Aadi Velli – A Time When the Divine Powers Of Shakti Are Doubled
The Tamil month Aadi is the fourth month of the Tamil Calendar, this month is the Dakshinayana punyakalam or the night time of Devas. Aadi is a month of fervour and observances in Goddess related to Water-forces and Natural forces (e.g. Maria Amman temples, Mundakanni amman temples etc.) where prayers and pujas are offered to propitiate the powerful goddesses and seek their protection from the inauspicious aspects that are often associated with the month.
During the Aadi month, the sun begins its journey southward from North and is called Dakshinayana Punya Kala. For devas, its night time or twilight zone and they are engaged in worshipping the Maha Shakthi to remove darkness from their lives. Lord Shiva is with his consort and therefore her powers are doubled during this month. The mother protects her devotees from all negative forces and therefore regarded as the most auspicious month of the year for Devi worship. The sun steers its way to enter the Kataka rasi (Cancer sign that is ruled by the Moon) and hence this month is also called Karkataka.
Signficance of Aadi Velli
“The concept of the Goddess is both intriguing and interesting. To tell you the truth nothing can happen without her. The human female is a surrogate of the Goddess. No man can succeed without her energy. That’s why there is the saying that “A successful man always has a woman behind him”. The converse is also true: if a man fails it is also caused by a woman. The feminine whether it is the Goddess or the human female is called Shakti (energy) in India. You may ask how can a woman who is a weakling be energy? It is true that a man is more muscular, strong and carries a lot more energy than a woman. But hereby Shakti is meant like spiritual energy.
The Goddess is real. She is invisible to the naked eye and belongs to heaven. She visits the earth-plane periodically and stays at certain temples. Who brought her over into the earth-plane? The Yogis and Siddhas did. The technology of the Siddhas and the Yogis is quite scientific. Knowing that the Goddess can help the human beings quite miraculously, the Siddhas brought the Goddess over to certain energy spots and enshrined them through esoteric processes. The Goddess stays here in the form or a rock or statue that retains her energy. It is important to identify those shrines and establish your connection with your Goddess.
Aadi Velli means the Fridays that fall during the Tamil month of Aadi (July-August) and glorifies various Goddesses of the Hindu pantheon. The festival marks the beginning of all festivals and is considered as an auspicious month. It also heralds the onset of the monsoons and signifies the power of the water Goddesses. Sundays, Tuesdays and especially Fridays are considered favorable to offer prayers in all Goddesses temples honoring the female deity. According to Vedic astrology, in the month of Aadi, the Sun transit into the sign Cancer, which is ruled by Moon. Astronomically, the transit of Sun marks its journey towards South known as Dakshinayanam. This month is considered auspicious to worship Goddess energy, the ruler of Moon, and make spiritual progress. Hence, weddings and similar functions are not conducted during this month.
Aadi Velli by unmarried girls
Usually, the 4th month of the Tamil Calendar is very special for spiritual activities since it is believed that the Power of Goddess Shakti is enhanced uring this period and negates all undesirable elements. The 10th day is celebrated as Aadi Pooram when Thirukalyanam (divine marriage of the Goddess Andal) is conducted and unmarried girls offer special Poojas to the Goddess. Worshipping Goddess energy in her different forms is considered auspicious during this month of Aadi.
Legend
The Goddess manifested as Pachai Amman (an aspect of Goddess Parvati) to establish peace and harmony in the world. Pachai Amman or Kanni Amman, by her inherent energy appeared in many Holy centers and her presence enhanced the Divine Powers of these localities. In her manifestation of Thirumullaivaayal, She established peace and prosperity in the world. Also called the Goddess of marriage and fertility, she showers her blessings on young maidens aspiring for a suitable groom.
Rituals
Since all Aadi Fridays have its own significance, Aadi Velli Pooja is worshipped with unique offerings:
- Sakkarrai Pongal (Sweet) and Payasam (Milk Porridge) are offered.
- Garland made of Lemon is offered
- Thamboolam is given to five Sumangalis (married women)
- Offerings of Milk and Egg to snake pits
- Lighting of ghee lamps
Devotees believe that worshipping Goddess Shakti on Aadi Velli removes all the negative forces surrounding you. That they are bestowed with health, wealth, intelligence and valor and removes obstacles related to marriage and progeny and for the fulfillment of their wishes.
The sacred scriptures prescribe fire ceremony, Abishekam (hydration ceremony), Pooja/Archana (Light and Sound ceremony), Yantra and Mantra (special sounds) as the ways to offer your prayer to the divine. Out of these, fire ceremony is the most evolved spiritual technology on earth to connect with the divine beings. Participate in the remedial services to clear your karma and receive the blessings.
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