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தர்ம நெறி 4.
News Letter
கேஷத்திர(வயல்): றி முன்னேஸ்வர Kshethra Vinayaka Temple,Sri ශී ගණි දෙවි දේවාලය (වෙලේ),
Poslav Ha u kad valu
Sri Sankar I
Valen 200
 

விநாயகர் ஆலயம், ф, *я:/тилф, 6яsћјаргъ.
Munneswaram, Chilaw, Sri Lanka.
මූජ්ජෙන්ස්සරම, හලාවත, ශීලයකා,
III TIDSVAHEL 11 CIL
Publications

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கூேஜத்திர(வயல்கி
朝 gரீமுன்னேஸ்வரம், Kshehra Winayaka Temple, Sri ශී ගණ දෙවි දේවාලය (වේලේ), hot mail: kshethravinayakasayah
Sri Sank: March 20
 

, சிலsாபம், இலங்கை, Munneswaram, Chilaw,Sri Lanka.
මුන්නේස්සථම, හලාවත, இgE),
LUT1: IillI il8S'': ramsToy:Ih{}0.0In a Publications
08 рттлт.

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NewS Letter - 3
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Kshethra Vinayaka Temple, Sri MuI கூேத்திர(வயல்)விநாயகர் ஆலயம், ஜீமு. ශී ගණ දෙවි දේවාලය (වෙලේ), මුන්නේස්
hot mail: kshethrawinayaka Giyahoo.com: m
Edited by: B.S.Sarma, Kshethra Vinayaka Ter
*extract from the book "An Introduction to E
Hindu Religi
All Hindu festivals have a deep Spiritual significance
have social and hygienic elements in them. All the devic any religious ceremony. Mostly the festivals are held at
with full devotion and belief. Though there are numer festivals have their own mythology, procedure of the rit festivals. Only one religious festival namely Maha Siv could be delt with elaborately,
Maha Sivaratri The great night of Lord Siva is celebrated on the fou
(February-March). Skaandhapuranam describes about Sivaratri - every night). The second one is the Masa Si (fourteenth moon day on the moons diminishing phase) observed for the thirteen days starting froll prathama I the Lord is worshiped throughout the night. The fourth chaturdasi. This is the one observed in a widespreadma Of all the festivals that are dedicated and deemed to be auspicious. Sivaratri festival dedicates the entire twent Siva. In the evening devotees generally go to a nearby without sleeping throughout that night. The devotees Sivaya' or singing hymns in praise of Lord Siva, such Pushpadanta or Ravana's Siva Tandava Schotra are sun in eulogy of Lord Siva and listening to religious discou very common on that day,
According to belief Lord Siva consumed the deity pois by the Devas and Asuras, and this saved the universe. " continued annually.The observance of Maha Sivarat Ti Almigthy during the great night. Maha Sivaratri rit

-செய்தி மடல்
neswaram, Chilaw,Sri Lanka. ர்னேஸ்வரம், சிலாபம், இலங்கை,
සරම, හලාවත, ශීලයකා.
Inneswaramsavahoo.com
1 ple, Sri Munneswaram, Chilaw, Sri Lanka.
induism” by B.S. Sarma
ous festivals *
and import religious philosophical aspects. All festi, als stees get fully involved in the observation of the rituals of temples where a large number of deevotees particicipate ous festivals celeberated,a few are given below. All the uals and spiritual philosophy which forms the basis of the 'aratri festival is delt in detail as an example, though all
rteenth day of the waning moon of the Inonth of Maasi four Sivarathris. The first one is niya Siyaratri (daily varatri which is observed on the Krishna paxa chaturdasi The third one is the Maga pratharmadi sivarairi which is Iti in the month Maga (Masi) and on the chaturdas light one is observed on the Masi (Maga) month Krishna paxa liner. It is also called Maha Siwaratri, holy to Almighty, the Maha Siwaratri festival is the most -four hours of the day and night for the Worship of Lord temple and observe religious rituals, They remain awake worship Siva the whole night, by chanting "AUM Nama is Rudran, Chamakam, and the Shiva Mahimina Stotra of with great fervor and devotion. In many telples singing ses interpreting the legends associated With the festival is
on which eIIlanated when the ocean of milk was chuted he worship that was offered to Siva on that night is oeing begins with the fasting during the day, and Worshipping, als that takes place in a Siva temple includes pujas,
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abishekams (Holy bath), archanas (offering flowers by alankaras) etc. In the rituals, leaves of a forest tree Billy
Significance of Sivratri
e Kannappa Nayanar sacrificed his eyes
Shivrathriday. s Arjuna procured Pasupabatha asthram on a Markandeya was rescued by Lord Shiva ( s Parvathi was given half-portion of Lord c in Beema's arrogance, ego was destroyed an
During the 'ablishekam the deity is anointed with mater three hours of that night), with panchamirtha' (the fiv hours of that night). With hony during the third yama Water during the fourth "yama (last three hours of that the five internal faculties which sustain the jiwa nam (chiththa), ego (ahankara), and emotion (hridhaya). The ghee, hony, fruits sandle paste and kumkumam produ after the abishekaIIIs (Holy bath). The energy created by absorbed through nerve ending of the neuro sense ceremony in the sanctum sanctorum. The Lingotbhava puja and abhisheka (holy bath) ritus important aspect of the Sivaratri festival. The Lingot external side of the westen direction of the Sanctum sar to be depicted as emerging out of the Siva linga with the top portion of the head and the bottom portion oft Lord Brahma is seen seated on Swan in flight at the top of the Lingothbhava murthy of Lord Siva. The doctrine combination of Brahma, Wishnu, and Siwa which deflec are one and the same.
When we expect God to shower upon us the bon of s recipients of the boon. He expects us to be prepared, requirements for man is sleep’, which is very essent determined mind to sacrifice that dear object of us, wh call ourselves to be fit to receive boons from god. The us. In order to prove ourselves to be good receivers, we must not fall asleep on the following day,
Mythologyy of Maha sivaratri
Once when everything in all the Worlds got condense mother Parvati worshipped Lord Siva in the Againic w; blessed Her. She asked for the do well to of all the c Sivaratri day with devotion; they should be blessed a granted that showing way for all of us to get blessed ea:
When Brahma and Wishnu fought between themselves as a pillar of fire. They were not able to find the origin Thirukkaarthikai festiwal, Then Brahma and Wishnu
forgiving their sin worshiping the Siva lingam which is

:hanting religious hyInns), encircling lighted lamps (deepa | (Aegle marmelos) are traditionally used in the servires,
and donated to Lord Siva. This incident occurred oil
this holy day.
in this holy day, f the Lords on this holy day, dattained knowledge on this holy day
als like cow's milk, curd, ghee duruig the first “yama' (first : Warities of fruits) during the second yana (second ihree (third three hours of that night), and perfumed religious
night). Milk, honey, fruits, curd and ghee are symbolic of ely mind (Illallas) intellect (buddhi), subconscious mind Ilaterials used for holy bath (abisheka) namely, milk, curd, :c a high negative ion concentration on the idol (Turthy) the vibrations with the high concentrated negative ion are 3rgans inhaled by the devotees present during the puja
tls which takes place during midnight yama.are the most bhava multhy (form of idol) is seen in the niche in the ictorium of a Siva temples. This form of Lord Siva is seen he apex and the bottom of the form seen missing. Th... is he legs is curved off, from the Chandrasekara muri lan. and Lord Wishnu seated on a boar burrowing at the Entom : of the Holy Trinity in the Lingotbhwa Inurthy shows the ts the conception of the creator, preserver and destroyer all
upreme bliss, He naturally expects us to become worthy to sacrifice what is most dear to us. One of the dearest ial for life. On the Sivaratri day if we are ready with a ich is sleep that we enjoy with great pleasure, then we can main idea is to prepare us to sacrifice things most dear to are awake throughout the night and the following day. We
l into Lord Siva, in that darkness of nothing present, the ly with great dedication. Lord Siva delighted by the prayer "eatures that in future whoever worships the Lord on the ld should be given the ultimate liberation. The Pashupati ily,
as "who is the supreme", Lord Siva appeared before the II) and end of that pillar. This day is now being celebrated as "epented for their mistake and prayed to Lord Siva for the form of the flame. In the night of Sivarathrida: Lord
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Siva appeared before them and blessed them. Devotee performing Abisheka, chanting and other holy deeds, E moonday) is called Masa Siwarath.ri. The one that come: called Maha Sivarathri. This is considered as the most in The Linga from in which Lord Siva revealed Himselfo symbol of the formless all perwading Divine sprit wil universe. Linga is the sign of rhythmic creation, Illaint itself in different forms and periodically retLIITs to its pri There is story regarding keeping awake during the night Bheeshma, whilst laying on the bed of arrows and dis Sivaratri by king Chitrabhanu. In the past King Chitrabh Janbudvipa, was observing a fast with his wife, on a Mi stopover to the court of the king. The sage inquired, th which king told the sage that he had the gift of power c power of recollecting Poorva Janma). The king explain Kasi (Waranasi). His name was Suswara. And his livelih as follows: Once at Kasia hunter Went to the forest early in the mor, in search of animals. He had shot a deer in evening on overtaken by the darkness of night and he was unable to the roaring sounds of lions and other quadrupeds. He cli climbed was a bael tree. (Bilwa tree-Aegle marmelos), H branch of the tree. As he was tormented by hunger and deadly wild animals. He shed profuse tears when he tho. anxiously waiting for his return. He engaged himself in them down onto the ground to pass away the time that ni saw a black solid colmn like granite stone like structure deer. He bought some food for himself and for his family him, begging for food. He welcomed the stranger with served the food to the stranger first, and later then took hi At the time of death, he saw two messengers of Lord Six of Lord Siva. He learnt that for the first time of the grea Lord Siva during the night of Sivaratri. They told hint leaves that he dropped fell on the Lingam, His tears whi that Sivalingam and washed it, and he had fasted all day Lord, He lived in the abode of the Lord and enjoyed divine Fortunately for him it was a Maha Sivaratri night, the Sivalingam just below him, since he did not get any pr: He shed profuse tears, thinking of his poor wife and ch return had fallen drop by drop on to the Sivalingam, as started plucking one leaf at time and putting it down whi him. The hunter though unwittingly fulfilled all the requ the Almighty.
Spiritual Significance of the Ritual
It is an allegory. The wild animals that the hunter f. passion, jealousy and hatred. The jungle is the fourfold the ego and the conscious mind. It is in the IIlind that conquered or killed. The hunter was pursuing them. A would have been a yogi. The name of the hunter wal melodious.The hunter had a pleasant melodini is voice.

pray to the God throughout the night of Siva rathri by ery month in "Krishna Paksha chathurdhasi' (fourteenth in the month of "Masi" (mid February to mid March) is ortant wrata by the devotees. Maha Siwaratiri is the Siwalinga which is considered the ch is discernible in all operations of the phenomial 'nance and destruction of the universe which expresses 1al performal unity before being reborn. of the Sivaratri. In the Shanti Parwa of the Mahabharata, oursing on Dharma, refers to the observance of Maha Inu of the Ikshvaku Empire, who ruled over the Whole of ha Siwara tri day. The learned sage Ashtavakra came on a 2 king Chitrabhanu why he was fasting on that day, for fremembering the incidents of his earlier birth (peculiar 'd the sage, that in his previous birth he was a hunter in }od was to kill and sell birds and animals. The story goes
ling to hunt. On that day he was roa Illing along the forest that day, but he had no time to take it home, He was return home. The night at the thick forest resounds with mbed on to a tree for safety. It happened that the tree he 2 bundled up the animal that he had killed and tied it to a thirst, he kept awake throughout the night due to fear of ight of his poor wife and children who were starving and plucking the hael (Aegle marmelos) leaves and dropping ght. When the day dawned he got down from the tree and : under the tree and then he returned homine and sold the . He was about to break his fast when a stranger came to his pleasant melodious voice that he naturally had, and is food, a. They were sent down to conduct his soul to the abode I merit that he had earned by the unconscious Worslip of at there was a Sivalingam at the bottom of the tree. The h he had shed out of pure sorrow for his family fell onto and all night. Thus he had unconsciously worshiped the
bliss for long ages. He is now reborn as Chitrabhanu, ree he climbed on was a Biwa tree, there was an ancient y he was without any meals or Water from the Inorning, ildren who were starving and anxiously awaiting for his religious bath (Abhishekam). He, to keep himself awake :h without his knowledge fell on the Sivalinga just below rements of Maha Siwaratri Wiratham he was blessed with
ight with are envy, anger, greed, emotion, infatuation, ilmind, consisting of the subconscious mind, the intellect, these "wild animals' roan about freely. They must be real Yogi conquers these evil tendencies. So the hunter Suswara. The word 'Suswara, gives the meaning of

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If a person practices Yama and Niyama and is ever definite external marks which show the features of : steadiness, clearness of countenance and a pleasant voi This stage has been spoken of in detail in the Sweta, years practiced yoga and had reached the first stage. S. yogis mention the Ajna Chakra by the name Varana regarded as the meeting place of the three nerve curre. confident aspirant is instructed to concentrate on that evil qualities like are envy, anger, greed, emotion, inf: that he gets a vision of the divine light within. His getting on to the bael (Aegle marmelos) tree is ex stalk. The tree represents the spinal column. The leav Sushumna Nadis, which are the regions for the activity considered as the three eyes of Siva. The climbing on to the bael tree is meant to represent th from the lowest nerve center called the Muladhara to th The Yogi was in the waking state when he began his m tying them on a branch of the tree. he rested on the b thoughts and rendered them inactive. He had gone throu He was practicing concentration and meditation while b about to lose consciousness and go into deep sleep. So awake. His wife and children were none other than the Wor embodiment of love. He must have an all-embracing universal love. In Yoga, one cannot have illumination one cannot win that Grace. One must distinguish one’s one’s own mind with the minds of all created beings. above the limitations of the mind and merge it in the Se before that stage or earlier. The activity of plucking and dropping the bael leaves w was not even conscious of what he was doing. All his Sushumna Nadis. The leaves of bael (Aegle marmelos second state, namely, the dream state, before he passed in Keeping vigil the whole night means that he passed thro symbolizes the entrance into the Fourth state called “Turi His coming down and seeing the Lingam means that in Siva in the form of the inner lights. In other words, he h that he would realize the supreme, eternal abode of Lord
The sight of the lights is only one step, albeit a difficult person who has shown his sight before. The stranger is th The food was the likes and dislikes which he had killed it. A little still remained. That was why he had to be (Salokya) is not enough to prevent this. There are other finally Sayujya.
Navratri
During Navaratri, we invoke the energy aspect of God in as "Durga," which literally means the remover of miser "Shakti" (energy or power). With the help of God to pro motionless, absolutely changeless, Divine Mother Dur energy is imperishable. It cannot be created or destroyed.

nquering his evil tendencies, that person will develop Yogi. The first marks are lightness of the body, health,
vatara Upanishad. The hunter or the yogi had for many he was named Suswara. His birthplace was Varanasi. The . This is the point midway between the eyebrows. It is :S (Nadis), namely, the Ida, Pingala and the Sushumna. A articular point. That helps him to conquer his desires and uation, passion, jealousy and hatred and So on. It is there
emely noteworthy. The bael tree has three leaves G, one 's are threefold. The leaf symbolize the Ida, Pingala and of the moon, the Sun and fire respectively, These may be
2 ascension of the Kundalini Shakti, the serpentine power, Ajna Chakra. That is the work of the Yogi. ditation. He bundled up the animal that he had killed and, anch of that tree. That means he had fully conquered his gh the steps of Yama, Niyama, Pratyahara, etc. ing on the tree. When he felt sleepy, it means that he was he would have been strong-minded himself to keep fully
d. One who seeks the Grace of God must become an compassion. His shedding of tears is symbolical if his without Divine Grace. Without practicing universal love, own Self everywhere. The preliminary stage is to identify That is fellow-feeling or sympathy. Then one must rise :lf. That happens only in the stage of Samadhi, and never
vas only to show that he had no extraneous thoughts. He
activity was confined to the three Ida, Pingala and the ) tree represent the three Nadis. He was in fact in the to the deep sleep state. gh the deep sleep state successfully. The dawning of day ya” (super consciousness). - the Turiya state he saw the Siva Lingam or the mirk of ad the vision of the Lord. That was an indication to him Siva in course of time.
one. He goes home and feeds a stranger. A stranger is a e hunter himself, transformed into a new personality.
the previous night. But he did not consume the whole of born as king Chitrabhanu. Going to the world of Siva tages besides Salokya. These are Samipya, Sarupya and
the form of the universal mother, commonly referre to -S of life. She is also referred to as "Devi" (goddes) or seed with creation, preservation and destruction. Gcd is a, the sakthi. This confirms the scientific theory that t is always there.

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Nine Nights Navaratri is divided into sets of three days to adore diffe
days, the Mother is invoked as powerful force called Dul defects. The next three days, the Mother is adored as a gi have the power of bestowing on her devotees the inexhau worshipping the mother as the goddess of wisdom, Saras blessings of all three aspects of the divine mother; hence.
Dasara/Navarathi, Saraswathi Pooja, Vijaya Dhasam This is among the most auspicious days in the Hindu calk Navaraatri. this festival of victory is preceded by worship Goddess of strength.Vijaya Dashami is preceded by the A when not only the weapons are worshipped by the warric tailor, the mason, the typist, the musician, the artist and e and tools.
Deepavali Deepavali is the Hindu Festival of Lights. Deepavali is month of Iyppasi which usually corresponds to the mo celebrate Deepavali and use the occasion to celebrate life Celebrations focus on lights and lamps. Fireworks may a Vaikunta Ekadasi This vrtha is observed the 11" day of the lunar fortnigh December- January, is celebrated as a special festival devotees to enter.
Thiru Karththikai
On the full moon day of the month of Kartigai(Novembe star, the Hindus celebrate the Kartigai Deepam. It is c Arunachala, in South India. On the Kartigai Deepam day devotees make bonfires in burnt the chariots of several demons that were tortur legend.People place rows of earthen lamps in front of worship the Lord. They also light a variety of fireworks. action and delusion. Burn the mind, senses and the desire attain full illumination and behold the light of lights, lightning and the fire. Once Brahma and Vishnu due to the ego started arguing the greatest, instead of doing their duty. At that time the finds the top or bottom of the fire is the greatest. Brahma of the file pillar. Vishnu took the form of Varaha (giant has no limit in His size or power, both of them could not down and they prayed the God, He appeared before them Thiruk karththikai. This Thirukkarthikai viratha indicates the non measurab light that will drive away our ignorance. Lamps are lit in
Pongal
Pongal in Tamil literally means boiling over. It is reall traditionally celebrated at the time of harvest of crops ar the event. Pongal is historically a secular festival indep first day of the Tamil month Thai (January 14 or Janual fresh milk and Jaggery early in the morning and allowi

:nt aspects of the supreme goddess. On the first three a in order to destroy all our impurities, vices and er of spiritual wealth, Lakshmi, who is considered to stible wealth. The final set of three days is spent in yati. In order have all-round success in life, we need the the worship for nine nights.
ndar and comes as the finale of the nine-day festival, of Saraswati the Goddess of learning and of Durgaa the ayudha pooja on the Mahaanavami day (ninth day), is, but the blacksmith, the potter, the carpenter, the very type of technical worker - worships his instruments
one of the most popular. It is celebrated in the Hindu nth of October or November. Hindus, Jains and Sikhs and strengthen relationships. so be associated with the festival in some regions.
t is auspicious to Vishnu. Vaikunta Ekaadasi, falling in when the "gates of Heaven" ceremoniously open for
r-December) which falls on the ascension of the Kitigai in this day that the huge beacon is lit on the holy hill
front of temples in the evening. It is said that Lord Shiva ing sages and celestials. This bonfire symbolises this their houses on the evening of Kartigai Deepam and Annihilate the three impurities, namely, egoism, selfish s in the fire of knowledge of the self or Siva-Jnanam and which illumines the mind, intellect, Sun, moon, stars,
with each other “who is the greatest". Both claimed to be God appeared in the form of fire and told them whoever took the form of Annam (Swan) and tried to find the top pig) and tried to see the bottom of the pillar. As the God see either top or bottom of the fire. When their ego went . The day in which the God appeared as a pillar of fire is
e infiniteness of the God and shows that the God is the he houses to pray His “Jyothi Swarupam.
the harvest festival and also thanksgiving festival It is hence is a celebration of the prosperity associated with ndent of religion. Pongal, festival normally falls on the 15). The Pongal day is celebrated by boiling rice with g it to boil over the vessel, a tradition that is the literal
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translation for Pongal (in Tamil). The moment the ric to the sun God, a gesture which symbolises thanksgi savories and sweets, visit each other's homes, and prepared in every home. The pot in which the rice is cooked is beautifully auspiciousness. The cooking is done with great faith a an offering unto the Lord. When the milk in which thi assemble round the pot and shout “Pongalo Pongal” temples and houses. Then the people of the house atmosphere of love and festivity.There is family re-u. married sisters by giving them presents. The next day, provide with milk and are used to plough the lands. The astronomical significance of the festival is that i northward for a six month period. In Hinduism Dakshinaayana, or the southern movement of the su Makara Sankranthi refers to the event of the sun ent mentioned; this is the Pongal festival in South India. It day of triumph. He would have by then brought home is offered to the Almighty, and that is Pongal. To toil that is the spirit of Karma yoga.
Skanda Sashti Devotees of Lord Skanda observe weekly and mon Nakshatram day every month, or the sixth day of the b The sixth day of the month of Iyppasi (October-Novem Sashti day.In many places the festival commences six the Sashti. During these days, devotees recite religious and take Kavadi. They go on pilgrimage to the various S
Pradosha Vrata The Pradosha worship is observed in the evening twilig of Lord Siva for victory and success in all undertal desires. Worship of Lord Siva, together with Parvati, Ga Lord Siva is invoked in the special kalasha placed on a with darbha grass. After the formal worship by the reci end of the ritual, the sacred kalasha water is partaken auspicious period all the hosts of celestial beings and go their subtle forms. This Pradosha Vrata is highly lau importance to worshippers of Lord Siva. Even a single b Yogic interpretation of the Pradosha. According to the Siva-Raja yoga, concentration is d eyebrows, where the spiritual light can be perceived by through various stages, all of which are subdivisions of superconscious state or samadhi. Each one of these states is further sub-divided into four waking-fourth, and waking-waking. It will be seen that states comprise a total of twelve sub-states. The thirteen this and the 13" day of the lunar fortnight, either bright c
Pradhosha Purana Once Dhevas and Asuras using the serpent Vasuki and from the Kseerabthi (Milk Ocean). Then the terrible poi to Lord Siva for rescue. Being the peak of mercy Lord

gets boiled over and bubbles out of the vessel, it is offered ng to the Sun for providing prosperity. People also prepare change greetings.On this day, sweets, and Sweet rice is
adorned with tumeric leaves and roots, the symbols, of i devotion, feeling from the bottom of their hearts that it is rice is being cooked boils over, the ladies and the children 'ith great joy and devotion. Special prayers are offered in old gather together and partake of the offerings in an ion in all homes. Brothers renew their contacts with their Mattu Pongal, is meant to offer thanks to the cattle, as they
marks the beginning of Uttarayana, the Sun's movement
Uttarayana is considered auspicious, as opposed to . All important events are scheduled during this period. 'ring the Zodiac sign of Makara or Capricorn. As already is closely connected with agriculture. To the farmer, it is a he fruits of his patient toil. Symbolically, the first larvest was his task, his duty, but the fruit is now offered to iiim,
hly days in His honour. Every Friday, or the Kartiga, right fortnight, all these are sacred days for His devotees. ber) is the most auspicious of them all. This is the Skanda lays prior to the Sashti itself and concludes on the day of hymns of Lord Subramanya and they worship the Lord hrines of Lord Muruga.
ht on the 13" day of each lunar fortnight. It is the worhip kings, and the fulfilment of all your heart's che, shed nesha, Skanda and Nandi. After the worship of Ganesha, square mandala with a lotus drawn in it and spread over tation of the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra 108 times. At the of the sacred ash is applied to the forehead. During this is come down from the heavens and attend the worship in led by the scriptures and is of very great Sanctity and ael leaf offered to the Lord at this unique is auspicious.
rected towards the central point in the middle of the the yogi who turns the vision inwards. The yogi passes the four states of waking, dreaming, deep sleep, and the
states, for example, the waking-dreaming, waking-leep. then the states are sub-divided in this way, the first three n is the fourth-waking. There is correspondence between
dark.
he hill Mandhara were trying to get Amrutham (nector) on (Halahalam) came up. All got frightened and pleaded lva ate that poison. Then as per His order they resumed
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their effort to get Amrutham. They got it on Dhwadhas God, by whom they got Amrutham, Devas started celebr they realised their sin of not praying the God and pleadec them and appeared between the horns of the Nandhi (ho Lord Siva at that time; Lord Siva fulfills their wishes and
Ganesh Chaturthi Ganesh Chaturthi is a festival which commences on the (August or September). The day commemorates certain & materialised as Mayureshwara, to kill the demon Sindh worship of Surya. Mayureshwara is also one of the Asht celebrate in Kailasa.The puja is performd once in the special leaves and flowers, twenty one of each and whit day and given life in the presence of Brahma, Vishnu an durva grass, he is brought to life step by step and made to goes through in his lifetime. (The sixteenth one, which i followed by a Ganesha prayer, rice grains are placed unseating him.
Krishna Janmaashtami This day is also known as "Krishnaashtami", "Gok sometimes merely as "Janmaashtami", is a Hindu festi (incarnation) of Vishnu. Krishna Janmashtami is observ Krishna Paksha) of the month of Purattaasi in the Hindu Hindu calendar being luni-solar, these two events the da Ashtami) and the Rohini Nakshatram being ascendent) 1 festival may be celebrated on different (but successive family traditions.The celebrations begins with the fastin night-long prayers commemorating the birth of Krishna bathed, placed in a cradle and worshipped. After ablution fast with Prasadam, food that has first been offered to the
Soma Vara Vratam
One of the names of Lord Siva is soma -saha uma. For crescent on the matted hair, on the somavara day (Mond observed as Soma Vara vrata there are speacial monday shravana somvaram and karthikai somavaram. Accord karthikai (mid Nov to mid Dec) this vrata is observed. salutation, praying the auspicious and graceful Lord siva day.
Thiruvadhirai Thiruvaadhirai is one of the famous vradhas celebrated, Maarkazi (Maargasira-December). Thiruvaadhirai is con the Lord never takes birth and hence no nakshaththram t saints Pathanychali and Vyaagra Paadha.Lord Siva is be this day on the completion of his recital of Thiruvampav to have given darshan to Kamadhenu (the divine cow of milk, honey, coconut-water, and curd are poured over in when the lord give darshan to the cow. Uma Maheshvara Vratam This is one of the Ashta maha Vivartams explained in when the sun is in the vruchchika rasi in the month of

twelfth moon day). Without praying and thanking the ing their victory.On thrayodhasi (thirteenth moon day) or forgiveness. The pleased graceful Lord Siva forgave bull). That time is called Pradhosham. Whoever prays ives them mukthi.
ourth day of the bright half of the month of Purattaasi, 'ents connected with Ganesha. It is the day on which he , who had acquired extraordinary powers through the Vinayakas, this is also the birth that Siva has chosen to norning and again in the evening. Ganesha is offered : durva grass. The idol is formally installed on the first | Siva, and the Vedas. Touching the idol with blades of go through 5 of the 16 rites of passage that each Hindu for death, is omitted). The Ganesha mantra is chanted, n the head of the idol, which is moved, symbolically
ulaashtami", "Srikrishna Jayanti", "Sree Jayanthi" or Val celebrating the birth of Krishna, the eighth avatar ed on the eighth day of the dark half, (new moondy - alendar, when the Rohini Nakshatram is ascendent. The y being the eighth of the waning moon (Krishna-paksha may overlap for only a few hours. In such an event. the } days by different people, depending on their local or g on the previous day (Saptami). This is followed by a at night, At midnight, the idol of the infant Krishna is hs, morning prayers and worship, the devout break their
lord.
the Lord someshvara Who wears (the soma) the moon ay), this festival is observed.Though all mondays can be s when it is much more emphasised to observe like the ing to skandha purana, on the Mondays of the mrinth After taking bath and having done the morning twilight , the observer of this vratam eats only one time food that
n the Thiruvaadhirai nakshaththram day in the month of idered as the nakshaththram of Lord Nataraja. Though celebrate, on Thiruvaadhirai. He appeared to the holy eved to have given darshan to saint Manickavacakar on i. In Perur of Melai Chidambaram, Lord Siva is believed lenty) on this day. In the small hours of morning oil, ge of Siva and the ceremony continues till day-break
kaandha Puranam. It is observed on the full moonday irthikai (November / December). On that full moon day,
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devotees worship Lord Siva in the form of Uma Mahes the material benefits of the world. Kedara (gauri) Vratam Kedhara Gowri vradham is one of the important Saivit days starting from shukla paxa ashtami (Eighth purattachi(September to October). The final day (deep rishi is a great Siva bhaktha. When he prayed to Lord, his act Sakti removed the energy from his body. He wa got a stick to support his body. To overcome this situati observed the Kedhara vrata. Pleased by Her austeritie: became ardha narishwara. The vrata is then called kedha
Panguni Uththiram (Kalyaana Vratam) Panguni Uththiram (Kalyann vratam) is one of the eigh sign (mina rasi) that is in the month of Panguni (Marc pavam, this vratam is observed. This vratam is explain goddess is an annual event in all temples in the mont month for Lord Subrahmanya (Muruga) for ten days. participate in this festival and give offerings of paddy to (lance), which is the chief weapon of Lord Subrahman devotees make offerings. Along with the deity, a pair of other decoration on it and a baton known as the Idumba Uttiram is set apart for the Idumban festival. On this da of Lord Subrahmanya.
Shula Vratam Shula vratam is one of the eight maha Vratam. The day month Thai, on a new moon day is called the shula vrata
Vrishabha Vratam
This is one of the eight great austerities. In the time whi of vaikasi (May to June), on the eigth moon day (ashl observed.This vratam is described in the skandhapurana
Thai Poosam It is the pusa naxatram of the month Thai (pushya) that is Kartikeya is worshipped on Thaipusam. Special pooja Murugan temples. -
Aadi Pooram Andal, the incarnation of Mother Earth, Bhoodevi, is one Pooram" and "Aani Thirumanjanam" are important festiv
Maasi Maham
This day is celebrated on the Makam day (regulus) in around in procession to the nearby rivers/tanks/sea for ba in twelve years, the Maham festival is celebrated in a gra
Sri Rama Navami

hwara. One, who observes this vrata sincerely, wou i get
: vratas. This Kedhara vratam is observed for twenty one moonday in its growing phase) in the month of avali) also should be observed in great devotion. Brungi he prayed only to Lord Siva, ignoring Sakti. Angered by s not able even to stand up. He prayed to Lord Siva, and on Sakti wanted to become part of Lord's body, and She Lord Siva gave the left part of His body to Sakti and ra gauri vrata since Gowri observed it.
auspicious vratas. When the sun is shining in the sces :h to April) on the uththara naxaththiram during snukla 2d in the Skandhapuranam. The marriage of the god and of Panguni. The Uttiram festival is celeberated in this For villagers, this is an important festival, all of them the temples.On the early morning of the final day the Vel ya, is taken out in a procession to the river bank, where wooden Sandals, Kavadi - a palanquin-like structure with in Thadi are also anointed.The day following the Panguni y, Pujas and offerings are made to Idumban vassal (gate)
y when the sun in the makara rasi (capricon) durir for the m day.
en the sun is in the Rishihabha rasi(Taurus), in the month ntami) in the lunar phase (shukla paxam) this vratam is
.
called Thaippusam. It normally falls on a full moon day. s and festivities take place on this Poosam day in the
of the twelve Alwars, great devotees of Vishnu. "Aadi als to Andal.
the month of Maasi. On this day, the deities are taken Ith. It is an important festival day for Lord Muruga. Once nd manner (known as Mahamaham) in Kumbakonam.

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Sri Rama Navami as a festival marks the birth of Lord well being of all people. Such community celebration many other temples too.
Tamil New Year Day As the name indicates, this day marks the beginning of movements of the stars, sun, moon and other planets s The sun which is the nucleus of the solar structure influ worshipped as the Supreme God Brahman, Tat Savitu the time factor, sustainer and the basis of nourishing al ushering in the debut of spring in the month of Chithir: last house of the planetary position (Pisces),to the first The period just preceding and following this auspiciou traversing through the twelve houses of the Zodiac cov rituals and celebrations, associated with the advent of world.
Chitra Pournami The pournami (full moon) day in the Tamil month of Ch ("chithirath thiruvizha").
Vaikasi Visakam The pournami day of the Tamil month Vaikasi (May) i people goes to the temple carrying "Kavadi". The aster Murugan, hence He is called as Visaakan. Hindus consi Visaaka asterism is a amalgamation of three stars and th “Torana'(entrance).The emergence of Lord Murugan is was in answer to a prayer by the devas to rid the \ Suurapathman, Singhamuhan and Thaarakan who obta irritating the devas. The devaas without knowing what Siva helped devas through Lord Muruga.
Aadi Amaavaasai Hindus from time immemorial paid remembrance of shrardha and pinada. These rituals are performed propitiate his departed ancestors. The departed ances a important place to the existence and honoring oft for the upliftment of the pitris by the descendents of and rituals to the departed Souls is the duty of the de on its onwardjourney.These rituals for the depated s thithi, in the month of Aadi (July). Ammavaasai is th the sun and the earth, which takes place every m auspious.
Guru Purnima
The term Guru has been interpreted differently. “Gu giv destroys darkness. So Guru means that one who destroy realization. Gu also means the giver of blessings and who uplifts his deciples to fulfil their aims and finally r

tama is celebrated and worshipped by the Hindus seeking are held in not only in Lord Rama temples but also in
the Tamil New Year in the month Chithirai (April). The howed that there was an order and rhythm in the nature. enced the entire life of all the living beings. The sun was the center of the astrophysical system which regulates the bodies.According to Hindus, the dawn of New Year i (April) is marked by the transition of the Sun fresh the house (Aris), which occurs yearly at a precise mo.,ent. s time is known as 'Vishu Punniyakaalam. The Sun in ers a period of time of one year. Religious observances, this incident is a marked feature of Hindus all over the
itrai is celebrated with religious rituals in a grand manne
s celebrated in Murugan temples when large numer of ism Visaakam is considered to be the birth star of Lord der this day as the day of descent of Lord Murugan. The eir manifestation of pattern in the sky resembles that of a termed to as the Shanmuga avathaaram. This descent world of adharma caused by the three asura brothers, ained great powers through intense penance and were actions to be taken appealed to Lord Siva for help. Lord
the departed ancestors by the rituals called tarpana, with a view, to make a person to remember and stors are known as pitris' and the Vedic scripts give he pitris. Sharadha ceremony is performed annually the departed ancestors.The performance of the rites ad ancestor by which deeds the soul will be blessed ouls are performed on the Amaavaasai (New moon) e occation when the moon is positioned in between bnth, but the Amaavaasai in the month of Aadi is
es the meaning of darkness and Ru' means that hich the ignorance in man and enlightens him towards selfRu' means the destroyer of sins. Hence, the Guru is one ach the expected goal which is Moksha.The full moon
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day in the Hindu month of Aadi (July-August) is obse the memory of the great sage Vyasa. All Hindus ar. wrote the 18 Puranas, the Mahabharata and the Srima as the guru of gurus.
Thirupalli ezhuchi The entire month of Margazhi(December-January) is completed before dawn, in spite of the chilly weather.
Panguni Uttiram The marriage of the god and goddess is the annual ev
Aani Uttharam
This day is observed on the Utthara nakshathra (cc tradition Lord Siva as Nataraja danced the Holy Nada Lord Siva has danced the mystic Natana performing t work, the Dance of Siva'. Whatever the origins of activity of God which ant art or religion can boast of in the Himalayas; the second is the well known dau Dance of Nataraja before the assembly in the golden h
Ekaadasi Fast Ekaadasi day is observed on the eleventh day of the the new moon and the eleventh day after the full moo moon is considered fortunate and observed with fast self-denial of food, with the observance of religious r of Rajasic quality which hinders spiritual advance organs, purifies the mind and heart and thereby bec amount of power of will over hunger which is on naturally grows stronger because of his prayer and me
Rama Navami
RamaNavami is celebrated in the Hindu month of Ch to commemorate the birth anniversary of Sri Rama. T show the path of virtuosity and truth to the mankind, ( Rama Navami is an important religious and cultural f greed, selfishness prevalent among the common peopl
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}rved as the auspicious day of Guru Purnima, a day Sacred to e indebted to this ancient saint who edited the four Vedas, d Bhagavata. Vyasa even taught Dattatreya, who is regirded
a period of early morning bath, prayer, and temple worship The songs sung are Thiryupavai and Thiruvampavai.
ent in all temples in Tamil Nadu in the month of Panguni.
onstellation)day of the month of Aani (June). According to inta Dance at Chidhambaram for the benefit of His dev tees. he Panchakritiya. Dr.Ananda Coomaraswamy explains in his Siva's dance, it became in time the clearest image of the Of the various dances of Siva, the first is the Evening Dance nce called the Tandava Dance and thirdly is the Nadanta, hall at Chidambaram or Thillai'.
lunar fortnight. In the lunar calendar, the eleventh day after n, are two Ekaadasi days. The Ekaadasi day after the waxing ing. This day is also celebrated as “Harivaasara. Fasting is ituals, prayer and meditation. Restraint on food mainly those is also experienced. This controls emotions and the St.nse omes conductive to prayer and meditation. It gives c :rtain e of man's basic urges. When hunger is conquered, man :ditation.
aitrai (April) and on the ninth day of the bright lunar phase, he incarnation of Sri Rama materialized on this very day, to stablishing the high standards of moral values and ideals. estival. At the present day, when there is a tendency of
le.
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