The 4th month in the Tamil calendar is Aadi (July 16th – August 16th). It marks the beginning of Dakshinayana Punyakalam, which is believed to be the night of the Devas. Hence, Aadi is not an auspicious month for important ceremonies like marriages, housewarming, etc. However, this month has great spiritual significance for Tamils. It is an ideal month for spiritual pursuits like prayers, meditation, and self-reflection. In fact, many festivals are celebrated in this month. They include Aadi Pirappu, Aadi Velli, Aadi Chevvai, Aadi Amavasya, Aadi Pooram, Aadi Perukku, Aadi Krithigai, and Varalakshmi Vratham. During this month, Tamils worship the different forms of Goddess Shakthi.
Let us take a look at the major Aadi festivals.
Aadi Pirappu:
This is the first day of Aadi month, which can fall on July 16 or 17. It is also called Aadi Pandigai and is important especially for newly-weds. There is a special Pooja on this day and women make delicious foods like Payasam, Puran Poli, and Vadai on the occasion. Newlywed couples visit the bride’s parental house and the couple are given new dresses and other gifts and a feast takes pla ce.
The Fridays in Aadi month are Aadi Velli. On Aadi Velli, Tamils worship Goddess Shakti and her various forms. Women make Koozh (a drink made using Ragi) and Pongal and offer them to the Goddess.
People worship Goddess Swarnambika on the 1st Friday. She is a form of Goddess Parvati.
On the 2nd Friday, people worship Goddess Kali, the Goddess of Siddhi powers for intelligence.
On the 3rd Friday, people worship Goddess Kalikambal for courage and health.
On the 4th Friday, people worship Kamakshi Amman to remove delays in marriage, harmonious relationships, and success.
On the last Friday, people worship Goddess Lakshmi, by observing Varalakshmi Pooja. Women invoke her blessings for the welfare of their families.
Aadi Chevvai
Aadi Chevvai refers to the Tuesdays in Aadi month. On these days, women observe fast, chant Slokas and pray to Goddess Parvati. “Ovvai Nonbu“ is the name of the special fast. The Prasad for this fast is Kozhukattai, or rice dumplings made with rice flour and jaggery. In temples, idols of Parvati in different forms are decorated and worshipped.
Aadi Amavasya
The new moon day in Aadi is Aadi Amavasya, and it is a good day to offer Tarpanam to one’s Pitrus or ancestors. It is actually one of the 3 most powerful new moon days to honor our Pitrus and receive their blessings. Hindus believe that the Pitrus come to earth to see their descendants on this day. They flock to Rameshwaram, which is the most auspicious place to perform Tarpanam. They bathe in the holy river and perform the ceremony on its banks.
Aadi Pooram
Aadi Pooram is the birthday of Goddess Andal, a form of Goddess Lakshmi and one of the Alwars (Vaishnavite saint poets). Andal is also regarded as a form of Shakti, who is believed to descend to Earth on this day. Andal’s love and devotion for Lord Ranganthar are well- known. Aadi Pooram is grandly celebrated in most of the Vishnu temples, and Thirukalyanam, the marriage ceremony of Andal and Ranganathar, is also performed. In temples for Shakti, glass bangles are offered to Goddess, which are then distributed among women devotees. Thiruppavai and Lalitha Sahasaranamam are chanted as well by devotees.
Aadi Perukku:
The monsoon season in Tamil Nadu begins in Aadi. Due to copious rains, water levels in the rivers rise. Aadi Perukku festival is celebrated to express gratitude to Mother Nature, especially the Cauvery river, which is very important to agriculture and the farming community. It falls on the 18th day of Aadi. Women wear new clothes on this day and perform Abishekham for Goddess Kaveri Amman.
People believe that whatever is done on this auspicious day will bring manifold returns. A good monsoon is essential to start the sowing season. Hence, farmers offer prayers to rivers and waterbodies for a good monsoon and abundant harvest on Aadi Perukku. On Aadi Perukku, people visit river banks and enjoy picnics and games with family and friends.
Aadi Krithigai
Tamils worship Lord Muruga on this day. It falls on Krithigai Nakshatra day in Aadi. There are special Poojas in many temples. One can find the legend associated with this festival in the Skanda Purana.
0 Comments