Karthigai (Eighth Month) The Festivals in Karthigai

Karthigai (Eighth Month) The Festivals in 

Karthigai

Karthigai Masam, or Karthika month, is the eighth month in a traditional Tamil calendar and it derives its name from the Nakshatram, or star, ‘Krithiga.’ Tamil Month Karthigai in 2017 begins on November 17 and ends on December 15. The Mondays in the month are dedicated to Lord Shiva andKarthigai Somavara Vratham is observed. Another important ritual in the month is the Karthikai Deepam. Ayyappa devotees start the 41-day Ayyappa Deeksha Vratam and take a pilgrimage to Sabarimala in this month.

Karthikai Masam is also famous for the row of lights that are lit in the month. Houses and streets are decorated on the Karthigai star day in the month with lamps and it is known as Karthigai Deepam .

It is believed that Lord Shiva gave darshan to Lord Vishnu and Brahma in the form of a pillar of fire with no ends on this day. This form is also referred as Annamalai Deepam in Tamil and is observed at Thiruvannamalai.

Another significant event in this month is the Mahabharani which is observed in Shiva temples by lighting bonfires.

The month is also highly auspicious for Lord Muruga devotees as the month is named after the six Krithika stars. Son of Lord Shiva, Muruga was born as different babies – Shanmugha and was looked after by the Six Kritika stars. Later Goddess Parvati joined the six babies to give birth to Kartik or Muruga.

The 10-day Karthigai Deepam festival observed at the famous Sri Arunachaleswarar Temple in Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu, culminates with the Maha Deepam lit atop the Annamalai Hills. 

Karthigai Deeepam is the festival of lights in Tamil Nadu and it is observed on the full moon day (or a day earlier) in the month of Karthigai (November-December). 

Karthigai Deepam 2017 date is December 2, Saturday. The main event on the day is the lighting of traditional oil lamps in the evening after sunset. Karthigai is the name of the one of the stars or Nakshatrams and deepam is the term for light or diya.

Note - Tiruvannamalai Karthigai Mahadeepam is held on the evening of December 2, 2017 this year.

You can watch the Karthigai Deepam live online. In 2017, the date of Tiruvannamalai Maha Karthigai Deepam is December 2, Saturday. Live streaming is in the evening 

The Karthigai Deepam Live is available on the official website of Tiruvannamalai Temple from 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM. (Indian Standard Time)

On the day, temples, homes and streets are decorated with traditional oil lamps. Special pujas and prayers are held in temples on the day.

The famous Tiruvannamalai Bharani Deepam is held during the period.

The lighting of lamp is an auspicious symbol and it is believed to usher in peace and prosperity.

The day is also known as Vishnu Deepam, Vaikanasa Deepam, Pancharatra Deepam, Chokka panai and Yanai Panai.

In Kerala, the day is observed as Thrikarthika.

Talk about Karthigai Deepam and the picture that comes to mind is that of rows and rows of lamps or diyas. On this day, every Hindu home will light traditional Vilaku (diyas) in the evening. Locally, these lamps are known as ‘agal vilakkus.’ The lighted lamp is an auspicious symbol and it is believed to usher in prosperity and joy.

Kartikai Deepam Legends

Kartikai Deepam is the lighting of lamps on the Krittika or Kartika Nakshataram day in Tamil Nadu and Kerala in Karthigai month. There are several reasons or stories behind observing Karthigai Deepam. A popular belief is that the day is the birthday of Lord Muruga. The lamps are also lit for a happy married life and for the well being of children in the family.

Kartikai Deepam and Lord Muruga

Lord Muruga, also known as Skanda, Subrahamaniya and Kartik, was born as six different babies to Lord Shiva after he awoke from the deep meditation after Goddess Sati’s death. The six babies were looked after by the Six Krittika stars and the six children were later joined to a single force by Goddess Parvati.Krittika is the six starts or the Pleiades cluster – when Muruga joins them as a child they make seven stars. As Muruga was born as six different babies and later joined into one He is popularly known as Aarumugan in Tamil culture.

Lord Muruga as Kumaraguru Advising Lord Shiva

Another legend has it that the lamps lit symbolically represent 
knowledge, victory and peace. Muruga as Kumaraguru is believed to have taught the meaning of ‘OM’ to Lord Shiva. Thus the lamps lit on the day are in remembrance of sharing the ultimate knowledge of ‘OM.’ The knowledge of OM helps in enlightenment and emancipation.

King Bali Surrendering to Lord Vishnu

Another legend associated with Karthigai Deepam is that King Bali surrendered before Lord Vishnu. King Bali attained moksha by surrendering all his wealth and himself before Lord Vishnu. Special offerings made from puffed rice and beaten rice is believed to be due to this legend.

Thiruvannamalai MahaDeepam and Shiva as Lingodhabhava Murti

Another popular legend associated with that of Karthigai Deepam is that of Lord Shiva appearing in the form of Lingodhbhava – a pillar of fire with no end and beginning. This is celebrated at the famous Arunachaleshwar Temple in Tiruvannamalai as theThiruvannamalai Deepam.

Karthigai Somavaram Vratam

Karthigai Somavaram Vratam is observed because it is in this month Shiva destroyed the three cities of Tripuri built by demon Tripurasura. Legend has it that a powerful demon named Tripuri or Tripurasura built three impregnable cities of gold, silver and iron with the blessing of Lord Shiva. The demon became so powerful and his inflated ego knew no bounds and started attacking and tormenting humans and demi gods (devas). Brahma and Vishnu failed to contain Tripurasura who was armed with several boons from Shiva.

Finally, the task of annihilating the demon fell on Lord Shiva and after three days of fight, Lord Shiva killed Tripurasura and destroyed the three cities – Tripuri. This great victory happened on the full moon day in Kartik month.

Mondays are dedicated to Shiva and the Mondays in the Kartik month is chosen to propitiate Shiva as it is considered highly meritorious.

Kartigai Somavar Vratam is from sunrise to sunset. Devotees do not consume food after sunrise. Some people opt for a liquid diet or fruit diet and others go for the traditional strict fasting of without food.

Prayers and puja dedicated to Shiva is performed early in the morning. The puja begins with prayer to Lord Ganesh. A picture of Lord Shiva or Shivling is used for the prayer.

It must be noted here that Lord Shiva is also known as Ashutosh – one who is easily pleased. So a devotee needed not worry about the elaborate puja rituals. A simple recital of ‘Om Namah Shivaya’ with devotion will please Lord Shiva.

Karthigai Somavar Vratam ends with the evening puja after sunset.
Shiva devotees usually avoid diet consisting of garlic and onion while breaking a fast.

Karthigai Somavaram, or Karthika Somavara Ubayam, is the Mondays in the Tamil Month Karthigai which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Kartika Somavar Vratam is observed by Shiva devotees in the month and special pujas and rituals are held in Shiva temples in maintained by Tamil community. Fasting from sunrise to sunset is undertaken by many devotees.
Note – In neighboring Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh also Kartik Month of importance and Mondays are dedicated to Shiva.

Nellikai(Gooseberry) Story

Karthigai Masam (November to December) is a highly auspicious Tamil month. Fasting and pujas performed in this month is believed to be highly meritorious. Special significance is associated with Gooseberry or Nellikkai (Awala or Amla) and Karthigai Masam.

It is believed that hearing stories of Muruga or Kartikeya under the Nellikkai (gooseberry)tree will help in attaining good health and prosperity.

If food is taken under the gooseberry tree it will help in good health. If food is offered to the hungry or poor people or any living being under a gooseberry tree it will help in fulfillment of prayers and desires.

It is also said that if women of the family eat under the nellikai tree in Karthigai Masam it will help in the prosperity of the entire family.

Significance of Gooseberry or Nellikkai in Karthigai Masam is mentioned in the Padma Purana and Skanda Purana.

The popular belief is that during the Karthigai month gods and sages reside on the Nellikkai Tree. Therefore worshiping the tree during the period can help in destroying sins and in fulfilling wishes.

Mandala Pooja Vratam By Ayyappa Devotees

Significance of Mandala Vratham

In Bhagawat Gita, Lord Krishna declared: "The one who loves everyone, treats both pleasure and pain with equanimity,  is friendly to all beings, compassionate, ego-less, patient, always contended, self-controlled, determined, and who dedicates his mind and intellect to me is dear to me and is my true devotee.”

Ayyappa Vratham is a set of spiritual exercises to enable one to begin the journey towards becoming a true devotee. The ultimate purpose of Ayyappa Vratham is self-transformation. The process helps the Sadhaks -seekers of the Divine - to realise that we are part of the divinity. For the benefit of new devotees and the next generation of young devotees, in what follows, we describe the importance, significance, and the benefits of Ayyappa Vratham.

Why Observe Ayyappa Vratham?

Ayyappa Vratham is a good entry point to the spiritual world, particularly to those who are used to rituals as the basis for devotion. According to the Sanadhana Dharma, followed in India based on the Vedic traditions, man (jeevaatma) seeking the union with God (paramaatma) is the ultimate spiritual purpose of human life. However, there are several margas - pathways-to reach God-Raja Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Karma Yoga, and Gnana Yoga among others. Ayyappa Vratham probably falls under the Bhakti Yoga but uses elements from other yogic pathways as well. Using devotion to bring out the divinity in human is the aim of Ayyappa Vratham. In under-taking the Vratham, we follow several rituals to signify the transformation of human nature to the divine nature.

Before looking at how Ayyappa Vratham helps us to transform ourselves and go towards Godhood, it will be useful to consider basic definition of Godliness. In practical terms, to have the union with God is to say, that we have godly qualities. What are the main characteristics of Godly qualities? God is love and love is God -some will say. God is peaceful - some will say as they seek God to have their own peace. Others will say God is truth and they seek God by seeking truth and or being truthful. And yet others will say that God is righteousness. In observing Ayyappa Vratham we are expected to show love to everyone as God is in everyone, be peaceful with ourselves and with others, be truthful, follow righteousness and of course non-violence. While opinions vary on how one sees God, everyone will agree that God is more powerful than man is. This is partly because God can control the nature both internal and external, better than man can. External nature is the elements like earth, wind, rain, sun etc. Internal nature of man is the qualities that man is not in full control yet strives, as a spiritual seeker, or a Sadhak to have control over the senses. In observing Ayyappa Vratham we try to have this internal control so we can go towards attaining godly qualities. In essence, Ayyappa Vratham is a "dress rehearsal" for preparing ourselves to be in union with God himself by surrendering his thoughts, words, and deeds and leading an austere life.  In other words, cleansing oneself of all impurities.

A Journey Towards God

Human birth is the most important and difficult to attain of all living creatures. To be born as human is in itself a blessing. The desire to reach God using this human form is another blessing bestowed on us by God. With both human form and the desire to go towards Him, we need a marga to reach God. In Vedic philosophy and in Sanadhana Dharma there are many ways to seek union with God. Ayyappa Vratham and the journey to Sabarimala is one,and perhaps, the most realistic way to reach him in this Kali yuga. In order to reach union with God, through any marga, we need to observe basic discipline in life. Ayyappa Vratham trains us to follow this discipline.

Guruswami: In Vedic samparadhya, to reach God we need the guidance of Guru. Guru is one who has been there and done that. Guru is one who can guide us, monitor our transformation and correct the mistakes we make on the way to attaining union with God . Thus, submission to Guru-swami is the key. Humility and humbleness is a hallmark of a Sathvic person. Ayyappa Vratham teaches us to be in submission to Guru and to fellow devotees. We consider Lord Ayyappa as Guru of all the Guruswamies.

41 Days of Mandala Vratham: Ayyappa Vratham observed for 41 days amounts to one mandalam period. This is the most essential first step to make the pilgrimage to Sabarimala. The idea is to follow the discipline continuously for a certain period so that it becomes habit. As they say, discipline on a daily basis forms the good habit; good habit forms  good character and good character determines our destiny. During this Vratham period, we attain basic purity of body, mind and spirit which is necessary for any devotional effort. Before starting the Vratham, we take permission from parents, seek the guidance of a Guruswami, and ask his permission and take permission from our Kuladeivam, family deity for blessings and protection.

Mudra or Thulasi Mala

Ayyappa Vratham is initiated with the invocation of God through adornment of the Thulasi mala. Lord Ayyappa is called Manikandan as the King Rajasekara Pandiyan found Him in the forest as a baby with manimala around his neck. Wearing Mudra mala symbolizes beginning of the Vratham. Mudramala reminds the devotee that he is God himself and to others it indicates that the devotee is in Vratham. The Mudra mala is removed when the Vratham is over after 41 days and after the devotee has the dharshan of Lord Ayyappa climbing 18 steps with the irumudikettu on his head.

Black Dhothi or Mundu: During the Vratham, the devotee lives like a Sanyasi and adorns black clothes as the color black denotes detachment from worldly things. There is no desire for dressing up.They do not cut hair, shave facial hair nor cut nails during the 41 days.  The effort is made towards keeping oneself clean. Hence, they take bath twice a day both in the morning and in the evening before the prayers during which the devotees chant 108 namas or sharanams.

A key essential of Ayyappa Vratham is the Sathvic lifestyle

Simply put it is lifestyle of a sadhu. Sadhus keep their body, mind and soul clean, eat vegetarian food, and refrain from any bodily or mental pleasures and constantly think of God. Learning to lead a Sathvic life is a first step to recognize the devotional path. We do not hurt anyone by word, deed, or thought. Sathsang - Association with godly people helps in maintaining Sathvic lifestyle. Ayyappa congregations are a unique opportunity to associate with other Ayyappans who are also in Vratham and share the knowledge and experience.  Devotees see each other as Ayyappan himself and see God in every other creature. This association with other devotees is important for going through the daily tribulations in life as well. In sum, they  withdraw themselves from worldly affairs except for serving God and their fellow human beings and paticipate in spiritual activities like satsangh, prayers and bhajans. An essential part of Ayyappa Vratham is brahmacharyam. This is to not only keep our body and mind clean, but needed as basic requirement to get way from materialistic world. Brahmacharyam also helps us to conserve and concentrate all our physical energy and translate it to spiritual energy. We treat every woman as our mother during the Vratham.

Namasmaranam or saying "Swami Saranam" is important aspect of Ayyappa Vratham. "Swami Saranam" -Surrendering everything to God - is the moola manthram and moksha manthram of Ayyappa devotees. Some consider saying Swami Saranam is so powerful that it is equivalent to chanting Veda. Thinking about God all the time and chanting his name is a sure way towards God. It is also recommended as the easiest way to godliness. Yet in our daily life it is not often that we chant God’s name consciously. When devotees wear Mudra mala, they are often reminded if not all the time that they are to call his name all the time. They say "Swami Saranam" before starting and ending a conversation with anyone. This is another way to remember his name and at the same time to see God in others. In fact, they say Swami Saranam whenever their thought takes them away from the thought of God or when a distraction comes in the way or when they make a mistake during the Vratham. This is not only to ask forgiveness but also to remember God all the time. Therefore, Namasmaranam is the way of life when the devotees are in the Ayyappa Vratham. This, indeed,  needs to continue forever by all of us even when we are not in Vratham as Vratham is only a rehearsal period for how we should actually  lead our life as a devotee of Ayyappa. 

Namasangeerthanam is another way to chant God's name and remember God by singing his glory. Music has a tendency to to be etchedin our minds for days after we hear it. Hence, we should hear lots of bhajans, and songs that praise God  so that they will always keep ringing in our heads and are better than any other meaningless music. By joining a group that sings Bhajans, we cultivate a habit of regular praying.  Ayyappa Bhajans are regularly conducted in devotees homes and temples, which are the only places Ayyappa devotees, visit during the Vratham period.

Practice of reduction and eventual removal of kama, krotha, mada, maathsarya, lobha, moha is another key objective of Ayyappa Vratham. These are considered enemies of a spiritual man. Ayyappa Vratham is also an opportunity to practice moderation. Removal of desire, attachment to sensory world, yearning to harm or cause ruin to others, jealousy, and ego is the path to liberation from the cycle of birth and death. Ayyappa Vratham helps in avoiding these six obstacles.

lrumudikettu and journey to Sabarimala: At the end of the 41 days of Vratham period, we prepare irumudi to take it to the temple and dedicate it to Swami. The two bags represent the paavams and the punniyams each we have earned with our worldly activities and we surrender it to God and attain freedom from all Karmas good and bad.

As Lord Krishna declared in Bhagawat Gita and believed by ancient hindu sages, periodic fasts or vrathams purify the human mind and body. By adhering to an austere way of life observing tapas, observing daily prayers (in the morning and evening), participating in Sathsang and house pujas, doing community service through annadhanam, visiting temples regularly, imbibing in the spiritual literature, showing love and compassion to everyone and avoiding the six spiritual enemies as mentioned above, man trascends his earthly limitations and changes for the better.

Sabarimala of the West

Ayyappa Shrine in the Shri Siva Vishnu Temple (SSVT) in North America is a blessing to those living all over North America who would like to observe the Ayyappa Vratham and climb the Holy 18 steps every year. Devotees who have been to Sabarimala in India but could not continue to go there due their move to North America, consider SSVT Ayyappa Shrine as the "Sabarimala of the West." Devotees climbing 18 steps at SSVT follow the same rigorous austerities of Ayyappa Vratham.

18 Steps Of Sabarimala

The first five steps symbolise the five human senses (Panchendriyas) i.e. visual (vision), auditory (hearing), olfactory (smell), gustatory (taste) and tactile (touch). These signify the `mortal’ nature of one’s body. The next eight steps symbolise the eight Ashtaragas viz, Kama, Krodha, Lobha, Moha, Madha, Maltsarya, Asooya, Dhumb (Love, Anger, Avarice, Lust, Pride, Unhealthy Competition, Jealousy and Boastfulness). The next three steps stand for three Gunas or Thrigunas (nature-born qualities) i.e. Satva, ( perspicuity, discernment) , Rajas (activity, enjoyment) and Thamas (inactivity, stupor). The last two steps represent Vidya (Knowledge) and Avidya (Ignorance).
It is assumed that after climbing up these eighteen steps reverently, one symbolically detaches oneself from all the worldly ties that bind one physically and mentally to the world. It is only then that a person will be in a receptive condition to be ‘one’ in consonance with the concept of ‘The Ultimate Creator’.

The above are the most prevalently accepted version of the significance of the Holy 18 steps. Other versions are as follows: Ayyappa was a master of 18 weapons and the steps signify these. Ayyappa before merging into the idol at the Sanctum Sanctorum, surrendered his 18 weapons, one at each step of Pathinettam Padi.

The steps represent the 18 hills existing in and around the region of Sabarimala.Ponnambalamedu, Gowdenmala, Nagamala, Sundaramala, Chittambalamala, Khalgimala, Mathangamala, Myladummala, Sreepadamala, Devarmala, Nilakkalmala, Thalapparamala, Neelimala, Karimala, Puthuserrymala, Kalakettimala, Inchipparamala and Sabarimala.

Eighteen is considered as the code number to break into the soul of the Nature. The significance of 18 can be traced back to the Vedic age. The first Veda, believed to be protected by Lord Brahma himself, had 18 chapters. Later, Veda Vyasa divided it to create the four vedas: Rigveda, Yajur Veda, Sama Veda and Atharava Veda. Each of these vedas had 18 chapters.Veda Vyasa also wrote 18 puranas and 18 upa-puranas. The Bhagavad Gita has 18 chapters and the Kurukshetra war lasted 18 days.

There is a bonus this week = A write up  on "The  Sabari Malai Ayyappa Temple!!! "

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

Do not miss the next edition - "Margazhi the Ninth month" to be published on 23rd June.

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

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