Samaaradhanai is usually conducted in the family before a
major function like Marriage, Upanayanam etc; Also whenever elders in the
family comes back after visiting Kasi performing the rituals there it is a
practice that Samaaradhanai and ganga pooja are performed. This is to ensure
that there are no hindrances that occur while conducting the functions. Also, a
thanks giving for god who facilitated us to complete the yatra without any obstruction.
Few families do the Samaaradhanai to
Venkatachalapathy and few to Lord Muruga. Usually it is performed to the family
deity/Kula deivam. Most families have the practice of performing Samaaradhanai
to Lord Venkatachalapathy on (Tamil Month) Purattasi Saturday. Maavilakku is
also offered on the day if that is a practice followed in their families.
My mom recently visited Kaasi and performed the rituals
there with atmost sincerity. Hence we performed Samaaradhanai at our home.
Usually, Pandit will come and perform the Pooja. Minimum 2 Brahmins are
required to offer Lunch after completing the Pooja. Depending on the financial
strength of the family conducting the function, the Brahmins are offered with
dhoti and Angavasthram.
The day when we conduct the Pooja should also be an
auspicious day. Ensure it does not fall on Ashtami/Navami/Kari Naal. While conducting Samaaradhanai for Lord
Venkatachalapathy elders prefer Saturday. Pandits also chant Sahasranamam on
the day.
The items required for Pooja includes, Flowers for Archanai,
garlands for god, Betal Leaves & Betal Nuts, Coconut, Banana, Sandal,
Kumkum, Turmeric powder, Camphor, Agarpathi, Brass Cups, Pancha pathiram, Brass
Plates, Manai Palagai for the Pandit.
Clean the Pooja room and Vilakku (Preferably two), apply
sandal and kumkum and keep it ready the previous day itself. Draw Kolam in the
Pooja room and at the entrance of the home in the morning. Place a Manai palagai in the Pooja room and
place the idol of the god. Archanai is made for the idol/photo of the god. Madi
dresses are required for the persons who perform the Pooja and for the one who
is involved in the preparation of the food including Neivedhyam. Married Ladies
wear Madisaar and gents wear Panchakacham.
Usually Sakkarai Pongal and Ulundu Vadai are prepared for
Neivedhyam. The lunch is also prepared specially for to offer for the Brahmins
who are invited. Close family relatives are also invited to attend the Pooja.
The menu for the day includes, Sakkarai Pongal, Thayir Pachadi, Sweet Pachadi,
Two curry varieties, Aviyal, Green chutney, Pickle, Vadai, Two variety rice,
Fruits, Pitlai, Rasam, curd. Banana leaves are used to serve food. No onion No garlic recipes only are allowed on this day.
Pandit performs the Pooja, chant sahasranamam and then give
sometime for us to submit our prayers to god. We have to perform Namaskaram to
god and get the blessings. Then offer the dhakshanai and food to the Brahmanas.
After the food is consumed by them, we have to perform namaskaram to them as
well. They will offer their blessings to us.
Persons who do the Pooja and prepare food do not consume breakfast
in the morning. Food is consumed after the completion of Pooja. Kids are
usually allowed to take some light food.
Share your experiences and practices in your family related
to Samaaradhanai.
