Utharayana Pooja Performed at the Thamarai Kulam in Thiruvannamalai
Pongal marks the beginning of Utharayana or the Sun`s movement towards the North for six months. This period is considered very auspicious and many important events are scheduled during it. To celebrate this, people are asked to remember to leave behind their old ways and embrace new and better ways in relationships, finance and health.
The Utharayana Puniyakalam pooja is performed at the Lotus Tank or Thamarai Kulam. Seen below are photographs of the event.
Thiruvoodal Festival at Thiruvannamalai
The Thiruvoodal festival was celebrated in Thiruvannamalai. The festival is about a lover`s tiff between the Lord and his consort Ambal. The Nayanmar Saint Sambandhar mediates between the couple. It is during this time that the poem Thirukkutraala Voodal was sung by the two, mocking each other.
On this day, Abhishekam is performed early and a procession starts from the temple. The Lord and Ambal bless Nandi and head to the Thitti Vasal of the temple. This is a small entrance on the east side of the temple, next to the Raja Gopuram. As the sun rises, the procession goes around the temple three times.
Hundreds of devotees line the streets for the Darshan. They offer money and clothing to the Gods. The procession also includes Thani Amman and Sambandhar. Nandi is elaborately decorated as the occasion falls on Pongal as well.
Uthrayana puniya kala bramorshavam Swamy Veethi Ula
Uthrayana puniya kala bramorshavam swamy veethi ula pictures are here for you. The idol is carried in a chariot with brilliant decorations done on it. Decorative jewels and costumes are worn to the deity and carried by wholehearted devotees.
Markazhi Matha amavasai Prathosam
Here is a picture showcasing the special occasion of Margazhi month Pradhosham that fell to be on Ammavasai day. The idol and Nandi statues were decorated with flowers and the temple was seen teeming with devotees.
What is Pradhosham?
Pradhosham is a bimonthly occasion. It falls to be on the thirteenth day of every two weeks as per Hindu calendar. The occasion is so special for lord Shiva. During these days, the ideal timing for worshipping the lord will be 1.5 hours before and after the sunset. Devotees carry out fasting or vows during these three hours and these are called Pradhosha Vrata. A devotee wears Rudhraksha, Vibuthi and worships the lord by performing Abhisheka, saldalwood paste, Bilva leaves, food offerings (Neivedhyam), deepam, and so on.
