and said, “Lord, the demon king Mahabali is now equivalent to me.” Lord Vishnu knew that two Indras will bring imbalance in the universe. At that time, Adithi and Kashyapar were childless and meditated on Lord Mahavishnu for a progeny and performed the Ashwamedha yagna. Mahavishnu wanted to test Mahabali and at the same time wanted to fulfil the wishes of Adithi and Kashyapar. He decided to be born as a son to Adithi and Kashyapar. Mahavishnu was born to Adithi and Kashyapar. To test the King, Lord Vishnu disguised himself as a dwarf, Vamana. He came to the Kingdom of Mahabali, just after Mahabali performed his morning prayers and was preparing to grant boons to Brahmins.

Disguised as Vamana, Vishnu said he was a poor Brahmin and asked for a piece of land. The generous King said, he could have as much land as he wanted. The Brahmin said that he just wanted as much land as could be covered by his three steps. The King not recognizing the Lord before him said, “Vamana, how much land can your tiny feet cover?” The learned adviser of the King, Shukracharya, sensed that Vamana was not an ordinary person and warned the King against making the promise. But, the generous King replied that it would be a sin for a King to go back on his word and asked the Brahmin to take the land. Just as King Mahabali agreed to grant the land, Vamana began to expand and eventually increased himself to cosmic proportions. With his first step the Brahmin boy covered the whole of earth and with the other step he covered the whole of the skies. He then asked King Mahabali where the space was for him to put his third foot. The King realised that he was no ordinary Brahmin and his third step would destroy the earth. Mahabali with folded hands bowed before Vamana and asked him to place his last step on his head so that he could keep the promise. The Brahmin placed his foot on the head of the King, which pushed him to paatala, the nether world. There the King requested the Brahmin to reveal his true identity.

Lord Vishnu then appeared before the King in his person. The Lord told the King that he came to test him and the King won the test. King Mahabali was pleased to see his lord. Lord Vishnu also granted a boon to the King. The king requested that he be allowed to visit Kerala once in a year. Lord Vishnu was moved by the Kings nobility and was pleased to grant the wish. He also blessed the King saying that he would always be loved by Lord Vishnu and his people. The day of the King’s moksha is what we celebrate as Karthigai Deepam.

On this day, we make Appam, Pori to remember Mahabali. Tamil literary references to Karthigai Unlike many other Hindu festivals, Karthigai is basically a Tamil festival and is virtually unknown in most other parts of the country. One of the earliest references to the festival is found in the Ahananuru, a book of poems, which dates back to the Sangam Age (200 B.C. to 300 A.D.). In Sambandar´s (who lived in the seventh century) Tevaram, while trying to raise a young girl Poompavai from the dead, he asks with deep feeling, “O Poompavai, have you gone without seeing the ancient Karthikai festival?” Another song in Tevaram says that the Lord is truly the deepam (lit during the Karthikai festival). Avaiyyar, the renowned poetess of those times, refers to the festival in her songs. Inscriptions in our temples also refer to the festival. A mid-sixteenth Century inscription at the Arulalaperumal temple in Kancheepuram, refers to the festival as Thiru Karthigai Thirunal.

How is Karthigai Celebrated?

In Temples It is celebrated in a special manner in Thiruvannamalai. There is an interesting story behind Karthigai Deepam in Thiruvannamalai. Here, a special torch is lighted on top of the hill and it is believed that Lord Shiva’s jyothi will be visible on this day. On the pournami day in the evening, a huge vessel filled with ghee is lit on top of the hill. The lamp is about seven feet in height. Oil is not used. Around 3000Kg of ghee is used and the wick is a 1000m cotton cloth. When the lamp is lit everybody chants, Arogara, annamalaiyarukku arogara.

Another important thing done on this day in temples is burning Chokkapanai. After lighting the deepam in the temple, the priest comes out to the open space, there a dry papaya tree branch is covered by dry palm leaves. This is called chokkapanai. The priest shows karpoora arathi and lights this. The chokkapanai burns with a crackle, which emits a bright light. It is a smaller version of annamali deepam.

Another belief is that the fire is lit to remove all the unwanted garden waste and keep the streets and villages clean. Nowadays many people keep crackers inside the Chokka Panai to hear and watch it burst.

In homes In South India, it is considered as the extension of the Deepavali festival. In some houses, they double the number of lamps every day from the day of Deepavali and this way, they end up with a number of lamps on the day of Kaarthigai Deepam. Throughout the month of Karthigai, lamps, also called “agals”(made of clay) are lit and kept in the front of the house in the evening. On the day of the Karthigai Deepam, people clean their houses and draw Kolams at the entrance. The lighting of the lamps is done at the sunset or at twilight. The lamps are kept ready the previous day to be lit the next day evening. They are all washed and kumkum is applied to them. A cotton wick is placed in each of them. In the afternoon, some oil is poured into it so that the wicks soak well before lighting the lamps in the evening. All the lamps are placed in the pooja altar and lighted. Offerings to the Deity are placed before the Altar and Karpoora aarathi is done. Then the lamps are decoratively placed throughout the house on window sills, at the backyard, and especially on the Kolams drawn in the entrance. People also burst crackers and celebrate the festival.

On this special Thirukkarthigai day, the temples are all lit up and special prayers are offered. People of Tamil Nadu celebrate Karthigai for three days. The first day of the Thiru Karthigai Deepam is called “Periya Karthigai”. On the second day also lamps are lit throughout the house. The third day is called “Kuppai Karthigai”. On this day, lamps are lit in places like bathrooms, kitchen, inside/on the wall of the well (if you have one), motor room, places where you keep dustbins/wash utensils etc,. In the South of Tamilnadu and in Kerala, Hindus pray for the wellbeing of their brothers and they light an elephant lamp (Gajalakshmi Vilaku) as a sign of prosperity and wealth.

Why we light Elephant lamp on Karthigai ?

Once upon a time there lived a King and he had only one daughter. She loved an elephant which grew with her and she considered the elephant as her own brother. After her marriage she missed her brother elephant very much. So for every Thirukarthigai/ Karthigai deepam, she would light an elephant lamp (Gajalakshmi vilaku) and she would prepare tender coconut, elephant leg size Milagu Adai, Pori,Adhirasam,Vella Seedai and keep them as neivedhyam for this festival. The first day of this festival is called “Appakarthigai” and the second day is called as “vadai karthigai”. All devotees traditionally offer pori, adhirasam, vella Seedai, vetrilai pakku, fruits as neivedhyam for God Shiva.

What is made as offering on this day?

Jaggery is the main ingredient and we use it to make Pori urundai, kadalai urundai, and any type of ground nuts urundai, pottukadalai/roasted gram urundai, appam, payasam/kheer with jaggery, vadai etc., Perhaps jaggery provides the body heat during winter days.

Vinayaka Chaturthi

Posted on September 16, 2012 by admin

Ganesh Chaturthi, or Vinayaka Chaturthi, is the birthday of Vinayaka, the embodiment of Wisdom and Prosperity. Though His worship forms the most important aspect of one’s daily puja, His birthday, Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated grandly with devotion and delight. This year, Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated on Wednesday, September 19, 2012. Ganesha is considered as the most endearing form of all Hindu deities. All Hindus worship Ganesha regardless of their sectarian belief, He is both the beginning of the religion and the meeting ground for all Hindus. In fact, Ganesha is one of the five prime Hindu deities (Surya, Vishnu, Shiva and Devi being the other four) of the panchayatana puja (introduced by Adi Sankara). His benevolence is necessary for removing the obstacles as well as for the success of human pursuits. He is invoked at the commencement of all pujas and functions.

Significance of Ganesha Chaturthi

All Indian festivals, beneath the aspect of delight and celebration, hold the underlying essence or the spirit. The very story of Ganesha’s manifestation holds the essence of Advaita Vedanta. The celebration of Ganesha Chaturti reveals that while we worship the divine with the form, we ought to bear in mind the formless reality. This is depicted in the elaborate worship that is carried out on Ganesha Chaturti and finally dissolving the form that we endear in a water body in remembrance of the divine as the formless reality even beyond the manifested form. This is a reminder that we all are made up of the same, all pervading essence or the spirit though we may vary owing to the disparities in shape and form. He is the Lord who removes all obstacles on the path of the spiritual aspirant, and bestows upon us worldly as well as spiritual success.

Significance of His name

Sage Vyasa worshipped Ganesa by reciting his sixteen names. They are: ‘Sumukhan, Ekadantan, Kapilan, Gajakarnan, Lambodaran, Vikatan, Vighnarajan, Vinayakan, Dhumaketu, Ganadhyakshan, Phalachandran, Gajanan, Vakratundan, Surpakarnan, Heramban, and Skandapurvajan.’

Aum & Muladhara Chakra

Ganesha is identified with the Hindu mantra Aum (Tamil: ஓம், Sanskrit :ॐ) also spelled Om). The term oṃkārasvarūpa (Aum is his form), when identified with Ganesha, refers to the notion that he personifies the primal sound. According to Kundalini yoga, Ganesha resides in the first chakra, called Muladhara (mūlādhāra). Mula means “original, main”; adhara means “base, foundation”. The muladhara chakra is the principle on which the manifestation or outward expansion of primordial Divine Force rests.

Significance of the Ganesha Form

The son of Shiva and Parvati, Ganesha has an elephantine countenance with a curved trunk and big ears, and a huge pot-bellied body of a human being. He has four arms and with two of the hands he holds a noose and a goad. The two other hands display the Varada mudra and Abhaya mudra, which grants boons and dismisses fear from the devotee.

HEAD: Ganesha’s elephant head denotes wisdom and symbolizes the Atman or the soul, which is the ultimate supreme reality of human existence.

EARS: His fan-like ears convey that he is all ears to our prayers.

BODY: His human body signifies Maya or the earthly existence of human beings.

TRUNK: His trunk represents Om, the sound symbol of cosmic reality.

GOAD on his right hand: In his upper right hand Ganesha holds a goad, which helps him propel mankind forward on the eternal path and remove obstacles from the way.

The NOOSE in Ganesha’s left hand is a gentle implement to capture all difficulties.

The BROKEN TUSK that Ganesha holds like a pen in his lower right hand is a symbol of sacrifice, which he broke for writing the Mahabharata.

The ROSARY in his other hand suggests that the pursuit of knowledge should be continuous.

The KOZHAKATTAI (sweet) he holds in his trunk indicates that one must discover the sweetness of theAtman.

SNAKE: The snake that runs around his waist represents energy in all forms.

The MOUSE symbolizes the darkness of night or tamoguna/desire. Showing Ganesha as master of the rat demonstrates his function as Vigneshvara (Lord of Obstacles)

Legend

There are a few legends attributed to the birth or rather the manifestation of Ganesha. However, there’s a popular story of his origin, found in the Brahma Vaivarta Purana: Shiva asked Parvati to observe the punyaka vrata for a year to appease Vishnu in order to have a son. When a son was born to her, all the gods and goddesses assembled to rejoice on his birth. Lord Shani, the son of Surya (Sun-God), was also present but he refused to look at the infant. Perturbed at this behaviour, Parvati asked him the reason, and Shani replied that his looking at baby would harm the newborn. However, on Parvati’s insistence, when Shani eyed the baby, the child’s head was severed instantly. All the gods started to bemoan, whereupon Vishnu hurried to the bank of river Pushpabhadra and brought back the head of a young elephant, and joined it to the baby’s body, thus reviving it.

The story of the birth of this zoomorphic deity, as depicted in the Shiva Purana, goes like this: He was formed by Parvati from the material of her own body. She asked Ganesha not to allow anyone to enter while she had her bath. It is said that the steadfast Ganesha did not allow entry to Lord Shiva Himself. Shiva became angry and cut off Ganesha’s head as He thought Ganesha was an outsider. When Parvati came to know of this, she was sorely grieved.

Lord Shiva then ordered his Ganas to proceed westward and come with the head of anything that they happened to see first. It so happened, that it was an elephant and its head was fitted to the body of Parvati’s decapitated son. That is how he got the name Gajamukha. The purpose of birth of Lord Ganesh is to destroy the devil “Gajamugasuran”. Lord Shiva made His son worthy of worship at the beginning of all undertakings, marriages, expeditions, studies, etc. He ordained that the annual worship of Ganesha should take place on the 4th day of the bright half of Bhadrapada.

Ganesha Chaturthi Puja

Ganesha Chaturthi is celebrated across the country across religion caste and creed. Lord Ganesha is invoked in a Kalash or an idol of the Lord is installed in the house. Clay figures of the Deity are made and after being worshipped for two days, or in some cases ten days, they are thrown into water.

Pooja is carried out with Vedic mantras, Homas, archana and offerings of His favourite Modhak, puffed rice, sweets and jaggery according to each one’s mode of worship. Some wind up the worship in a day or two while others carry it on for a week. On the final day of worship, the Ganesha statue made out of clay is dissolved in a water body or the water from the Kalash is also mixed in a water body.

He is very fond of sweet pudding or balls of rice flour with a sweet core. It’s called “Modhakas” or “Kozhakattais” in Tamil. While celebrated all over India, it is most elaborate in Maharashtra (Mumbai). Huge statues of Ganesha are made, decorated and worshipped for 10 days and finally given to the Ocean. The Ganapati Festival ends with the immersion (Visarjan) of the idol on Ananda Chaturdasi day – September 29, 2012.

Lord Ganesha

Thiruvalanchuzhi

Although this is a temple for Lord Shiva, Swetha Vinayakar is the important deity of Thiruvalanchuzhi. Legend has it that the Devas, forgot to worship Lord Ganesha before starting to churn the “Paarkadal” (Ksheera Saagaram). Hence, they were only able to get the Alakala Poison out of it. Indra, king of Devas, later realized that they were only able to get the poison because they had not worshipped Ganesha prior to starting their mission.

Lord Indra created this idol out of the foam (Kadal Nurai) generated from the milky ocean (Ksheera Saagaram) they had churned in their quest for the celestial nectar Amrudham. After they worshipped this idol made of foam (Nurai in Tamil), they were able to obtain the Amrudham from the Ocean. As the deity is made of the foam, there is no Abhishegam etc., performed here.

Sri Vellai Pillaiyar (Swetha Vinayakar or Nuraippillaiyaar) Temple is located in Thiruvalanchuzhi, a village located just 6 kilometers near Kumbakonam, Tamilnadu in India. Swetha Vinayakar, a white colored statue of Ganesha, is the deity of worship in this temple.

Shri Karpaga Vinayagar (Pillayarpatti)

Pillaiyar patti Pillaiyar temple is an ancient rock-cut cave shrine dedicated to Ganesha . The Agama texts found on stones in the temple help date the temple between the years 1091 and 1238.

This temple is the only one in Tamil Nadu which contains a 6 feet rock-cut Pillaiyar idol. The Vinayagar sannidhi (Sanctom Sanctorum) is a cave where the 6 feet of Karpaga Vinayagar has been carved inside. Lord Karpaga Vinayagar is seated facing northern side.

Scholars say that Lord Vinayaga is the Lord of wisdom, which is confirmed by the head of elephant in the shape of sacred mantram “OM”. When we draw a line from the broken left tusk, starting upward, then turning left towards right ear and after passing through the bended left tusk up to the tip of trunk, Tamil alphabet “O” appears. The Lingam in the hand indicates the alphabet “M”. Together they form “OM”. This is confirmed by the lord here “Valamburi Pillayar”. As Vinayagar satisfies the wishes of his devotees like Karpagam tree, he is also known “Karpaga Vinayagar”.

Here Lord Vinayaga appears with 2 hands unlike in other places where he is seen with 4 hands. Also he is seen seated without Angusapasam, with his legs folded and stomach not touching the Asanam in the form of “Artha Padma” Asanam.

Vinayagar Chathurthi is the very important festival in this temple. It is 10 days festival. Kappaukkattutual and hoisting temple flag begin before 9 days. At the 9 th day car festival and much celebrated decoration of sandal covering ( Santha-na-kkappu) to Pillaiyar takes place

Meenakshi Amman Temple

In Meenakshi Amman Temple, this festival is devoted to “Mukkuruni Vinayagar”. Mukkuruni means three times of six. This idol was recovered while the King Tirumalai Nayacker digged the land for constructing a tank which is popularly known as “Mariamman Tank” now. On the day of Ganesh Chathurthi, the Meenakshi Amman Temple devotees offer a huge kozhukattai to Mukkuruni Vinayagar.

As its name implies, the kozhukattai is prepared with the 3*6 times i.e. 18kg of rice.

Onam

Posted on August 28, 2012 by admin

Onam (Malayalam: ഓണം) is a harvest festival celebrated by Malayalees (people from the Indian state of Kerala ) all around the world. The festival commemorates the Vamana avatar of Vishnu and the subsequent annual homecoming of the legendary King Mahabali from the underworld (Patala). He is affectionately called as Maveli or Bali /Onathappan by Keralites. Onam is celebrated during the first Malayalam month of Chingam(August–September) and lasts for ten days starting on Atham and ending on Thiruvonam. This year Onam is celebrated on the 29th of August 2012. The word Onam or Thiruvonam is derived from the Sanskrit word Shravanam. Thiruonam is one among the 27 nakshatras/constellations and is believed to be the avatara nakshatra of Vishnu. The rich cultural heritage of Kerala comes out in its best form and spirit during the ten-day festival. Women indulge in various cultural activities. They make intricately designed flower mats called, Pookalam in the front courtyard of the house to welcome King Mahabali. The central feature of Onam is the grand feast called Onasadya, prepared on the 10th day i.e. Thiruonam. It is a nine-course meal consisting of 11 to 13 essential dishes. Onasadya is served on banana leaves and people sit on a mat laid on the floor to have the meal. Another popular feature of Onam is Vallamkali, the Snake Boat Race, held on the Pamba River, in which decorative boats oared by hundreds of boatmen, race amidst chanting of songs and cheering, by spectators.

THE LEGEND

Mahabali or Bali was the son of Devamba and Virochana and grandson of Prahlad, the devout son of the demon King Hiranyakashipu. Though he belonged to the Asura (demon) dynasty he was an ardent worshipper of Lord Vishnu. He grew up under the tutelage of his grandfather, Prahlad, who instilled in him a strong sense of righteousness and devotion. Bali eventually succeeded his grandfather as the king of the Asuras, and his reign was characterized by peace and prosperity. He expanded his realm by fighting the great Indra thus bringing the three worlds under his benevolent rule (Earth, Underworld and Heaven). The Devas, after their defeat at the hands of Bali, approached their patron Vishnu and entreated him to restore their lordship over Heaven. In Heaven, Bali, on the advice of his guru and advisor, Sukracharya, had begun the Ashwamedha Yaga so as to maintain his rule over the three worlds. He had already completed 99 yagnas. He was about to perform the 100th Ashwamedha Yagna.

VAMANA VISITS MAHABALI

Mahabali was performing the sacrificial rite of the 100th Aswamedha Yagna on the banks of the Narmada River. Bali, very much known for his kind nature made a declaration that he would offer anything that anyone sought during this Yagna. If he completes the 100th yagna he would be eligible for the post of Devendra – he can now throw out Indra. Indra approached Vishnu and asked him to restore his position. Vishnu, assured that Indra’s pride has been contained, promised to help Indra. Taking advantage of the Yagna and Mahabali’s declaration, Vishnu disguised himself as a dwarf Brahman carrying a wooden umbrella and kamandalam, came to the Yaga-Shala. As he approached the Yaga-shala, the sages perceived the extraordinary effulgence from the young lad. A learned advisor of the King, Shukracharya sensed that Vamana was not an ordinary Brahmin but Lord Vishnu himself and warned the King against making any promise. But Mahabali ignoring Shukracharya’s warning went forth to receive the Brahmin boy with all traditional honours and gave him an eminent seat befitting the status of a holy person. The Brahmin said that he just wanted as much land as could be covered by his three steps. The King was surprised to hear this, but knowing that it is none other than the Lord Himself, felt most fortunate to honor His wish against his guru’s warning.

MAHABALI’S REIGN ENDS

Just as King Mahabali agreed to grant the land, Vamana, took a form to stride over the three worlds. His form was so huge that he could step from heaven to earth, and earth to the lower worlds in two simple steps. King Mahabali unable to fulfill the promise of three paces of land to the Supreme God offered his head for the third step. And, Vamana placed his foot on King Mahabali’s head and sent him down to the Netherworld. There the King requested the Brahmin to reveal his true identity. Lord Vishnu then appeared before the King in his true form. Mahabali was overwhelmed and he prayed to the Lord.

VISHNU’S BLESSINGS

To honor the devotion of Mahabali, Lord Vishnu granted his wish to hold the position of Indra for one Manvantra. He orders him to rule over the underworld till tehday he could be the next Indra. Vishnu himself served Mahabali as a gatekeeper in Patala.

KING MAHABALI REQUESTS TO VISIT KERALA

The King was so much attached to his Kingdom and people that he requests that he be allowed to visit Kerala every year. Lord Vishnu was moved by the Kings nobility and granted him the wish. Mahabali visiting his subjects is celebrated as Onam every year. The festival is celebrated as a tribute to the sacrifice of King Mahabali. Every year people make elaborate preparations to welcome their King whom they affectionately call Onathappan to impress upon their dear King that they are happy and wish him well. The tenth day, Thiruvonam is the biggest and the most important day of this festival. It is believed that King Mahabali visits his people on the day. Onam in Trikkakara, a place 10 km from Kochi (Cochin) on the Edapally- Pookattupadi road is considered to be the centre of Onam celebrations over the world, as Thrikkakara is considered to have been the abode of the King Mahabali. The temple houses the main deity Lord Vamana. During the Onam celebration period, a pyramidal statue symbolizing Lord Vamana is installed as a symbol of honour, and named Onathappan or Thrikkakara-appan. The temple is the site at which the king Mahabali is said to have been sent to the underworld Patala by Lord Vamana . The etymology of the name Thrikkakara (‘place of the holy foot’) is also derived this way.

Why Aadi is special?

Posted on July 22, 2012 by admin

The Tamil month Aadi is the fourth month of the Tamil Calendar and begins on July 16th, 2012. The start of this month is the Dakshinayana punyakalam or the night time of Devas.

Aadi is a month of fervour and observances in Godess related to Water-forces and Natural forces (e.g. Maria Amman temples, Mundakanni amman temples etc.) where prayers and pujas are offered to propitiate the powerful goddesses and seek their protection from the inauspicious aspects that are often associated with the month. The month of Aadi is considered very auspicious to connect oneself to this Divine power. No weddings or other similar functions are celebrated during Aadi as is considered inauspicious.

Also, starting this month the heat of the sun reduces and the rains start. It is during this time that the monsoon peaks on the west coast and the rivers of Tamil Nadu, shrunken in the summer heat, get replenished, often to near full levels. Usually the tamil months are named based on the nakshatra that prevails during the full moon day or Pournami. In Chithirai month, full moon day happens during chithirai nakshathiram, in Vaikasi month during Visaka Nakshathiram and similarly in Aadi full moon day happens during Aashada Nakshathiram and thus this month got the name Aash Aadi(in north) / Aadi(in the south).

Aadi auspicious days are

Aadi Sundays, Aadi Tuesdays (Aadi Chevvai) and Aadi Fridays ( Aadi Velli) are auspicious.

The Aadi Velli and Aadi Chevvai are of great significance to women as numerous rituals are performed. Women of the neighborhood and friends meet on the Fridays and do pujas and exchange Thamboolam.

Varalakshmi Puja an important ritual dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi is performed on a Friday in the month of Aadi.

Some important festivals celebrated in this month are as follows:

1. Aadi Pirappu: The first day of this month, usually falling on July 16 is celebrated as Aadi Pandigai or Aadi Pirappu, which is an important festival to most Tamils, especially newly-weds. The first of the month is marked with a special puja, followed by a feast with ‘payasam’ prepared with coconut milk, ‘puran poli’ and vadai. Traditionally, the family of a ‘pudhu maappillai’ (new son-in-law) is invited to the girl’s house, where the couple is gifted new clothes and other presents.

2. Aadi Amavasai (July 18) – No moon day in Aadi month dedicated to offering Shradh and Tarpan to dead ancestors.

3. Aadi Pooram (July 23) – This month is the birth (Avathara) month of Sri Andal (one among 12 great Alwars of Sri Vaishnavism).

Legend has it that Vishnu Chitha (called as Periazhwar) was a sincere devotee of Lord Ranganatha of Srivilliputhur. He was childless for a very long time. His prayers were answered and on Aadi Pooram day, when the devotee was collecting flowers for his puja in his garden, he found a girl child. The child was named Kothai who grew up with devotion to Lord.
Everyday, Vishnu Chitha made a garland of Thulasi leaves to offer to the deity at the temple. Kothai used to wear that before offering to the Lord. One day, the devotee happened to see her wearing this garland and so he replaced with another one. However, the Lord refused to accept the new one and said that He would only wear the garland worn by Kothai. Vishnu Chitha realized that his daughter is Goddess Maha Lakshmi herself. Andal then came to be known as Choodi Kodutha Sudarkodi, meaning ‘garland offered after being worn’.
The Aadi Pooram ten-day festival is celebrated in all Lord Vishnu Temples in Tamil Nadu. Aadi Pooram festival is most famous in Srivilliputhur Andal Koil in Srivilliputhur, the birthplace of Andal, Sri Parthasarathy Swamy Temple at Chennai and at the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple at Srirangam.

The 10th day is celebrated as Aadi Pooram day where Thirukalyanam (divine marriage of the God and the Goddess) is conducted. Special pujas are also conducted on this day. It is believed that if unmarried girls worship Goddess Andal on the 10th day of Adi Pooram festvial, they will get married soon.

In the Saiva temples, this day is celebrated as the Valaikappu festival for Ambal, when glass bangles are offered to Ambal & then distributed to the devotees. These bangles are said to provide offsprings and generally protect us from all evils. (Valaikaappu is a festival when a pregnant woman wears glass bangles, the sound of which is said to protect her and the child from evil forces).

4. Varalakshmi Puja (July 27) – Worship of Goddess Lakshmi.

The Friday before the Full Moon, or Pournami day, of Tamil Month Aadi is chosen to perform Varalakshmi Puja. The corresponding month in the Kannada, Marathi and Telugu Calendar is the Shravan month. Worshipping Goddess Lakshmi on Varalakshmi Vrata day is equivalent to worshipping Ashtalaksmi – the eight goddesses of Wealth, Earth, Learning, Love, Fame, Peace, Pleasure, and Strength. The importance of Varalakshmi Puja is mentioned in the Skanda Purana. It is believed that importance of Varalakshmi Puja was narrated to Goddess Parvati by Lord Shiva. Goddess Parvati wanted to know about a Vrata that is highly beneficial to a woman, which will help her lead a happy and prosperous life on earth. Lord Shiva then mentioned about the Varamahalakshmi Vratam.

5.Aadi Perukku (August 3) – Aadi Perukku or Padinettam Perukku is celebrated on the eighteenth day of this tamil month Aadi.

The people of Tamil Nadu celebrate monsoon through this festival. People worship the rivers (water bodies) for the rains in abundance. Aadi is the month for sowing, rooting, planting of seeds and vegetation since it is peak monsoon time.
Aadiperukku is very special in the Kaveri delta. This festival is peculiar to the all the perennial river basins of Tamil Nadu and major lakes water source areas and is intended to celebrate the water rising levels due to the onset of monsoon, which is expected to occur invariably on the 18th day of the solar month, Aadi corresponding to the 2nd or 3 August every year. Hence “Padinettam perukku” – Padinettu signifies eighteen, and Perukku denotes rising.
On this auspicious day, Goddess Parvathi Devi is worshipped by offering different rice dishes. People celebrate this occasion by offering chitrannam or rice cooked in different flavors, colors and ingredients to the river-goddess. Usually mixed rice dishes like Sweet Pongal, Coconut rice, Lemon rice, Tamarind rice and Bahala bath or curd rice are prepared. Offerings of flowers, Akshata and rice offerings are done into sacred rivers like Cauveri. As per Purana, Parvathi devi meditated upon Lord Siva to see the divine vision and Lord Siva appeared as Shanka-Naraya swami. Aadiperukku is a festival of fertility and people of Tamil Nadu especially women offer prayers. They wear new clothes and perform abhishekham for Kaveri amman.

6. Aadi Karthigai (August 10, 2012) – Festival dedicated to Lord Muruga.

7. Puthukku Paal: Majority of the people also worship snakes during the tamil months of of Aadi and Thai. They visit a Snake bill and offer cow milk, as offerings to the Snake God. They also bring sacred mud from the snake bill and apply the same on their body with a belief that it will help in getting rid of health aberrations. They offer milk to snake idols and perform pooja to remove the naga dosha for wealth and prosperity.

Vasavi Jayanthi

Posted on May 1, 2012 by admin

About Vasavi Matha:

Vasavi Kanyakapara-meswari Devi (popularly known as Vasavi Matha) sacrificed her life to avoid the bloodshed and war. Her message to the world is Dharmam-Seelam-Ahimsa (Dharma-Integrity-Non Violence). Bharath Ratna Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, former President of India, has indeed very rightly described Goddess Vasavi as the first ever known embodiment of non-violence in the world.

Sri Kanyaka Parameshwari (Vasavi) Jayanti

Vasavi Jayanti is the appearance day of Sri Kanyaka Parameshwari. Sri Kanyaka Parmeshwari (Vasavi) is a form of Devi who is popular in Andra Pradesh, Karnataka, and other areas in South India. According to one legend, Vasavi is considered to be a manifestation of Parvati, who was born into the community of Vaisyas as a beautiful young maiden. Another account from a text known as the Kanyakapurana states that Vasavi was the wife of Indra (Vasava is a name of Indra), who was born into this world in the Vaisya community. She was born as the daughter of a Vaisya ruler, Kusumasreshti. When a king wanted to marry her, she refused. She revealed her divine nature and entered a sacred fire.

Vasavi emphasizes the virtues of love and character. She represents the importance of education, art, music, and dance. She protects her devotees from temptations and preserves family traditions. There are three main festivals associated with her worship: (1) Vasavi Jayanti (appearance day); (2) Vasavi Mata Atmarpana (day Vasavi entered the sacred fire); and (3) Navaratri. Vasavi Devi is the patron goddess of the Vaisya community. The celebration of her appearance is conducted with Ganesa puja, Durga homa, abhishekam for the mula vigraha of Vasavi, archana with her 108 names, and Mahamangala arati.

History

King Kusumashresti was the king under the rule of Emperor Vishnuvardhana. It is said that King Kusuma Shresti,the 16th king who succeeded Samadhimuni, was childless. He was advised to perform ‘Putrakamesti Yagna’ by his guru Bhaskaracharya. Pleased with the yagnam Goddess Parashakti appeared from the ‘Homakundam’ (sacred fire) and blessed the couple with twin fruit.Kusumamba consumed the fruit with devotion and on Vaishaka Shuddha Dashimi day, she gave birth to twins- a boy and a girl. The boy was named Virupaksha who was said to be an incarnation of God Nandikeswara and the girl Vasavi, was said to be an incarnation of Goddess ‘Adiparashakti’. Virupaksha mastered in Dharmashastra, politics and martial arts. Vasavi, who grew up to be a teenage girl of exceptional beauty, was taught fine arts and music. From her childhood, she was an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva and decided to dedicate her life to Lord Shiva by remaining unmarried as ‘Gowrabalika’.One day Vishnuvardhana visited Penugonda where he was welcomed with great reverence by the King Kusuma Shresti and the people of Penugonda. It was on this visit that Vishnuvardhana was fascinated by the astounding beauty and glamour of Vasavi and decided to marry her at any cost.

As the king Kusuma Shresti knew about his daughter’s decision, he was dumbstruck at this news. The King then called for a meeting where all the elders of 714 Gotra discussed the matter in detail. Under the guidance of Guru Bhaskaracharya, they all decided to give importance to the views of Vasavi.The king and the queen along with Guru Bhaskaracharya, Vasavi and Virupaksha had a secret meeting. Vasavi put-forth that she wanted to uphold the dignity and honour of womanhood and was born with a purpose to preach non-violence (Ahimsadharma) to the world. She exhibited her original form of Adiparashakti and vowed that she would remain a virgin.

On hearing that Vasavi did not accept the marriage proposal, Vishnuvardhana decided to marry her even by waging a war on Penugonda. In order to prevent bloodshed and to uphold the dignity and honour of womanhood, Vasavi decided to end her Avatar by offering herself to the God of fire – Agni.Out of the 714 Gotrajas, 102 Gotrajas supported her view and decided to enter the sacred fire along with her. Fearing harassment from Vishnuvardhana, the remaining 612 Gotrajas left the kingdom of Penugonda to save their lives. Malhara, a great sculptor built 103 Homakundas for the sacred occasion.

On Magha Suddha Bidige day, Vasavi along with the 102 Gotrajas, entered the Homakunda (Sacred Fire). As a miracle, Vasavi emerged from the sacred fire as ‘Kanyaka Parameshwari’ and displayed her original form of ‘Adiparashakthi’ with eighteen hands – Asta Dasa Bhuja. This way she preached Universal and Social Religiousness, Spirituality, Love, Sacrifice and Non-Violence and laid the foundation for Global Unity through non-violence and dharma rakshana.Even till this date, this day is celebrated as ‘Atmarpana Day’ on a large scale across all ‘Vasavi Temples’. The 102 Gotaraja’ couples who entered the sacred fire along with Vasavi were pardoned of their curses of 16 generations and given Moksha by Vasavi.

When this news reached Emperor Vishnuvardhana, who was on his way to Penugonda, he died out of grief.

The sons of the 102 Gotra Couple who entered fire went to Kasi to perform last rites and brought 102 Shiva Lingas and installed them at prominent place in Penugonda Kingdom. Even today, this street is known as Lingala Veedhi.

Later Virupaksha was crowned as the King of Penugonda by Raja Raja Narendra (son of Vishnuvardhana). The temple of Vasavi was also built shortly.

Thejus