பதினெட்டாம்படி கருப்பசாமி வரலாறு

மதுரை அழகர் கோவிலை காவல் காத்துக்கொண்டிருக்கும் மிக சக்தி வாய்ந்த தெய்வமாக இங்கு வீற்றிருப்பது 18ம்படி கருப்பண்ணசாமி கோவில் . இப்பகுதியை சேர்ந்த மக்கள் இந்த கருப்பசாமி மேல் மிகுந்த பக்தி கொண்டு மிகவும் பயபக்தியுடன் வணங்கி வருகின்றனர். அநியாயங்கள் செய்தால் கருப்பசாமி கேட்பார் என இந்த கருப்பசாமிக்கு பயமும் பக்தியும் அதிகம்.

கோவில் வரலாறு: வளம் மிக்க கேரள தேசத்தை ஆட்சி செய்து வந்த அரசன் ஒருவன் ,ஒருமுறை பாண்டிய நாட்டில் உள்ள திருமாலிருஞ்சோலை என்னும் திவ்விய தேசமான அழகர்கோவில் வந்தான் பள்ளிகொண்ட ,அழகே உருவான கள்ளழகரை தரிசித்தான் . அழகரின் அழகை கண்ட அந்த அரசன் அதை உருவேற்றி சக்தியேற்றி தம் தேசமான கேரளாவுக்கு கொண்டு செல்ல திட்டம் தீட்டினான் . நாடு திரும்பிய அரசன் ,மந்திர ,தந்திரங்களில் நன்கு தேர்ச்சி பெற்ற 18 கேரள மந்திரவாதிகளை தேர்வு செய்து அழகரின் சக்தியை எடுத்து அழகரை கேரளம் தூக்கி வரும்படி கட்டளையிட்டான்.

பதினெட்டு மந்திரவாதிகளும் மன்னனின் கட்டளையை நிறைவேற்ற அழகர்மலை வருவதற்கு ஆயத்தமானார்கள் . பதினெட்டு மந்திரவாதிகளுக்கு காவலாக மலையாள தேசத்தின் காவல் தெய்வமான கருப்பும் வெள்ளை குதிரை மீதேறி அவர்கள் முன்னே சென்றது. காவல் தெய்வத்தின் பின்னே இவர்கள் அழகர்மலை நோக்கி புறப்பட்டனர்.

அனைவரும் அழகர் மலையை அடைந்தனர். அழகர் மலையை அடைந்த காவல் தெய்வம் ,அழகரின் அழகில் மயங்கி தன்னை மறந்து நின்றது . அழகரின் அழகிய தங்க ஆபரணங்களை கண்ட 18 மந்திரவாதிகளும் தன்னுடன் வந்த காவல் தெய்வத்தை மறந்து ,ஆபரணங்களையும் அழகரையும் தூக்கி செல்லும் எண்ணம் கொண்டு கருவறை நோக்கி சென்றனர்.

இவர்களின் கெட்ட நோக்கத்தை கண்ட அடியார் ஒருவர் ,ஊரில் உள்ள மக்களிடம் சொல்ல ,மக்கள் அனைவரும் திரண்டு வந்து ,அந்த 18 பேரையும் கொன்று ,களிமண்ணால் படிகள் செய்து ,படிக்கு ஒருவராக பதினெட்டு படிகளிலும் பதினெட்டு பேரையும் புதைத்தனர் .

தன்னிடம் மயங்கி நின்ற காவல் தெய்வத்திற்கு கருணை புரிய இறைவன் கருணை கொண்டார் . காவல் தெய்வம் கருப்பசாமிக்கு காட்சி தந்து, அருள் புரிந்து ,வரம் தந்து ,"என்னையும் மலையையும் காவல் புரிந்து வருவாய் என அருள் புரிந்தார் ".காவல் தெய்வமான கருப்பசாமி இம்மலையில் தங்கி இருந்து அழகர் மலையை இன்று வரை காத்து வருவதாக நம்பிக்கை உள்ளது.

காடு வீடெல்லாம் முன்னோடியாய் காவல் புரிந்து மக்களை காப்பாய் என இறைவன் கட்டளையிட்டார் . 18 பேருடன் வந்த தெய்வமாதலால் ,பதினெட்டு படிகளின் மீது நின்று காவல் தெய்வமாய் காட்சி தந்தார் . ஒருநாள் கோவில் பட்டர் கனவில் தோன்றிய கருப்பசாமி ,திருமால் பள்ளிகொண்ட திருவாயிலையும் மலையையும் காப்பேன் ,திருமாலின் அர்த்த ஜாம பூஜை பிரசாதங்களை தனக்கு படைக்குமாறு வேண்ட அன்று முதல் அழகருக்கு படைக்கப்படும் அர்த்த ஜாம பூஜை பிரசாதங்கள் பதினெட்டாம் படி கருப்பசாமிக்கு படைக்கப் படுகிறது .

ஒருசமயம் பெரியாழ்வாருடன் இத்தலத்திற்கு விஜயம் செய்த ஆண்டாள் பதினெட்டு படிகளை கண்டு வியந்ததாக கர்ண பரம்பரை செய்தியாக கூறப்படும் கதை தெரிவிக்கிறது. ஒவ்வொரு நாளும் அழகர்மலை கோவில் பூட்டபட்டதும் ,கதவின் சாவி பதினெட்டாம் படி கருப்பசாமியின் முன்பு வைத்துவிட்டு செல்வர். மறுநாள் காலை கோவில் திறக்கும் முன் ,பட்டர் கருப்பசாமியிடம் பெற்று கதவை திறக்கும் சம்பிரதாயம் இன்று வரை நடைபெற்று வருகிறது .

சித்திரை திருவிழாவிற்கு அழகர் ,மதுரைக்கு புறப்படும்போதும் ,மதுரையிலிருந்து கோவிலுக்கு திரும்பும்போதும் அழகர் அணிந்த நகைகள் எண்ணப்பட்டு ,அந்த பட்டியல் பதினெட்டாம் படி கருப்பசாமி முன்பு படித்து காட்டப்படும் .கோவில் நகைகளை காவல் தெய்வம் கருப்பசாமியே பாதுகாத்து வருகிறார் என்பது பல காலமாக தொடர்ந்து வரும் நம்பிக்கை.

இன்று வரை இந்த நடைமுறை வழக்கத்தில் உள்ளது . கள்ளழகருக்கு காவல் புரியும் கருப்பணசாமியை மக்கள் தங்கள் குல தெய்வமாக கொண்டு வழிபட்டு வருகின்றனர் .இன்றும் பதினெட்டாம் படி கருப்பசாமி முன் பல வழக்குகள் தீர்க்கப்பட்டு வருகின்றன. கருப்பசாமியிடம் முறையிட்டால் நிச்சயம் நியாயம் கிடைக்கும் என்பது மக்கள் கொண்டுள்ள அசைக்க முடியாத நம்பிக்கை.

அழகர் கோவிலில் காவல் தெய்வமாக நின்ற கருப்பசாமி ,பின்னாளில் மதுரையை ஆண்ட பாண்டிய மன்னர்களுக்கு காவல் தெய்வமாக இருந்து வந்தார்.

Hindu hardliners defy court order, stop women entering temple in India

Conservative Hindu groups prevented women from entering an Indian hill temple on Wednesday, in defiance of India’s top court which says a centuries-long ban at the holy site is illegal.

Kerala’s industry minister EP Jayarajan told reporters that 10 journalists, five devotees and 15 police officers were attacked by protesters and 10 buses were damaged. Police have registered cases against more than 50 people, local media reported.

For centuries, the Sabarimala temple in Kerala state has banned women or girls older than 10, but that was judged illegal by India’s Supreme Court which ruled last month that it infringed the right to worship.

Kerala’s Communist government pledged to uphold the ruling and deployed some 500 police, including 100 women officers, to the site.

“Nobody will be allowed to prevent anybody. We will do everything possible to implement the law of the land,” said inspector-general of police Manoj Abraham. “None will be allowed to take the law into their hands.”

But while thousands of bare-chested men entered the temple with offerings of tumeric and incense when it opened at 5pm for the first time since the court decision, there were no signs of any women going in.

Footage from CNN News 18 showed police chasing protesters through dense forest near Nilakkal, the main entry point to the temple, which is about 18km further away. The protesters had been throwing stones, the channel reported.

PK Sanjeev of Dharma Sena, one of the main groups organising the protests, said they were happy women had been prevented from entering.

“We will not be deterred by the police high-handedness and will continue with the protests,” he told Reuters.

Hardline Hindu groups have threatened to commit mass suicide to prevent women from going to the temple, in what has become a focal point for the debate on women’s rights in India.

The groups, that include Shiv Sena, a former ally of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party, say the prohibition on women “of menstrual age” is required to appease the temple’s chief deity, Ayyappan, depicted as a yoga-practising god considered eternally celibate by followers.

Kerala’s government said it would impose an emergency law for two days starting on Thursday, barring groups of more than four people assembling within a 30 km radius from the temple

Kerala’s tourism minister K Surendran appealed to protesters not to “convert this holy land into a battlefield”.

A family of four from Andhra Pradesh state, including at least one woman, were shielded by police after protesters shouting slogans prevented them from reaching the temple.

Protesters smashed the windows of a car carrying a female journalist from CNN News 18, footage from the channel showed.

“It was shocking that officers were there doing nothing,” the reporter, Radhika Ramaswamy, said. “Protesters had free rein, attacking our vehicle.”

PK Sanjeev of Dharma Sena, one of the main groups organising the protests, said they were happy women had been prevented from entering.

“We will not be deterred by the police high-handedness and will continue with the protests,” he told Reuters.

Hardline Hindu groups have threatened to commit mass suicide to prevent women from going to the temple, in what has become a focal point for the debate on women’s rights in India.

The groups, that include Shiv Sena, a former ally of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party, say the prohibition on women “of menstrual age” is required to appease the temple’s chief deity, Ayyappan, depicted as a yoga-practising god considered eternally celibate by followers.

Kerala’s government said it would impose an emergency law for two days starting on Thursday, barring groups of more than four people assembling within a 30 km radius from the temple

Kerala’s tourism minister K Surendran appealed to protesters not to “convert this holy land into a battlefield”.

A family of four from Andhra Pradesh state, including at least one woman, were shielded by police after protesters shouting slogans prevented them from reaching the temple.

Protesters smashed the windows of a car carrying a female journalist from CNN News 18, footage from the channel showed.

“It was shocking that officers were there doing nothing,” the reporter, Radhika Ramaswamy, said. “Protesters had free rein, attacking our vehicle.”

Source : - Reuters

Police, military begin joint patrols for Thaipusam

The police and military have started joint security patrols for Thaipusam at the Sri Subramaniar Swamy Temple grounds in Batu Caves.

Gombak police chief ACP Ali Ahmad said the patrols, which started today, had been necessitated by the recent terror attacks in several cities around the world.

Thaipusam falls on Sunday but will be celebrated over three days from Saturday, taking into account the chariot procession from the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple in Jalan Bandar to the Batu Caves temple and back.

Ali did not disclose the number of policemen or soldiers who would be deployed on the patrols but said there was an adequate number of personnel for the duty.

“Terror attacks can happen anywhere. As such, the police are taking precautions, including at Batu Caves,” he told a news conference at the Sri Subramaniar Swamy Temple. Also present was the temple committee chairperson R Nadarajah.

Ali said security at Batu Caves was under control and the place was safe for Hindu devotees and visitors.

“Do not speculate on the security at Batu Caves and cause anxiety and panic among the people. Anyone violating police orders would be dealt with by the law,” he said.

More than a million devotees and visitors are expected at Batu Caves over the weekend for the Thaipusam festival.

Meanwhile, Ali also said that the police would not allow irresponsible people to collect payment for parking vehicles in the vicinity of Batu Caves during Thaipusam.

“We will monitor the situation. We advise the public not to pay any parking fees (to these irresponsible people),” he said.

Source - Bernama

Batu Caves safe for Thaipusam, say police

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 21 — Devotees and visitors going for Thaipusam at Batu Caves this weekend have been assured of their safety. Selangor police chief Datuk Abdul Samah said police have started tightening security in Batu Caves.

 “The Thaipusam festival at Batu Caves is on the tourism calendar of the country and we have always given attention to security at public places,” he said.

 “We have taken into account all factors to determine the strength of our force to be deployed at Batu Caves.” Following instructions from Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar to heighten security following terror attacks in Jakarta, Abdul Samah said security measures at public places, including Batu Caves, would be at the highest level.

City traffic investigations and legal officer Supt S. Markandan said police would also crack down on illegal parking activities at Batu Caves and at surrounding areas known for having illegal parking attendants during Thaipusam.

Markandan said police would not only issue summonses but also tow away vehicles that disrupt traffic flow. “There will be no leeway for motorists who break the law,” he said.

He also advised the public to use public transportation to avoid adding to the congestion and to know where the road closures would be during the chariot processions that will take place two days before and after Thaipusam.

There will not be complete road closures during the processions unless deemed necessary, Markandan added


Source: http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/batu-caves-safe-for-thaipusam-say-police#sthash.W2O5wK0o.dpuf

Sabarimala yatra

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 realize 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.

Colour Dhothi or Mundu: During the Vratham, the devotee lives like a Sanyasi and adorns black,blueor Sefton colour clothes as the all colour mentioned above 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 try to chant 108 namas or saranams.

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.

The Navagraha - the 9 Celestial Bodies

Navagraha represents the nine celestial influencers in
Vedic Astrology . The seven days are named after the
seven celestial bodies of our solar system - the Sun,
Moon and the planets. Apart from these, mention should
be made here of Rahu and Ketu, the two nodes of the
Moon - the north and the south, the points of
intersection of the paths of the Moon and the Sun.
Lunar eclipses occur when the Moon and the Sun are at
Rahu or Ketu. So, Navagraha comprises of:

1. Surya (Sun)
2. Chandra (Moon)
3. Mangala (Mars)
4. Budha (Murcury)
5. Brihaspati (Jupiter)
6. Shukra (Venus)
7. Shani (Saturn)
8. Rahu
9. Ketu

💥Rigveda Book no. 1, hymn No. 164 verse 46:

💥"Ekam Sat, Viprah Bahudha Vadanti"

'To what is One, sages give many names'

Weekly day and Hindu Gods:
It must be noted here that the Deity worship on a
particular day might vary from region to region and
community to community. The result of all upvaas or fast
depends on the person. It is good, if all the members in
the family can undertake a Vrata together

💥1) Sunday: Surya Bhagavan (Sun), Lord Rama, ...
Sunday is dedicated to Lord Surya (Sun God). Those who
undertake fast (upvaas) on the day only take a single
meal. Oil and salt is avoided. Red is the color of the day
and red flowers are offered to Surya.

💥2) Monday: Chandra (Moon), Lord Siva, Lord Ganesa, .....
Monday is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is said that Lord
Shiva is easily pleased. Therefore many people observe
Upvaas on Monday. Those devotees observing fast only
eat food once. People visit Lord Shiva shrines and
conduct pujas, especially, Ardhanarishwara puja. The
mantra ‘Om Namah Shivaya’ is chanted continuously.
Siva devotees also read Shiva Purana. Unmarried women
observe the Vrat to get good husbands. Others observe it
for a happy and prosperous family life.

💥3) Tuesday: Angarahan (Mars), Durga, Goddess Kali,
Lord Hanuman, Kartikeya, ....
Tuesday is dedicated to Durga, Goddess Kali and Lord
Hanuman. Most devotees visit Devi and Hanuman
shrines. Those people who fast avoid taking food
containing salt at night.
Tuesday or Mangalvar is dedicated to Lord Hanuman in
some places. Hanuman Saleesa is read.
Mangalvar Vrat is observed by those couples who wish to
have a son. Other benefits include happiness in the
family. People who believe in astrology observe fast to
alleviate the harmful effects associated with the planet
mangal or mars.
South India the day is dedicated to Skanda or Muruga or
Kartikeya (Kartik).

💥4) Wednesday: Budha (Mercury), Lord Vittal, Andal,
Anantapadmanabha, Ayyappa, ...
Wednesday is dedicated to Lord Vittal, an incarnation of
Krishna. Green color leaves, especially Tulsi leaves, are
used in Pujas. The day is highly auspicious for starting
new ventures and it is believed that those who observe
the Vrat are bound to get blessed with fortunes. People
also give alms on the day.

💥5) Thursday: Guru (Jupiter), Lord Vishnu, Sai Baba, .....
Thursday is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and his
incarnations. Pujas are conducted using milk, ghee etc.
Food is only eaten once and that too containing milk
products. People read Srimad Bhagavad Purana on the
day.
Devoties visit Sai Baba temples on Thursdays if not daily,
througout the country.

💥6) Friday: Sukra (Venus), Mahalakshmi, Parvati,
Sudarshana/Yoga Narasimha, Santhosi Ma,
Annapuraneshwari, Durga, .....
Friday is dedicated to Mother Goddess – Mahalakshmi,
Santhosi Ma, Annapuraneshwari and Durga. Sweets are
distributed on the day. Those devotees observing the
Vrat make it a point to eat at night.

💥7) Saturday: Sani (Saturn), Lord Venkateswara,
Hanuman, ...
Lord Venkateswara in Thirupthi is worshiped daily.
There are number of temples for Venkateswara in India.
People go and worship Srinivasa/Venkateswara there in
Saturdays. Vratas are undertaken at home also.
In Southern part of India Bhaktas visit Hanuman temples
in Saturdays. Betal leaves garland and Vadai garlands are
offered.
Saturday is dedicated to alleviating the bad influence of
Lord Shani. Devoties go to Navagraha temple (in Siva
temples) and do special archana to Lord Saneeswara.
The Vrat on this day is mainly observed by those people
who believe in Hindu astrology. Black is the color of the
day and people visit Shani shrine or Navagraha shrines.
Food is only consumed once on the da

Batu Caves blackout on Thaipusam eve

Batu Caves was in darkness last night after electricity supply to the area was disrupted at 8.53pm and by midnight, supply had not been restored yet.
   
Hindu devotees who thronged Batu Caves to fulfil their religious vows in conjunction with the Thaipusam festival today, were left unprepared to face the unforeseen circumstances.
   
Batu Caves temple committee member N Sivakumar said Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) was trying its best to rectify the problem.
   
In the meantime, the temple was being helped by TNB's big generator to light up the temple in the cave, but the supply was not stable, he told Bernamayesterday.
   
He said this was the first time a blackout occurred during the Thaipusam festival.
  
Meanwhile, a full moon, a spotlight and lights from the nearby stalls helped to brighten up the area which enabled the devotees to continue their religious rituals.
   
Sivakumar said the temple committee was currently trying to obtain two more generators to back up the existing TNB generator.

Thai Velli

Thai Velli 

The Vedic Tamil month of Thai is considered as an incomparable month to worship Goddess Ma Shakti which falls between mid January to mid February.

Poojas are done with much significance to please the Goddess on the four Fridays of this month.

Prayers are offered by devotees to Goddess to bless them with creativity, strong will power and knowledge.

For people who are wondering on the question on how to be successful in life, should pray to the all powerful Ma Shakti to get her divine blessings.

The importance of 4 Fridays

Each Friday in the month of Thai has its own importance and significance as these days are auspicious for Shakti, the omnipresent.

Ma Shakti portrays herself as three forms for her devotees:
Icha shakti
 Kriya shakti
Gnana Shakti.

Icha Shakti:

The word “icha shakti” means will power. It relates to a person’s creative drive, desire and motivation. One can modify his or her lcha Shakthi through their longing for God. The embodiment of Icha Shakti is Melur Thiruvudai Amman who would provide answers to all your questions on how to be successful in life.

Kriya Shakti:

Kriya Shakti represents the power of action. It is the ability to act efficiently to fulfill the desires and it relates to the physical body. Performing divine activities will help you improve your Kriya Shakthi. Thirumullaivayil Kodivudai Amman represents Kriya Shakti who will guide in all your endeavors.

Gnana Shakti:

Gnana shakti denotes the power of knowledge. It leads to divinity and is the key to wisdom and is the ultimate ability to know the soul or Athma
Goddess Parvati characterizes Gnana Shakti who blesses you with knowledge. She is also the Goddess of splendor who would intensify your everlasting looks.Mangadu Kamakshi is the fourth Friday in Thai Velli.

🌞 It is a manifestation of all the three forms of Ma Shakti and offering special prayers on this day will remove the obstacles in marriage, career, finance etc. and will help you to be successful in life. 🌞

How to do Kala Bhairavar Pooja?

1. Be Vegetarian
2. Light up Kabala Deepam ( pusini lamp) with 21 black pepper and 21 white
Pepper , apply turmeric powder on one side of the pusini and kungkumam on
Another part of the pusini.
3. Fill in the pusini with 5 types of oil ( gingerly , ghee, elupai , veppam and
Coconut oil)
4. the same thing with coconut deepam with 5 types of oil.
5. use rose or vilvam for archanai
6. chant mantra for 108 times

Mantra ….

“ Aum Kala Bhairava Shivayeh Namaha”
Gayatri Mantra….

“Om Kaalakaalaaya vidhmahey Kaalaatheethaaya dheemahi Thanno Kaala Bhairava Prachodhayaath.”

HAVE GOOD AND BLESSED DAY,

What is BHAKTI

When BHAKTI enters FOOD
it becomes PRASAD

When BHAKTI enters HUNGER
it becomes a FAST

When BHAKTI enters WATER
it becomes THEERTH

When BHAKTI enters TRAVEL
it becomes a PILGRIMAGE

When BHAKTI enters MUSIC
it becomes KIRTAN

When BHAKTI enters a HOUSE
it becomes a TEMPLE

When BHAKTI enters ACTIONS
it becomes SERVICES

AND

When BHAKTI enters a MAN
he becomes HUMAN

🌼🌼🌼🌼🌼🌼🌼

When things are bad, remember:
It won't always be this way...
Take one day at a time...

🌹When things are good, remember :
It won't always be this way...
Enjoy every great moment✨🌹✨

🌞 Swamy Saranam 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

Why we blow Conch or Shankha?

When the conch (Shankha) is blown, the primal sound of Om emerges. Om is the sound that was emanated by God before creation of the universes.




The conch (sankha) is one of the attributes of Lord Vishnu. It is said that once a demon name Sankhasura harassed the Demigods and stole the Vedas and hid himself in an ocean. Lord Visnu incarnated as a huge golden fish ie Matsya Avatar and killed the demon. After this the Lord is supposed to have blown the conch- shaped bone of the ear of Sankhasura. From this, arose the sound Om and from this sound emerged the Vedas. The conch is therefore known as sankha after Sankhasura. The conch of Lord Vishnu or Lord Krishna is called the Pancajanya. It represents dharma or righteousness, which is one of the four objectives (purusarthas) of human life. The sound of the conch also symbolises the victory of the good over the evil.

During the ancient times, conches would be also blown before the start of a battle.There are two well-known verses in the first chapter of the Bhagvad Gita which describe the conches of Lord Krishna and the Pandavas on the battlefield of Kuruksetra-


Lord Krishna (Hrisikesa) blew His conch shell, called Pancajanya; Arjuna blew his, the Devadatta; and Bhima, the voracious eater and performer of herculean tasks, blew his terrific conchshell, called Paundra’.

King Yudhishthira, the son of Kunti, blew his conch shell, the Ananta-vijaya, and Nakula and Sahadeva blew the Sughosa and Manipuspaka. That great archer the King of Kasi, the great fighter Sikhandi, Dhrishtadyumna, Virata, the unconquerable Satyaki, Drupada, the sons of Draupadi, and the others, O King, such as the mighty-armed son of Subhadra, all blew their respective conch shells.’

🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸
Conches also have been blown during aratis and important festivals in temples to serve as a reminder to those villagers or citizens who had missed the worship. The sound of the conch helps people to make their minds concentrate on God while praying and drive away other stray thoughts. The conch is placed in temples and even in domestic shrines as a symbol of Nada Brahma or the sound of Om, the Vedas, dharma, victory and auspiciousness. It is also at times used to give tirtha water (holy water) to devotees in a temple.

☀☀☀☀☀☀☀☀☀
Because of its close association with Lord Vishnu, the blowing of the conch is an essential part of Vaishnavite ritual practices.
🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷

It is believed the blowing shankha destroys enemies and also pleases goddess Lakshmi.
🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺
Not just for religion, blowing shankha has scientific and ayurvedic benefits also. As per them, blowing shankha during puja has benefits on our lungs. This is because for blowing a shankha pure air reaches the lungs and impure air comes out. This makes the lungs strong.Blowing shankha also cures diseases of intestines.