GanSriPar

|| NAVARATRI || DUSSERA ||

2008-09-28T23:29:00.017+05:30

First Three days are dedicated to Durga Maa; the Goddess of power and energy.
On the first three days, the goddess is invoked as a powerful spiritual force called Durga in order to destroy all our impurities, vices and defects.

During the next three days people worship Lakshmi Maa, the Goddess of peace and prosperity. In these days, Mother is adored as a giver of spiritual wealth, Lakshmi, who is considered to have the power of bestowing on her devotees the inexhaustible wealth.

On Seventh and Eighth days, Saraswati Maa is worshiped to acquire the spiritual knowledge.

On Nineth day Kanya puja is performed, nine young girls representing the nine forms of Goddess Durga are worshiped. The final set of three days is spent in worshipping the daughter of Brahma as the goddess of wisdom, Saraswati.

In order to have all-round success in life, we need the blessings of all three aspects of the divine femininity, hence, the worship for nine nights.

Dussera or Vijayadashami, the tenth day is celebrated as the day of victory to rejoice about Durga's triumph over the demon Mahishasura.

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NAVRTATRI/DUSSERA at Cheenu's House...

In our house, on Mahalaya Amavasya Day, we lit a ghee lamp [see the picture :: the lamp is placed golden colour cage]. On this day the neivedhyam :: SAKKARAI pongal and GROUNDNUT sundal.

This Special Lamp will glow till the night of VIJAYADASAMI. Round the clock vigil is taken to protect the Jwalai [flame].

On all days during morning pooja, along with routine archanais, DURGA, LAKSHMI and SARASVATI ashtotram are performed with a SWEET [payasam or mysorepak or 7cups] and a SAVOURY [sundal or vadai, somedays both] as neivedhyam and in the evenings, LALITHA SHASRANAMA archanai,

With the blessings of Devi and all we hope next year the celebrations would be in our PADMA-SANKARAM.

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Mahalaya Paksham....

2008-09-15T23:55:00.002+05:30

MAHALAYA PAKSHAM.....

[from 16th sep 2008 to 29th sep 2008 ]

This period is considered to be very important to all those who have lost their parents or one of them. The departed souls are said to look forward eagerly for the "Pithru Tharpanam". The daily tharpanam along with Ellu and Jhellum will invoke undescribed blessings for the partaker and his family during this period. Due to paucity of time, one may atleast perform the Tharpanum atleast one day like "Madhyashtami" or on "Mahalaya Amavasai" day.

Please consult your respective Acharyan lineage on this important period and if you wish, perform the Tharpanam.

It is said that one attains Mukthi if one is born in Thiruvarur, one dies in Kasi, one thinks of Thiruvannamalai, but if one steps on the soil of Thirurameshwaram one attains the same. It is famous for performing oblations to the departed manes during Amavasai, which releases one from the 'pithrudhosham'.

If one had not performed the ceremony (thithi) done to a deceased person, this Sthala is where the oblations are offered to absolve them from the Dhosham. Mahalaya Amavasai is considered sacred for performing such deeds. To rid of oneself, of the fear of Yama, Tharpana Pooja can be done in Thirurameshwaram.

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The pitru paksha shraddh is performed for all dead ancestors. the offerings are said to reach all the dead relatives of the person who performs the rites. oblations offered on the last day of the pitru paksha reach even those who died without having any children. even those who did not offer food to the poor in their life time and those who did not perform any acts of charity and were thus denied any comfort in the pitru lok (house of the dead), receive benefits from the shraddh performed during pitru paksha . also those whose date of death is not known and thus for whom the yearly shraddh cannot be performed, receive oblations offered during pitru paksh. further, those who died a violent death also benefit from oblations offered during this fortnight.

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Sanklapa mantram.... [courtesy : pradosham.com]

Begin for yajur vedam only - Abasthambha soothram - smarthas........
Achamanam...Achuthaya Namah, Govindaya Namah, Kesava.......Daamodara.........then.............suklAm baratharam ............Om bhU: + bhUrbhuvasvarom, mamopAththa, samastha + prEEthyarththam, apavithra : pavithrovA sarvAvasthAm kathobivA, ysmareth puNdareekAksham, sapAhya, abhyanthara: suchi: mAnasam vAchikam, pApam, karmnA, samupArjitham, sree rAma, smaraNenaiva, vyapohathi nasamsaya: srI rAma rAma rAma thithirvishNu: thathAvAra: nakshathram, vishNurevacha yogashcha karaNanchaiva sarvam vishNumayam, jakath, shrI govintha govintha, govintha adhyashree bhagavatha: mahA purushasya vishNorAkgyA pravarththamAnasya, adhyabhrummaNa: dhvitheeya parArththe shvetha, varAhakalpe, vaivasvatha, manvantharey, ashtAvimshathi, thame, kalyuge, prathamepAthe jambhUdhweepe, bhArathavarshey, bharathakaNtemero: dakshiNe pArshvey sahAbthey, asminvarththamANe, vyApahArike, prabhavAthi, shashtyam, samvathsarANAm, madhye.......then recite following mantra on each particular day.

16.09.2008 -
TUESDAY -
AAVANI
(Mahalayapaksha
Tharpanam)

Sarvadhaari nAma samvathsarey DakshinAyane, Varsha Rudhow Simha mAse, krishna pakshe, PrathamAyAm puNyathithow, bhowma vasara yukthayAm UthrapproshtapathA nakshathra yukthAyAm, KanTa yoga, Gowlava karana evanguna viseshena visishtAyAm asyAm vardhamAnAyAm PrathamAyAm punyathithow (pracheena vidhi - change your holy thread to right hand shoulder) .......gothrANaam, vasu rudra aditya svaroopAnAm asmath pithru pithAmaha prapitAmahAnAM (not having mother) mAthru pithAmahee prapithAmaheenAm (having mother) pithAmaheepithupithAmahee pithu prapithAmaheenAm (uncle lineage) gothrAnAm vasu rudra Adhitya svaroopAnAm asmath sapatneeka mAtAmaha mAthup pithAmaha mAthup prapithAmahAnAm upaya vamsa pithrunAm akshayya thrupthyarhtham Adhyathinaprayuktha Mahalaya Paksha shrAddham thila tharpana roopene adhya karishye.

17.09.2008 -
WEDNESDAY -
PURATTASI
(Mahalayapaksha
Tharpanam)

Sarvadhaari nAma samvathsarey DakshinAyane, Varsha Rudhow KanyA mAse, krishna pakshe, DhvideeyAyAm (thathupari) ThrutheeyAyAm puNyathithow, Sowmya vasara yukthayAm Revathi nakshathra yukthAyAm,Vrudhdhi yoga, Karaji karana evanguna viseshena visishtAyAm asyAm vardhamAnAyAm ThrutheeyAm punyathithow (pracheena vidhi - change your holy thread to right hand shoulder) .......gothrANaam, vasu rudra aditya svaroopAnAm asmath pithru pithAmaha prapitAmahAnAM (not having mother) mAthru pithAmahee prapithAmaheenAm (having mother) pithAmaheepithupithAmahee pithu prapithAmaheenAm (uncle lineage) gothrAnAm vasu rudra Adhitya svaroopAnAm asmath sapatneeka mAtAmaha mAthup pithAmaha mAthup prapithAmahAnAm upaya vamsa pithrunAm akshayya thrupthyarhtham adhyadhinaprayuktha Mahalayapaksha shrAddham thila tharpana roopene adhya karishye.

18.09.2008 -
THURSDAY -
PURATTASI
(Mahalayapaksha
Tharpanam)

Sarvadhaari nAma samvathsarey DakshinAyane, Varsha Rudhow KanyA mAse, krishna pakshe, ThruthiyAyAm (thathupari) ChathurthyAm puNyathithow, Guru vasara yukthayAm Asvini nakshathra yukthAyAm, Dhruva yoga, Pathra karana evanguna viseshena visishtAyAm asyAm vardhamAnAyAm ChathurthyAm punyathithow (pracheena vidhi - change your holy thread to right hand shoulder) .......gothrANaam, vasu rudra aditya svaroopAnAm asmath pithru pithAmaha prapitAmahAnAM (not having mother) mAthru pithAmahee prapithAmaheenAm (having mother) pithAmaheepithupithAmahee pithu prapithAmaheenAm (uncle lineage) gothrAnAm vasu rudra Adhitya svaroopAnAm asmath sapatneeka mAtAmaha mAthup pithAmaha mAthup prapithAmahAnAm upaya vamsa pithrunAm akshayya thrupthyarhtham adhyadhinaprayuktha Mahalayapaksha shrAddham thila tharpana roopene adhya karishye.

19.09.2008 -
FRIDAY -
PURATTASI
(Mahalayapaksha
Tharpanam)

Sarvadhaari nAma samvathsarey DakshinAyane, Varsha Rudhow KanyA mAse, krishna pakshe, PanchamyAm puNyathithow, Brugu vasara yukthayAm Apabharani nakshathra yukthAyAm, VyagAtha yoga, Baalava karana evanguna viseshena visishtAyAm asyAm vardhamAnAyAm PanjamyAm punyathithow (pracheena vidhi - change your holy thread to right hand shoulder) .......gothrANaam, vasu rudra aditya svaroopAnAm asmath pithru pithAmaha prapitAmahAnAM (not having mother) mAthru pithAmahee prapithAmaheenAm (having mother) pithAmaheepithupithAmahee pithu prapithAmaheenAm (uncle lineage) gothrAnAm vasu rudra Adhitya svaroopAnAm asmath sapatneeka mAtAmaha mAthup pithAmaha mAthup prapithAmahAnAm upaya vamsa pithrunAm akshayya thrupthyarhtham adhyadhinaprayuktha Mahalayapaksha shrAddham thila tharpana roopene adhya karishye.

20.09.2008 -
SATURDAY -
PURATTASI
(Mahalayapaksha
Tharpanam)

Sarvadhaari nAma samvathsarey DakshinAyane, Varsha Rudhow KanyA mAse, krishna pakshe, ShashtyAm puNyathithow, Sthira vasara yukthayAm KruththikA nakshathra yukthAyAm, Vajra yoga, Thaithila karana evanguna viseshena visishtAyAm asyAm vardhamAnAyAm ShashtyAm punyathithow (pracheena vidhi - change your holy thread to right hand shoulder) .......gothrANaam, vasu rudra aditya svaroopAnAm asmath pithru pithAmaha prapitAmahAnAM (not having mother) mAthru pithAmahee prapithAmaheenAm (having mother) pithAmaheepithupithAmahee pithu prapithAmaheenAm (uncle lineage) gothrAnAm vasu rudra Adhitya svaroopAnAm asmath sapatneeka mAtAmaha mAthup pithAmaha mAthup prapithAmahAnAm upaya vamsa pithrunAm akshayya thrupthyarhtham adhyadhinaprayuktha Mahalayapaksha shrAddham thila tharpana roopene adhya karishye.

21.09.2008 -
SUNDAY-
PURATTASI
(Mahalayapaksha
Tharpanam)

Sarvadhaari nAma samvathsarey DakshinAyane, Varsha Rudhow KanyA mAse, krishna pakshe, SapthyamyAm puNyathithow, BhAnu vasara yukthayAm Rohini nakshathra yukthAyAm, Siddhi yoga, Bhadra karana evanguna viseshena visishtAyAm asyAm vardhamAnAyAm SapthamyAm punyathithow (pracheena vidhi - change your holy thread to right hand shoulder) .......gothrANaam, vasu rudra aditya svaroopAnAm asmath pithru pithAmaha prapitAmahAnAM (not having mother) mAthru pithAmahee prapithAmaheenAm (having mother) pithAmaheepithupithAmahee pithu prapithAmaheenAm (uncle lineage) gothrAnAm vasu rudra Adhitya svaroopAnAm asmath sapatneeka mAtAmaha mAthup pithAmaha mAthup prapithAmahAnAm upaya vamsa pithrunAm akshayya thrupthyarhtham adhyadhinaprayuktha Mahalayapaksha shrAddham thila tharpana roopene adhya karishye.

22.09.2008 -
MONDAY -
PURATTASI
(Mahalayapaksha
Tharpanam)

Sarvadhaari nAma samvathsarey DakshinAyane, Varsha Rudhow KanyA mAse, Krishna pakshe, AshtamyAm puNyathithow, Indu vasara yukthayAm Mrugasheersha nakshathra yukthAyAm, VyadeepAtha yoga, Baalava karana evanguna viseshena visishtAyAm asyAm vardhamAnAyAm AshtamyAm punyathithow (pracheena vidhi - change your holy thread to right hand shoulder) .......gothrANaam, vasu rudra aditya svaroopAnAm asmath pithru pithAmaha prapitAmahAnAM (not having mother) mAthru pithAmahee prapithAmaheenAm (having mother) pithAmaheepithupithAmahee pithu prapithAmaheenAm (uncle lineage) gothrAnAm vasu rudra Adhitya svaroopAnAm asmath sapatneeka mAtAmaha mAthup pithAmaha mAthup prapithAmahAnAm upaya vamsa pithrunAm akshayya thrupthyarhtham adhyadhinaprayuktha Mahalayapaksha shrAddham thila tharpana roopene adhya karishye.

23.09.2008 -
TUESDAY -
PURATTASI
(Mahalayapaksha
Tharpanam)

Sarvadhaari nAma samvathsarey DakshinAyane, Varsha Rudhow KanyA mAse, krishna pakshe, NavamyAm puNyathithow, Bhowma vasara yukthayAm AardhrA nakshathra yukthAyAm, VareeyAn yoga, Thaithila karana evanguna viseshena visishtAyAm asyAm vardhamAnAyAm NavamyAm punyathithow (pracheena vidhi - change your holy thread to right hand shoulder) .......gothrANaam, vasu rudra aditya svaroopAnAm asmath pithru pithAmaha prapitAmahAnAM (not having mother) mAthru pithAmahee prapithAmaheenAm (having mother) pithAmaheepithupithAmahee pithu prapithAmaheenAm (uncle lineage) gothrAnAm vasu rudra Adhitya svaroopAnAm asmath sapatneeka mAtAmaha mAthup pithAmaha mAthup prapithAmahAnAm upaya vamsa pithrunAm akshayya thrupthyarhtham adhyadhinaprayuktha Mahalayapaksha shrAddham thila tharpana roopene adhya karishye.

24.09.2008 -
WEDNESDAY -
PURATTASI
(Mahalayapaksha
Tharpanam)

Sarvadhaari nAma samvathsarey DakshinAyane, Varsha Rudhow KanyA mAse, Krishna pakshe, DasamyAm puNyathithow, Sowma vasara yukthayAm Punarvasu nakshathra yukthAyAm, Parika yoga, VaNajee karana evanguna viseshena visishtAyAm asyAm vardhamAnAyAm DashamyAm punyathithow (pracheena vidhi - change your holy thread to right hand shoulder) .......gothrANaam, vasu rudra aditya svaroopAnAm asmath pithru pithAmaha prapitAmahAnAM (not having mother) mAthru pithAmahee prapithAmaheenAm (having mother) pithAmaheepithupithAmahee pithu prapithAmaheenAm (uncle lineage) gothrAnAm vasu rudra Adhitya svaroopAnAm asmath sapatneeka mAtAmaha mAthup pithAmaha mAthup prapithAmahAnAm upaya vamsa pithrunAm akshayya thrupthyarhtham adhyadhinaprayuktha Mahalayapaksha shrAddham thila tharpana roopene adhya karishye.

25.09.2008 -
THURSDAY -
PURATTASI
(Mahalayapaksha
Tharpanam)

Sarvadhaari nAma samvathsarey DakshinAyane, Varsha Rudhow KanyA mAse, Krishna pakshe, EkadasyAm puNyathithow, Guru vasara yukthayAm Pushya nakshathra yukthAyAm, Shiva yoga, Baalava karana evanguna viseshena visishtAyAm asyAm vardhamAnAyAm EkadashyAm punyathithow (pracheena vidhi - change your holy thread to right hand shoulder) .......gothrANaam, vasu rudra aditya svaroopAnAm asmath pithru pithAmaha prapitAmahAnAM (not having mother) mAthru pithAmahee prapithAmaheenAm (having mother) pithAmaheepithupithAmahee pithu prapithAmaheenAm (uncle lineage) gothrAnAm vasu rudra Adhitya svaroopAnAm asmath sapatneeka mAtAmaha mAthup pithAmaha mAthup prapithAmahAnAm upaya vamsa pithrunAm akshayya thrupthyarhtham adhyadhinaprayuktha Mahalayapaksha shrAddham thila tharpana roopene adhya karishye.

26.09.2008 -
FRIDAY -
PURATTASI
(Mahalayapaksha
Tharpanam)

Sarvadhaari nAma samvathsarey DakshinAyane, Varsha Rudhow KanyA mAse, Krishna pakshe, DwadasyAm puNyathithow, Brugu vasara yukthayAm AashleshA nakshathra yukthAyAm, Siddha yoga, Thaithila karana evanguna viseshena visishtAyAm asyAm vardhamAnAyAm DwadasyAm punyathithow (pracheena vidhi - change your holy thread to right hand shoulder) .......gothrANaam, vasu rudra aditya svaroopAnAm asmath pithru pithAmaha prapitAmahAnAM (not having mother) mAthru pithAmahee prapithAmaheenAm (having mother) pithAmaheepithupithAmahee pithu prapithAmaheenAm (uncle lineage) gothrAnAm vasu rudra Adhitya svaroopAnAm asmath sapatneeka mAtAmaha mAthup pithAmaha mAthup prapithAmahAnAm upaya vamsa pithrunAm akshayya thrupthyarhtham adhyadhinaprayuktha Mahalayapaksha shrAddham thila tharpana roopene adhya karishye.

27.09.2008 -
SATURDAY -
PURATTASI
(Mahalayapaksha
Tharpanam)

Sarvadhaari nAma samvathsarey DakshinAyane, Varsha Rudhow KanyA mAse, Krishna pakshe, TriodasyAm puNyathithow, Sthira vasara yukthayAm MakhA nakshathra yukthAyAm, Sathya yoga, VaNajee karana evanguna viseshena visishtAyAm asyAm vardhamAnAyAm TriodasyAm punyathithow (pracheena vidhi - change your holy thread to right hand shoulder) .......gothrANaam, vasu rudra aditya svaroopAnAm asmath pithru pithAmaha prapitAmahAnAM (not having mother) mAthru pithAmahee prapithAmaheenAm (having mother) pithAmaheepithupithAmahee pithu prapithAmaheenAm (uncle lineage) gothrAnAm vasu rudra Adhitya svaroopAnAm asmath sapatneeka mAtAmaha mAthup pithAmaha mAthup prapithAmahAnAm upaya vamsa pithrunAm akshayya thrupthyarhtham adhyadhinaprayuktha Mahalayapaksha shrAddham thila tharpana roopene adhya karishye.

28.09.2008 -
SUNDAY -
PURATTASI
(Mahalayapaksha
Tharpanam)

Sarvadhaari nAma samvathsarey DakshinAyane, Varsha Rudhow KanyA mAse, Krishna pakshe, ChathurdasyAm (thathupari) AmAvAsyAyAm puNyathithow, BhAnu vasara yukthayAm Poorvaphalguni (thathupari) Uthraphalguni nakshathra yukthAyAm, Shubayoga yoga, Shakuni karana evanguna viseshena visishtAyAm asyAm vardhamAnAyAm ChathurdasyAm (thathupari) AmAvAsyAyAm punyathithow (pracheena vidhi - change your holy thread to right hand shoulder) .......gothrANaam, vasu rudra aditya svaroopAnAm asmath pithru pithAmaha prapitAmahAnAM (not having mother) mAthru pithAmahee prapithAmaheenAm (having mother) pithAmaheepithupithAmahee pithu prapithAmaheenAm (uncle lineage) gothrAnAm vasu rudra Adhitya svaroopAnAm asmath sapatneeka mAtAmaha mAthup pithAmaha mAthup prapithAmahAnAm upaya vamsa pithrunAm akshayya thrupthyarhtham adhyadhinaprayuktha AmAvAsyA PuNyakAle darsha shrAddham thila tharpana roopene adhya karishye.

29.09.2008 -
MONDAY -
PURATTASI
(Mahalayapaksha
Tharpanam)

Sarvadhaari nAma samvathsarey DakshinAyane, Varsha Rudhow KanyA mAse, Shukla pakshe, PrathamAyAm puNyathithow, Indu vasara yukthayAm Hastha nakshathra yukthAyAm, Brahmma yoga, Naagava karana evanguna viseshena visishtAyAm asyAm vardhamAnAyAm PrathamAyAm punyathithow (pracheena vidhi - change your holy thread to right hand shoulder) .......gothrANaam, vasu rudra aditya svaroopAnAm asmath pithru pithAmaha prapitAmahAnAM (not having mother) mAthru pithAmahee prapithAmaheenAm (having mother) pithAmaheepithupithAmahee pithu prapithAmaheenAm (uncle lineage) gothrAnAm vasu rudra Adhitya svaroopAnAm asmath sapatneeka mAtAmaha mAthup pithAmaha mAthup prapithAmahAnAm upaya vamsa pithrunAm akshayya thrupthyarhtham adhyadhinaprayuktha adhyadhinaprayukta MahAlayapaksha shrAddham thila tharpana roopene adhya karishye.

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Kozhukkattai

2008-09-02T03:30:00.002+05:30

kozhukkattai [modakam]

Making of soppu [cup] for kozhukkattai

Vella Kozhakattai

This recipe is prepared on Vinayaka Chathurthi and also on Varalakshmi Vratham days.

[who will refuse to devour the delicacy, if prepared on normal days too.....]

For Dough

2 cups rice flour
1 tbsp oil
A pinch of salt

For Filling

1 coconut (grated)
1 cup jaggery (powdered)
1 tbsp ghee

Method:

Mix grated coconut, jaggery and ghee in a heavy pan.
Cook on a medium flame, stirring continuously till thick.
Allow to cool. Form small balls and set aside.

Heat 2 cups of water in a pan.
Add salt, oil and flour, then stir continuously till dough leaves the sides of the pan. Allow to cool and knead well.

Take a small ball of dough and with greased palms pat into a disc.
Put some filling in the middle and seal it.
Make all Kozhakattais and steam till done.

Your yummy sweet kozhakkatais ready !!! ENJOY !!!

Hints: The same preparation can be made as savoury by keeping paruppu usili as poornam inside the cup of rice dough. And also Ellukozhakkati can be done with the fillings. [one cup each of seasame & jaggery and one table spoon ghee. Roast sesame seeds till pink. Grind to a fine powder along with jaggery. Add ghee and mix well.]

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MAAVILAKKU====>>>>

2008-08-20T23:07:00.008+05:30

[our pooja room on an aadi velli in 2007]

Many of the Tamilians [irrespective of the sub-sects] offer Maavilakku [மாவிளக்கு] to the GOD of their choice ===> Amman, Perumal, Murugan ===> in temples or at their homes.

In our custom we offer this on the 1st Aadi and 1st Thai Vellikizhamai [Kataka/Karkatam and Makara months' first friday].

Now let me venture about the dough preparation:::==>>>

INGREDIENTS:

Raw Rice => 2 cups
Jaggery [preferred one is jaggery powder :: நாட்டுசக்கரை => 1 cup.
Cardamom => 2 nos. [powdered]
Ghee => 2 table spoons.
Wick => 2 numbers poothiri [not the conventional one]

Method:
Wash the rice and keep it soaked for 10 or 15 minutes ==> drain well and spread on a clean white cloth ==> grind the rice in a mixer [in small quantity] and seive [சலிக்கவேண்டும்] ==> when the powdered rice is ready, mix the flour with the jaggery powder [to add more taste, one can add honey and grated coconut] and powdered cardamom ==> spead the dough on a plate ==> make two cup shape mould on the dough ==> pour ghee ==> put the wick.

Draw a kolam and place the plate containing the Maavilakku. Decoarate with flower. Lit the lamp by chanting slokams of the GOD to whom it is offered. [we chant VENKATRAMANA GOVINDA, SANKATA HARANA GOVINDA at the time of lighting the lamp followed by Vishnusahasranamam and Devi slokams]. When the lamp is about to go off, do neivedhyam of Milk or Fruits. Afterwards, remove the burnt wick, mix the dough properly, distribute the Maavilakku Mavu Prasadm [yummy.......]

====================

SANKATAHARA CHATHURHTI // MAHA SANKATAHARA CHATHURTHI

2008-08-17T17:34:00.015+05:30

Mooshika Vahana
Mooshika vaahana modhaha hastha
Chamara karna vilambitha suthra
Vamana rupa maheswara puthra
Vigna vinayaka padha namaste

Namavali
Pahi pahi Gajanana
Parvathi thanaya gajanana

=============================
this slokam i learnt during my childhood from BALA BHAJANAVALI
==> all slokas will be published with mp3 track later

The SANKATAHARA Chaturthi vratha occurs during the fourth day of They Pirai Paksha, everymonth. The MAHA SANKATAHARA Chaturthi occurs on the fourt day of They Pirai Paksha in the month of AAVANI [tamil], Chingam [mqlayalam], Simha/Bhadrapadha [sanskrit]. (Sankatahara Chathurthi falling on Tuesday is known as ANGARIKA Sankatahara Chaturthi).

This Vratam starts before the sun rise and go up to the sight of moon, some time even upto midnight. The purpose of this Vratam is to overcome difficulties and problems. People suffering from the ill effects of Moon [Chandran] or Mars [Angaraka] can follow this Vratham.

This Vratam is very auspicious for eliminating all obstacles in life and to reshape one's problems into opportunities.

On this day one can chant Ganesha Sahasranaamam, Sankashta Naashana Ganesha Sthothram or simple stootrams on Lord Ganesha.

||Sankashta Nashana Ganesha Sthothram ||

Pranamya shirasa devam gouri puthram vinayakam |
Bhakthavasam smarenithyam aayuhkaamartha sidhaye || 1 ||

Prathamam vakrathundancha ekadantham dvitheeyakam |
Thritheeyam krishnapingaksham gajavakram chathurthakam || 2 ||

Lambodharam panchamanchancha shashtam vikatamevacha |
Sapthamam vignaraajancha dhoomravarnam thathashtamam || 3 ||

Navavam balachandrancha dashamanthu vinayakam|
Ekadhasham ganapathim dwadhashanthu gajananam|| 4 ||

Dwadashaithani namani trisandhyam yahpatenaraha |
Nachavignabhayam thasya sarvasidhi karam param|| 5 ||

Vidhyarthi labhathe vidhyam dhanarthi labhathe dhanam |
Puthrarthi labhathe puthran moksharthi mokshamapnayath || 6 ||

Japedh ganapatistotram shadbirmasai palamlabheth |
Samvathsarena sidhincha labhathe nathra samshayaha || 7 ||

Ashtabhyo brahmanebhyashcha likithva yeh samarpayeth |
Thasya vidhya bhaveth sarva ganeshasya prasadhathaha|| 8 ||

||Iti Shree Narada Purane Sankata Nashanam Ganesha Sthrothram Sampoornam ||

==================================

Idugampalayam Vinayagar
[near coimbatore]

Eachanary Vinayagar
[near coimbatore]

VARALAKSHMI VRATHAM

2008-08-12T19:45:00.011+05:30

[varalakshmi poojai @ GanSriPar's House == 2007]

Sri Lakshmi Gayathri:

Ohm Mahalakshmyai cha Vidmahe Vishnupriyai cha Dhi-Mahi
Tanno Lakshmth Prachodayat

"Om. Let us meditate on the Great Goddess Sri Lakshmi, the consort of Sri Maha Vishnu. May that effulgent Maha Lakshmi Devi inspire and illuminate our mind with understanding."

\\ ============================================ //

This vratham is celebrated on the FRIDAY before the Full Moon of Tamil Aadi [jul-aug] to appease the Goddess Lakshmi to grant boons.

The previous [thursday] evening of the festival, the house is cleaned and a bronze or silver kalasam [sombu] is filled with rice or water, coins, turmeric, a whole lime, betel leaf and nut. The kalasam is decorated with sandal paste and kumkum, a coconut smeared with turmeric is kept on it and mango leaves placed around. The face of Goddess Lakshmi decorated with jewels is placed against the coconut. Arati is taken at night after the Goddess is offered Venpongal [white pongal] as neivedhyam.

On the day of Vratham the Goddess is welcomed to the specially erected pandal by singing the song "Bhagyadha Lakshmi Baramma......". The kalasam is placed on a bed of raw rice spread over a plantain leaf. Pooja is begun with an invocation to Lord Ganesha. During the Pooja the Lakshmi Sahasranamam and other slokas are chanted.

After doing the pooja a yellow thread called 'saradu' is tied by the women on their right wrists. in our family husband ties the saradu and for the unamrried girls, mother. The women who do the Nonbu/Vratham fast that day eating only certain foods that have been offered to the Goddess first [kozhukattai ==>>> sweet, savour]

The evening women visit one another for exchange of thamboolam. The next day after doing the punar pooja in the night they sing lakshmi songs, praying for the prosperity of the whole family and arati, the kalasam will be kept in the drum or vessel which is treated as the main granary of rice. Next moring the water is sprinkled all over the house or the rice will be kept separately to prepare Sakkarapongal [sweet pongal] on the next friday..

http://www.carnatica.net/nvr/vara.pdf ==> NINE COMPOSITIONS ON
SHRI VARALAKSHMI Text in Sanskrit & Tamil (by various composers

http://music.cooltoad.com/music/download.php?id=293401 ==> for downloading Baagyadha Lakshmi Baaramma ==> Aruna Sairam [composed by L.Vaidhyanathan], duration 6.11 mts., 8.5 mb, 192 bit stero.

http://www.spiritual-happiness.com/sanskritscriptures.html#mahalakshmi
for streaming audio...

Let us all pray HER and get blessings for our prosperity on this great occasion.

((//\\[][][][][][]//\\))

KALABHAIRVAR [loyal attendant of Lord Shiva]

2008-08-10T19:58:00.010+05:30

|| KALA BHAIRAVAR ||

[pic @ gansripar's pooja room]

[@ 6.00 pm on all sundays -----deepam in a broken coconut with ghee...wick in a small red square cloth containing 12 ghee roasted pepper.

===================================================================
Kalabhairava is an incarnation of Lord Shiva.
He is also the presiding deity of the planet Rahu.
Hence for Rahu related troubles reciting
the kalabhairava ashtakam [Adhi Sankara Bhagawt Pada] is a very good remedy.
==================================================================

Devaraajasevyamaanapaavanaanghripankajam
Vyaalayagyasuutramindushekharam Krupaakaram
Naaradaadiyogivrundavanditam Digambaram
Kaashikaapuraadhinaathakaalabhairavam Bhaje .. 1

Bhaanukotibhaasvaram Bhavaabdhitaarakam Param
Niilakanthamiipsitaarthadaayakam Trilochanam Kaalakaalamambujaakshamakshashuulamaksharam
Kaashikaapuraadhinaathakaalabhairavam Bhaje .. 2

Shuulatankapaashadandapaanimaadikaaranam
Shyaamakaayamaadidevamaksharam Niraamayam
Bhiimavikramam Prabhum Vichitrataandavapriyam
Kaashikaapuraadhinaathakaalabhairavam Bhaje .. 3

Bhuktimuktidaayakam Prashastachaaruvigraham
Bhaktavatsalam Sthitam Samastalokavigraham
Vinikvananmanogyahemakinkiniilasatkatim
Kaashikaapuraadhinaathakaalabhairavam Bhaje .. 4

Dharmasetupaalakam Svadharmamaarganaashanam
Karmapaashamochakam Susharmadhaayakam Vibhum Svarnavarnasheshhapaashashobhitaangamandalam
Kaashikaapuraadhinaathakaalabhairavam Bhaje .. 5

Ratnapaadukaaprabhaabhiraamapaadayugmakam
Nityamadvitiiyamishhtadaivatam Nira.Njanam.
Mrutyudarpanaashanam Karaaladamshhtramokshanam Kaashikaapuraadhinaathakaalabhairavam Bhaje .. 6

Attahaasabhinnapadmajaandakoshasamtatim
Drushhtipaattanashhtapaapajaalamugrashaasanam
Ashhtasiddhidaayakam Kapaalamaalikaadharam
Kaashikaapuraadhinaathakaalabhairavam Bhaje .. 7

Bhuutasa.Nghanaayakam Vishaalakiirtidaayakam
Kaashivaasalokapunyapaapashodhakam Vibhum
Niitimaargakovidam Puraatanam Jagatpatim
Kaashikaapuraadhinaathakaalabhairavam Bhaje .. 8

Phalastuti

Kaalabhairavaashhtakam Pathanti Ye Manoharam
Gyaanamuktisaadhanam Vichitrapunyavardhanam
Shokamohadainyalobhakopataapanaashanam Prayaanti
Kaalabhairavaamghrisannidhim Naraa Dhruvam

(((((((((())))))))))

Naga Panchami

2008-08-06T21:43:00.005+05:30

\\//\\// NAGA PANCHAMI \\//\\//

Naag Panchami or festival of snakes is a unique festival dedicated to honour the Serpent God or Naag Devta. Falling on the fifth day of Shravan in July/August, reverence for the cobra (snakes) are paid.

People visit temples specially dedicated to snakes and worship them. Shiva temples are also favoured places for veneration as snakes are considered dear to him.

In South India, people sculpt images of snakes using cow dung, which are then placed on either side of the entrance to the house. This is done to welcome the snake god.

In some other parts of southern India, figures of snakes are drawn with red sandalwood paste on wooden boards, or clay images of snakes coloured yellow or black are purchased. These are then worshipped and offered milk since snakes are believed to like milk.

One of the oldest and auspicious festivals, women fast on this day. Also, women draw pictures and images of snakes on walls of their houses with a mixture of cowdung, milk and black powder. Offerings of milk, ghee, sweets, water and rice are also made at the sites of snake holes. Devotees consider themselves lucky if snakes drink offered milks. Naag panchami is observed and celebrated in different ways in various parts of India.

It is mainly observed in Southern India, Maharashtra and Bengal. In Jodhpur, huge cloth effigies of the serpents are displayed at major fairs. Also in W.Bengal and parts of Assam and Orissa, the snake deity worshipped on Naga Panchami is the goddess Manasa. In Kerala, huge crowds throng snake temples on this day to worship stone or metal icons of the cosmic serpent Ananta or Sesha.

Nag Panchami is also connected with the following legend of Krishna. Young Krishna was playing with the other cowboys, when suddenly the ball got entangled in the high branch of a tree. Krishna volunteered to climb the tree and fetch the ball. But below the tree there was a deep part of the river Yamuna, in which the terrible snake Kaliya was living. Everybody was afraid of that part of the river.

Suddenly Krishna fell from the tree into the water. Then that terrible snake came up. But Krishna was ready and jumping on the snake’s head he caught it by the neck. Kaliya understood that Krishna was not an ordinary boy, and that it would not be easy to overcome him. So Kaliya pleaded with Krishna: “Please, do not kill me.” Krishna full of compassion asked the snake to promise that henceforth he would not harass anybody. Then he let the snake go free into the river again.

On Nag Panchami day the victory of Krishna over the Kaliya snake is commemorated. For this reason Krishna is known as “Kaliya Mardan”. Snakes are believed to like milk. As this is the day of the serpents, devotees pour milk into all the holes in the ground around the house or near the temple to propitiate them. Sometimes, a small pot of milk with some flowers is placed near the holes so that the snakes may drink it. If a snake actually drinks the milk, it is considered to be extremely lucky for the devotee.

Nagaraja Namasthesthu
Haraharayitha Dehine
Hara Me Sakalan Rogan
Dada Me Sath Prajam Drisam

Salutations to Sri Nagaraja,
who adorns Sri Siva's Body,
please destroy all illness in me and bless me with good progeny.

=========================================================

Snake in KOLAM:

Snake kolams originally evoked the spiraling of life forces and the aspiration for an evolution in consciousness. Today they are often used to protect the house from thieves, evil spirits or unwanted visitors, as is the spiral in the Sumerian and Egyptian cultures. These kolams are a kind of curse catcher, or emotions screen to keep the household pure and serene. Negative spirits are not necessarily wandering outside the house. They may be seen as ill feelings in ourselves. Thus, there is a call to wake up and be purified in mind and thought.

Aadi Perukku // Padinettamper

2008-08-01T22:38:00.007+05:30

It is celebrated on the 18th day of the Tamil month Aadi in the Kaveri River basin districts of Tanjore and Trichi when the water level in the river rises significantly.

Aadiperukku, water ritual through religious practice:

Aadiperukku, otherwise called Padinettam Perukku – is peculiar to the Cauvery delta and is intended to celebrate the rising of the river, which is expected to occur invariably on the 18th day of the solar month, Aadi corresponding to the 2nd or 3rd of August. Hence "Padinettam perukku" - Padinettu signifies eighteen, and Perukku denotes rising. This festival is observed predominately by women in Tamil Nadu. The Aadiperukku, as a water-ritual, celebrated by women is said to honour Nature.

Whole families go the river bank and offer puja. There is a belief that young girls who do this puja offering Kaadholai (earrings made of palm leaf), Karugamani (black beads) and Kaapparisi (a sweet made of hand pounded rice and jaggery) will be blessed with good husbands. The families spend the evening by the river, eating preparations of rice like puliyodharai, lemon rice etc. Playing to the tune of Aadiperukku folk songs and Kummi by group by young women are the major attractions during this festival [the song which comes to my mind is "aadi padinettu, aadudhu poonchittu, ellorum kondadungo..." ].

All the year's major festivals are packed into the six months that follow, culminating with Makara Sankranthi or Thai Pongal in mid- January, giving meaning to the Tamil saying, 'Aadi Azhaikkum, Thai Thudaikkum'.

The original meaning of the ritual performance is a request to the village Goddess for rain for fertility of land, in order to secure a rich harvest. The women are involved in large groups significantly implying the fertility of women also ensuring continuation of human race with peace and harmony through empowered women.

Though many of us do not live along the River Banks, celebrate Padinettamper with the preparation of yemmy variety rice ==>>> Puliyansaadam [tamarind rice], Thengaisaadam [coconut rice], Thayirsaadam [curd rice] with fried vadam [crispy accompaniment]

Aadi Amavasai // Rameswaram

2008-07-31T17:58:00.010+05:30

\\ Rameswaram Beach -- Bathing Area //

===============================

Aadi Amavasai – the new moon day in the Tamil month Adi or Aadi – is dedicated to ancestors. Amavasai is also an important day for Lord Muruga devotees. The important ritual involves taking bath in the holy rivers. Special poojas and abhishekams are conducted in all the Hindu temples on the occasion.

Lord Muruga devotees believe that all sins will be cleansed by bathing in the Shanmuga River in Palani on the Aadi Amavasai day. Many devotees also tonsure (shaving the head) on the day.

The main rites and rituals on the day are dedicated to forefathers and many people observe 'upvaas' or fast. Thousands of people take a holy dip in the various rivers, seas and ponds. Agni Theertham in Rameswaram, Thriveni Sangamam in Kannyakumari and various holy ghats on the Cauvery River banks are favored by many devotees for the holy dip.

In neighbouring Kerala.... it is observed as KARKATA VAVU ==> homage to the souls of dead and relatives and ancestors. In Kerala, ‘Bali’ is performed on Amavasi and on the birth star of the dead person. But ‘Bali’ performed on Amavasi day in Karkidakam month, performed on the seashore and on riverbanks, is considered highly auspicious and it is believed that souls of the dead are pacified easily. This Amavasi is also the first ‘no moon’ day in the Dakshinayana period.

In Karnataka, the same day is observed as BHEEMANA AMAVASYA and married women perform special pujas for the longivity of the male members of the family. It is also known as ASHADA AMAVASYA in Karnataka.

In the same name, this Amavasya is called in Andhra, Maharashtra and Gujarat. As per Hindi Calendar, it is known as Hariyali Shravan Amavasya.

http://www.srijagadguru.org/vishesh9.htm ::::::::===> for mantram and procedure in Tamil.

http://www.kandamangalam.com/new/Karma/AmmavasaiTharppanam/tabid/144/Default.aspx ::::::::===> for amavasya tharpanam audio file in mp3 format.

EMOOR BHAGAVATHY/Goddess HEMAMBIKA

2008-07-30T20:55:00.009+05:30

EMOOR BHAGAVATHY/Goddess HEMAMBIKA KSHETRAM
[location : Akathethara, Palakkad, Kerala
8 kms from palakkad on the way to Malampuzha Dam]
[idol : PAIR OF HANDS (only one kind of this in India)]

====================================================

Temple ==> pic from flickr.
===========================================
The Legend

The goddess had once agreed to appear before a devotee on the condition that he will not disclose it to anyone. The excitement led the devotee to disclose to others.
When the goddess appeared before the devotee,
she noticed many people along with him.
The displeased goddess vanished suddenly.
The devotees had seen only her upraised hand and
in the temple worshipped is the upraised hand.
It is believed, the deity takes three forms a day – i
n the morning as Saraswathi, in the noon as Laxmi and in the evening as Durga.
The rituals conducted are accordingly to their individual tastes.

==============================================

Main Entrance

Northernside View

Southernside View

Sthala Vriksham

============================

Good news for Bhakthas....

Tuesday, July 29, 2008
HC directive
KOCHI: A Division Bench of the Kerala High Court directed the District Collector, Palakkad, to take initiative and complete within six months the proceedings for restoration of around 1,000 acres of government and devaswom land in the illegal occupation of various people. While considering a public interest writ petition filed by the Nature Lovers Movement, Thiruvamkulam, praying to direct the government to recover the properties of the Sree Kallekulangara Emoor Bhagavathy temple, Akathethara in Palakkad district, the court had called for a report from the District Collector.

Ooty.............

2008-07-29T19:43:00.019+05:30

[courtesy ==> www.ooty.com]

Ooty, Oottacamund... Udhagamandalam "The Queen of Hill Stations", the name itself brings in you the cool breeze of the Nilgris.. Britishers popular summer and weekend getaway. Altitude of 2,240 mts above sea level.

The Train journey through the mountain on a ratchet and pinion track ==> from Kallar [Mettupalayam], the track passes through accute curves and tunnels, deep ravines and tea estates... is worth experiencing....

Some of the snaps through my lense are here..... i had nastalgia of my primary school days.

Toy Train Arriving at Ooty Railway Station

Alighting Passengers from Toy Train

Roadside Artificial Waterfall... [SBI]

Happy School Children

Furry Tree

Elkhill view from Market Area.

Busy Market

Famous Breeks School

View of Lake from Children's Park

Hill View

Hide n Seek by Sun...

Adams Fountain -- Charringcross

Snap from the moving bus

View of a Hill from my friend's balcony....

View of a hill from lake

cheenu@coimbatore

Meenkulathi Bhagavathi // Pallassena // Palakkad // Kerala

2008-07-28T23:57:00.004+05:30

Sri Meenkulathi Bhagavathi Amman Temple is in Pallasena Village, Palakkad District of Kerala. We
visited this during Thai Vellaikkizhamai [1st feb 2008], but posting in the blog before Aadi Vellikkizhamai [1st aug 2008]. The nearest town is Kollengodu. This place can be reached from Coimbatore in three ways... via Pollachi or via Palakkad or direct to Kollengodu after crossing Ettimadai in NH-47 towards Palakkad.

The presiding deity is MEENAKSHI..

The details of the temple as found in the net is as follows :

Meenkulathikkavu is the oldest temple of Pallasena with a mysterious origin. Tradition has it that centuries ago three families belonging to the Veerasaiva Vellalar Mannadiar clan worshipped Goddess Meenakshi as their deity. Acute drought conditions in Chidambaram (Tamil Nadu) drove them to seek greener pastures. Soon after their worship of their destiny in Madurai one of them took a stone from there along with their other possessions. Worshipping their stone as their friend, philosopher and guide, they trekked several places before reaching Pallasena. Enchanted by the sylvan surroundings of the villages they settled there and prospered in the diamond trade. Whenever they went on business, they offered their customary prayers to the family deity. An aged member of their clan as was his wont, went for a dip in the tank, before leaving for Madurai. He left his saleable goods and palm leaf umbrella in the care of two youths. When he came back, he was shocked when he could not lift the things he had left with the youths. An astrologer said that goddess Meenakshi had manifested herself under the umbrella and that was why this umbrella could not be moved. The place came to be known as Kudamannu.

Huge crowds came to the place to witness the miracle. Reports claim that only after four centuries, the present Meenakshi temple and the adjacent temple tank came into being on a four-acre plot. A Thirumandiram stands in testimony of the event. The Mannadiar clan has grown into 110 manais (veedus) and they conduct Navarathri, Pongal and Bhairava festivals with fervor.

A majestic structure in the Kerala style of architecture at the entrance greets the visitor. There are two entrances to the, one in the north and the other in the west. The temple tank is next to the western entrance. It is unique in that the shadow of the wall never falls on the ground. Crossing the imposing dhwajasthambha made of teakwood and covered with copper, the devotee enters the sanctum sanctorum to stand before the divine beauty and the indestructible sublimity radiating from the face of Meenakshi Amman. Devotees are not allowed to ago around the Garbhagriha. Around the main idol, the Saptha maathas or several female deities - Brahmi, Maheswari, Kaumari, Vaishnavai, Indrani, Chamundi and Varahi are installed. There are separate shrines for Ganapathi, Veerabhadra, Durga, Shiva, Bhairava, Brahma Rakshas and Ayyappa. In the adjacent hill called Vamala there are shrines for Muruga, Ganapathi, Siva, and Shasta. Navarathri, Karthigai, Mandala Vilakku, Maasi Thiruvizha, Pallivettai and Bhairava Pooja are the most celebrated events in the temple. The eight-day maasi festival includes Ottamthullal and Kathakali programs depicting scenes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata. It is customary that the deity's sword and lamp are taken in procession by the descendants of the youths who stood guard for the articles and the palm leaf umbrella. Though the Mannadiar clan is given a privileged place in the activities of the temple, members of all communities stand by one another in the conduct of the temple festivals. The unique structure of the temple and its mode of worship have gained immense popularity among the natives of the village. Devotees firmly believe that the bath in the tank (known for its abundant fish) rids one of all chronic ailments.

Amman Koil visits on Aadi Sunday ==> 27 jul 2008

2008-07-28T22:02:00.001+05:30

The legend associated with Vanabadrakali Amman Temple [53 kms from coimbatore, near Mettupalayam] is that Paagasuran, an asura lived on the western part of this temple, who terrorized the people living there. To get rid of him Bheema, one of the Pancha Pandavas worshipped goddess Kaali and defeated Paagasuran at the end of a bloody fight. During his death he realized his fault and requested Godess Kali to transform him into Kaaval Boodham or the protection demon. When people visit the temple they also worship the idols of Bheema and Paagasuran.
==============================

=====================================
Some of the snaps taken of the temple, gopuram, nilgiris range are for you......
========================================

=======================================================

Bannari Amman Temple is 10kms from Sathyamangalam. It is at the bottom of Western Ghats on the way to Mysore from Coimbatore [83 kms].
The history of temple dates back to 16th century. The deity was transported in a cart from Mannarkkadu or Vannarkkadu (the chain of Western Ghats near Palakkad, Kerala) which was under Madurai Nayakkar's rule to protect the people of Mysore-Kollegal from evils. Hence, the name Bannari Amman.
During that period, Danayakkam Fort, 14 miles west of Sathyamangalam, was under Mysore dynasty. It had independent status as Palayam during Wadiyars' regime. When Mysore kingdom fell to Hyder Ali, the chieftain of this fort too was killed by him.
During Tipu's reign, he enforced Prohibition in his kingdom. The Danayakkam Fort __ the only gateway between Mysore and Coimbatore __ was under the Palayakar Balaraja and Devaraja, the sons of Palayakkar who was killed by Hyder Ali. Balaraja's rapport with Tipu helped Balaraja, Devaraja and Killedar Saravanappa meet the imprisoned Maharani of Mysore. They then decided to dethrone Tipu by supporting a civil war engineered by the caste Hindus and pious Muslims.
Balaraja lifted the Prohibition and allowed transportation of liquor to Mysore to please the British Generals who in turn promised to restore the kingdom to Mysore Royal family. After lifting the ban, the guilt-ridden Balaraja became lunatic. To purge, he started worshipping Bannari Amman. His condition worsened when an Oracle predicted that the place would be drowned in flood for the sin he committed.
Balaraja ran to Srirangapatna to convey this to Maharani. She is believed to have said that "whatever happens is for the good". The prediction of the Oracle came true when Danayakkan Fort and adjacent villages submerged when two dams were constructed across Bhavani and Moyar rivers. As a result, three lakh acres of dry land were brought under `Nanjai' (wet land).
================================
Some of the snaps taken of the temple, gopuram, sky, for you all... one special... amman in the sky work by "cheenu"....
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