12.Panguni-Narasimha Dwadasi, Sukla Paksha Dwadasi for varaha.
13.Kaanthi Vrata;Sukla Paksha Dwithitiyai( second day after New Moon) for Krishna.On this Thithi Krishna/Balarama are to be worshipped and Silver idols of each is be donated .
* New Moon to Full Moon Sukla Paksha
Full Moon to Nwe Moon-Krishna Paksha.
Tamil Months and corresponding English Months.
The number of days in a month varies between 29 and 32.
The following list compiles the months of the Tamil Calendar.
Note: The Sanskrit months above would start one month ahead of Tamil months since the Tamil calendar is a solar calendar while the Sanskrit calendar is a lunisolar calendar.
It is of interest to note that these Vratas cover all the Avataras of Vishnu.
All the Vratas are to be followed on Dwdasi, whic is natural, as Lord Vishnu is associated with number 12-he is one among the 12 Adithyas,His Dwadasa Naama’Om Namo Bhagavathe Vasudevaaya’ contains twelve Aksharas or letters in Sanskrit and Sri Vaishnava practice is to keep everything inmultiples of Twelve including the cheer(things offerd in Marriages.
But the greates Vrata of Vishnu is Ekadasi, which is Symbloic of Lord Shiva!
Sathya Narayna Vrata and others are not found in the Purans, may be they are from the Smritis or by tradition
For January Vaikuntha Ekadashi…
On 10th, Parana Time = 07:17 to 09:29
On Parana Day Dwadashi would be over before Sunrise
Viswaroopa Of Vishnu.
Smartha Vaikuntha Ekadashi = 08/01/2017
On 9th, Parana Time for Smartha Ekadashi = 13:50 to 16:01
On Parana Day Hari Vasara End Moment = 10:17
Ekadashi Tithi Begins = 07:52 on 8/Jan/2017
Ekadashi Tithi Ends = 05:03 on 9/Jan/2017
The term Ekadasi means eleven. Hindus follow two calendars.
One is Surya Manasa, following the movement of the Sun.
The other one is Chandra Manasa where one follows the waxing and waning of the Moon.
In Surya Manasa, the Stars, Nakshatras are given importance for calculations of festivals and auspicious occasions.
Chandra Manasa takes into account the wacing and waning of the Moon, called the Thithis. Nakshatras 28 and Thithis are fifteen.
Thithis are taken into account for calculation of inauspicious occasions like death and performance of Death related rituals like Srardha.
The period from the New Moon Day to Full Moon Day is called Sukla Paksha, which is considered auspicious and for auspicious occasions days/dates are fixed during this period.
However major Vows or Vratas are observed during the waning Moon period, Krishna Paksha.
Vaikunta Ekadasi,Shivratri,Shashti(for Lord Subramanya), Ganesh Chaturthi are observed in this period.
Of the major Vrats, Vaikunta Ekadasi is observed in Onesiance to Lord Vishnu and this is believed to grant many a boon, including the ttainment of Lord Vishnu’s feet at His Abode, The Vaikunta.
This is observed on the eleventh day of the Moon Cycle and the one that falls during Sukla Paksha is important.
However, most important Ekadasi which occurs in the month of Mrigasira, Margazhi in Tamil,December-January in Gregorian calendar, is of special importance and is celebrated on agrand scale in sri Vaishnava Temples, Sriranagam and Srivilliputtur are famous for this occasion.
Early in the morning of the Vaikunta Ekadasy Day, the doors leading to the Inner Sanctum of Lord Vishnu is opened and people enter through this. Special poojas are performed.
The doors remain closed during the other days.
During the Ekadasi day one is expected to fast and take nothing. The next day, Dwadasi, Tulasi water is to be drunk followed by austere food.
This consists of a Raita prepared out of a Dhal Urad dhal,Black Gram), and special Green leaf vegetable(Agathi Keerai) along with a salad of Amla, Nellikkai,Gooseberry in Curds .
Food can be taken once during the day.
At night,light snack made of rice are taken.
The taking of Tulasi water in the morning of Dwadasi is called Dwadasi Baranai’
Now people take light snacks on the Ekadasi day.
This is not correct.
On the Ekadasi day one engages himself in chanting the names Lord Vishnu and visiting His Temple.
One also enters His Inner Sanctum through the Doors early in the morning.
The origin of Ekadashi Vrata.
‘
According the to Vishnu Purana, fasting on Vaikuntha Ekadashi is equivalent to fasting on the remaining 23 Ekadashis of the (Hindu) year.[2] However according to Vaishnava tradition fasting is mandatory on all Ekadashi of both Shukla paksha and Krishna paksha. Fasting on Ekadashi is considered holier than any other religious observation.
Vishnu opened the gate of Vaikuntham (his abode) for two demons in spite of their being against him. They also asked for the boon that whoever listens to their story and sees the image of Vishnu coming out of the door (called Dwar), called Vaikunth Dwar, will reach Vaikunth as well. Temples all over India make a door kind of structure on this day for devotees to walk through.
According to Padma Purana, the female energy of Vishnu slayed the demon Muran and protects the ‘Devas’. This happened on the eleventh day of lunar month during the sun’s journey in the Dhanurrashi or Dhanu Rashi. Impressed by the act, Vishnu names her as ‘Ekadashi’ and gives her the boon that those who worship ‘Ekadashi’ on the day of her victory over Muran would reach ‘Vaikunth’ (His abode).[3]
Vaikuntha Ekadashi is one of the important and auspicious days for Hindus. It is dedicated to Vishnu. It occurs in the Hindu calendar, in the month of Margashirsha (between December and January). When observed, it bestows liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
‘
Mohini Alankaram
Sri Namperumal – Vaikunda Ekadasi Festival – Pagalpatthu 10 day
2017 January 8
Sri Namperumal – Vaikunda Ekadasi Festival – Irappatthu (night) 1 day
Sri Namperumal – Vaikunda Ekadasi Festival – Irappatthu (night) 9 day
2017 January 17
Sri Namperumal – Vaikunda Ekadasi Festival – Irappatthu (night) 10 day
Theerthavari
Vaikunta Ekadasi Significance.
”
According the to Vishnu Purana, fasting on Vaikuntha Ekadashi is equivalent to fasting on the remaining 23 Ekadashis of the (Hindu) year.[2] However according to Vaishnava tradition fasting is mandatory on all Ekadashi of both Shukla paksha and Krishna paksha. Fasting on Ekadashi is considered holier than any other religious observation.
Vishnu opened the gate of Vaikuntham (his abode) for two demons in spite of their being against him. They also asked for the boon that whoever listens to their story and sees the image of Vishnu coming out of the door (called Dwar), called Vaikunth Dwar, will reach Vaikunth as well. Temples all over India make a door kind of structure on this day for devotees to walk through.
According to Padma Purana, the female energy of Vishnu slayed the demon Muran and protects the ‘Devas’. This happened on the eleventh day of lunar month during the sun’s journey in the Dhanurrashi or Dhanu Rashi. Impressed by the act, Vishnu names her as ‘Ekadashi’ and gives her the boon that those who worship ‘Ekadashi’ on the day of her victory over Muran would reach ‘Vaikunth’ (His abode).[3]
Vaikuntha Ekadashi is one of the important and auspicious days for Hindus. It is dedicated to Vishnu. It occurs in the Hindu calendar, in the month of Margashirsha (between December and January). When observed, it bestows liberation from the cycle of birth and death.”
Padyam (washing the feet) , Arghyam(Washing the Palms), Acamaniyam (Special process of purification with water) ,Madhuparka(Honey ) Acamaniyam ( Done again to purify after the use of hands in drinking) , Gandha,Pushpa,Dhupa, Deepa and Naivedyam .
C .Shodasopachara(16)
1.Asana, Offering of Seat,also called Swagatham, Welcome
Waking the deity with vedic verses, praises, instrumental music.
Offering a twig for brushing the teeth.
Offering mangala aratika.
Shouting jaya on seeing the deity.
Offering pranamas to the Lord before entering for puja.
Offering the Main Upacharas:
Inviting the Lord (avahana), offering him a seat (asana), and making him comfortable (svagatam).
Washing the Lord’s feet (padyam).
Offering arghyam as a sign of welcome and respect.
Offering water to wash the mouth (acamaniyam).
Offering madhuparka, then water to wash the mouth.
Offering the Lord shoes so that he may come to the bathing place.
Cleaning the Lord’s body with a damp cloth to remove old chandana etc. (murti samskara).
Rubbing the Lord’s body, especially the head, with fragrant oils.
Bathing the Lord in flower water.
Bathing the Lord in milk.
Bathing the Lord in yogurt.
Bathing the Lord in ghee.
Bathing the Lord in honey.
Bathing the Lord in sugar.
Bathing the Lord in water consecrated with mantras.
Removing oil, ghee, etc, with flour, then warm water.
Wiping the Lords body with a soft, dry cloth (anga vastra).
Dressing the Lord in upper and lower cloth.
Offering gayatri thread (upavita).
Offering achamana again after dressing.
Arranging the Lord’s hair.
Decorating the Lord with bracelets, necklaces, rings etc.
Offering kaustubha and other wonderful jewels.
Offering various colors of clothing, belts, turbans, capes etc.
Offering flowers to the Lord’s lotus feet. Applying gandha to the Lord’s feet with a Tulasi leaf.
Offering incense.
Offering lamps.
Removing inauspicious influences, the glances of evil persons by mustard seeds etc.
Offering naivedyam.
Offering spices (mukha vasa).
Offering betel (tambulam).
Offering a couch for the Lord to relax in.
Offering gandha again and decorating the Lord’s body with tilaka designs.
Offering the Lord a crown.
Offering varieties of flowers and garlands.
Darshana:
Offering a mirror.
Offering chamara and umbrella.
Singing.
Playing instruments.
Dancing.
Offering aratika.
Taking deity to a special mandapa.
Bringing the Lord back to his throne. Bhoga Offering:
Offering foot wash, mouth wash again.
Offering another meal while burning incense.
Offering betel, then performing aratika.
Concluding Puja:
Recitation of verses (stuti)
Circumabulation of deity (pradakshina)
Pranamas.
Touching ones head at the lotus feet of the Lord (astanga pranama).
The taking charanamrta and flower Prasad on one’s head.
Taking the food remnants of the Lord.
At Night.
Sitting at the feet of the Lord ready for service.
Making a nice bed for the Lord, with soft cloth, flowers and nice scented powders.
Offering ones hand to the Lord, and offering him his shoes, to bring him to the bed.
Receiving the Lord at the bed with great festivity.
Washing the Lord’s feet, then drying them, offering gandha, flowers, betel, condensed milk, fan.
Having the Lord lie down in the bed and massaging his lotus feet.
First the Deity is bathed with water collected from the Temple Tank/well or from the River in the city and the water is poured from head towards the feet with water cascading from the right palm of the priest while his left hand pours water from a small vessel meant only for this.
(On special occasions water is poured from a Sieve containing 1000 pores.
This is called the Sahasra Tharai.)
Then Gingelly oil is applied.
Water is poured.
Then the Idol is wiped with a new cloth.
Then Abhishekam with Tender coconut water,Milk,Curds,Sandalwood paste,Honey follows.
Finally the idol is bathed with water again.
During the entire process Veda Mantras, Sri Rudram and Chamakam,Purusha Suktham, Narayana Suktha, Vishnu Suktham, Sri Suktham and Durga Suktham are recited.
This is the real Panchamrutha Snana and not the Abhisheka with Panchamrutham which ifs offered as a Naivedya,
Then the Deity is dressed up with clothes, flowers and ornaments that befits the Deity and the Day/Date.
Then Mantra Pushpa is recited ending with Sanyasa Yoga Slokas.
The screen for viewing remains open while bathing is done, closed when being dressed up to be opened again.
Then Upachaaras or Obeisance ,64/16 follows.
Archana is performed and Arthi completes the Ritual.
As I have posted in many of my posts that Hinduism treats Gods as Human Beings and offer services that befit a King, Queen or a child.
Gods are treated and loved as one would love one’s own children, friend, Lady Love.
In Tamil Literature,there are Grammar Rules for composing Poems based on the Bhava or attitude to God.
It may be as a Child, a lady Love or various stages of a child growing up.
Poems were composed appropriate to these ages and offered to God.
Arayar Sevai
In the Sanatana Dharma, Vedic practice, there are 16 Upachaaras or ways of offering Obeisance to the Lord.
These were originally 64 .
I will be posting on this in detail.
A special practice in Tamil Nadu of offering Obeisance to Lord Vishnu has been in practice from the 10th Century AD.
One, a male, from a designated Family, performs Dance Drama with a special dress, singing poems from the Devotional text of the Sri Vaishnavas,The Naalayira Divya Prabhandam.
Though many a Vishnu Temple in Tamil Nadu follow this, SriRanagam, Srivilliputtur and Alwar Thirunagari are the three places which are traditionally following this custom and they are famous.
The right to perform belongs one family in Srirangam, two each in Srivillipuutur and Alwarthirunagari.
The Right is Hereditary.
The Pagal Pathu(10 day time) and Ra Pathu(10 day night time) festival is celebrated in the month of Margazhi(December–January) for twenty days. The first ten days are referred as Pagal-Pathu (10 day day time festival) and the second half as Ra Pathu(10 day night-time festival). The first day of Ra pathu is Vaikunta Ekadashi.[31] The eleventh day of each fortnight in Tamil calendar is called ekadesi and the holiest of all ekadesis as pervaishnavite tradition is the Vaikunta Ekadashi. Nammazhwar, one of the 12 azhwars.
During this period this Dance Drama is enacted.
This is called the ‘Arayar Sevai’
Arayar in Tamil means King, implying paying obeisance that befits a King.
Another meaning is’one who declares’
The Arayar, the one who performs, declares the devotion to Lord Vishnu through the Poems of the Alwars.
Other Names of the Arayars are,
Vinnappam Cheyvar – they speak directly and only to the lord and make their requests only to him.
Nampaduvan- the sing the praises of our lord Nam (Perumal)
Isai ariyum Peruman – Referring to their ability to sing the Prabandham.
Thambiranmar – Roots word are probably than-piran-mar meaning those who belong to the lord and indicative of the Arayar becoming an Azhvar himself when performing the Arayar sevai.
The Arayar is always a male and has to follow a specific dress code and perform a vow before each performance.
Songs used.
A)Periyaazhvar thirumozhi (473 songs)of Periyaazhvar, including Thiru Pallaand.
i. Siriya Thirumadal by Thirumangai Azhwar (40 songs)
j. Peria Thirumadal by Thirumangai Azhwar (78 songs)
5. Ramanuja Nootranthaati ( 108 songs) of Amudhanar and it was added to the text compiled by Nathamuni neither is it his own Vishnu nor is it by an Azhwar.
You must be logged in to post a comment.