DEAR ALL,
Thiruvathira is a Hindu festival celebrated in the South Indian states of Kerala and Tamil nadu in the month of Dhanurmasa. Thiruvathira means "sacred big wave", using which this universe was created by Lord Shiva about 132 trillion years ago. Ardradarshan celebrated in Tamil Nadu corresponds to Thiruvathira of Kerala since both are related to lord Shiva. There are many stories regarding the origin of this festival and one of the popular story shows that this is the day on which Lord Shiva agreed to become the husband of Goddess Parvathi, as a reward for her severe penance and this is largely a festival for women.
Thiruvathira will be grandly celerated in My Mother's place "KANNESWARAN TEMPLE" in Kurrkampara village of kunnamkulam and my father's side "SREE PANTHALLUR SHIVA BHAGAVATHY KSHETRAM" Chowannur, kunnamkulam.The festival of Thiruvathira is extremely popular among the women and the Customs are based on age-old traditions.Thiruvathira would be the day of fasting. No one eats rice preparations, but they would eat things made of wheat and all types of fruits.However, there is no compulsion on any of these fasting whatsoever because the procedure is different from place to place.
On the day of Makeriyam women/girls put mehandi on the palms which is considered as highly auspicious and the fact behind this ritual has a deeper significance. One such notion goes that the darker the color of the Mehndi indicates more love from her husband and in laws. The fasting of married women starts from Makeriyam day, to till thiruvathira day, for the welfare of her husband and well being of their family. This encompasses prayers for his life longevity, togetherness, and this fast would ensure simultaneously long and happy married life. unmarried women observe a partial fast on this day to get good husband.
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.
Since childhood I learnt from my Amma that lord shiva likes Maha pradosh pooja and thiruvadhira pooja very much. 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 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.
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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