Aippaasi (Seventh Month) The Festivals in Aippasi

Aippaasi (Seventh Month) The Festivals in Aippasi

Aippasi Masam is the seventh month in a traditional Tamil calendar. Skanda Shasti Vratham dedicated to Lord Muruga begins in Aippasi month. Deepavali is also observed in this month. Aippasi Masam 2017 begins on October 18 and ends on November 16.

In 2017, Skanda Shasti fast starts on October 20 and ends on October 27. Soorasamharam is on October 26.
Pournami or full moon day in Aippasi month is on November 4
Amavasai in Aippasi Masam is on October 19.

Important festivals

Diwali - October 18Lakshmi Puja - October 19
Skanda Sashti Fasting - October 20 and ends on October 26
Ekadasi Fasting dates are October 31 and November 14
Pradosham Fasting dates are on November 1 and November 15
The next Tamil month is the highly auspicious Kaarthigai Masam.

Diwali

The most popular Hindu festival Diwali literally means ‘an array of lamps.’ Diwali date in the year 2017 is on October 19 as per Hindu Calendar - India Standard Time. It will be observed on October 18 in South India. The festival signifies the victory of good over evil – where the good and the evil are present in us. Lakshmi Puja 2017 date is October 19. Diwali 2017 dates and calendar is given below –

Diwali 2017 Date – Calendar

October 16 Vasubaras –  Govatsa Dwadasi –  Vagh Baras –

Guru Dwadasi

October 17 Dhantrayodasi –  Dhanteras –  Yam Deep Daan –  Dhanvantri Jayanti– Tihar Festival begins in Nepal -

October 18 Deepavali Festival in South India Naraka Chaturdashi– Abhayanga Snan –  Kali Chaudas –  Roop Chaturdasi –  Hanuman Puja –  Kali Puja in Bengal Bhuta Chaturdashi–  Neer Thumba Habba–  Choti Diwali –

October 19 Diwali in North – West– East  Abhayanga Snan –  Lakshmi Puja –  Kamala Mahavidya Jayanti – Kuber Puja –  Sharda Puja –  Kedar Gauri Vrat –  Chopda Pujan –

October 20 Diwali Padwa –  Govardhan Puja –  Annakut –  Bali Pratipada or Bali Padyami –  Gujarati New Year or Nutan Varsh –

October 21 Bhai Dooj –  Yama Dwitiya - Chitragupta Puja –

Diwali lamps signify the removal of spiritual darkness and the ushering in of knowledge capable of realizing Brahman (That) – the Supreme Being present in all animate and inanimate.

There are several reasons for celebrating Diwali. The most important one is the commemoration of the return of Lord Ram to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile.

Lakshmi Puja during Diwali is observed as it is believed that Goddess Lakshmi emerged from the ocean on this day during the ‘samudra manthan’ (churning of ocean) by demons and gods as mentioned in the Puranas. So for the business people, the new business year begins on Diwali.

In South India, Diwali is the day in which Lord Krishna killed the demon Narakasura.

In Gujarat, the day after Diwali is observed as Annakut – New Year’s Day.

Dhanteras is celebrated two days before Diwali honors Dhanvantari, the physician of the gods. He is believed to have emerged from the ocean on this day during samudra manthan.

In Orissa, the lights are lit to show the path to the spirits of ancestors returning to heaven.

In Bengal, Diwali is celebrated as Kali Puja. It is believed that Goddess Kali killed the demon Raktavija on this day.

This happens to be the most festive month as the biggest festival across India is Diwali. 

Also weddings will take place during this Tamil month.

Aippasi begin with the Sun's entry into Libra (Thulaa raasi). When the Moon is in the Constellation of Ashvini Nakshatra on the full Moon day that month is denoted as Aippasi/Asvija or Ashvayuja Maasam. Thulaa means Balance (weighing scale). The duration of day and night time will be equal, during this month, hence it is named as Thulaa maasa.

History of Diwali

One of the most joyful and beautiful festivals to be celebrated on the Indian subcontinent is Diwali, the festival of lights.  The very word Diwali conjures up the image of winking lights and flickering diyas. Not to forget the gorgeous array of sparkling colours emitted by the firecrackers that seem to awaken the night sky.

Coming close on the heels of Dussehra, Diwali is celebrated on the last day of the Gujarati calendar year, and generally comes in the months of October or November, on the English calendar. It is one of the most important Indian festivals and is celebrated on a mass scale by Indians not only in India, but also all over the world.
  
The Story Behind Diwali 

It is believed that on this day Lord Rama, along with his consort Sita and loyal brother Lakshman was returning to his hometown Ayodhya after 14 long years of exile in the forest. He had just finished battling and overcoming the fierce demon king of Ceylon, Ravana, who had abducted Sita. In this battle he was ably helped by Lord Hanuman and his army of monkeys as well as an army of courageous bears led by Jambhavan.

The people of Ayodhya lit lamps in every home to welcome their true King as well as celebrate his victory over Ravana and also the safe return of their Queen Sita. They danced and made merry and lit firecrackers to express their joy over his return. And as a mark of respect and worship the festivities continue every year till this today.  

As another lesser-known story goes, Lord Krishna had battled a demon called Narakasura and emerged victorious. The people of the city were overjoyed and welcomed Krishna back with lamps in their hands. 

Since Rama and Krishna are two of the most popular gods in the Hindu lore, it is only logical that Diwali is celebrated with such pomp and glory.    
How is Diwali Celebrated? 

According to an ancient myth, Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth travels through all our homes on Diwali night and stops to bless the homes that are shiny and sparkling clean. So as this festival approaches, all houses go through a thorough spring-cleaning in anticipation of her wealth and blessings. She will be greeted by a beautiful gaily painted Rangoli on the threshold of each home while inside too she is welcomed by an array of sparklers and little earthen lamps that light up and considerably brighten the atmosphere. 
  
The actual festivities start from Dhanteras, which is celebrated two days before Diwali. Everybody goes out of their way to make big purchases and buy new clothes and jewellery. This is because this day is considered auspicious for wealth, and it is said that if you buy any silver or gold on this day, you will be lucky throughout the year. The goddess Lakshmi is worshipped on this day through a Lakshmipujan, which is performed not only in the homes but in shops and offices as well.  

But what would Diwali be without a burst of firecrackers and lights? The sound and light show starts at least a week prior to the actual festival and continues way into the New Year. Of course it reaches a crescendo on the day of Diwali itself, a day when people dress up in their best new clothes and go visiting each other, their relatives and friends with boxes of dry fruits and sweets and loads of love in their huge generous hearts.

Aippasi Annabishekam on Full Moon Day: 

Aippasi with star Ashwini (purnima) is celebrated as Annabishekam in all Siva temples. The Siva lingam is covered with cooked rice and also decorated with vegetables and fruits around. This is basically a thanksgiving to the Lord for providing us with Annam! Witnessing Annabishekam is said to relieve one from the cycles of birth.

Rice is a cereal grain and is the most important staple food for a large part of world’s human population.

It is the grain with the second highest worldwide production after maize and wheat. In south India, rice cultivation seems to have been there since 1400 BC. Rice cultivation and cooking methods are thought to have spread to other part of India then.

Details about rice have been found in the Yajur Veda and are frequently referred to in many Sanskrit texts. Rice is often directly associated with prosperity and fertility; therefore is the custom of usage of rice as “akshata” at weddings and all other religious ceremonies. Rice is cooked and offered to deities as Maha Naivedhyam, both at home and temple.

As per Agama Sastra, on pournami day (full moon) when it coincides with Ashvini Nakshatra during the month of Aippasi, offering rice Annam to Lord Shiva would help Yielding good production of crop, economic progress, development of kingdom (Rajya Abhivruddhi).

Hence Annabishekam (special abishekam with cooked rice) is an annual affair during the full moon day of Tamil Month Aippasi, being performed in several Temple. This annual Annabishekam that is performed to the Asia's largest Shivalinga - Lord Bragadeeswarar, the presiding deity of the world heritage temple at Gangaikondacholapuram, in Tamil Nadu is very popular. This historic temple, a replica of Thanjavur big temple was constructed by Rajendra Chola the son of great Chola King Raja Rajan, who built the big temple in Thanjavur. Minimum of 108 bags of raw rice would be cooked for this historic event and the same is poured on the giant Siva Lingam. After performing special pujas, the rice offered to Lord Shiva will be distributed to the devotees, as prasadam.

Aippasi Ganga Snaanam – Thula Snaanam –Deepavali Festival

In South India, Deepavali festival commences with sacred oil bath, early in the morning, known as Ganga Snaanam. On this day it is believed that goddess Lakshmi resides in the oil, Ganga mata in the water and divine medicine in Sheekkakai powder (acacia concuna – asoapnut powder used for rubbing off the oil from the head). The Lord had promised that the divine River Ganges will flow through all the water ways on that day. The oil bath is acknowledged by Indian sages and Ayurvedic physicians to be beneficial to health. The oil bath is purificatory, a symbolic rite, a symbolic cleansing leading to a new beginning. That is why an oil bath on this day is considered equivalent to a bath in the holy Ganges River.

It is a significant festival in Hinduism, Sikhism and Jainism. Many legends are associated with Diwali. Today it is celebrated by Hindus, Jains and Sikhs across the globe as the "Festival of Light," where the lights or lamps signify victory of good over the evil within every human being. The festival is also celebrated by Buddhists of Nepal, particularly the Newar Buddhists.

In Northern India it is the home coming of King Rama of Ayodhya after a 14-year exile in the forest. The people of Ayodhya (the capital of his kingdom) welcomed Rama by lighting rows (aavali) of lamps (deepa), thus its name, Deepavali or simply shortened as Diwali. Southern India marks it as the day Lord Krishna defeated the demon Narakasura.

Shri Kedhara Gowri Vratham (or) Kedhareshwara Vratham

Kedhara Gowri vratham familiarly known as Deepavali Nonbu. A very detailed explanation is available in Skanda Puranam. 

Brungi rishi is a great Shiva bhaktha. When he prays to Lord, he prays only to Lord Shiva and ignores Shakthi. Angered by his act Shakthi devi removed the energy from his body. He was unable to stand. He prayed to Lord Shiva.

Lord Shiva gave him a stick to support his body. Shakthi wanted to become part of Lord’s body. She observed the Kedhara Vratha, one of the Gods favorite Vratha. Pleased by her austerities God gave the left part of his body to shakthi and became Ardhanaarishwara. The vratha is then called “Kedhara Gowri Vratha” since Gowri observed it.


The glory of this vratham is very splendid as Gowri Devi observed this vratham in full devotion and got to be in half of the body of Lord Shiva.

Vishnu became lord of Vaikunta observing this vratham.

Brahma got Hamsa vehicle.

The guards of eight directions got rid of the bane which they got from Brahma. 

Bhagyavati and Punyavati got lots of wealth all due to the glory of this vratham. 

One who observes this vratham with devotion pleases Lord Shiva.

This kedhara Gowri vratham is observed with great devotion for twenty one days starting from sukla paksha dasami (Vijaya dasami day) in the month of Purattaasi and till Aippasi krishna paksha Chaturdasi/Amavasya i.e. Deepavali day.

Sri Lakshmi Kubera Pooja

We all know that Goddess Lakshmi is the lord of Wealth. Lord Kubera is also the lord of Wealth who blesses his devotees with enormous wealth. Kubera was rewarded by Lord Shiva with the post of being one of the guards of the eight directions - the North and made him the lord of wealth and material. As the God of wealth and material, his responsibilities are to distribute them, while creating wealth rest with Goddess Lakshmi. Performing pooja to Lord Kubera is believed to enrich one's life. To have a wealthy and comfortable life, one has to perform Sri Lakshmi Kubera Pooja especially during Deepavali festival days (Amavasya day). Sri Lakshmi Kubera Yantram is worshipped for "Aishwarya Abhivridhi" which means toattain wealth and prosperity.

Kubera Mantra: 

Om Yakshyaya Kuberaya Vaishravanaaya Dhanadhanyadi Padayeh |

Dhana-Dhanya Samreeddhing Me Dehi Tapaya Swaha ||

Moola Mantra: 

Om Shreem Hreem Im Kubera Lakshmiai |

Kamaladharinyai Dhana Akarshinyai Swaaha ||

Skanda Sashti

Skanda Sashti is observed on the sixth day of the bright fortnight of the Tamil month of Aippasi. This day is dedicated to the Lord Subramanya (Karthikeya), the festival commences six days before the Sashti day and concludes on the day of the Sashti. It is customary to undergo penance during Skanda Sashti festival. Towards the end of skanda sashti festival, Soora

Samhaaram and Thirukkalyaana Utsavam will be performed. Legend has it that, King of Indra promises to offer his daughter Devanai to Lord Subrahmanya, if the Lord vanquishes the demon Soorapadman. On successful samhaaram, “Devanai Thirumanam” was performed. It is enacted every year during the Skanda Sashti festival. (Valli thirumanam will be performed during Vaikasi Visakam festival).

The story of Skanda is found among others in the Kumara Tantra, (kaumaaram) Mahabharatha, Ramayana, Shiva Purana and is retold in Kalidasa's Kumara Sambhavam. Chandogya Upanishad identifies Skanda as Sanat Kumara. In Tamil, Arunagirinathar's Thiruppugazh, Nakkeerar's Thiru murugaatrupadai and scores of other literatures praise the glory of Skanda/Muruga.

Pandarpur Kartik Ekadasi

Pandarpur Kartik Ekadasi Yatra to Lord Vitthal Temple in Pandharpur takes place on the Ekadasi day during the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of moon) in Kartik Month (October – November) as per traditional Hindu calendar followed in Maharashtra. Pandarpur Kartik Ekadasi Yatra 2017 is on October 31. Pandharpur Yatra on Prabodini Ekadasi is undertaken by staunch Lord Vithal devotees and is the second most popular Yatra after the Ashadi Ekadasi Pandarpur Yatra (June – July).

Pandarpur Yatra in Kartik Month begins on the first day of Marathi Kartik month and ends on the Purnima or full moon day in Kartik Mahina. The most important day during the period is the Prabodini Ekadasi day.
Pandharpur Kartik Ekadasi Yatra and the famous Ashadi Ekadasi Waari Yatra are interconnected through the famous Chatur Maas – the cosmic sleep of Lord Vishnu.
It is believed that after Ashadi Ekadasi Waari Yatra Lord Vithal (Lord Vishnu) goes into his cosmic slumber and wakes up on Kartik Ekadasi day.

The Pandarpur Yatra is a pilgrimage to the Vithoba Temple, also known as VitthalRukhmini Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Krishna in Pandharpur in Maharashtra. There are four yatras in a year to the Vithoba Temple. The most famous is the one held in the Ashada month (June – July).All information in the above blog is sourced from various articles on the web. Nothing is original!!!

Do not miss the next edition - "Karthigai the Eighth month" to be published on 16th June.

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