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Temple Worship
Temple Worship
Aalayam or Kovil is the place where God is graciously present. In the word Aalayam, Aa stands for
Atma (soul) and 1ayam stands for the place of linkage. In the word `Kovil', Kodenotes God and il
denotes Residence. Thus the place where the soul attains the lotus feet of the Lord is the temple.
In the word Aalayam, Aaalso refers to thc fctter Aanava
and layam stands for subsicling. Hence, it can be understood
that Aalayam is the place where the Aanavamalam subsides.
Love and knowledge are essential aspects of life. Life is
incomplete wi thout these characteristics that originate from within
God.
The Rajagopuram, the entrance of the temple, is found
at great heights and is known as the Thulalingam. It acts as zt
reminder of God to the people at distant places, and sins of the
ulnu tradition:
4
pure while going to the temple. Hence, worshipping at the temple
without cleanliness and righteousness is like consuming medicine
without observing diet restrictions.
which the forehead, hands (2) and knees (2) touch the floor.
Sashtanga Namaskaram means prostrating with the whole
body touching the oor.
* ln temples why is primary importance given to
Ganapathy Worship?
Omkaram is the source of everything. The world
originates from and ends in Omkaram. Ganapathy is the form
of Omkaram.Hence, it is customary to Worship the Pranavakara
Gan ap athy first, when you enter the temple.
* What is the philosophy behind offering the coconut?
The offering of coconut is to get rid of the three Malas
(fetters). The husk of the coconut symbolizes Maya, the fibre we
peel refers to Kanma, and the shell denotes Aanava. The white
kernel inside reveals the divinity. Thus the philosophy of offering
coconut is to get rid of the three Malas and attain Mukthi
(Liberation).
* Why we have to sing the Pancha Puranam?
There are ll mantras in Saivism namely; Easanam,
Thatpuradam, Agoram, Vamadevam, Szithyajotham, lrudhyam,
Sirasu, Sikai, Kavasam, Nettiram and Astiram. Nambiandar
Nambi compiled ll Thirumurais for those 11 mantras. A century
after he passed away. Saint Sekhizhar composed the Periya
Purunam (Si va Mantra and Punchatchara Muntra), which later
bec time the 12"' Thirumurai.
6 rnuau musicians
As we cannot recite everything at once, our ancestors
Thirukoneswan-am
( Trincomaleel
Thirukoneswaram is situated on a hill in the Northern
seashore of Sri Lanka. This hill is otherwise known as
Swamimalai. Dakshina Kailayam, Thirikoodam, Thenkaila
Kaikesi are other names of this temple. The presiding deity at
this temple is Koneswarar, and His consort is Maadhumai. The
Punniya Theertham (temple tank) is known as Paavanaasam. The
St_hala Virutcha (temple tree) is known as Kall Aal. The annual
nlmu rraalmns 11
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nmuu vnntttmu |q|p ta,-||m,,
Thiruketheeswaram /.-w fm an
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Thaanthonri Eeswarar - Kokkaticholai
latticaloal
A Saint from lndia. on u pilgrimttge to Kutltirgainatn, sat
under a Kokatti tree und reached Sumadhi. A Sivalingam
appeared nn its own at this place. This is the story hclieved by
the people ut' this area. lnscriptions say that King Kulakottan
did service to this temple and renovatetl il. The dcity in this
temple is called Kokattieholai 'l`haantlmnreeswztrar and the
Goddess is Parvatlti. The sacred tree related to this temple is
the Kokatti tree. As the temple was eonstructed on the same
spot from which the Sivalingam appeared. it was not very visible
to the Llevutees. llence an Uma Maheswarat' statue was
installed at this place for Worship. Usually. temples are
construeted in places selected by men. hut this temple has the
privilege of being eho.~;en by (jnd Himself. and thus has u special
glory. The Thaanthnnri Temple can never he shifted to another
location.
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Naguleswaram (h vw "nu/uu
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Thanthonreeswaram fauifulw
TI-IE IDOLS OF THE LORDS
There is zt misconccptiun \hut only llincluism has idol
Worship and supcrstitions. In Hinduism. the idols arc not
cnnsidcrc(l us Gods. hut :ts philosuphicul symhols of the Lord.
Wc hring up the iinages of those idols in nur minds during
n1cdit:1lion.atnd \vorship the Lord tu get llis hlcssings. While
worslmipping it is necessary to know the signiliczmcc und glnry
ul'lh<sc idols.
Vinayakar
In llintluism. prim:u'_v in1ptrt-uncc is _
given to Lord \f'i|utyuku. The incnrnution of V _
Lord Vimtyuku ism remove dilicultieszmd '._T
nlasluclcs. Ilcncc. Ile is wurshippcd :tt the
start of :my ritu;t|s.e\~'cnt.< tr_iou|^ncys. Wu ""` 'gi
. ~ .4_
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;1ppl\- the suinc principlt: even in writing hy , (A \,\
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pulting the 'PtllztiyurSuL|\i`(;|tisp|ciuus matrk)_ ii
Thu clephunt l'ucc of Lord \fimtyuktt ` f
syt11holi^/.cs Ontkurztm. Hcisthc l`m'|x1ofG|1:|n:t. am. is mount is
the mouse. which is clcver und livcly.
His big cars and helly rcveul his omniprcscncc. The belly
implics that hc controls the entire universe. `l`hc ears like
winnowing pan have Kundzilums. which mcztns that hc listcns to
the gricvzmces of his dcvotccs :md rcsolvcs them. Lord Vinuyaka
holds u Patsum. Anguszun, u hrnkcn tusk :md modhukums in His four
hands, und cuics zi waterput with llis trunk. They symbolizc the
liivc Satkthis (Pura. Adhi. lchchat, (inunu und Kiriyat). The trunk
of Lord \/imtyuku is the symhol t|`grncc. which lifts I lis tlcvmc.-es
fmm druwning in the cycle of rchirlhs.
utmau nantnm l'J
Sivalingam .
The Sivalingam is the symbol of Siva
Worship. It is an illustration that has no
beginning, no end, and no limit. It is
f,7.'?
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aal
The radiant, calm and divine beauty ernbodied in the sacred
face of Lord Natarajar reveals his love and grace towards the
soul. The dancing ldol of Lord Shiva with `Viriththa Senchadai'
(reddish hair swaying freely in the air) gives us divine bliss.
The crescent Moon found on His head indicates His
tendemess towards His devotees. The body of Nataraj ar is coral
red colour. This coral red colour signifies fire, and also indicates
that God purifies the true devotees surrendering unto Him to merge
with Him.
The upper tight hand holds the Damaru (Drum), the sound
(N adham) fiom which the Universe evolved, thus symbolizin g C realion.
The fire held in the upper left hand symbolises Destruction.
The other right hand holding the Abhaya mudra denotes that
in his presence there is no need to fear, and that His grace is
always there.
His raised left foot symbolizin g Protecrion is the one he uses
to bless the souls. This foot belongs to Sakthi, His consort.
The right foot is pressed gently against the demon Muyalagan
(who has an ignorant and forgetful nature). It is important to note,
that He presscs his foot very gently so that the demon is not
destroyed but controlled, thus indicating Cancealment. The demon
is the symbol of the soul's fetters Aanava, Kanma and Maya.
The lower left hand, depicting the trunk of an elephant,
guw
Ar.
22 ulnuu rraumons
Lord Vishnu is the one who manifests himself as Lord Narayana
in the world, among mankind, to rid life of its e\n`l tendencies.
Aadhiparasakthi
fi|llf{".\"~*\
The source and sustenancc of all _`
creation is Sakthi (energy). In Hindu ,
literature, the energy is always portrayed
as a female deity. Each member of the Y f_\
Trinity has a Sakthi as His consort.
(Parvathi for Siva, Lakshmi for Vishnu, / I , \
- \(~=~` T' 'F
and Saraswathiforrahma). :(5
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celebrated as N avarathri.
Nlu TIHURIOHS _ 2
Lakshmi
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,g=_:;, Lakshmi is the goddess of Wealth, fortune
and beauty. She is the eonsort of Lord
Vishnu, and her mount is the garuda (hawk).
She sits on a pink lotus carrying two lotuses,
a pot of gold and holds an Abhaya mudra.
Her four hands si gnif y the four aims of life,
,,_
W l' iv" ~*':~> 4' ~
W ll Dharma, Wealth, Pleasure and Liberation.
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Saraswathi
Saraswathi is the goddess of
knowledge, wisdom and purity. She is
the consort of Lord Brahma, and her
mount is the swan. She sits on a white
lotus Carrying the veena, a sacred
seripture, and a rosary. Her four hands
Hanuman
Hanuman is the monkey god of
Courage and strength, and is endowed with
immense powers. He is the son of Vayu
(god of Wind) and Anjana. He is a popular
character in the Ram-ayana, known for his
.
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Hindu rraumns
Thirumurugan
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two con sorts are Valli (lchcha Sakthi) and Deyvanai (Kiriya
Sakthi). Our aneestors constructed the Murugan temples on
hills, and henee he is worsliipped as Kundru thorum Murugan.
Afthaafeeswafaf
Arthan areeswarar is one of the Maheswara Mooithams' of
Lord Siva. In the word Anhanareeswarar, Aitha' means `the Half ' ,
Nari` means women, and Eswar` refers to the Lord`. ln the
lt
Hinu friditions
25
FASTING
Fasting (Viratham) is the way of worshipping God with
true devotion through our Manam (mind), Vaakku (speech)
and Kayam (body) said N avalar Peruman. Fasting is observed
to medtate on the Lord, and to also control our minds by
restraining our senses. Controlling the food is a way of
controlling the mind, and hence people fast.
Fasting is generally observed according to Thithis (Lunar
days) and Stars _ These are generally observed for Ganesha,
S1va,Sakthi, Vishnu, Murugan and Soorya (Sun).
Viratha Niyamas (0bserving fasts)
It is a must to get up early, take a bath, wear clean
clothes, and perform daily rituals like the Sandhya Vandhanam
(pg.54). The significant features of these fasts are going to the
temple, wearing the Uruthratchamala, lighting the lamp in the
pooja room, performing pooja with flowers and reciting the
Thirumurais.
Generally, while observing fasts, people fast in the
morning, eat in the afternoon and then have a cup of milk or a
fruit at night. r
Vegetables such as onion, garlie, drumstick and bottle-gourd
should be avoided as they stimulate the character of Thamas.
While observing fasts, it is necessary to do charity, give
food to devotees, speak loving words and be affectionate towards
everybody.
nlnuu rrzulcmns 27
ff 1"'. -1
Boil milk and water in a pot. Y :_'
When it is boiling, add the mixture of
rice and moong dhal into it. When it is almost cooked, add Coconut
milk, chakkarai, cardamom powder, cashew nuts and raisins
(roasted in ghee) and stir frequcntly until done.
ff
Mlridu Traltlons 29
Maattu Pougal
People show their gratitude towards the cattle, especially
the cow, by celebrating Maattu Pongal'. Though the Agamas
do not state any message about this Pongal, it is observed in
practice. Cows are bathed, their homs are sharpened and painted,
and they are decorated with turmen`c, kumkum, chanthanam and
garlands. The pongal is cooked in the cowshed and then offered
to the cows.
Tlnaipoosam
This festival falls on the star Poosarn aerPongal, andis celebrated
for both Lord Siva and Lord Murugan. As this is an auspicious day,
people perfonn the ear - piercing cenemony and Anna prasanarn (feedin g
the baby cooked rice for the first time). It is very important to go to the
temple and pray to the Lord on this day. Kavads am carried around in
Murugan temples on this day.
Thai Amavaasai
This is the New moon day on which Goddess Abhirami
blessed Abhiramipattar by showing a Full moon. It is a good day
to observe this fast for our ancestors.
The Month of Maasi (Mid-February to Mid-March)
Maasi Magam
When the Chandran (Moon) enters the Simma Rasi
(Zodiac Leo) with the star Magam in the month of Maasi, the
festival of Maasi Magam' is celebrated. When the Jupiter
also enters the Simma Rasi, it becomes Maga Magam`, which
3 0 uinu naun-Inu
is more auspicious. The `Maga Magam' is eelebrated once in
twelve years at the Kumbakonam Mamangheswarar temple in
Tamil N adu.
This fast is very auspicious to Sakthi, and when people observe
this they will be free of rcbirths. When women observe this and do
Annadhaanam, they will be blessed with a son. This is also the day on
which Sakthi incamated as the daughter of Takkan.
Sivarathri
The Sivarathri fast is compulsorily observed by Saivites,
the devotees of Lord Siva. This fast
is observed on Theipirai ,i
chamufdhasi' (me day before the i
I <3
New moon) in the Maasi month. -95'*
Fasting is a must on this day, and if 23
If you fast on Aadi Chevaai, your ideal husband will come to your
doorstep.
Those who have Chevaai dhoshams should observe fasting on
this day commencing from the first Tuesday of the month of Aadi.
Aadi Amavaasai
This New moon day is auspicious for performing
Pidhirkadan'. Those who have lost their fathers, fast on this day
and de charity. According to the Agamas, those without fathers
should perform these rites by the seashore with a priest. Here they
have to offer sesame seeds, water and dharpai. This is done to our
forefathers for their souls to rest in peace. It is a must for them to
observe fasting on every Amavaasai (New moon day).
Aadi Pooram `
There is a myth that the Mother of the Universe, Goddess
Uma, attained puberty on this day. Hence, it is auspicious to
observe this fast and get Ambaal darshan. Eight kinds of Siddhis
can be attained by worshipping on this day. It is more auspicious
when Aadi Pooram falls on a Friday.
Siddhis - spiritualpowersfor the control ofsel others and
the forces of nature.
The Month of Aavani (Mid-August to Mid-September)
Aavani Gnaayiru
Astrology regards Aavani as Simrna Maadham'. The Sun
enters the Simrna Rasi during this month, thus Sundays become
meu mmmm i 35
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Murttgafatstonztllsix A; _
_ -is; ;~;'_ tt- f.
clttys. amd drink only , y-_-4. 2, ` ; _,_,f,___{.
wtttet They tukc food F if-,"\ '
.. _ t 1 '_\.
only on the sevcnth J
day. with zt Suivist. \?_V._-_;-L - L :___,m
'l`ho.~'c who cannot l"`"`. :`=.'$l'
_ _ e~ -- 4.
last lor all stx days. :_~,._ have one meal a day ' 7
during the ltrst ltvc Qi _
ttztys attttl then fast -f t. _
~ t-t-t ~ t .ff I
pomp L L y un th-L - 'gwn F! 'I'. __;
sixthdtty.Pttar:tnamis _.
_ .
ohscrvcd continttously for l2 yrs.
Pttrantts state that this was also the day on wltich l.otd
Sit-'zt mttde both Brahma and Vishnu rcali'/.c l-Its Suprcntacv during
their disptttc over their own Sttpretttacy.
atm. mutum 4|
Aipasi Velli
Sukkiravara Viratham
This is observed on Fridays throughout the Year. Though the
prcsiding deity is Lord Muruga, Sakthi and Ganapathy are also
worshipped.
Prathosa Viradham
This Viradharn is observed on Thirayothasi Thithi, the thirteenth
day of both the waxing moon and waning moon, seeking Sivas grace.
The Puranas narrate the following story of a Siva's miracle:
During the Kunno Avatar, both the Devas and Asuras used
the mountain Meru as a maththu, and the snake Vasuki as a rope, to
chum the Thiruparkadal (milky ocean). Their intention was to drink
the Amirtham (nectar) produced and become immortal. While
churning, the Vasuki spurted poison into the sea. Seeing this, the Devas
- Nandhi
- Sandeswarar
K - Komuhai
Nlnuu Tnultlnns 45
pg. 155), and the priest is invited home to perform the pooj a. He will
face the east, and the following things should be placed before him:
A planfain leaf, a large salver, paddy or raw rice,
coconuts, manga leaves, arugampul, a lamp, oil, wick,
garlands, flowers, sacred ash, chanthanam, turmeric,
kumkum, rose water; image of Vinayaka, betel leaves and
areca nuts, lime, fruits, sugar candy (katkandu), a bunch of
bananas, camphor and camplwr plate, incense sticks,
gumbenzoin. '
First, the priest performs Punniyavasanam and sprinkles
the pooja water all over the house., thus symbolizing the removal
of the defilement. It is also customary to name the child on this
day, after the defilement is removed.
_ . ,Nama Karanam (Naming _ _ the baby)
Nama Karanamisthe first _ _
ccremony conducted for a Qlgli'-_
newborn baby. The babys head 1 ]
On the 415' day, the mother takes the baby to the temple.
The following archana (pooja) products should be taken: betel
leaves and areca nuts, fruits, coconut, flowers, and incense sticks.
The baby is placed before the Sanctum Sanctorum, and an archanai
is done on the name and birth star of the baby.
Karna Vedhanam (Ear - piercing ceremony)
The ear-picrein g Ceremony
is donc for the removal of Aritta
Dhosham` (evil inuence), and
also for beautification. This is t T 1
conducted on the 6, 7, 8 or 10' t &`
month of thcchild. ' i ,
\ K
1I
An moi Ofvinayaka, and a H La I .:
niraikudam are placed near the i L' l Q?/\ .
child. The goldsmith is invited home / ` i __
to pierce the child`s ears, and then ` T: *_
earrings are wom. Poojas/Kiriyas , .\\ /
"$*=:'4-'efze
are not necessary for this _ ~
ceremony. lt is auspicious to
conduct this ccremony on Thai Poosam day.
ntnau mutrtum 49
: h _
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f" -"
. f'
- Le:
L.
Il is necessary in prcpzirc 'Pullu k02l1iik;|ll:ii` (ai swccl)
when Lhc l`i rsi molh '.ippc;|r.\' for Lhc child. Thu child is placed un
al \\-'hilc clolh. und;li1ill1ci'\\-'liilc clnth is pui over hislhcr hcaid
(sec picture). A Vimiyi1kai'i(l(l mudc out <fium1cric. und zi lighicd
lzimp urc pluccd lci1|'c lhc child. Eill1ci'i1incoi'clcvcn knzhuliulizii
iirc kcpl nn ihc chilcl`s head hy the niziicmul unclc und mini. They
lhcn feed ii lu ihc child. This ccrcnwny is pc|'t`o|'illr.-d io gci the
blcssings ulihc 1,0111.
sn
mnuu Inultiom
mmm Ifainna
Kozhukattai
Rice flour l cup
Steamed wheat flour 3 tbsp
Roasted green grams l00g
Cardamom powder 1/4 tsp
Chakkarai l00g
Grated coconut 1/2 cup
Pieces of coconut
Salt
K; ,
' i//H' al
>~ if L
the age of three. It is pp _ , " gp"
customary to start education . , f /'7 i 5? . ' /1
on an auspicious day duiin g
an auspicious time. This can 'T
be on Vijayadhasami day < :-_}* in V
(Na\fai'athri), Thaipoosam LI
day, or an auspicious day between the months of Thai and Aani
according to the star of the child.
52
uiuuu rrauieimu
The Ehdu Thodakkuthal` is usually performed at the
temple. The archanai products; betel leaves and areca nuts, fruits,
Sandhya Vandhanam
Sandhya Vandhanam is the worship done at the juncture
of either evening and night, or night and morning. This is the
worship of the Sun. The Sandhya Vandhanam is performed to
forgive our sins comitted during the day, knowingly or
unknowingly, and to bless us for a better life.
Method of performing
l. Asamanam - Drink a small quantity of water from your palm
after meditating on the Almighty.
8) Mantra Dheekshai
9) Yoga Dheekshai
10) Authri Dheekshai
The first, basic dheekshai.
Belongs to Kiriya Margha.
Belongs to Yoga Margha and Gnana
Margha.
The Guru touching the disciple with his
hands.
The Guru looking at the disciple with
grace.
The Gum capitivating the mind of the
disciple with his mind.
The Guru preaching good principles.
The Guru preaching mantras.
The Guru teaching yogas to merge with
the Lord.
The Guru purifying the disciple through
Agni kiriyai.
-:1!`s_=.
- J.-A.
4 ,4 ~_ ,H ||`
Nll TIIGCIOIB
55
Pubex-ty Ceremony
(Srmiarlhyu Smlnng n )
When the girl attttins H
puherty, she is said to han-'e rcatclicd
womatnltood. The Family tnemhcrs '_.;,"**\
httvc Thudukku(dcl'ilemct1t)l`or H'
thrcc days. und hence they should
not go to the temple. l)uring ` ._
cztrlier dztys. the girl who ttttuins _?-, z
pubcrty is mudetu sitoncllylcm-'cs _ ,_ '
:md given tt btttlt :tt the lvtiekymd
nem' the wel l. Today she is hathed
in the btttltroom. ller fucc is then
covered with u white cloth :ind taken to hcr room. The cloth is
rcnmvcd in front ol' at lighted lamp. und she .statys in the room tmtil
the 'l`hu(1ukktt is rcinovcd. 'lb remove tl1c`I`|1|.td;tkkt|, the priest
perlorms Punniyztvusunttm eithcron the fifth or sc\-'cnth day. ln
villttgcs. the dcl`ilcment is removed on the l'out'th day hy taking tt
huth with zt little milk ttpplicd on the hcttd.
The diet
During lhi.\' lime'. ru.\'i1_\' 1it;v.\'IuI1lt* _/mI.\' .vltuultl Ine
1-uu.~'mn<'r/_ 'I'Izu div! int-Imlrfx.' uxhullmn kuli, 1-rmkml run' rm'
{[un:/t<'llu rlrixi), brinju! (c_1.g_f.: plm11/uiihwgnv) milk <'urr_\=. :'_t,'g_/i'ic:l
turmeric, and then brought back by/eoverin g the face with a white
cloth. The cloth is removed with the girl facing a lighted lamp.
The girl is dressed like a bride in a new saree, and is given
a kumbam (a pot filled with water, adomed with a coconut, neem
and mango leaves) by her maternal uncle. The girls face is
covered with a veil and escorted to the hall by young girls carrying
lamps and Sumangalis carrying the aarathi trays (see pg 60).
The girl stands facing either east or north, and the veil is
removed. Each aarathi is perfonned on the girl by two Sumangalis.
Aarathis are performed to remove the effects of evil eyes. The
mother should not perform the aarathi during this ceremony. The
first aarathi should always be that of the Nirainazhi', and the last
two should be that of the 'paalroti and neem leaves' and the
Aarathi materials
N1rmnzf/.hi- The nuzhi (hmss cup) is llecl with paddy. and u lhin imn
J --.giif
mmlu Iraultlons
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Marriage Rituals
(Thirumanam)
In the word Thirurnanam, 'Thiru means divine and
Manam` means uniting, hence it implies Theiveega Sangamam'
(uniting of the two hearts).
iurmu muienms 63
lll.
Decorations
The mttrriatge can bc
pcrlormcd either ut the lridc`s
house, the temple, nr u
inandupam (hall). The
entrances nl' the couplc`s
homes are decorated with
f estoons ol mango leaves and
coconut palm leaves (see
|ictut'c), and also zt plantztin
trcc. lneztring l`lo\\-eis :ind tt huneh ul lununus. is tied on either side
ol`lhe gate. A kolzim is drziwn. :ind u niratikudum set is also kept
,5
o
(ft
15: |:' :~'- ||`
;\lana\arai
7 ` l'_`, ;_.\
- i t ,1
L f J"
N
Lt
l. Vi miyaluil'
2. Humai kundum
3. /\rasauii
4.10 7. A kumbum und u kulhlhu vilzikku czxch
8. Clumdrzx kumbaim
U. Ammi
IO. Si\-'al amd P:\|'\';1ll1i kumhzims
ll. .\zi';1gr'al1ukumhums
l2. Turmcric wuicr pol-o1^llicri|ig.
(The Mului puuligzii pols am: kcplbcl'o|'ctl1C Cliiuidru kumhum)
U0l'c|m|\y und lhc pooju lhings required. Thc pricsl first pc1'fe|'n1s
u pnuju to Lord \~^'i|1;|y:ik:i lu shower I lis blcssings und rcmovc
:my ohsmclcs during lhc cci'c|11i|\_v. The pricsl then gives szicred
iish :ind zi pzivilliirzim (ring maidc fmni dh:irpui)k1l|le hi'idegr:<m.
T110 g|'00|11w'cz||'sl|ic pz|vill1|':||1i on his righl hand ring fingr. This
is lu prevent amy fuulls during :hc riluuls. `l'hc pricsl pcrfnrms
Sunkulpuin (ai wlcmii vuw) und Punniyuvusunaiin (puril`ying lhc
hndy und plucc) pimjns hy chamling ill;1|1lrz1s_z||1<l lhcn gives
P:inchukz|vy:m1 lo drink.
Angurarpanam (Seed .mwing Ceremony)
l\flcr \hc C`hund|'u kumbum punju, 3 nr J smnzingulis from
holh lvalmilics smv lhc Navulllunyuni seeds in u pualigui pol amd
sprinklc wziici' \hrcc !in1cs. (lflhc Mulaii pzuiligaii has hccn donc
curlicr und hruuglil la the hall. \hcn lhcy willjusl sprinklc wulcr.)
'I hcsc \vnmcii will cuch hc ulTc|'cd l'|nwcrs und ai bununzl on al
hclcl li-ul'. Thc signilicuncc uflhis ccrcmony is for (hc cuup|c`s life
lu I |<1\||'|.\'h_ji|sl likc lhc Naivulliainyuin giiwing into grccn plz|nls_
inmiu xunimm IH)
their hlessings.
Kannikathanaln (Giving the brideiv hand in marrage)
The parents nl lhe couple ' `
l -'|. _
do Sankulpum. and lhen offer ' \V
chunlhanam, kumkum amd sprinkle ~
rose wziler on ezlc h other. An arecu 'AA-' ,q
nul, banana, lime :ind u gold coin V-V.p__4.4' _
(or any olher coin) are placed on
al belel leal'. :md is held by lhe blide
wilh heriighl hand. Her Father lhen
holds lhis hand \vilh bolh his |mnds.Tl1cpricsl pronounces lhe
names of lhe c0uple`s grczil-g,randl`ulllers, grandfzllhers. and
_ lzllhcrs respeclively. lhl'CC
_ V f_= limes. 'l`he hride`sl`:1therlhen
-Li ^,._-; f~` pruys fur lhe prosperily ol'
f bolh families :md lu also
Qbtuin Dhafnul. We-.lllh,
Pleasure ana Mumm. wim me
, 'L'-ff" consent ofthe bridegroonmhc
.
mk
fz'.-1-3-=ff^ '- i
; ff bn`de`s mother pnurs water on
.E .,7 _ R fik,-Li., the lllmds ol her husbzlnd und
` duughler. The bi-ide`s llllher lhen
-lil
.V _:
fi "S _ ,=- inarriuge lolhe hiidcgroumie.
Kannikzllhununl. Al lhis lime lhe
l\`alll1uswum|n und Thuvil are
played loudly. und -.ln uneie of lhe hridcgroom breaks lhe cocunul.
'l`|ie Kuorui lruy brouglil hy lhe h|'idegroum will be subjeeled
mmm naamonl
7l
l _ cgljll
ll*
tr
7'| ntnau naumut-is
(. Let the Lord follow you l`oratprospc1'0t1s life.
7. Let the Lord t`olh\\= _\;-mt su that ;tus|ieiotts cercmonies und
llomtims :tre perl`ot'tm:d sttccesslltlly throttghnul your life.
This eeremony implic.~; the ntessugc As we wztlk tlte seven
.steps together. \ve heeome ltictttls/patttttcts. Let us earn the seven
|\intl.\ o|` weatlth in |it`eumlslt;t1'e ourjoys :ind misct'ies`. I he
seven steps :tre :ilso tcrmetl `Satpt|1:tp:tdhi`.
Ammi Midhitha! (S1cppin;,' nu the grimlng stone)
Alter the seven steps. the btitlegrooni places the right foot
otthe lwrideon the g_-rinding stone (i.e the eighth step). Then the
groont puts :i .\'letti tu silver loc ring) on her second toe. This
eeretnoity itnplics that the hritlc should witltstatttd enemies like the
stone. lt zt|sore\'e:t|; tlutt linppitie.<s:tt1tl miseries should be fztced
in ai prtncipled lite like the stone thut \vithstatnds everything. The
t-ouple then contittttc airound the lflumztm. :md fucing eztst theyoffer
Nelpori (|1tt|`|'ed t'icC)tolhe |`t|'e. ln the second round the Mctti iS
\tom on the scL'ontJtocol`tlle left font. The Mctti is also Lt symhol
ol' iituitiuge.
Aarathi
Azlrmhi is pcrforrncd hy \wo sumzmgulis In prolccl lhc
couple from the cI`fc<:ts olcvil eyes. 'l`he cnuplc lhcn gn In \hc
tcmplc wilh lhc zlrclmmni products (bclcl leaves. urcca nuts.
cnconul. fruits, inccnse sticks. caunphur und l`|u\vcrs) lo duun
A1'c|1u|mi.
Then they go to the lridc`s home \\~'l1c1'ca|urzu|1i is mkcn al
TN mnuu vnuluum
_,
q,_ _ c
Recipes of Palakaarams
Siltrnmli
Filling
Two cups of muung dhul is muslcd und |o\\-'dcrcd. l/2 lb
nfsuganr und l/4 lsp curdurnmn pnwdcr un: uddcd lo il und mixed
logcllwr.
Mx'l/Hul 1 _
land. Our ariccstors have pavcd a way for this. Thcrc arc things
to bc considered when buying ai land. lt should not bc a soggy/
damp land; Red soil would hc preferable; If a mango, nccm, or
jackfruit trcc is pi'cscn1,il is considered favourablc; Thc pipal
and hanyan trccs arc considered unfavourahle; The land should
not be opposite a tcmplc.
How lo commcncc conslructing a house?
First an astrologcr is consultcd before constructing a housc.
The barc land may have faulls and curscs. Even big houses are
ruincd because of this. llcncc. to rcmovc the defccts of the land.
`Vairavar shanthi` pooja is pcrfonncd bcforc laying the foundation.
Laying the foundation for the house
Tbc foundation is laid on an auspicious day. such as the
Ezhunthirupu Naal" (the day the Vaasthu Purusha ariscs). 'l`hc
following products are essential when laying the foundation.
Soil from crab burrow
Elephant tusk soil
Bull horn soil
River soil
Anthill soil
Navarathnam (9 kinds ofgcms)
'I`hc Vaasthu Chakra worshippcd l`or45 days
ninnu muiunm 8!
Audi
Avuni
Aipztsi
K;t|'tl1igai
Thai
lV|z1>i
Mlnu nanmuns
lll
2!
ll
(1
ll
8
l2
22
7.00
4). l2
6.48
2.24
0.48
|U_( Xl
q | '1
.
8.3l);i|1\
lll.-'llum
S.1Szt|t\
3.5-lpm
S.lSa|11
l |.?('l;t|||
Hl.~l'2:un
lll.-llam
'l`hings required for llouse -Warming arounnl the house und mu smrccl. Thon holv \\ .nu is \pi mklcd
o\~'c|' il. .f\|`\c|' \his \":ms|hu Shamli. the pcrfmmcl \ulsi1C\h||mc||
~|
|urmcr1c_ n|r;||~ nua\zhi.kul|ilhu vilukku. niruikudum. sull.
mirrm', ~_g:\|'l;n1ds. rice.
l`x'L|il.s'. coruiilils
(including ons \vilh
hu.<k).l'|nwcrs.
;|1'ugum|ul. milk.
ingrcdicnls fm'
c|1:|kk:u';|| pnngul.
sugar candy. lwamuia '
Ka.
4 .
z;f.ral _ 1
Icuf, nmngu li:;|\'c,<.
clizuiliiunzlni. kumkum.
l^`i|'|;:woml (snmilhu)
Clmc
lnccnsc slicks. cunipliui'. gumbcnzuin
f\l|1lhur(Rnsc uil)
Riu:
Cucunul
Mango lcuvus und hununu leaves
Arugzmipul
|,.x_lusc.~;. gzirlzuids
lclcl lcuvcs :md urccu nuls
Fruils
Lime
Whilc pumpkin
Bu|1Lllcnl`slruws
Silk Clnlh lbr kumhum
mmm nanuuns
v
*z
rs
Sngmicant Ages
Sashtiaptha Poorthi / Maui Vizha ((0"' year)
Sashtiaptha pooithi denotes the completion of sixty years,
using the pestle and mortar. During this time, the grandchildren
surround the body holding a li ghtcd bandham (torch) each. Finally,
the Paneha Puranam is recited. The chunnam (the pounded
arugampul and turmeric) is made to a paste on a betel leaf by
adding a little water from the Pasupadha Astradevar kumbam. This
paste is put on the forehead of the deceased as a bindhi, and
then smeared over both eyes and sprinkled all over the body.
The priest is given dhakshanai. and then yaathrai dhaanam is
Sangitha Sirartham
This is performed to remove any faults during the performance
of religious Asaram (rites) and Anuttanam (iituals) by those who.
obtained dheekshai. V
Durmaranam prayachitham
Durmaranam is death due to unnatural causes (ie. accdent etc.).
In the case of suicide, the Andhiyeshti is performed at the end of
either the 3 or 6* month. In the case of other unnatural deaths, it is
peiformed on the 30" day.
Veetukiriyai (Ceremonies performed at home)
The veetukiriyas are perfonned the day after Andhiyeshti, ie. on
the the 3l day. The hall is cleaned and mopped. Festoons of plam
leaves and mango leaves are tied at the entrance. A nraikudam is placed
at the entrance. An odd number of priests are invited home to perform
the ccrcmonies. The main priest sits facing north, and the Pooma kumbam,
lighted lamp, and an idol of Vinayakar (made of turmeiic) is also placed
there. The priest fust peiforms sankalpam, followed by Vinayakar Pooja
dhoopa dheepa pooja, panchakavya pooja and Vai-una kumba pooja.
Then the performer is given the panchakavyam to drink. After this, the
following ceremonies are performed.
Anunjai
A plantain leaf, on which 3 dharpais, apavithram, sesame seeds,
thamboolam (betel leaves and areca nuts), upaveedham (poonool)
and coins, is placed on the pcrformer`s head. Then the performer
worships the pn`est to allow him to perform the Sirarthams to the
deceased. He then turns round three times in an anticloekwisc direction.
96 ulmau 'rraaicions
After this, the priest gives him a dharpai to tuck it in his waist. Then he
wears the pavithram on his right ring ngcr, and the upaveedham over
his right shoulder. _
Poojafor the Sun
The performer goes outside and looks at the Sun, he sprinkles
water, showers owers, and then tums round three times in a clockwise
diiection.
Edaba Dhaanam (Charity of a bull)
Edaba (bull) is the form of Dharma. The Edaba is offered
to Lord Siva symbolising the suirendering of the benefits of charity
obtained by the deaceased. When it is not possible to perform
from death.
Oonaapthika Maasiyam - between 350* and 35 5' day
from death.
The other 10 Maasiyams are each performed on the specific
Thithis throughout the year. If this is not possible, then all the 15
Maasiyams can be performed together on the 315* day.
S odha kumba Sirartham
To quench the thirst of the deceased, a vessel filled with water
is given as charity to the priest.
Sabindikaranam
Gathering the pindams together is known as
Sabindikaranam. The Sabindikaranam is classified into two,
namely the Parvana vidhaanam' und the Ekhothitta vidhaanam.
The Parvana vidhaanam is pcrformed for the father, mother,
fathcr`s brother and his wife, grandfather and grandmother. The
Ekhodhitta vidhaanam is pcrformed for the husband/wife, brother,
son, daughter, uncle and aunt. If the grandparents are alive when
performing the Sabindikaranam for thc father or mother, then the
Ekhodhitta vidhaanarn' is done. `
..q v -..1.g,... 99
deceased is a male, then the 3 pidhirvarkam pindams are for his father,
grandfathcr and great-grandfather. If the deceased is a female, then
they are for her mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.
8 priests are invited home. 2 of them are denoted as
Viswadevars (sit facing east), 1 as Adhidhi and another as
Appiyakadhar (both also face east), 3 as Pidhirdevars (face North),
and 1 as Nimithar (faces west). Vessels are placed before each of
them. The perfonner wears a poonool over his left shoulder, lls the
vessels before the Viswadevars with paddy, and then worships them.
Next, he wears the poonool over his right shoulder, fills the vessels
placed before the Pidhirdevars with sesame seeds, and then worships
them. After this, poojas are done for the N imithars and the Adhidhi
Appiyakadhars, and then they are offered vastrams (dhoti and shawl),
rice, vegetables, and dhakshanai.
Vzswadevars ~ Nandhidevar and Mahakaalar (devotees of
Lord Siva).
Pidhirdevars - Kandhar (fatlier), Sandar (grandzther) and
i Ganatheesar (great - grandfazher).
Adhidhi - An unknown person.
Appiyakadhar - A known person.
Nimilhar - The deceased.
A plantain leafis placed in front of them with its tip facing
south. On this, the performer places 2 dhaipais side by side with
its' tips pointing south, and then scatters sesame seeds. He then
faces the south and places his left palm and left knce on the floor.
With his right hand he takes each of the 3 pidhirvarkam pindams,
and passing under the left hand he places them on the right dharpai
100 - umuu munten;
in a north to south direction. The Nimitha pindam should be slightly
bigger than the pidhirvarkam pindams, and this should be placed
the same way onto the left dharpai. Then he gets up and puts
chanthanam, kumkum and flowers on thepindams. If the dcccased
is a male, then the pindams are surrounded by a dhoti, if the
deceased is a female, then by a saree. The products such as
cooked rice and cunrics, curd, payasam, milk, tender coconut
water, chakkarai pongal (sweet rice), palakarams (sweets), fruits,
betel leaves and areca nuts are placed nearby. The dhoopa
dheepa pooja is done, and then the relatives put flowers and
sprinkle water on the pindams. The Saramakavi (kalvettu) and
Thirumurais are recited, and the performer performs dharpanam.
The flower on the Nimitha pindam is taken and placed on the
pidhirvarkam pindams, which means that the deceased had joined
his/her ancestors. Then all the 4 pindams are gathered together
and placed in the dharpanam vessel. The pindams are then offered
to a cow, or released into the river/sea.
Finally, dhakshanai is offered to the priest, and the priest
blesses the peiformer with thc chanthanam bindhi and sprinkling
akshadai. Then food is consumed with relatives and friends.
Apthikalll / Ali Thivaslll (First year rites)
As this is performed at the end of the first year, ie. on the last
Thithi of the year, it is known as Aatai Thivasam. The Aparakiriyas
performed to the dead are completed with the Aatai Thivasam.
..
H.
: yt
ghy A U ._
Adhithi (guests) and pidhir (ancestors) pooias
during his/her life, and thus experiences the results in the next birth.
* What is the alternative for performing Thivasam?
Feeding the cows. '
* Can we hang the pictures of the dead along with the Gods
pictures?
It should not be han ged :tlon g, but in a row below the Gods pictures,
or in a separate place.
04 ulnuu 'rraumuns
'ml <17A/.rw .sr fr lig
Om
Om is the most sacred .
symbol in Hinduism, and is also known
as the Pranava mantra. lt is the basic,
initial sound trom which the whole
Universe evolvcd. Om symbolises the
Brahman (the Absolute) by both sound
and form. The Omkaram embodies in
it, all the words symbolising the Godin
all languages at all times.
* The Omkaram is comprised of the three
letters Aa', U, and Ma', which when
combined becomes Aum or Om. Aum is the
csscnce of theVedhas and its theme. It is the
'I 0
basis of all mantras, and is always uttered first
Mantras
Vinayaka
Shuklam Bharatharam Vishnum Sasi Varnam Sathurpujam
Prasanna Vathanam Thyaye Sarva Vignoba Shanthaye.
Vakratunda Mahakaya Surya Kot Samaprabha
Nirvighnam Gurume Deva Sarvakaaryeshu Sarvada.
Mooshika Vaahana Modhaka Hasta
Samara Kama Vilamptha Sutra
Vamana Roopa Maheshwara Puthra
Vigna Vinayaka Patha Namasthe.
Vinayaka Gayathri
Om Tatpurushaaya Vidmahe
Vakratundaaya Dheemahi
Tannoh Thanthi Prachodayaath.
Siva
Gurave Sarvalogaanaam
Pi shaj ay Pavaroginaam
Nithaye Sarva Vidhyanaarn
Sri Dhakshinamoorthaye Nama.
' Murugan
Om Shadananam Kumkuma Rakthavamam
Mahamathim Divya Myuravah anam
Rudhrasya Sunum Suranasanya Natham
Kugam Sathaham Saranam Prapathye.
08 Mlnau rraumons
Nlnuu rraurtlns
Murugan Gayathri
Om Tatpurushaaya Vidmahe
Mahasenaya Dheemahi
Tannoh Shanmuga Prachodayaath.
Ambikai
Sarva Mangala Mangalye Sive
Sarvaartha Sathake
Saranye Thiryambake Gowr
N arayani N amostuthey.
Ambikai Gayathri
Om Kaathyayanaaya Vidhmahe
Kanyakumari Dheemahe
Tannoh Durge Prachodayaath.
Vishnu
Shantakaram bhujuka sayanam
Padmanaabham suresham
Vi shwadhaaram gaganasadrush am
Mehavamam suban ghum
Lakshmikantham kamalanayanam
Yoghirdhyaana kamyam
Vande Vishnum bhava bhaya haram
Sarvalokaika naatham.
Vishnu Gayathri
Om N arayanaya Vidhmahe
Vasudevaya Dheemahi
Tannoh Vshnu Prachodayaath.
Guru
Dhyaana moolam Gurur Moorthim
Pooja Moolam Gururpatham
Manthramoolam Gurur Vaakyam
Mokshamoolam Gumrkripa.
Gurur Brahma Gurur Vishnu
Gurur Devo Maheshvaraha
Gurur Sakshat Para Brahma
Tasmai Sree Gurave Namaha.
Brahma Gayathri
Om Vothmagaaya Vidhmahe
Hranya Garbhaya Dheemahi
Gayathri Manta-am
Qr ig fi, . U
til
f
\
Om Bhur Bhuvah Svaha
That Savithur Varenyam
Bhargo Dhevasya Dheemahi
Dheey Yonah Prachodayaath
Oh mother! Who subsists in all the three Kaalas (past,
present and future), the three Lokas (heaven, earth and nether
region), and the three Gunas (sathva, rajas and thamas), I pray
Pancha Puranam
Thiruchittambalam
It is a custom to intiate and end Thirumurais by
sayingThiruchittambalam`_ This is because Chidambaram is the
holy place in which the Saiva Thirumurais were revered and
protected. Chidambaram is also the birthplace of music.
Thirumurais
Saint Nambiyandar Nambi compiled the holy book
Thirumurais. This is a collection of 12 anthologies, comprised
of pure devotional hymns by South Indian Saivite saints.
iI
Kf; A5/
\(<
116 nlnau rvamclnns
Symbols of Lord Siva
Sacred Ash
The Saivities took the sacred ash (that cannot be
destroyed) as a symbol, in order to acknowledge immoitality.
As it gives wealth - it is called Boodhi
As it burns sins - it is called Pasmam
` As it helps in the upliftment of soul - it is called Pasidham
As it protects us from dangers - it is called Rakshai
The benefits of wearing the sacred ash are as follows:
* A wealthy life
* Purification of the soul
* Purging our sins
* Destruction of miseries
* A pleasant and prosperous life
would vanish.
119
from qualied Gurus. The benefits of this mantra are the removal of
karma. maya, and the fusion of the soul with the Lord. ln Saivism ,
people who received dheekshais are qualied to chant this mantra.
There is also a saying that :
Sivaayanama Endru Sindhithiruporkku Abaayam Oru Nallum
Illai.
Those who meditate on Sivaayanama (name of Lord Siva)
will not face any harm."
Sthula Panchatcharam - Nama Sivaya
Sukshma Panchatcharam - Sivaya Nama
Karana Panehatcharam - Sivaya Siva
Abishekam
Abishekam is the holy bathin g of idols in the temple. The
things created by the Lord are retumed to Him with devotion by
performing Abishekams, The Abishekam is one amongst the
Aradhanas performed at temples.
Lord Siva, in the form of fire, is pleased by Abishekarns.
The Vedha states that abishekam should be performed to cool
down Lord Siva, in order to remove our miseries. Siddhantam
states that abishekam cools His temper and brings about world
peace. The Upanishad states that the soul should merge with
Lord Siva, like the rivers merging with the sea. These philosophies
are revealed through Abishekams.
The benefits of the products used in Abishekams
Oil (Gingelly oil) - Prosperous life
of the temple:
Feet - Main Gopuram
Knees - Asthaana Mandapam (entrance hall)
Thigh - Nirudha]Sabha Mandapam (music/dance performance hall)
Navel - B alipeedam
Chest- Maha Mandapam (Nataraj ar)
Neck - Artha Mandapam (N andhi)
Head - Sanctum Sanctorum
Right ear - Dhakshinamoorthy (Guru/Jupiter)
Left ear - Sandeswarar
Mouth - The entrance of Sthabana Mandapam
Nose - Sthabana Mandapam
Centre of the Forehead - Si valingam
What is Punniyagavasanam?
This is one of the mas performed for Diraviya suddhi
(puiifying pooja vessels) and Thula suddhi (purifying the body).
A kumbam is kept and Varunan (god of elouds and rain) is
invoked in it. Fruits and thamboolam are offered, and a pooja
is done. The camphor is lit and waved, and Varunan is bidded
farewell. The water from the kumbam is then sprinkled all over
the place where the ceremony took place.
130 nmuu n-:einem
The Philosophy of Lighting the Camphor
The camphor leaves no residues after burning. The
camphor represents the ego in oneself. Thus the burning
camphor symbolizes the burning of the ego, by the AtmaJyothi'
(flame of the soul). Once the ego is completely burnt, the Atma
jyothi merges with the Brahma jyothi (Divine flame). The
camphor also has a fragrance, which symbolizes the grace of the
Lord.
Why Camphor Aarathi is performed?
The camphor aarathi is performed at
the end of every pooja, to symbolise the
surrendering of oneself to the Lord, in
realizing that everything belongs to Him. It
is always rotated three times in a clockwise
direction, or in the form of the Tamil symbol .
4 _,
Qggm.
In all other forms of poojas, there is always something
left behind as prasadham, but the camphor aarathi is an
exeeption to this leaving no residues. Thus it is a symbol of
complete surrender and of utmost sacrifice.
The camphor dheepam is in the form of Agni (fire). When
we touch it with both our hands and then touch our eyes, it
implies that the light of knowledge passes through our eyes
and illuminates our vision.
Why we offer money on the Camphor plate?
After touching the camphorjyothi and placing it on our
eyes, our ignorance is removed and we become generous, hence
we offer money.
ama" mumons 131
function. The five dheepa plates shown along with the Kumba
dheepam, symbolise the 5 faces of Siva (Esanam, Thatpurusham,
Agoram, Vamadevam and Sathyosadham). Thus, the dheepams
in different forms carry different powers. Camplior, wick, cloth,
cotton. or thread can be used for dheepa
utnuu n-:amen: 133
f. nc
` 2.
f
F
1 .-r~';:
_.~l
.'.
Hindu Yudltlonl
'a
V' 'h b Dh
ms a eepq Purusha Dheepa
/1 /
V1 1
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Kannaadi "^
~ mum Incluons
Maavilakku Pooia
\Nomen pcrl`orm this
pooju for \hc prospcrily of lhcir
families. Raw rice (powdered).
lcndcr coconul walcr, sugar,
curdamom powder und dry
gingcr powder arc mixed
logclher.`l`hisis1l1cnsl1npcd like
(hc Kumakshi vilakku. und lhcn
lil using, u \vick und ghcc.
Il is a practice, cvcn loclz1y.to lighlthc Mam-'ilzikku whcn
wishcs urc lulliillcd. 1\l`lcrll1cp<n_juis complete. il is distributed
as praszndham to cvcryonc.
`_
S4 f.""2
The Kuththu Vilakku ' +I
..f\ 1'.--_ ,Q
When the kulhlhu \-'i lzlkku h lil. wc experience
ihu divinily. which briglilcns uur pnnju room. Thc
kuthlhu vilukku has al unique slruclum.
'l`hc Base
As this pan is bmad und spliccul shupcd. rcscmhling the Lotus,
The A gul
The upper part ol`1he stem is like un Agu! (cup). :md is filled
with ghee/oil. denoung Urudhr.m who udoms the |'ivc|'(j;mgcs on his
head.
The Eyes of the Lamp
The five eyes on which the wieks hum dcnoic the Panchzl
niugami (5 faces) of lvlul\es\\-'mun (ic. lisununi, V:1mz|de\f:m1.
Suil1yo.;udh;1n1. Thulpuru.~:l1un1. Agoium). They also symbolisc the live
clizuucleiisiies essential l`o|^u woman ic. love. moderuiion_ l:|ell`ulness_
delerminalion :md lolerunee.
The Upper stem
As this resemhles the kumhu kalasu|1\.i\de|1olcs Su(llulsi\fu|11.
()il - The ghec found in Agu! rcl`c1s1ollle N:1dh:|(sound)_ which
is formless und lills up space.
Wick - 'lhisie|m:senlsllle Vinlhuin lhelliudu philosophy orwhilc
ligdl.
Flame - 'l`his isconsidcrcd us the form of Mahalaksluui.
The blessings of Devi and mantra powers zue aequiiecl hy lighti ng the
lamp with the mixture otghee. cnstor oil. neem oil (nr gingelly oil).
Mithuzt oil und eoeonut oil.
l,orclSttnnceswt1m is plcusctl when an iron lamp is lil with gingelly oil
on Sztturtluys.
'I he wieks used in Dheepzims and their benefits
The wiek made out of Cotton - Healthy life.
The wick made out ol tt Lotus stem - Wettlth, ri:1ntve.\ the sitts ol
previous binhs.
The wiek made out ola Plitntztin stem - Blessed with ehildten, ientoves
evil spirits.
The \vlek made out otzt White eluth - Good ellects, weztlth.
The wiek milde out ol`ii Yellow eluth - Gmee ul'/\mbil\fzii. pmspemus li le.
The wiek made out of at Red eloth - Removes ubstueles in muri'i:tge_.
hlessed with children.
II i.\'~.\'g1t1f/iculil In n.\'c 11 ii^t'k will: 7. I4. 16 ur 2/ .'lrunfl.\'. Wlirn
lig/tlin,4,' Iltc lamp ul lmnte, il i.\' .\'g:tti.-(uil Io im- u 1.-ullnn witrk.
'l`he cl irecton for lighting the Dheepum and its lienets
East - Miseries :incl bzttlGr:tl1u inlluenees :tre removed.
West - Dehls. enemies, butlCirul1u :md Sami inlluenees iire reinuved.
North - A prosperous lil"e ohstueles in murriuge :tre remuvctl,
knowledge is gztined :md :tuspicious events will take pltiee.
Smith - `l`he lamp should not he lit in this dineetioir
means `pecrless'. lt is _ _
l .]' . , h. . ~ - ( . \
)e tucdt .1ll,otd Vtsltttu wtll "_- 9.,
. . *fc " ,. .. .
he present wherex-'er there if. ` , '
Thulztsi (form of gotldesx _ ;. A
Matltztlztkshmi). Tltulttsi hals the
wunntlt lhut cam cure tliseuses
amd remove sins.'l`l1c'|'ltu|1tst theertltttnt ttsqttivulent to Ganges
\\~'zttc|^) is distributed :ts prttsztdltztm in Vtshnu temples.
_, ` _ _
,1. ,
\Q
Vilvum (luel) tree
vw
Ihe Vilvztm leaves urc u
|`uvturite of Lord Siv;t`s. The
xhttpe ol' the Vilvztm lt.-ul'
symbultscs the Thrisoolnm held
hy Lord Sivtt und ttlso his tltree
eyes. Pel'l`<1|'mi|tg ptmjzt to Lnrd
Sivu wtth the \filvatm removes sins t ,Z
zttttl g|\'u.< liherzttion.
Ntnu nmmum I 4 |
events in temples and houses. During Kumbabishekams, housewarmings, and other rituals, the purified water in the kumbams
are sprinkled on the people and throughout the house using mango
leaves. While performing homams, the mango leaves are used to
pour ghee into the fire.
1 4 8 numu rrauimms
` ' d at
- ' ' festoon of mango leaves is tie
During auspicious events, a
th entrance During festivals when the Place is Crowded the mango
e..,
_ , ` the air. The
leaves help punfy the air, and also destroys the gI`H1S In
leaves also have some medicinal use. The wood of mango
mango
trees are used in homams.
il l F0, auspicious events, the
"'
~;: at _ mango leaves should be folded
.f 1 forwards, symbolising the
,; ~ L bowig of Wome" as a sig" Of
f l , ` welcome.
pw!-=..' F-4~,
W For inauspicious events, lhe
leaves should be flded
.. 7' backwards.
W
Cocount palm leaves
_ _,*\
Festoons and 21gS S)/mbollse the V ' *
celestial beingS. T116 Way 1n_ Wlfmh the
festoons are tied in the streets mdicate the
nature of the funC0Fr auspicious events, the leaves
are folded downwards, -Yy"'b0l'-'13
the celestial beings eommfq down
from the sky to partzctpate tn them.
Nlrlu Tridlllul
1-19
atie
For inauspicious events, the
leaves are folded upwards,
symbolising the celeszial
F
. hengs gudng the souls
1 upwards to attain Mokshu.
.-1 3' -?
"Je te '_'
Kumkum
The kumkum is a symbol of the Hindu culture. It is very
auspicious and possesses mantra powers. Applying kumkum on
the forehead inbetween the eyebrows, protects us from the effects
of evil eyes and hypnotism. Married women apply the kumkum at
the centre of their hairline, as Goddess Mahalakshmi resides there.
The kumkum is auspicious to Goddess Sakthi, and hence we
perform kumkum pooja. The kumkum is applied with either the right
hand ring finger, or with both the thumb and index finger of the right
hai1d. The ring finger (Surya finger) has an attractive power, and
thus touchin g the forehead with th at fin ger reduces heat.
Chanthanam (Sandalwood paste)
The chanthanam is also an auspicious product. It gives a
cooling effect and has a fragrance. Applying chanthanam reduces
the body heat and refrcshes us. In temples, Chanthana Kavasams
and Abishekams are done to the deities. This enhances the power
of the idols and also confers the grace of goddess Lakshmi. The
chanthanam has a significant place in all the events, such as in
welcoming guests.
15 0 mmm ri-:mmm:
'lhrmeric (Manjal)
The turmeric is very auspicious and is used in many ways.
_ -^ .t -' 'asicious
A piece of tunneric is used as Thali in mamags- Dllnngdu P ut
- cocon s
events, Vinayakar models are made out of turmenc, an I
.f 1 V;_
significant. As goddess K4
Lakshmircsidcsinthc betel _`*Lf
leaves, it is used for all ' _)
auspicious events.Theyare ' *= '
offered to the Lord to N }
pf0tect us from evil s
inuences.Dun`ng betnothals, ".e"" ` ' *W
it is a custom to exchange W
Nitchayathamboolam (betel leaves, areca nuts and chunnambu). The
whole areea nuts should be used, otherwise the parings of it can be
used. A garland of betel leaves is offered to Lord Hanuman to
achieve success.
1 52 amuu rramns
Poox-na Kumbam
The Vedha states that the world, the
beings, and the souls, all originate from water ^
during Creation and subside in water during
Pralaya (end of cosmos). This is signied by the z.;,_.}-W
Pooma kumbam. 1IlI\\\
''/AVNA'/t7A\`
The human body is symbolised by the
Pooma kumbam as follows: \_\L'!L/
Kumbam (pot) - esh; water - blood; navaratnam - bones; the
thread Woven around the pot - nerves; vastram (cloth) tied around
the pot - skin; 5 mango leaves - 5 senses; coconut - head; koorcham
- hair; plantain leaf and paddy (on which kumbam is placed) aasanam (seat).
During rituals, the appropriate Gods are invoked in the
poorna kumbams and then poojas are performed. The poorna
kumbam, filled with water, should be placed over paddy/raw rice
spread on a plantain leaf(Thalaivaazhai ilai). The tip of the
plaintain leaf should face either north or east. Nutmeg, cloves,
saffron, and medicated eamphor are added to the kumba water
to keep it clean. The kumbam is adorned with mango leaves (for
the grace of Ashtalakshmi), a eoconut, turmerie, kumkum,
flowers, koorcham (a bunch of dharpai tied at one end), swamam
(a piece of gold put into kumba water) and akshadhai. The Poorna
kumba water is purified through mantras consisting of powerful
Srijaaksharangal, and the Lord is in voked in it. Then homams
are performed, and the Lord is worshipped through meditation,
jebams, and chanting mantras. No rituals are performed without
a poorna kumbam.
-um mnmm f 153
Sivaroopam -' 1 li
LMI./,/V
4, ltl
7' 4,6.: ~\ J*
The Sivaroopam reveals how to lead a
life. The erescent moon on Lord Siva`s head _
reveals that happiness and miseries occur ` L
'r
_\. ,-,: 'at-~.= :gsm ,
~<.~ a
%JIj*"\*"'
'N
- '(\\\~
r @.llllt,1l;t 1 ,
tar"-`;f.~&'f.:\~=e-?'
,.- ,_ gag ty*-j
^ulLf'e''f`:'1'~'1~-.a<=/
w.f2~_
ui
nlmlu rzdltlonl
156
The Chinmudhra of Dhakshinamoorthy
The chinmudhra of Lord Dhaknshinamoorthy
symbolises Gnana. Here, the thumb and index n ger
are joined together, th us separating themselves from
the other three fingers. _/
1. Thumb - God 2. Index finger - Soul
3. Middle finger - Aanava 4. Ring finger - Kanma
S. Little finger - Maya
The philosophy of this mudhra is that the soul has to be rid
off the three fetters to merge with the Lord.
oo\ia\ul,|>t5\9.
10
11.
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.
31.
32.
158
Aksh ara Ilakanam
Likidham
Kanidham
Vedham
Puraanam
Viyakaranam
Sodhida Sastram
Dharma Sastram
Needh Sastram
Yoga Sastram
Mantra S astram
Saguna Sastram
Sirpa Sastram A
Vuidh ya Sastram
Uruva Sastram
Idhikasam
Sapta Brah mam
Kaviym
Alan karam
Madh ura Pash anam
Nadakam
Nimtham
Veenai
Venu
Miridhangam
Thaalam
Astra Pari tchai
Kanaga Paritchai
Radha Pari tch ai
Kaj a Pari tchai
Aswa Paritchai
Ratn a Pari Lchai
64 Arts
Alphabets
Knowledge of writing
Mathematics
Ancient Hindu scriptures
Hindu Legends
Grammar
Astronomy
Book of Ethics
Book of Justice
Book of Yoga
Book of Mantras
Book of Omens l
Book of Sculptures
Book of Medicine
Book of Appearances
Epic
Book of Sound
Epic poem
Art of make-up
Speech
Drama
Dance
Veena
Flute
Miridhangam (a kind of drum)
Rhythm
Bow and arrow
Knowledge of gold
Riding chanots
Knowledge of eleph ams
Knowledge of horses
Knowlege ofgems
ntnau rrauitlons
33.
34.
35.
36.
37.
38.
39.
40.
41.
42.
43.
44.
45.
46.
47.
48.
49.
50.
51.
52.
53.
54.
55.
56.
57.
58.
59.
60.
61.
62.
63.
64.
Hindu vr
Bhoomi Paritchai Sangiramallakanam Malyudham Akarshanam
Uchadzinam
Vithveshanam
Madhana Sastram Mohanam
Vasikaranam
Rasa Vadham
Kandharva Vedham B aipeela Vadham
Kavuthu Vadham
Thathu Vadham
Kamdam
N ashta Prachan am -
Mutli
Ahaya pravesam
Ahaya Gamanam
Parakaya Pravesam Adhirusiyam
Lndhra J alam
Mahendra J alam
Agni Sthambam
J al a Sthambam
Vayu Sthambam
Dhrishti Sthambam Vaaku Sthambam
S ukila Sthambam
Kanna Sth ambam
Katka Sthambam
AvasthaiP1'ayogam auicins
Knowledge of soil
Leading the army
Wrestling
Glamour
Insti gatin g evil spirits
Shock
Art of love
Hypnotism
Art of charmin g
the kavadi (symbolising the 2 hillocks) over their shouldcrs and walk
up to the temple, shall have their vows fulfilled. The Kavadi is carried
in Munigan templcs during festivals.
160 mnuu nanmnns
Why we shave our heads in temples like Thirupathi and
Kathirgamam?
The head is shavcd symbolising the removal of our ego,
arrogance and pride before the Lord. As there will bc a change
in our appearance, it is believed that there will be a change in our
character for the better.
Porthengai Aclithal
It is a custom to break a coconut before commencing any
event. During New Year in the early days, Lord Vinayaka was
worshipped by breaking a Porthengai (a smaller variety of
coconut) with another. This was practiced during ancient times
in temples, but is vanishing now-a-days.
Why are Theechattis carried in temples?
The Theechchatti (fire pot) is carried by women during
festivals in Sakthi templcs. It was performed in ancient times to
signify that re will not burn the women with chastity. This practice
continues even today.
Sirukku and Siruvam
Sirukku and Siruvam are
_-_.a.=, lil ' I ifi-ya", *feimplements used to pour ghee __ sg W
Poorna Aguthi
Pooma Aguthi is the process of pouring a large quantity of
ghee into the homa kundam using the Sirukku and Siruvam. This is
performed standing, and with a flower placed on the Siruvam.
Yaga Ratchai
Dharpai is bumt in the Homa Agni, and then the bumt dharpai
is mixed with ghee. This is known as Yaga Ratchai, which is worn as
a bindhi on the forehead.
The signicanee of the Varagu'
The significant feature of the varagu (a kind of millet) is that it
does not wither. It also has the strength to withstand thunder. Hence,
the Cvopurakalasams (pot- like structures on top of the gopuram) in
temples are tilled with varagu.
Sprinkling Saanam
Saanam (mixture of cow dung and water) acts as a gennicide.
Hence, it is sprinkled in houses.
Why we offer food to crows?
0n the day of fasting, we offer food to crows first and then
only eat. This is because of the belief that our ancestors visit in the
form of crows.
1 62 nmu rraalns
The Weapons of the Lords
Thrisoolam ( Trident) Vel (Spear) Pasam (Cord) Angusam (Goud) Vaal (Sword) Hlllll frllli
The Weapon of Lord Siva. The three
prongs denote the thm malas Aanava,
Kanma and Maya. Hence, it symbolises
the destruction of the three malas and
upliftment of the soul.
The Weapon of Lord Muruga. It is the
symbol of Gnana Sakthi denoting the
destruction of ignorance and being
blessed with Gnana.
Destroys evil 1
6% l}F
I 1,
Guides the devotees in the right path.
Destroys ego and punishes the bad.
@@@
161
Viswamitrar - Kumuthavathi
Gouthamar - Ahalya
J - Renuka
Vasishtar Arundhathi
16 I ulnuu n-aumons
What is the philosophy of the Namaskaram?
God is present within everyone. By realizing this, the
N amaskaram is performed as a fonn of respect to others.
\Nhen performing Namaskaram, our enmity, pride, sel shness, 4
and jealousiness will all vanish. There won't be any feelin gs of
indifference between people on realization that everybody is equal in
Gods creation.
The types of Namaskarams
Ehanga Namaskaram : Perfomiing Namaskararn and bowing the
head. V
Thriyanga Namaskaram : Performin g Namaskaram by raisin g both
hands above the head.
Panchanga Namaskaram :
Prostrating with the forehead, hands, f - F
and knees touching the floor. _
(Performedby only women). lv; _: I ,I
/ Ii; ' ..,
ad, ears, chest,
. ~f.-
Ashtanga N amaskaram : Prostratin g with the forehe
hands and legs touchin g the oor. (Performed by only men).
Hindu Traumans
165
Mantras
Saints composed mantras with shoiter phrases to make it easier
for us to memorise them. The mantras are very powerful. They are
classied as Mantram, Maha mantram and Peeja mantram. Mantram
denotes the tree, where the Pecja mantras are the seeds, and the
Maha mantras are the fruits and flowers that give us benefits.
Vinayaka Worship
Lord Vinayaka is usually worshipped by tapping both temples
of the forehead three times with the fists. This is followed by the
Thopukaranam. '
Thopukaranam
Thopukaranarn is the way of worshipping Lord Vinayaka. The
word Thopukaranam ori ginated from the word Thoipikaranam, where
Thorpi ` denotes with hands and karnam' means ears _ This is
performed by moving right down (bending the knees completely) and
getting up quickly three times, whilc pulling the right ear with the left
hand and the left ear with the right hand. Women do not perform
Thopukaranams.
The ve functions of Lord Vinayaka:
S":'*E"!P
Holds a Pasam (cord) denotin g Creation.
Paratha Poojas
Paratha pooj as are performed in temples for the welfare
of the wholc nation.
Hl|\d\| Trdlilni 167
Atmartha Poojas
Those who obtained dheekshais perform the Atmartha poojas
at home.
The place of prostration in a temple
In temples, we have to prostrate only before the kodimaram
(ag pole) and not in any other places such as the Sannidhis of the
temple. If the Sanctum Sanctorum is facing east or west, then we must
prostrate before the kodimaram facing north. If it is facing north or
south, then we prostrate facing east.
VW1y we prostrate only before the kodimaram?
. Wlule prostrating, our feet should not face any Sarmjdhis. This
is only possible near the kodimaram. Hence we only prostrate before
le kodimaram.
What is prasadham?
Evefylhig Offeld IO the Almighty becomes prasadham. These
are Naivedhyams, all the things used in poojas ie. sacred ash,
chanthanam, kumkum, owers, Thulasi, fruits, and theertham.
Why prasadham is distributed in temples?
All the things we take to the temple for an archanai becomes
Kolams
Kolams are intricate pattems found in temples, the entrances
of homes, and in pooja rooms during auspicious festi vals and occasions.
The kolam not only serves as a purpose of decoration and protection,
but also as an exercise for the women and iefreshes them in the morning.
na
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1 70 llllldu Yriltill
Turmeric water or cowdun g mixed with water is sprinkled at
the entrance to purify the place before drawing the kolam. The kolam
powder is made from raw rice our with or without adding turrneric
powder. This is to provide food for the ants and birds. Turmeric is
added in order to protect from infectious germs. It is also believed
The 16 Acquisitions
_\ooo\1o\<.n4>og\10
11
12
13
14
15
16
Fame
Education
Power
Success
Good children
Gold
Abundance of grans
Favourable destny
Pleasure
Wisdom
Beauty
Magnanimity
Youthfulness
Courage
Good health
Longevity
Religious Hymns
Thevaaram
Thodudaya seviyan vidai yeyrior thooven mathi soodi
Kaadudaya sudalai podi poosiyen ullang kavar kal van
Edhudaya malararnai nadpaninth thettha arul seitha
Peedudaya peramaapura meviya pemaan nvan andray
- Thirugmmasambanthar
Kuniththa pumvamum kovucchevaayit kumin chirippum
Panithatha sadaiyum pavalampohl mheniyum paal venneerum
Iniththamudaiya eduththa potpaathamum kaanna petra]
Maniththa piravyum vhenduvuthae intha rnanilathay
- Thirunanaavukkarasar
Kootraayinavaaru vilakkahaleer
Kodumaipala seithana naan arriyaen
Ehtraai adikae iravum pahalum
Piriyaadhu vananguvan eppozhuthum
Thoatrraa thenvayitrrin agh am padiyae
Kudaroddu thudakki mudakkiyida
Aaatraen adiyaen adhighaik kedila
' Veerattaanath thurai ammaanae
- Thirunaavukkarasar
Manthira Maavathu Neeru Vaanavar Mhelathu Neeru
Sunthara Maavathu Neeru Thuthikkap Paduvathu Neeru
Thanthira Maavathu Neeru Samayathil Ullathu Neem
Senthuvar Vaayumai Pan gan Thiru Vaalavaayaan Thiruneereh
- Thirugnanasambanthar
Ponnar Mhenianeh Pulitholai Ara-ikisaithu
Minnar Sensadaj Male milir konrai aninthavaneh
Manneh mamaniyeh mala padiyul manickameh
177
178
Aum
Sivamayam
M
3)
4 yn' nf,
\.
Thiruchtmmpalam
Thiruvasagam
Thollai irum pirav soolum thalai neeki
Allal aruthu aanantham aakiathey - ellai
Maruva neri yalikum Vathavoor enkone
Thimvasagam ennum thane.
Sivapuranam
Namachivaya vazhga Nathan Thaal vazhga
Immai poluthum en nenj1Neengathaan thaal vazhga
Kokazhi aanda kurumani than thaal vazhga
Aakamum aahnindru annipaan thaal vazhga
:if , f.
@ *W
~
4%
Aum
\
T-F5 ?.'; MZ ;
A
Kandhar Sasht Kavasam
Nerisai Venpaa
Thuthipporkku Valvinaipoom Thunbampoom Nenjil
Pathippoorkkuch Selvam Paliththuk - Kathth Ongum
Nishtaiyung Kaikoodunz NimalarArul Kandhar
Sashti Kavasanth thanai.
Kural Veqpaa
Amarar idar dheera amaram purntha
Kumaran adi manche kuri
Nool
Sashtya nokkach Saravana Bhavanar
Sishtaruk kuthavum senkathir Velon
Padham irandil panmanich sadhangai
Geetham padak kin kini yada
Myya nadanjseyum Mylvagananar
188
Anum pennum anaivamm enakkah
Mannalara sarum mahizhndhura vagavum
Unnaith thuthikka unthim naman
Saravana Bhavane Sailo1iBhavane
Thiripura Bhavanc Thigazholi Bhavane
Paripura Bhavane Bhavamoli Bhavane
Arithiru rnaruga Amara pathiyaik
Kathlhuth Devargal kadunj sirai viduthdhaj
Kandha Kugane kathir Velavane
Kathirgai rnayindha kadamba kadambanai
188
Anum pennum anaivarum enaldwh
Mannalara sarum mahizhndh ura vagavum
Unnaith thuthikka unthiru naman
Saravana Bhuvane Sailoli Bhavane
Thiripura Bhavanc Thigazholi Bhavane
Paripura Bhavane Bhavamoli Bhavane
Arithiru maruga Amara pathiyaik
Kaththuth Devargal kadunj sra viduthdhai
Kandha Kugane kathir Velavane
Kathirgai mayindha kadamba kadambanai
Idumbanai azhithadha iniyavel Muruga
Thanigasalane sankaran puthalva
Kathirga maththurai Kathirvel Mumga
Pazhanip pathyvazh B-ala Kumara
Avnan Kudivazyazhagiya vela
Senthinma malaiyurum Sengalva raya
Samar purivazh Shanmugath tharase
Karar kuzhalal Kalaimagal nanrai
En - naa irukka yanunaip pada
Enath thodamth thirukkum endhi Muruganaip
Padinen adinen paravasamaga
Adinen nadinen avinan poothiyai
N esamudan yan nctriyil aniyap
Mnuuga
Subrarnanyam Subramanyam
Shanmuganatha Subramanyam
Siva Siva Siva Siva Subramanyam
Hara Hara Hara Hara Subramanyam
Siva Siva Hara Ham Subramanyam
Hara Hara Si va Siva Subramanyam
Siva Sharavanabhava Subramanyam
Guru Sharavanabhava Subramanyam
Siva Siva Hara Hara Subramanyam
Hara Hara Siva Siva Subramanyam
Paanduranga Vittale Pandarinaia Vittale
Rama
Prema Mudhitha Manasa Kaho Rama Rama Ram
Rama Rama Ram Rama Rama Ram Sri Rama Rama Ram
Papa Ghate Dhukkha Mite Lckc Rama Nam
Bhava Samudra Sukhadanava Ek Rama Nam (Rama)
Paramashanthi Sukha Nidhana Dhivya Rama Nam
Niradhara ko Adhara Ek Rama N am (Rama)
Parama Gopya Parama Divya Manthra Rama Nam
Santha Hrudaya Solhavastha Ek Rama Nam (Rama)
Matha Pilha Bandhu Saka Sabhi R:1maNam
Bhaktha Janara Ieevanathana Ek Rama N am (Rama)
91 meu maison: "M" "'' 1
Narayana
Gamda Vahana Narayana
Hey Shesha Shayana Narayana
6)
Sri Ganesha Paucharathnam
Mutha Karaatha - mothakam satha vimukthi saathagam
Kalaatharaa Vathamsagam Vilaasiloga rakshagam
Anaayakaiga N ayagam Vinasithe va - Thaithyagam
Nathaasupaasu N asagam Namaami Tham Vinayagam
Samastha Loga Shangaram N irastha Thaithya Kun jaram
Thareytharotharam Varam Varaypuakthara Maksharam
4 umau rraanlong
' "'/' " ' =
Our Association
The Colombo Young Womens Hindu Association was founded
in 1965. with the blessings of holy men, for the development of social,
religious, art and cultural activities.
Since then. we have been obsen/in g religious festivals every year.
Most of the Hindu women in Colombo have joined us in social service
would likc in slmrc the fcclings cxpi'-`_\s-<1 hy ilmsc \vho have visilcd
lhis `/\nbu Illam`.
`Anbu lllam` Ixus ii .~p;xuiu\1s court_\-';ird. wilh hu;m|iful mx-'cm
and trucs, und u pcaccful utimisphuru. l:`\'c|'y |||<rning__. dcvnliuiiul :~;n|1;_g.~'
are played from 7 nm unwzurds. Thu '/\nhu lllum` pmvid:.< puucc :md
happiness to the elLlel'ly.wl1i:;h:heyn:qu|'u.'I`ukukaxllcrilncnfsidunls.
we have cmploycd S\|pcr\'i.\-um. (`ooks. :md u\hcr |1ccu;|ry .\mH` wim
work with \hc 'service' muuu. l)uc1urs volunlawily \-iix uur lllaun lwicc
a month und comlucl hcahh chcckups. llmlur lhc supurx-'isiun ol' nur
Excculivemcx11bc1's. this humc is run well,
We also have al small library. :md though il is small. il has _~c\'c|';\l
religious books und books un ilcvmionul ;ung:s.T|1cimi<Ic1|s|;|>\|\ui|^
l)
2)
3)
4)
5)
5)
7)
3)
9)
10)
11)
12)
Mrs.Shan|hi Bulusubr:\n1nni:1n1
Mrs. Nucia Dhayapnrun
Mrs. Sriranjnni Vishnukrmllinn
Mrs. Kumulhini Muhalhcx-'an
Mrs. Indra Mahadcvu
Mrs. Suhruhru Gzmcsan
Mrs. Yamumi Ganeslmlingnm
Mrs. Vannja Thavuyogrrmjah
Mrs. Ahirumi Kuilnsapillzni
Mrs. Rangnnayaki Purhmanulhmi
Mrs. Navnrmnam Kunugasabui
Mrs.Mn1lika '1`hiyugura_iah
Standing Left to Right
13)
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5)
6)
7)
8)
9)
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12)
Mrs.Nim1ala Ragunuahun
Mrs. Ponmniur Kandusmny
Mrs. Mahulum1iGeevnr:nnam
Mrs. Kmnini Yngcswurun
Mrs. Knnshnlya Murugadas
Mrs. Gunarani Na\gu|es\vnrun
Mrs. Kalnwarhy Mylvuganum
Mrs. Rajeswari Ravikularajnn
Mrs. Shanlhi Mahenrlran
Mrs. Yogeswary Lugcnlhiram
Mrs. \jyaluxmi Kulheeswnrnn
Mrs. Mzmuvalhana Canngasnury:nr|
Mrs. Kmnini Asnkun
Mrs. Eshwnry Balusubrzrmnninm
I98 '
Pioneer Members of Our Association
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GRATEFUL TI-IANKS
Ennandri Kondraarkum Uyvundaam Uyvillai
Seinandri Kondra magharkku"
( Kural ~ 110 )
4 Dr. N. S. Saravanan
Arulmozhi Selvi Mrs. Vasantha Vaidhyanathan
0 Mr. S. Navaneethakurnar
0 Mrs. Sandhana Nallalingam
0 Mr. T. Shamugalingam
:
2/XLC
200 Hlnu Yrdltlolu
REFERENCE BOOKS
Saivakiriyai Vilakkam - Saiva Periyar S.SivaPadhasundaram B.A.
Naalaam Balz Paadam - Srila Sri Aarumuga Navalar
Saiva Bhooshanam
Kriya Krema Jyoti
Saiva Thirukoyil Kiriyai Neri Prof. K. Kailasanatha Gurukkal
Saiva Aalaya Kiriyaikal - P. Sivanandhasarma
Hindu Samaya Kalanghiam - M. Diraviyam
Hindu Madha Sadangugaium Thaththuvangalum - Pr0f.T.K. Narayanan
Hindu Madha Arthangal ~ Mizhalai Thondan
Hindu Madham 1000 Unmaikkal ~ Singaravelanar
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1. We humbly extend our gratitude to Swami Atmagananandaji
2. Our Association would like to thank Mr. M. Thavayogarajah
3. We thank Dr. N.S. Saravanan (Dept of Saiva Sithantham,
4. We thank Mr. P. Vimalendran, Proprietnr of Unie Arts, for
5. We also thank Mrs.VanajaThavayogarajah, who was the
'
<3
Clzeyaamal Chedhrl Udhzzvikku Vaiyakamum '
Vaunakamum Aarral Arid/zu " p
Kural - (101)
for his heartfelt blessin gs for the successful publication of this
book.
and Mr. A. Kandaswamy, J.P. director U.P.S., who
voluntarily took the responsibility of publishing this book.
Madras University- Chennai) for translating the Tamil bookInthu
Pal"an1pariyaminto English.
piinting this book in good man ner.
facilitator to this publication on Hindu lraditions. 1 render my
heartfelt gratitude to our Association members for extendin g their
kind co-operation.
Subathra Ganesan,
Secretary
Colombo Ynung Womenls' Ilimlu Association.
\J
2 Nlnuu Traultlnns
Aanava
Aanavamalam
Abhishekam
Agamas
Agnana
Agni
Agni Devan
Ahan kara
Aikyam
Akshadhai
Andhiyeshti
Aradhanai
Aram
Archanai
Artha
Arugampul
Arul
Aruvam
Asura
Atma
Avatar
Bali peedam
(B adralingam)
Bhajan
Bhaktha
Bhakthi
Bhulhi
Bindhi
Brahma
Brahman
'OO
mnuu Yraultlous
Glossary
Airogance, pride
One of three letters covering the soul until
liberation
Holy hathing of idols in tcmples
Religious scriptures
Ignorance
Fire
God of Fire
Pride, ego
Union
Rice mixed with turmeric powder used for
blessngs
Last rites
Divine service, Worship
Camphor
Chakkarai / .laggery -
Chanthanam
Dhaanam
Dh ari sanam
Dharma
Dharpai / Kusa grass Dheekshai
Dheepam
Dheeparadhanai
Dhoopam
Dhosham
Dhoti
Dhyana
Gnana
Gnana Sakthi
Gopurum
Guna
Guru
Homa Kundam
Ichcha Sakthi
Ishta Devatha
Idhikasam
Jebam
Jeevaathma
J eevan Mukthi
J yothi _
Kaalarn
Kaama
Aromatic white crystal from the wood of
camphor tree
Made of sugar cane
Sandalwood paste
Generosity, charity
View, insight
Righteousness
Sacrificial grass used in Hindu worship
The blessings of a Guru in order to lead a
Saivite life
lamp burning with oil, ghee
Aarathi / waving of an oil lamp or camphor
incense / smoke of incense offered ,during the
time of worship
Evil inuence, fault, defect, blernish, blight, sin;
offence
A trational Hindu apparel for men tied around
the waist
Meditation
\V1sdom,sacred knowledge
Power of knowledge
Omamental tower built over a Hindu temple
Quality or attribute
Religious teacher and spiritual guide
A pit for making holy re
Desire, will
Chosen deity
Ancient epic
Repetiti on of holy name
Soul - The individual soul, self with limitations
Salvation attained while in body
Light
T`mle
Lawful of moral desires for wealth, Success,
position of family, sense of pleasure
Hindu 'frilllli
204
Kaappu tying
Kaavadi
Kalasam
Kalasam
Kalpavimsha
Kandarva
Karma
Karma Marga
Karpagraham
Katpuram
Kartha
Kavasam
Kaviyam
Ketti Melam
Kiriya
Kiriya,Marga
Kodimaram
Kolam
Komuhai
Koorcham
Kri ya (action)
Kriya Sakthi
Krodham
Ku mbaabishekam
Kumbam
Kumkum
Sacred thread lied with recitation of mantras
around the wrist as protection till the Ceremony
is over
A penance offered to Lord Murugan
A potshaped silver vessel adorned with
mango leaves and a coconnt smeared with
turmeric and vermillion
Water vessel, integral to certain sacred Hindu
rites
Wish fullling tree
Celestial beings fromIndra's heaven
Action, deed
The path of action
Sanctum Sanctorum
Camphor
Performer
Armouncovering, applying chanthanam on idol
Epic poem
Nadhaswaram and Thavil played loudly
Worship according to the Agamas
Religious action, Worship
Flag pole at the temple entrance
Decorative designs drawn on the oor, stone
etc. with the powder, ower, our paste etc.
A temple gutter whose opening resembles a
cows head
A bunch of dharpais ticd at one end
One of the paths of the Saiva Sidhaantha
Action power, operative energy V
Hatred
The consecration of an idol by pouring water
frm the sacrificial pots with appropriate
ceremonies
A pot ofwater adorned with a husked coconut
and mango leaves representing the deity
Auspicious red mark worn on forehead, made
of turmeric and slaked lime
mnu naumons 205
Kurukkal
Kuththu Vilakku
Layam
Malam
Mantras
Maya
Melam
Moham
Moksha
Moorthy
Mount
Mukthi
Mulai Paalgai
Murukku
Nadham
Naamasmarana
N ayuruvi
Nadhaswaram
Naivedhyam
Nakshathra
Nandhi
N avathanyam
Neem
Ni yamas
Om
Omkaaram
Paaranam
Paasam
Paddhati
The chief priest in a temple
A standing lamp
Dissolution i
Fetters
Mystic formula, music syllable or word symbol
uttered during the performance of the rituals
or meditation
Illusion
Musical instruments
Fascination
Salvation, liberation after death, heaven
Deity, pertnanently installed in the Sanctum
Sanctorum
The vehicle of God
Salvation, liberation
Germinating seeds in an earthen pot
Palas tree
Primordial Sound
Remembering God through His name
Rough chaff tree
Musical instrument
The ritualistic offering of cooked food, fruits
etc. to a deity
Stars
A white bull, the mount ofLord Shiva
9 types of grains paddy, wheat, green gram,
Ben gal gram, horse gram, sesame seeds, field
beans, toor dhal, urid dhal
Margosa tree (Vcambu)
Restrained, religious duty. rules and regulations
The most Sacred mantra of Shiva
A name of God as the source of primal sound
AUM
To take food before 8.3()am the day after
fasting
Bound
Guide book for temple rituals
206
Jtlndu rranltiom
Panchabootham
Panchakavyam
Panchamirtham
Panchatcharam
Pasu
Patcham
Pathi
Pavithram
Pidhir
Pidhir dharpanam
Pidhir Sirartham
Pidhir Yagna
Pindam
Pooja
Prana
Pradakshina
Prakaram
Pralaya
Prasadham
Prema
Punniyavasanam
Puraanam
Purusharthaas (4)
Rajagopuram
Rajas
nlnu mnieiniu 207
Five elements - Earth, Water, Fire, Air and
Space
Mixture of milk, curd, ghee, dung and urine of
a cow. Considered to be a purifying substance
COW`s milk, curd, ghee, honey and chakkarai
Most sacred mantra Namasivaya", 5 syllable
mantra of Shiva
Soul
Lunar foitnight - from Prathamai to Chathurdhasi
God
Ring made from dharpai ,
Paternal ancestors
Pouring water with dharpai and sesame seeds
to the departed manes or spirits .
Annual sacrices to the manes of a deceased
father
Offering to the ancestors
A ball made ofrice our, urid dhal flour,
sesame seeds, milk, curd, ghee, honey and
banana
Ritual Worship
Life force, vital air
Walking around the temple in a clockwise
direction
Courtyard
End of cosmos
Things distributed to the devotees after they
are offered to the deity
Love
Puriication, propitious ceremony
Sacred narrative stories / religious stories
The 4 aims of life, Aram (righteousness),
Porul (Wealth), lnbam (happiness), Veedu
(salvation)
The tower crowning the main entrance
Rudraksha
Rupam
Saathva
Sacred ash
Saiva Siddhantha
Saivites
Samadhi
Sanctum Sanctorum Sankalpam
Sannidhi
Sandhya
Sarvaroga Nivarani Shrishti
Siddhi
Sirartham
Sristi
Suddhi
Sumangali
Surya
Suukshma
Thamas
Thamboolam
Thapas
Thavil
Thevarams
Thirumantram
Thithi
Thudakku
Trinity /Ihinimurthy
Trisoola
208
Sacred bead wom by saints
Fonn
One of the 3 gunas of nature, it is the quality
of purily, brightness, peace of harmony
Vibhuthi
Philosophy of religion
Dcvotees of Lord Siva
The supreme state of peace
Shrine of the main deity in a temple
A solemn vow or declaration of purpose to
perform any ritual observance
The place where the deity is in a temple
Evening
Panacea, a remedy for all kinds of diseasesp
Creation of the cosmos
Success, power
Friday
Saturday
Thithis (Lunar days)
Amavaasai Prathamai Thuthiyai Thiruthiyai Chathunhi 210 . um namom Nlndll Vrlllllls
Mid-April to Mid-May
Mid~May to Mid-June`
Mid~] une to MidJuly
Mid-July to Mid~August
Mid-August to Mid-September
MidS eptcmber to Mid-October
Mid~October to Mid-November
Mid-November to Mid-December
Mid-December to Mid-January
Mid-January to Mid-February
Mid-February Lo Mid-March
Mid-March to Mid-April
Gnaayiru
Thingal
Chevaai
Puthan
Viyaazhan
Velli
Sani
New Moon day
1 day
2" day
3 day
4"* day
Panchami
Sashti
Sabthami
Attami
Navami
Thasami
Ekadhasi
Thuvadhasi
Thrayodhasi
Chathurdhasi
Pournami
(The same Thrhs (ie. Prathamai to Chalhurdhasi) repeat agazn
5"* day
6"' day
7"' day
8"* day
9"' day
10* day
11"* day
l2' day
13"* day
14* day
Full Moon day
from Full Moon to New Moon.)
Names of the 12 houses (Rasis) of the zodiac
V Ra sis
' Mehdam
Idabam
M idhunam
Kadagam
Singham
Kann
Thulam
Viruchjkam
Thnnu
Makaram
Kumham
Meenam`
Aries
Taurus
Gemini
Cancer
Leu
Virgo
Libra
Scorpio
Sagittarius
Capricom
Aquarius
Pisces
g
Ram
Bull
Twins Crab
Lion
Virgin
Scales
Scorpion
Archer
Sea Goat
Water Bcarcr
Fish
21 2 ulnuu rraulmm
N utes
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