Purattasi (Sixth Month) The Festivals in Purattasi

Purattasi (Sixth Month) 

The Festivals in Purattasi

Purattasi Month is the sixth month in a traditional Tamil calendar. It is a highly auspicious month and is dedicated to Lord Venkateswara (Lord Vishnu). The Navaratri festival is also held in this month. Puratassi Month 2017 is from September 17 to October 16. Special pujas and prayers are observed on Saturdays in Purattasi to please Shani Bhagavan. Navartri festival in 2017 is observed this year in Puratassi month.

Special prayers are offered at the Ranganatha Swamy Temple in Purattasi Month.

Another legend suggests that Lord Saneshwara (Shani) loses his powers in Puratasi month and so it is easy to escape his malefic influences.

Devotees of Lord Venkateswara take only a meal on Puratasi Saturdays. Some devotees only eat vegetarian food during the month.

Purattasi Fasting, or Puratasi Vratam, is observed in the Tamil month of Puratasi . Puratasi Masam is of great importance to Tamilians as it is believed that Lord Venkateswara (Balaji) appeared on the earth in this month. Purattasi Saturdays are dedicated to Lord Shani or Sani dev. Some people observe partial fasting on all days in Puratassi others limit it to Puratasi Saturdays.

Some devotees of Lord Venkateswara opt for strict fast on Puratasi Saturdays which involves not even drinking a drop of water - Nirjala Vratam.

Some devotees only eat vegetarian food during the entire month. They also quit smoking and consuming alcohol for one month.

On Saturdays, Naamum, the two feet symbol of Lord Vishnu’s feet, is drawn on the forehead by males and women opt for a red dot.

Hymns dedicated to Lord Balaji are chanted on Saturdays.

Devotees offer Ghee or Ellu Lamp to Lord Shani in the month. Navagrahas are also worshipped in the month. The popular belief is that Lord Shani loses his powers in the month and therefore he can be easily pleased.

Each Tamil month is very special month. Apart from important festivals, Purattasi month deserves some one very special feature compared to other months. An important celestial occurrence happens in this month. 

The rituals in Tamil culture is purely based on the healthy living of human beings. The important celebrations in this month are Purattasi Saturdays, Maavilakku, Mahalaya Amavasay and Durga Navarathri. Purattasi month is dedicated to lord Venkatajalabathy. It is believed that lord venkatajalabathy came to earth this month. Special prayers are offered at Tirupathi hills.

Purattasi Saturdays

All Saturdays are considered very auspicious. This whole Purattasi month, Lord Venkatachalabhathy is worshiped with fasting in Saturdays as it is a favorite day for the lord. I have learned that in kottaimalai, near vellore, there is a vishnu temple called Padavedu kottaimalai Sri Venugopalswamy temple at the top of the hills, which is opened only on saturdays from 9 AM to 4 PM. the miracle in that temple is that only in Purattasi saturdays, the sun rays falls exactly on the feet of the lord and raises to head in the early morning. Know one knows on which Saturday this happens. This temple is around 200 km away from Chennai.

This month worshiping Sani bhagavan in Saturdays is also considered as an important one because during this time it is believed that Sani bhagavan losses its malefic powers. So worshiping this month will fetch more benefits.

Purattasi Maavilakku

Maavilakku on purattasi saturdays are very important for Tamilians. The reason behind this ritual is that the lord Venkatajalabhathy expects his devotees to be close to him in hills. However that is not possible for every one due to myriad reasons. For those who could not travel to Tirupati hills can light Maavillakku in their homes and worship lord vishnu by chanting thy name 'Govinda'. Thy blesses them through rays of Maavillakku light. Scientifically the carbon emitted through the mixture of rice flour and cow's ghee will destroy all ill radiation from the home.

Mahalaya Amavasay

Every Tamil month has one Amavasay or New moon day and only on that day the tharpanam or oblations are given to our ancestors. However the Purattasi month Amavasay is considered as auspicious one. The reason is that it is believed only on this month our ancestors come to earth and stay here for first 15 days before New moon and entire 15 days is auspicious for giving tharpanam or oblations for our ancestors. The waning period of moon is called Krishna paksham in sanskrit. Purattasi month Amavasay is called Mahalaya Paksham. By performing this rituals we are twice blessed by our ancestors.

Purattasi Navarathri.

In Sanskrit Nava means nine and Rathri means night. Purattasi Navarathri is called as Durga Navarathri and most important among navarathri's. This month marks beginning of winter. Autumnal equinox occurs on this month. An important celestial occurrence is that the sun crosses the celestial equator and moves southward in north hemisphere.

Some people fast during navarathri days. The reason behind the fasting is that to equip the body to the changing climate. Tamil culture rituals are based on the fact 'living harmony with nature". During Navarathri Golu is the important function. Golu means deploying dolls of deities, saints and human beings in an order. The first three days are for worshiping Devi Durga. Next three days for worshiping Devi Lashmi. Last three days for worshiping Devi Saraswathi. On the tenth day Ayudha Pooja is celebrated. This is good way of socializing too.

Among the Tamil months only on this Purattasi month fast of abstienence of meat eating is observed. As I said in the begging of the articles, this the special feature Purattasi month deserves.

Tirupathi Brahmotsavam

Tirupathi Brahmostavam is an integral part of Purattasi, happening in Tirupathi temple. Nowadays it is very easy to see the Brahmotsavam sitting at home as it is always telecast by different TV channels at different times on all days of the festival.

Brahmotsavam, the Hindu festival is an auspicious festival celebrated every year at the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple at Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh. According to legends the origin of this festival is associated with Lord Brahma. It is believed that once Lord Brahma worshiped Sri Balaji at the catchment area of the holy Pushkarini River to thank the Lord for fortification of mankind. The festival derives its name from Lord Brahma since it was Lord Brahma who first conducted this festival at Tirupati temple.

“Brahmotsava” which literally means “Brahma’s Utsavam”. The festival is celebrated with great zeal during the month of October. The celebration of the Brahmostsava is performed over nine-day period. On the very first day of the festival “Anurarpana” ritual is performed along with the celebration of Shri Vishvaksena. The “Anurarpana” ritual signifies fertility, abundance and prosperity. During all nine days of the festival various religious activities like homas and daily processions were various idols of the god are taken out different chariots (vahanas) present in the temple.

Importance of Brahmotsavam

The importance of this festival can be known by the fact that every year thousands of devotees flock in Andhra Pradesh to be the witness of this majestic festival. They enjoy participating in the various rituals conducted during the nine days to seek the blessing of Lord Venkateswara Swami. The devotes assimilated to take part in the auspicious festival often term the experience as a heavenly connect and blissful (“ Vaikunth Anubhav”). firstly Gurudadhwaja Festival is hosted near Srivari Alaya Dhwajasthambham. Then a procession dedicated to Lord Venkateshwara proceeds on Pedda Seshavahana and covers four streets of the temple. This goes on for two hours until midnight. During this festival it is believed that the mighty snake alter itself as the vehicle for God. The main reason for celebrating this festival is to pray to God for providing a life which is filled with high values and morals.

Dassera in Mysore

Hidden away in Karnataka, lies the old world city of Mysore. It has a certain serene air even in the hustle bustle of the city life. When you step into the city, you’ll see the lush greenery, an old world charm with the royal touch that Mysore is known for.

A painting depicting the royal kingdom of Mysore 

But what it is better known for is the celebration of the festival of the state of Karnataka. Dussehra or Dasara as it is known as in the southern part of India is synonymous with Mysore. It is the most extravagant festival which sees the entire city lighting up and coming alive. Also called Navaratri, this is a 10 day festival that ends with the celebration of Vijaydashami.

You’re probably wandering what the big deal about it is; I mean it is celebrated pan India, right? But if you’ve ever been to Maharashtra and seen the Ganesh festivities there, or if you’ve ever visited Kolkata during Durga Puja, then you are probably aware of the enthusiasm and devotion with which they celebrate it. That’s the kind of spectacle you’ll get to witness in the regal city of Mysore.

And, it’s not just the spirit of the season; it is also the royal touch that the celebrations have. The festivities take place mainly at the Mysore Palace, which is the official residence of the royal family of Mysore – the Wodeyar family.

A part of the Dasara celebrations 

When it is Dasara time, this otherwise peaceful city erupts into life and every corner is bustling with activity. As you walk through the city, you can see that the whole city is dressed with flowers, lights, stalls, music and the people. People flock the city every October to be part of the exquisite celebrations.
If you’re planning to be part of the celebrations (usually sometime during the September-October months), then get ready to be amazed. It starts with prayers and rituals being offered to the Goddess Chamundeshwari by the royal couple of the Wodeyar family. This happens atop the beautiful Chamundi Hills, where the temple is located. Post this, a special private durbar (royal assembly) is held at the Mysore Palace.

The Chamundeshwari Temple 

Apart from that, on each of the ten nights, Mysore gets to witness lovely dance performances and music concerts. Along with the famous two month exhibition that takes place at the Doddakere Maidan, there are also wrestling competitions, food festivals and stalls that sell all kinds of handicrafts, ornaments, food and games.

But the high point of the celebration is the Vijaydashami procession which is held on the tenth day. You will see idol of the Goddess kept in a golden howdah on top of a decorated elephant. This will be accompanied by the police, their bands, mounted guards all in royal livery, folk artists along with musicians. Starting at the decked up Mysore Palace,the march continues all the way up to the Banni Mantapa grounds. Later in the evening, there is a torch light procession and a gorgeous display of fireworks that marks the end of the celebrations.

The Royal Procession 

Note:

Arrive in Mysore a day before you want to view the festivities. The last four days are the best time to visit. Book your accommodation in advance because the hotels fill up very quickly during this season. Also, many of the events are generally free but you will need to buy tickets to the procession and torch parade.

Bommai Kolu in South India

In Tamil Nadu Navaratri is celebrated in a unique way. The festival is celebrated for ten days and three days are dedicated to the worship of each of the three goddesses – Lakshmi, Durga and Saraswati. Celebrations conclude on the 10th day Vijayadashami (the day of victory).

The making of bommai kolu is the most important aspect of Navaratri celebrations in Tamil Nadu.

Bomma Golu or Bommai Kolu is the most beautiful aspect of Navratri celebrations in the Tamil Nadu. Bomma means doll. Bomma Golu is a display of dolls and figurines on wooden steps made for this purpose. Actually, this display of dolls representing various gods and goddesses is a customary aspect of the Navratri celebrations in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.

Rituals

On the first day of Navaratri (October 2, 2016), a Ganapathi puja is performed first. Afterwards an elderly male or female member of the family performs a ritual called Kalasa 

Avahanam. This is done to invite the Goddesses Lakshmi, Saraswati and Parvati(Durga) into the home. After this ritual, the golu is built using 3, 5, 7, 9 or 11 (all odd numbers) wooden planks. It is basically a rack with many tiers. Once the golu/kolu is ready, it covered with a piece of fabric. It is then adorned with dolls, toys and figurines.

Larger idols and dolls representing deities are usually displayed on the top steps. The dolls that are displayed on the golu need not necessarily of gods. Actually, any doll that a girl would have played with may be displayed. Below the idols of gods and goddesses, dolls representing saints or heroes may be displayed. Dolls representing worldly institutions and activities like marriage, children, music or temples may be displayed below that. Businessmen are usually represented by the Chettiar set of dolls. Chettiars are the traditional business community of Tamil Nadu.

A beautiful bommai golu made on the occasion of Navaratri.

It is also a traditional practice to include wooden figurines of a bride and groom (Marapacchi Bommai) together. These figurines are usually made of teak, sandalwood or rosewood. 

They are adorned with new clothes each year before being displayed on the golu. In many parts of South India, when a girl gets married, her parents present her with dolls of a bride and groom dressed in wedding attire. The girl is expected to start the tradition of Bommai Golu in her new home with these dolls. These dolls symbolize marital bliss, fertility and prosperity. They are also the first dolls in a bride’s Golu collection. These dolls and figurines are passed from one generation to another. It is customary to add a few dolls to the collection each year.

In the evenings women invite other women in their neighborhood to each other’s homes to see the Golu. They also exchange sweets and gifts. A beautiful rangoli is made and an oil lamp is lit in its middle. A puja is performed and food items prepared are first offered to the goddess and then distributed to the guests.

On the 9th day of the festival (Mahanavami ), a special puja is offered to Goddess Saraswati. Musical instruments and books are placed in front of her image in Puja room and worshiped with great reverence.

Vijayadasami, the 10th day, is the most important day of the festival. It was on this day Goddess Durga killed the demon Mahishasur. Vijayadashami celebrates the victory of good over evil and is the most auspicious day for Hindus. It is a great day to start new ventures or initiate kids into learning. In the neighboring state of Kerala this initiation into learning is the most important aspect of Navaratri Celebrations. On the eve of Vijayadasami, one of the dolls is put to sleep symbolically. Then Kalasa (A ceremonial jar containing fresh water. It is covered with a coconut and mango leaves) is moved towards the north and that marks the end of that year’s Navratri celebrations. Prayers are offered to the goddess and the golu is dismantled. The dolls are removed and packed for next year.

Golu is essentially the assembly of Goddess Durga. It includes idols representing gods, goddesses, bride, groom, animals, businessmen and other worldly activities and institutions.

All information in the above blog is sourced from various articles on the web. Nothing is original!!!

Do not miss the next edition - "Aippasi the Seventh month" to be published on 9th June.

Let the comments flow- All comments/feed backs welcome!!!

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