Aadi Maasa Pirappu

Tamil Month "Aadi" has an in built charm because it is a Ice Breaker of festivals. Aadi means Pandigai and it is a favorite month to worship goddesses. During this month we celebrate Garuda Panchami, Varalakshmi Nonbu, Pathinettamber (Aadi 18), Aadi Pooram etc;

Since this month is known for the worship of Goddesses, in most of the families they offer Maavilakku on one of the Fridays. Most ladies perform Pooja on the Fridays and  offer Betal leaves & Betal Nuts, Flowers,Coins/Cash, Blouse bits etc as per their wish to Sumangalis staying in their neighborhood. One of my neighbors based out of Tirunelveli, used to wash the legs of Sumangali, offer Kumkum, apply Nalungu on the Foot.Then offer Betal Leaves & Betal Nuts.

The famous festival Aadi Pooram is also celebrated as Valaikaappu function for Amman. People used to offer Glass Bangles to goddesses on this day and sumangalis offer glass Bangles to each other along with Thamboolam.

Newly wedded couples, are invited on the first day of Aadi. It is practice in Hindu families that they invite their Son in Law and offer gifts. The family of the Bride prepare Special Food on this day. People belonging to the Tanjore region, offer Silver Tumbler to the new wedded Groom. They Serve Paal Payasam in this new Tumbler on the day of 1st day of Aadi.

The newly wedded Brides are usually advised to stay with their parents. The belief behind this is that if the girl gets pregnant during this month, the baby will be born during the Tamil month Chithirai. Chithirai being the hottest month, the young mothers will suffer a lot because of the hot sun. To avoid this, our ancestors planned in advance. Nowadays, this has been made as an optional practice since the fact is known to all.

Elders in our family do not prefer to perform Grahapravesam, Marriage or any other functions since this month is the beginning of Dhakshinayanam known as the beginning of night for the god.

Tamil Brahmins also have the habbit of preparing Aadi Paal and Vadai on the first day of Aadi.

Gents perform Tharppanam on the 1st day of Aadi.

Wish you all a great Beginning of Festivals....

Will get in touch with you the whole of this month...

Samaaradhanai/Saamy Samaaradhanai

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. 

Baby Care/Infant Care - Traditional method

Following my previous post about the Postnatal care for woman, the most interesting and challenging task is to handle is the infant. We would not know for what reason the baby is crying. Sometimes, the baby will behave restless.  I want to share few tips for the visitors first.

Avoid visiting the infant’s house at least for a month. When you go to the infant’s house, wash your legs, hands with soap. It’s better not to lift the infant at least for three months even if you are good at handling infants. Unless, it is necessary for those who shower the baby it is always better to avoid having physical touch with the baby. The baby will be very tender in all aspects. The immunity level is very low. The baby will undergo pain over the body while handled by many people. Any unknown infection the visitor has might get passed on to the infant.  Do not give money (rupee notes | dollars) in the baby's hand. As the money is handled by many people it is highly infectious. Give the money if you want to offer as gift to the mother and not to the baby. Also the mother and the infant require lot of rest at this stage. We can convey our wishes to the family members; inform them the reason for not visiting during the early stage. Nowadays, the doctors also advise the same to the family, which they find it difficult to tell their friends and relatives.

Kuli Murai for Boy and Girl Babies:

The turn to shower a girl baby (oil Bath) is on even days calculated from the date of Birth. However, initially after Punniyavachanam the turn starts on 13^th day followed by 15, 18, 22, 25, 28^th day and then alternate days.

The date when the woman gets eligible to enter the kitchen as per our traditions is on the 45th day for a girl baby. This we call as “ Satti thoduradhu “. On this day the woman will take head bath and go to kitchen formally touch the containers in which Salt, Rice and Tamarind are stored.

For the boy babies the turn to shower is on odd days.  It starts from 13^th day followed by 15, 17, 21, 23, 25, 28^th day and then on odd counts.

The family members are not allowed to go to temple or attend functions conduct any functions for 10 days if it is a boy baby and 3 days for a girl baby.  This we call as “Purundu”. Few people don’t take food in the house till the completion of this duration.

The medicines that our ancestors used to give to the baby those days includes Sukku, Sitharathai, Vasambu, Kadukkai,  Jadhikkai, Masikkai . These items are bought before the delivery. All these are washed and then put in milk and boiled for 15 minutes. Then take it out and allow it to dry completely in shade and not under sun. Usually it is dried inside the house and it takes a minimum of 15 days to get this dried properly. Keep it in a dry container.

On the day when the baby is given oil bath as per the above mentioned days these 6 medicinal valued items are slightly rubbed in a Sandal wood using mother’s milk and fed to the baby.

If the baby seems to have Stomach upset then the sukku is rubbed once in addition and added to the mixture. Similarly when there is sore throat Sitharathai is added, for Constipation kadukkai is added a bit more, when the baby is not Sleeping properly jathikkai and masikkai are used in addition. Vasambu  is usually added very less since it might induce stammering if used beyond the normal level.

The baby’s clothes are preferred to be washed by hands and by someone at home.  The clothes should  be washed and gently squeezed. Over squeezing is usually not preferred. The clothes are dried under shade and not under direct sun for a long time. Especially should not be exposed under open area after 5.30 PM.

The babies are also not allowed to be taken outside after 6 PM. I have had bad experience personally when I took the baby outside after 6 PM. The baby used to cry during night and gets upset. It is very tough to bring back the baby to normalcy.

Our grandmothers used to apply oil (preferably olive oil) over the baby’s body and take the baby under sun early in the morning around 7 AM. This is good for the baby and naturally allows the baby to get vitamin D. 

In olden days, we didn’t have the store bought food. Hence we used to prepare food at home for the kids and the ingredients depend on the age of the baby.

Usually for the first six months only Mothers milk is provided. The mothers should not compromise in terms of the posture for feeding. She has to sit and feed the baby and keep the baby on the shoulder till you hear a burp. Only then the baby is allowed to sleep. Otherwise the milk consumed might get vomited.

After 6 months the baby would require additional food. Usually the first food is very light since the child’s digestive system should adapt to the new food. At this stage Old Boiled rice 200 grams, 50 grams of fried gram, 1/2 tablespoon of Ajwain and sukku 1 pinch are mixed and grind nicely in a rice mill.

Then this soft flour is mixed in water. Initially once half spoon of this flour is added to 100 ml of water and boiled for 3 minutes till the flour gets cooked well. This can fed with a spoon. Slowly monitor the kids adaptiveness to the food (check the digestion, likeliness of taste). Then the consistency can be increased by adding flour.

When the 8^th month starts boil the vegeatables like carrot, beans, potato, toor dall and add little bit Rasam and ghee. Smash everything using a heavy ladle and feed the baby. 

At this stage, we can add Wheat, Moong dhal to the home made Rice mixture.

From 9 months we can give Sathu maavu in kanchi consistency can be given or in semi solid consistency adding ghee and sugar. Both my sons never had store bought food.  My Mil and my Mom brought up the kids by giving the above mentioned homemade food only.

Also refer my sisters website for Baby Food Recipe Ideas 

Hope this lengthy post was interesting and useful. 

Tamil Varuda pirappu | Tamil New year

Tamil new year| Tamil varuda pirappu is celebrated on 14th April or the first day of the tamil calendar.  It marks the beginning of the Tamil new year with the first month Chitirai. (சித்திரை ). On this auspicious day, we get up early in the morning . The previous night, when  we go to bed my mother will keep 5 Rs coin (those days it was a big money for us)  under our pillow. On the day of Tamil new year, morning after getting up we will first see the coin after opening our eyes. The tradition behind doing this is, the whole year will bring out prosperity and wealth. After getting up we take bath and pray to god. As i mentioned in my Pongal festival post, those who are have to perform Tharpanam should complete this ritual first and then perform the Pooja.  As per our tradition on this tamil new year day, since it is Pudhu maasa pirappu, those who have their parents and married girls who have their in laws should not take head bath or oil bath on this day.
Usually, at home we will make an elaborate meal on tamil new year. Generally the tamil new year meal includes 6 tastes (arusuvai) of food viz,sweet, sour, salt, spice astringent and bitter. It is believed that the year is filled with all type of emotions. So it is ensured that the food should contain all these tastes. We make maanga pachadi, neem flower rasam (vepampoo) , payasam, vadai , pachadi and many more.
The new year Panjangam (பஞ்சாங்கம் ) is kept in the pooja room while doing the pooja. Many people arrange Fruits, vethala paaku, thamboolam, jewellery, gold coins and mirror in a tray and keep it in the pooja room. This is called Vishu kani. It is believed that seeing all these auspicious items in the morning of the new year day will bring prosperity throughout the year.

The panjangam kept in the morning will be taken in the evening and elders at home  who knows to read it, will tell about the prediction of the new year. However in our house we used to look for the star birthdays of the family members and other few auspicious days such as varalakshmi nombu, avani avittam etc. Panjanga padanam (பஞ்சங்க படனம் ) is done in most of the temples too. Some elderly experienced person will read out the forecast of the year for all zodiac signs and many people will go there to listen it.
Since i am born and brought up in madurai, the entire month is full of celebrations in Madurai meenakshi amman temple.  Me an my sister will go to the Azhagar festival with my dad early in the morning to enjoy the festive atmosphere.
To all my readers - இனிய தமிழ் புத்தாண்டு நல்வாழ்த்துக்கள்

Postnatal care of Woman

In continuation to one my previous posts about Taking care of a pregnant woman, I want to share few traditional practices about taking care of a woman after delivery.  Since the woman had undergone a major change in her Physic, it would take few months for her to come back to normalcy. Same time she has to take care of the infant in terms of feeding, going through sleepless nights, etc; it is essential to offer the woman with some healthy tips. This helps her to take care of her health and the infant. Since the infant takes the mother’s feed as the primary food for at least three months, the food consumed by the mother is very important.

Traditionally, post natal care starts immediately after the delivery happens. The grandmother needs to be prepared before delivery by collecting the things that are required.  The items need to be used for pathiya samayal are usually available in Naattu marundu Kadai.

A pinch of Kasturi is placed in a Betal leaf and provided to the woman who delivered the child. This is given within 24 hours of delivery. Sometimes if the delivery happens to be a C-section then we cannot give it immediately. Hence the timeline is usually within 24hours. It is believed that the mother will not develop seizures if she consumes the Kasturi.

When the Doctor allows the woman to take food, we start the traditional method of Pathiya samayal. This does not include much of Tamarind, Brinjal, Root vegeatables that develop gastric related problems/Alergy. Inclusion of garlic is very much recommended since it helps in feeding.

My mom used to sauté Garlic and onions with little pepper and salt in Gingely oil. This is provided during lunch before the normal food. Hot Rice is mixed with this and consumed every day. This also improves feeding and reduces the heat of the body. Most importantly, my grandmother do not allow anyone to serve food for the woman who underwent the delivery. In fact, food is always served separately, without the knowledge of anyone in the house.

The Paithiya samaiyal includes Poricha koottu without Coconut and including pepper, Poricha Rasam, Paruppu Thogaiyal, Milagu Kulambu, Sutta Appalam, Angaya podi etc. Food does not include/ less amount of toor dhal at least for 60 days since it is believed that, gas related issues will crop up.

Ghee is also one of the most recommended items that are added in food. Betal leaves are also highly recommended to be chewed on a daily basis since it is rich in calcium that is required for the woman and the baby at this stage.

Legiyam is provided from the day of Punniyavachanam and milk is recommended on a daily basis. This legiyam is readily available in shops nowadays. This is popularly known as Diwali Marundhu or Pillaipetha legiyam. You can also visit this page to prepare this simple version of Legiyam at home.

Every time before feeding the Baby, drink good amount of water. This helps in better feeding. Ensure to take one glass of water before feeding. 

Both mom and child should take oil bath alternate days. Mom is advised to use Kasturi manjal while bathing since it is used as a anti disinfectant. 

After 60 days Mom can start taking normal food slowly and monitor health conditions for any abnormal behavior of some food. However, feeding mothers should avoid Jackfruit, Mangoes, outside food to avoid any impact to the baby consuming mother’s milk.

I will share few ideas about infant care in my next post. 

Karadaiyan Nonbu

The day when the Tamil month of Panguni starts we observe Karadaiyan Nonbu. The time when this Nonbu is performed is at the time when Maasi Month expires and Panguni starts. Unlike Varalakshmi Nonbu which is celebrated by people who have this practice in their family, this is undertaken by all ladies. 

The reason behind performing this ritual is unique.  It is believed that Savithri a woman in historical time fought with Lord Yama and got her Husband Satyavan’s life back from death. She prayed goddess Gowri and offered Adai made with rice and Karamani along with butter. Hence this Karadai is still been prepared during the Nonbu and offered to goddess during prayer.

This year the time to tie the Nonbu Saradu is between 5.20 to 5.30 in the morning. At times the time when both months meet happen during late night. Ladies still undergo fasting complete the Nonbu and then finish their fasting by having the Nonbu Adai

Sumangalis take head bath, wrap Madisaar Saree (Preferably Madi) and perform Kamakshi pooja. Before starting the Pooja the Neivedhyam is prepared and kept ready. Also Betal leaves, Betal nuts, flowers for pooja and Sumangalis, Banana Leaves with Nuni are bought for the Pooja.

Kolam should be drawn facing east/west. When there is only one woman do not put one kolam and do the offering. One pair of offering is preferred. Definitely, three numbers are not engaged. Two Sweet Adai will be kept on the Nuni Ilai and one spoon of Butter. The Manjal Saradu (Rope) is tied with Pasumanjal and/or Flowers and kept ready. One in front of Goddess along with Betal Leaves, Betal Nuts, flowers, Fruits (Banana), Coconut and one Saradu is placed for the Goddess.

After Performing the Pooja, we have to do Neivedhyam of Adai placed on the leaves and then tie the rope around the neck. If husband is available at the time of Pooja, preferably husband ties that Saradu to his wife. If not, do it on your own or if unmarried your mom shall help you. Tie the Saradu kept for Goddess on the Idol or the Photo.

When you perform the Neivedhyam below is the prayer that Sumangalis used to tell.

“ Urugaadha Vennaiyum Oor Adaiyum Naan Tharuven, Orukalum En Kanavan Ennai Vittu Piriyadhirukka vendum”

Two pieces of adai placed in the Banana Leaf are shared between husband and wife.

Especially, Sumangalis do not take Butter milk as part of fasting.

Next day minimum one adai is kept and offered for the cow.  Cow is worshiped by applying Kumkum and Turmeric on the back of it. 

Visit to Kula deivam Kovil /Family Deity

We recently visited our Kuladeivam Kovil near Mayiladuthurai.  It is a small village near Mayiladuthurai where there are no shops in the near Vicinity. We used to visit the temple at least once in a year.  We perform Abishekam, Archanai and offer Maavilakku to goddess Mariyamman in the temple.  Our Kuladeivam is “Putradiyal” where the goddess is said to be raised as Swayambu.  A priest (Gurukkal)  residing in the nearby village is taking care of the daily Pooja at the temple. We used inform him in advance and check his availability. We buy all the necessary things for the Abishegam and Gurukkal prepare the Prasadham from his home.  

Usually, when a function like Marriage, Upanayanam, children pursuing higher education, Grahapravesam is due we visit the temple first and do the rituals to ensure everything goes well with the Blessings of god.

Most families does the first time hair removal for the child in their Kuladeivam temple. 

I have heard and read about the importance of the worship of Kuladeivam and am now happily performing the rituals once in a year. If your Kuladeivam is close to your city of residence you are lucky enough to visit frequently.

I want to share the list of things to be bought for the Abhishegam so that nothing is missed. My mom maintains a notebook that includes all the details.  

        1.    Turmeric Powder

        2.     Kumkum

        3.    Dhiraviya podi

        4.   Sandal powder

        5.  Gingelly oil

        6.  Milk/Pasum Paal

        7. Curd

        8. Tender Coconut

        9.  Honey

      10.   Rose water

      11.   Fruits to prepare Panchamirtham (Apple, Banana, grapes, Dates, Dry grapes, Pomegranate, Sweet       Lemon and any other fruit of that season. Cut the fruits and add Nattusakkarai and Honey
          and mix it to prepare Panchamirtham.)

       12.  Lemon

After Abhishegam, the god/goddess will be dressed up with New Cloths, Flowers and Garlands specially bought for the occasion. By the time the Alankaram is going on, we can prepare to offer the Maavilakku. Read my post about Maavilakku to complete this ritual. 

Listed below are the rest of the things that we have to buy.

1.       Banana Leaves for offering Maavilakku

2.       Betal Leaves and Paakku

3.       Banana for offering (Neivedyam)

4.       Coconut 2 (Archanai and Maavilakku)

5.       Saree or Dhothi to God or Goddess

6.       Camphor and Plate to shower Aarthi

7.       Agarpathi

8.       Garland to God

9.       Flowers (For Archanai and to decorate Maavilakku)

10.   Panchapathiram and Udhruni to perform Neivedhyam

11.   One vessel to prepare Panchamirtham

12.   Two Big Plates to place the things

13.   Scissors to cut flowers

14.   Knife to cut fruits

After the Alankaram is over, lit the Maavilakku and allow it to glow for some time. Ensure enough Ghee is available in the vilakku. At the end of the Archanai and Dharshan which usually takes 15 minutes perform Neivedhyam and show the Karpoora Aarthi.  Then move the Leaves in which Maavilakku is placed towards North direction slightly to confirm that the ritual is completed. Both the Stings need to be picked carefully and placed in the lamp lit in the temple. I used the bottom side of the Udhruni to do this. That was quite easy.

Some people, who live in abroad may not be able to purchase all those required. They can arrange everything with the help of Gurukkal who takes care of the Pooja. My MIL insists to go to Kuladeivam Kovil straight after starting from Home. Heard the same from few elders too. Complete the rituals in your Kuladeivam Kovil first and then visit any other temples.

People who have their Kuladeivam as Palani Murugan, Thirupathi Venkatachalapathy etc can visit the temple and donate to the Devasthanam as per the temple rules.