DHANURMASA THIRUVADHIRA ON 28th DECEMBER 2012."Thiruvathira" a very important festival for the malayalee woman especially for nairs and namboodris.In Tamilnadu it is Known as "Arudhra darshan".
The Thiruvathira Festival falls in the Malayalam month of Dhanu (December, January).In 2012 Thiruvathira is on December 28. The festival is mainly dedicated to Lord Shiva. The people of Kerala celebrate this festival with great Joy and respect. Thiruvathira is essentially women's festival and it is considered very auspicious to worship Lord Shiva on this day and pray for conjugal harmony and marital bliss. The other very interesting facet of the festival is the enchanting "Thiruvathirakkali" dance performed by women on this day. Oonjalattom, swinging on an oonjal (swing) is an item of amusement on this occasion. At night the women keep vigil for Siva and perform Thiruvathira kali or Kaikottikali.
History&Significance:-
Thiruvathira is being celebrated for ages now but there is no clear theory about the origin of the festival. There are numerous myths associated with this thiruvadhira fast. But the origin of this festival is obscure. since last 5 years from 2008 I am sending this mail so I am not repeating the same here.Those who wish to know the significance and history of thiruvadhira may check last years mail in this community. Also you can find the same in my blog
"I LOVE MY INDIA".
Thiruvathira is being celebrated for ages now but there is no clear theory about the origin of the festival. There are numerous myths associated with this thiruvadhira fast. But the origin of this festival is obscure. since last 5 years from 2008 I am sending this mail so I am not repeating the same here.Those who wish to know the significance and history of thiruvadhira may check last years mail in this community. Also you can find the same in my blog
"I LOVE MY INDIA".
Celebration:-
Whatever might be the true legend; Thiruvathira is holy day and devotees worship Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi, submitting them to seek their blessings.
The festival of Thiruvathira is extremely popular among the women of Kerala and the Customs are based on age-old traditions. This festival begin a week before, commencing from Aswathi. The second last day is Rohini. On this day, fasting is done for overall welfare of the family and wellbeing of all members. The previous day is Makayiram. On this day, mothers observe fast for the well-being of their children. Married women who have difficulties in conceiving, have to fast and spent this day praying Lord. They long for blessings in the form of a kid of their own.
In some places the previous day of thiruvadhira i.e. on the day of Makayiram, women/girls put mehandi on the palms which is considered as highly auspicious. The fact behind this ritual has a deeper significance. One such notion goes that the darker the color of the Mehndi, the more her husband will love her, and this darker colour indicates more love from her husband and in laws.
On Arudra day, last day of the festive week, wife fast for the welfare of her husband. This encompasses prayers for his life longevity, togetherness, quick reunions or fame of their beloved husband; as the case may be, which would ensure simultaneously long and happy married life.
However, there is no compulsion on any of these fasting whatsoever. In generally, the procedure is different from place to place.
My Mother's place is Kurrkampara, a small village of kunnamkulam.In this place one most famous ancient shiva temple "KANNESWARAN TEMPLE" is there which has background of more than 500 years. Here thiruvadhira and shivrathri are the major festivals that are celebrated very grandly. My mother use to tell her memories of her childhood, when all her neighbour especially nairs and namboodiris will celebrate it very grandly. Those days womenfolk used to wake up as early as 3 AM and go in groups, singing thiruvadhira songs, to bathe in the near by pond of the temple.After bathing rituals they used to get ready to go to the siva temple with offerings of ripe yellow bananas and tender coconuts. Only after the pooja at the temple would they partake of the tender coconut water and bananas. Once back home the ladies partake of a meal of Puzhukku, koova Paayasam, pappadam, Koorkakootu, and bananas.It is done very religiously after first lighting the Nilavilakku (Traditional kerala oil Lamp). My mother always says that this thiruvadhira is basically a community get-together, forgetting the daily grind of regular life and was much looked forward to by everyone.
Even in our father's side "SREE PANTHALLUR SHIVA BHAGAVATHY KSHETRAM" Chowannur, kunnamkulam, this thiruvadhira is celebrated grandly.In this temple a grand traditional sadhya with variety of dishes will be arranged by the temple authorities as a celebration of thiruvadhira.
How to do thiruvadhira:-
Since childhood I learnt that lord shiva likes Maha pradosh pooja and thiruvadhira pooja very much. My amma especially says that this thiruvadhira is celebrated by nairs and nambhodhiris not for Ezhavas/thiyyas. But as for me worshipping god in any form is a true blessing so I will follow/love to follow the traditional poojas, as my policy is to follow noble thoughts from all directions. When comming to method of doing this fast on this thiruvadhira day waking up by 4 A.M, after bath, have to visit Shiva temple at early hours, if possible before sunrise. This is Arudra Darshan. Unmarried girls fast on Thiruvathira aspiring for a compatible groom in future. Married woman fast on thiruvathira with a faith that it would bring long life to the husband and thereby prosperity and good life to the family. No food or drink till will be taken till the completion of 24-hours. Generally those who can't fast fully can take tender coconut. Other items of their food include plantain fruits, tender coconuts, wheat etc. Once again I am reminding that the procedure is different from place to place.
While there are many festivals in India during which women fast for the welfare of her husband, this Thiruvadhira fast is observe for the lord Shiva. Lord Shiva is the god, to whom most Hindus turn to for good spouse and for a harmonious family life. Of all the gods of the Hindu pantheon, it is Shiva and Parvati who have the ideal family life. There are many stories of Shiva's passion and devotion for Parvati and their harmonious relationship. It is believed that those people who observe fast on this Thiruvadira day will have their desires fulfilled and will be blessed with Good family life and wisdom. In some areas, on this Thiruvadira day single girls keep fast for an ideal husband because Hindu mythology tells us that Parvati, Shiva's consort, won him over by meditation and fasting. This vratam is considered quite auspicious to please the God. This fast is called the King of fasts in Hindu Mythology.
Let me add a real incident happened during british rule about worshipping lord shiva which i read in a mythological book;-
In 1879, when there was British Rule in India, Lt. Col. Martin of Agar Malva was leading the army in the war against Afghanistan.
Col. Martin used to regularly send messages of his well-being to his wife. The war continued for long Lady Martin stopped getting messages. She was very upset.
Once riding on her horse, she passed by the temple of Baijnath Mahadev. She was attracted to the sound of Conch Mantra. She went inside came to know that the Brahmans were worshipping Lord Shiva. They saw her sad face asked her problem. She explained everything to them. They told her that Lord Shiva listens to the prayers of devotees takes them out of difficult situations in no time.
With the advice of the Brahmans, she started the "Laghu-rudri Anushtthan" of the Mantra: "Om Namah Shivaya" for 11 days. She prayed to Lord Shiva that if her husband reaches home safely, then she would get the temple renovated.
On the last of the "Laghu-rudri", a messenger came gave a letter to her. Her husband had written: "I was regularly sending messages to you from the battle grounds, but suddenly the Pathans surrounded us from all sides. We were entrapped in a situation where there was no scope of escaping death. Suddenly, I saw a Yogi of India with long hair, carrying a weapon with three pointers (Trishul). His personality was amazing he was maneuvering his weapon with a magnificent style. Seeing this great man, the Pathans started running back. With his grace, our bad times turned into moments of victory. This was possible only because of that man of India wearing a lion skin carrying a three-pointer weapon (Trishul). That great Yogi told me that I should not worry that he had come to rescue me because he was very pleased with my wife's prayers"
Tears of joy were falling down the eyes of Lady Martin's eyes while reading the letter. Her heart was overwhelmed. She fell into the feet of Lord Shiva's statue burst in tears.
After a few weeks, Col. Martin returned. Lady Martin narrated the whole incident to him. Now both husband wife became devotees of Lord Shiva. In 1883, they donated Rs. 15,000/- for renovating the temple. The information engraved slab for the same is still there in the Baijnath Mahadev Temple of Agar Malva. This is the only Hindu temple built by British.
When Lady Martin left for Europe, she said that they would make Shiva Temple at their home pray to Him till the end of life. One only needs strong faith. Prahlad, Dhruva, Markandeya several others could attain that which appeared impossible to others. Even today, devotees are getting this kind of help from God Self-Realized saints. It is strong faith alone that makes it possible. Col. Martin used to regularly send messages of his well-being to his wife. The war continued for long Lady Martin stopped getting messages. She was very upset.
Once riding on her horse, she passed by the temple of Baijnath Mahadev. She was attracted to the sound of Conch Mantra. She went inside came to know that the Brahmans were worshipping Lord Shiva. They saw her sad face asked her problem. She explained everything to them. They told her that Lord Shiva listens to the prayers of devotees takes them out of difficult situations in no time.
With the advice of the Brahmans, she started the "Laghu-rudri Anushtthan" of the Mantra: "Om Namah Shivaya" for 11 days. She prayed to Lord Shiva that if her husband reaches home safely, then she would get the temple renovated.
On the last of the "Laghu-rudri", a messenger came gave a letter to her. Her husband had written: "I was regularly sending messages to you from the battle grounds, but suddenly the Pathans surrounded us from all sides. We were entrapped in a situation where there was no scope of escaping death. Suddenly, I saw a Yogi of India with long hair, carrying a weapon with three pointers (Trishul). His personality was amazing he was maneuvering his weapon with a magnificent style. Seeing this great man, the Pathans started running back. With his grace, our bad times turned into moments of victory. This was possible only because of that man of India wearing a lion skin carrying a three-pointer weapon (Trishul). That great Yogi told me that I should not worry that he had come to rescue me because he was very pleased with my wife's prayers"
Tears of joy were falling down the eyes of Lady Martin's eyes while reading the letter. Her heart was overwhelmed. She fell into the feet of Lord Shiva's statue burst in tears.
After a few weeks, Col. Martin returned. Lady Martin narrated the whole incident to him. Now both husband wife became devotees of Lord Shiva. In 1883, they donated Rs. 15,000/- for renovating the temple. The information engraved slab for the same is still there in the Baijnath Mahadev Temple of Agar Malva. This is the only Hindu temple built by British.
Lord Shiva is the god, to whom most Hindus turn to for good spouse and for a harmonious family life; especially women worship him for the welfare of the family. So on this special day pray him with full heart and definitely he will hear our prayers.
My appeal to all malayalees is please don't forget our culture and cultural significance. In the name of civilization many people are forgetting their culture. The celebrations which ought to have celebrated in homes are celebrating as a show. These days each and every festival like onam and vishu are celebrating in samithis, hotels etc and very few people are celebrating at home. These days most of the enjoyment of celebrations is cut off, my amma is highly dissatisfied with the way festivals are celebrated these days. Onam celebrations in hotels and samithis and thiruvaathirakkali is mostly restricted to school and college stages, just for as a part of a competition.
On last year thiruvadhira I received a mail from a keralite asking me a question the mail is (shaija dear... In this busy schedule life who on earth wants to wake up at 3 A.m, doing pooja, going to temple and above all who will have the time to prepare elaborate dishes like koova paayasam and puzhuku when a whole load of work at office is pending).
And for onam 2012 wishes i received a mail from a man expressing his sorrow stating that many of the housewives who are working and non working not celebrating onam in thier locality as per our tradition.Instead of cooking food in house they are ordering food from out side and thier are busy with thier television programmes.If present people are like this means what will happen to future generation?
I am an average/Seedha saadha malayalee living out side of the kerala, still manage to visit temples, and fasts as per rituals, in my own ways. After all, one should not forget their traditions altogether, isn't it? I always pray god to give me a life as to pray him always in all situations that even in the midst of my daily hectic schedules, untill my last breath.Dedicating this post to My amma, beena chechi, and chitra Aunty.
Karacharana Kritham Vaa; Kayajam
Karmajam Vaa; Shravana Nayanajam Vaa;
Manasam Vaa Aparadham; Vihithama
Vihitham Vaa; Sarva Medha Kshamasvaa;
Jaya Jaya Karunabdhey ; Shree Mahadeva Shambo
Meaning: Oh Lord! Please forgive me for all the wrong actions that I have commited knowingly or unknowingly with my hands, feet, speech, body, ears, eyes and mind. Victory to you, Oh Lord of compassion and Mercy.
courtesy: Pictures from websites.Significance from jyothisya ratnam.
Story from a spiritual book.
Aano bhadra krtavo yantu vishwatah.(- RIG VEDA)
"Let noble thoughts come to me from all directions"
REGARDS
Miss.Shaija Vallikatri Bhaskaran
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