About Deities
Ganesha
Ganesha is the son of Parvati and Siva. He is the remover of all obstacles. He is worshipped first before starting any religious function. Other common names of Ganesha are Ganapati, Vinayaka, and Vigneshvara. Ganesha is variedly worshipped as a bachelor, and as a Lord with two consorts. The two consorts of Lord Ganesha are considered to be siddhi (achievement) and buddhi (intellect), or siddhi and ruddhi (prosperity).
IMPORTANT FESTIVALS:
- Ganesha Chathurthi
AUSPICIOUS DAYS:
- The Chathurti that comes after a full moon is called Sankatahara Chathurti. Chathurti of the bright fortnight in the Hindu month of Simha (Bhaadrapadha) is celebrated as Ganesha Chathurthi.The fourth day of the lunar fortnight (Chathurti) and Tuesdays and Fridays are special to Ganesha.
VAHANA:
- Mouse
FAVORITE OFFERINGS:
- Offerings of modhaka and durva grass garlands are special to Ganesha.
SLOKAS:
- "Gajaananam Bootha Ganaadhi Sevitham Kapiththa Jamboo Phala Saara Bhakshitham Umaa Sutham Soka Vinaasa Kaaranam Namaami Vigneswara Paadha Pankajam"
Venkateswara
Venkateswara, another form of Lord Vishnu, is one among the Trinity, representing the power of Sustenance. He is regarded as “Kaliyuga Varada”. In the “degenerate” age of Kali, He is always close to devotees and ever ready to bless and protect them. He is also called Balaji and Govinda.
IMPORTANT FESTIVALS:
- Bramotsavam
AUSPICIOUS DAYS:
- Saturdays and the whole month of Purattasi are auspicious to Venkateswara. On the first Saturday of every month and on the Ugadi day Srinivasa Kalyanam is performed. Brahmotsavam is celebrated in the month of Kanya.
VAHANA:
- Garuda
FAVORITE OFFERINGS:
- Thulasi leaves, flowers, raisins, Laadu, Adai, Tamarind rice, Yogurt rice and Vada are preferred offerings to Lord Venkateswara. Abishekam and special decorations with flowers (Poolangi) and Gems(Muthangi) are famous to Lord Venkateswara. Performing Srinivasa Kalyanam is also customary.
SLOKAS:
- "Vinaa Venkatesam Nanaadho Nanatha Sadhaa Venkatesam Smaraami Smaraami Hare Venkatesa Praseedha Praseedha Priyam Venkatesa Prayaccha Prayaccha"
Kannimoola Ganapathi
The southwest corner of a temple is very special. It is known as Kannimoola and is the place, which provides protection to the Temple. The residing deity or guardian of this place is called Nirurudhi. The Ganpathi who resides in the Kannimoola or Nirurudhi corner of a temple has the unique power of being the protectorof the temple and also a remover of obstacles (Vigneswara). Kannimoola Ganapathi is also worshipped as Baktha Rakshaka (protector of devotees), since this powerful Maha Ganapathi has accumulated the divinity of the sacred position of Kannimoola.
Nagaraja
Sri Nagaraja is the king of all serpents. He entwines the neck of Lord Siva and is also the bed of Lord Vishnu. This five headed serpent is ‘Vaasuki’ the most revered of the serpents of Siva. The five heads of Nagaraja represents several things.
IMPORTANT FESTIVALS:
- Sarpabali
AUSPICIOUS DAYS:
- Ayilyam star is very auspicious to Nagaraja. Special Puja’s are performed to Nagaraja on the Aayilyam day in the Hindu month of Kanya.
FAVORITE OFFERINGS:
- Milk, rice and coconuts are special offerings to Nagaraja. Milk and turmeric abishekam are performed to Nagaraja.
SLOKAS:
- "Nagaraja Namasthesthu Haraharayitha Dehine Hara Me Sakalan Rogan Dada Me Sath Prajam Drisam"
Maalikapurathu Amma
Maalikapurathu Amma is a reformed Mahishi. When Lord Ayyappa destroyed her evil form, and freed her from all effects of the curse of a maharishi (holy man), she assumed the form of a beautiful angel and requested Him to marry her. Lord Ayyappa granted her a boon that he will marry her only when no new devotees (Kanni Ayyappa) come to Sabarimala and that she will have a separate place of worship in his temple. This Devi is the Parashakthi, Buvaneshwari. Maalikapurathu Amma occupies a very high position – Maalikapuram is the highest place in a building. From this high place, She showers her devototees with blessings. She has the powers of all the Devi embodiments of the Shaiva, Vaishnava and Sakthaphilosophies. She does not have any special form, yet she can be any possible form. She is represented as a ‘Darapam Bibmam’ (Mirror) as is able to grant the wishes of anyone who worships Her. The devotee can worship Her in any form they wish. She also has special blessings for every Ayyappa devotee, especially the Kanni Ayyappa, even though the presence of a Kanni Ayyapa is painful to her, since she cannot marry Lord Ayyappa.
AUSPICIOUS DAYS:
- Tuesdays are auspicious to Malikapurathu Amma. First Tuesday after Makara Sankaranthi is very important.
FAVORITE OFFERINGS:
- Sweet pudding, turmeric powder and blouse pieces are offered to Maalikapurathu Amma. It is customary to perform a special puja called Kuruthi.
SLOKAS:
- "Dharma Shashtha Darmapathni Padamichandi Ya Sada Sa Thvam Thu Dada tha Damsa Sasthru Bhakthim Samujwala"
Sudarsana
In order to relieve the suffering of people in this world, the devotees prayed to Bramha to create a powerful Shakti. So Bramha took up a serious penance for thousands of years resulting in the creation of, one of the Sri Vishnu’s Ayudhapurushas, the extremely powerful Sri Sudarshana. Sri Sudarshana represents the cosmic mind and also Vishnu’s infinite power to create and destroy the universe. He also represents Sri Vishnu’s will to multiply. He also will neutralize all poisons. There are more than one hundred and eight names to Sri Sudarshana. Among them are Sudarshana, Chakraraja and Sahasrabahu. Prayers to Sri Sudarshana will alleviate serious diseases, avert great dangers and prevent obstacles in any one’s efforts to succeed Narasimha Avatara is the fifth re-incarnation of Lord Vishnu. As Narashimha, He destroyed the demon king Hiranyakashiyapu, the father of Baktha Prahalad. Sudarshana and Narasimha are one and the same as two faces of a coin. Both deities benefit the entire human kind by their blessings.
AUSPICIOUS DAYS:
- Sri Sudarshana’s Birthday is celebrated as Sri Sudarshana Alwar Thiru Nakshatram which falls sometime in June/July of every year. Saturdays are very auspicious for Sudarshana. Sudarshana Homams can be performed on any convenient day.
FAVORITE OFFERINGS:
- Sri Sudarshana can be decorated with good flowers and ornaments, and can be offered fruits, coconuts, sweets, etc. Puris made out of wheat flour, laja (puffed rice) and also charu ayya (sakkar pongal with pure ghee) are also very good offerings.
SLOKAS:
- "Prathibhata Shrevi Bhishana Varaguna Sthoma Bhusana Janibhaya Sthana Karana Jagadavasthana Karana Nikhila Dushkarna Karshana Nigavana Saddhama Darshana Jaya Jaya Sri Sudarshana Jaya Jaya Sri Sudarshana"
Venkateswara Koshta Devatas
Narsimha is the form taken by Vishnu to destroy the demon Hiranyakasyapa. ‘Nar-simha’ means man-lion as Sri Vishnu in this incarnation has the head of a lion and the body of man, He took this form as Hiranyakasyapa had received a boon that neither man nor animal could kill him. This boon made Hiranyakasyapa very arrogant and cruel. To get rid of this demon Vishnu was incarnated as Narsimha.
18 Holy Steps
SSVT is one of the few temples in the world with sanctified Eighteen Holy Steps leading to the Ayyappa Shrine. Ayyappa devotees in North America, who are unable to go on pilgrimage to Sabarimala, now have the unique opportunity of coming to Sri Siva Vishnu Temple and climbing the Eighteen Holy Steps with Irumudi and have holy Darshan of Lord Ayyappa. All devotees who observe the Vritham and carry the Irumudi can climb the Holy Steps. Many refer to the Ayyappa Shrine at SSVT as the ‘Sabarimala of the West’. During the Mandalam Season, Ayyappa devotees from all over the US and Canada undertake the strict Vritham which culminates in climing the holy steps and having the Nirmalaya Dharshan of the Lord.
FAVORITE OFFERINGS:
- Padi Puja is performed twice a year – on the first day of the Ayyappa Mandalam Season (Mandala Arambam) and during the Temple Annual Festival (Samvastara Mahotsavam). Each of the 18 steps are decorated with bright colored cloth, flowers, coconuts, bananas and lamps. The priest recites special prayers to the each individual steps. The devotees participate in this special puja by singing Bajans and PadiPattu (songs describing the 18 steps). The culmination of the Padi Puja is an enthralling sight – with all the lamps, the lit camphor and the flowers.
Dwara Murthis of 18 Holy Steps
Kadutha Swami, Karuppayi Swami and Karuppayi Amma are the devoted guards of the 18 Holy Steps and the Ayyappa Temple. They stand on both sides of the 18 Holy Steps; Kadutha Swami on the right side of Lord Ayyappa and Karuppayi Swami and Karuppayi Amma on the left side of Lord Ayyappa. They maintain the sanctity of the temple surroundings and the 18 Holy Steps that represent the 18 Holy Mountains and also bless the devotees who climb the Holy steps with Irumudi.
Praakara Ganapathi
Ganesha has the head of an elephant and a big belly. This statue has four arms, which is common in depictions of Ganesha. He holds his own broken tusk in his lower-right hand and holds a delicacy, which he samples with his trunk, in his lower-left hand.
IMPORTANT FESTIVALS:
- Ganesh Chathurthi
AUSPICIOUS DAYS:
- The fourth day of the lunar fortnight (Chathurti) and Tuesdays and Fridays are special to Ganesha. The Chathurti that comes after a full moon is called Sankatahara Chathurti. Chathurti of the bright fortnight in the Hindu month of Simha (Bhaadrapadha) is celebrated as Ganesha Chathurthi.
VAHANA:
- Mouse
FAVORITE OFFERINGS:
- A variety of modaks-steamed, fried, chocolatey--are offered up to Ganesha's idols on Ganesh Chaturthi. Clearly, Ganesha loves all things sweet, and his ample belly is proof of that. You wouldn't find a single idol or painting of his without a laddoo on one of his four hands.
SLOKAS:
- "Gajaananam Bootha Ganaadhi Sevitham Kapiththa Jamboo Phala Saara Bhakshitham Umaa Sutham Soka Vinaasa Kaaranam Namaami Vigneswara Paadha Pankajam"
Subrahmanya Koshta Devatas
Sri Idumban and Sri Virabahu are the devoted guards of the Sri Subraymanya sannidi. They stand on both sides of the Subraymanya – Sri Idumban on the right side of Lord Subraymanya and Sri Virabahu on the left side.
Andal
Andal, the incarnation of Mother Earth, Bhoodevi, is one of the twelve Aalvaars, great devotees of Vishnu. She was found in the garden of Periyaalvar. She grew up to be a great devotee of Vishnu and a mystic poet. She is the author of Thiruppavai. Even as a human she attained beatitude, as the consort of her chosen Lord Ranganatha of Srirangam. She is the best exponent of Bakthi Marga and a celebrated model of “bridal mysticism”.
IMPORTANT FESTIVALS:
- Andal Kalyanam
AUSPICIOUS DAYS:
- Wednesdays and Fridays are auspicious to Andal. Andal married Sri Ranganatha on the Makara Sankaranthi day. On that day Andal’s marriage is celebrated in a grand style. ” Aadi Pooram” and “Aani Thirumanjanam” are also important festivals to Andal.
FAVORITE OFFERINGS:
- Andal is specially worshipped by reciting her songs called Thiruppaavai, early in the mornings during the Hindu month of Dhanu. Performing Andal Kalyanam is customary. Venpongal and Sweet Pongal are offered to Andal.
SLOKAS:
- "Sree Vishnu Chiththa Kula Nandhana Kalpa Valleem Sree Ranga Raaja Hari Chandhana Yoga Dhrusyaam Saakshhat Kshammaam Kaarunyaa Kamalaami Vaanyaam Godhaam Ananya Sarana: Saranam Prapadhye"
Siva
Siva is one of the three principal deities of the Hindu pantheon; the other two are Brahma and Vishnu. His name means ‘auspicious’. He has the power of annihilation or destruction of evil. He is an ideal for simplicity in our life and to be detached from worldly objects. He is also called Mruthyunjaya (the conqueror of Death).
IMPORTANT FESTIVALS:
- Sivarathri & Trimurthi Puja
AUSPICIOUS DAYS:
- Mondays and Pradhosham, thirteenth day of the fortnight are very auspicious to Siva. Maha Sivarathri is celebrated in grand style with puja’s and bhajans throughout the night. Dharsan of Siva on days with ‘Aardha star and prashodam puja on Mondays and Saturdays are very auspicious.
VAHANA:
- Bull Nandi
FAVORITE OFFERINGS:
- Rudraabishekam, Rudra homam, Mrithyunjaya homam are performed to Lord Siva. Bilva leaf, Erukku, Thumba and Oleander flowers are auspicious to Siva.
SLOKAS:
- "Vandhe Sambhum Umaapathim Suragurum Vandhe Jagath Kaaranam Vandhe Pannaga Bhooshanam Mrigadharam Vandhe Pasoonaam Pathim Vandhe Soorya Sasaanga Vahnni Nayanam Vandhe Mukundha Priyam Vandhe Baktha Janaasryam Cha Varadham Vandhe Sivam Sankaram"
Anantapadmanabha
Anantapadmanabha(Vishnu), one among the Trinity of Gods, is in the form of Ananthapadhmaanabha. He is the Protector of the Universe. He comes to earth in different incarnations to protect the world.
IMPORTANT FESTIVALS:
- Vaikunda Ekadasi & Trimurthi Puja
AUSPICIOUS DAYS:
- Ekaadasi, the 11th day of the lunar fortnight is auspicious to Vishnu. Vaikunta Ekaadasi, falling in December- January, is celebrated as a special festival when the “gates of Heaven” ceremoniously open for devotees to enter.
FAVORITE OFFERINGS:
- Yogurt rice, coconut and jaggery mix are offered to Lord Ananthapadhmanabha.
SLOKAS:
- "Santhaakaaram Bhujaga Sayanam Padhmanaabham Suresam Viswaakaaram Gagana Sadrusam Meghavarnam Subhaangam Lakshmikaantham Kamalanayanam Yogi Hridh Gnaana Gamyam Vande Vishnum Bhavabhayharam Sarva Lokaika Naatham. Santhaakaaram Bhujaga Sayanam Padhmanaabham Suresam"
Subrahmanya
Subrahmanya is the son of Siva and Parvathi. Other common names of Subrahmanya are Karthikeya, Muruga, Kumara, Skandha, Shanmuga and Guha. Created out of six sparks from the central, third, eye of Lord Siva, for the special purpose of destroying the demon Soorapadma, Lord Karthikeya has six faces. TheVel (spear) is His Divine weapon; it is also regarded as the source of all Knowledge and as the dispeller of ignorance. According to the legend, Subrahmanya explained the esoteric significance of “OM”, the Pranava Manthra, to His father, Lord Siva.
IMPORTANT FESTIVALS:
- Skanda Shashti,Panguni Uthiram & Thai Pooshyam
AUSPICIOUS DAYS:
- Krithika and Sashti are auspicious to Subrahmanya. Valli Kalyanam is celebrated on Vaikaasi Visaakam day. Karthigai, Skandha Sashti, Thai Poosam, Masi Makam and Aadi Krittika are important festivals to Muruga.
VAHANA:
- Peacock
FAVORITE OFFERINGS:
- Special alankara with viboodhi, and sandal powder are performed to Lord Subrahmanya.Abishekam with Panchaamirtham, milk, sandal powder and rose water are special. Performing Valli Kalyanam is also very auspicious.
SLOKAS:
- "Shadaananam Kumkuma Raktha Varnam Mahaamathim Dhivya Mayoora Vaahanam Rudhrasya Soonum Sura Sainya Naatham Guham Sadhaaham Saranam Prapadhye"
Durga
Goddess Durga represents Shakthi, the female principle of energy, the counterpart of Siva. She is the Goddess of valor and slayer of demons that were personifications of vaunted ego, ignorance, sloth, etc. We invoke the Mother Durga to help us annihilate within ourselves all negative forces; all weaknesses. Other common names of Durga are, Kali and Mahishasuramardhini.
IMPORTANT FESTIVALS:
- Navarathri
AUSPICIOUS DAYS:
- Tuesdays and Fridays are considered specially auspicious to Durga. Navarathri (Dasera) is celebrated for Durga. Chandi Homam, the chanting of Devi Mahatmayam, (the glory of the Divine Mother), is performed during Navarathri and on special occasions.
VAHANA:
- Lion
FAVORITE OFFERINGS:
- Performing archana or lighting special lamps made of dough during “Raahu kaalam” is special to Durga. Garlands made of lemon are usually offered to Durga. Special decorations with turmeric and sandalwood pastes and flowers are made as special offerings
SLOKAS:
- "Sarva Mangala Maangalye Sive Sarvaartha Saadhake Saranye Thryambake Devi Naaraayani Namosthuthe"
Parvathi
Parvathi, the daughter of Himalayas, is the consort of Siva. She represents the Universal power (Sakthi) that is the primary activating energy in the self-revelation of the Absolute. Other common names of Parvathi are Sakthi, Parvathavardhini, Rajarajeswari, Meenakshi, Kaamakshi, Visalaakshi and Lalitha.
IMPORTANT FESTIVALS:
- Navarathri
AUSPICIOUS DAYS:
- Fridays are very auspicious to Parvathi. The first three days during the Navarathri festival are celebrated for Parvathi. Meenakshi Kalyanam is celebrated on the Chitra Poornima day. Bhagavathi Seva is performed during the months of Makara and Karkata.
VAHANA:
- Lion
FAVORITE OFFERINGS:
- Special puja is performed to Parvathi by invoking her in the lamp, this is called “Deepa Puja”. Special abishekams and alankaras with flowers and turmeric powder are performed to Parvathi. Performing Gowri kalyanam and Meenakshi kalyanam are customary. Bhagavathi Seva is famous in Kerala. Paayasam and Vada are special offering to Parvathi.
SLOKAS:
- "Vandhe Maatharam Ambhikaam Bhagavatheem Vaanee Ramaa Sevitham Kalyaaneem Kamaneeya Kalpa Lathikaam Kailaasa Naatha Priyam Vedhaantha Prathi Bhaasamaana Vibhavaam Vidhvan Manoranjaneem Sree Chakra-anghitha Rathna Peeta Nilayaam Sri Raaja Raajeswareem"
Saraswathi
Saraswathi is the Goddess of learning and knowledge. She is described as dwelling in the tongue of her consort, Brahma, the Creator. She is therefore called Vaagiswari, the deity governing vaak or speech, and all intellectual activities, literature, poetry and the 64 arts in general. She is also called Shaaradha, and Vaani. Knowledge is often spoken as pure light and all white. Saraswathi is pure white, wears white garments and white jewels and seated on a white lotus. The white swan is her vehicle.
IMPORTANT FESTIVALS:
- Navarathri
AUSPICIOUS DAYS:
- As Saraswathi is the Goddess of knowledge and wisdom we should pray to Her every morning. Wednesdays and Fridays are important to Saraswathi. Saraswathi Puja and Vijaya Dasami are celebrated during Navarathri. The last 3 days of Navarathri are dedicated to Saraswathi. These days are dedicated for prayers to Saraswathi for success in all pursuits of knowledge and for success in one’s chosen profession.
VAHANA:
- White Swan
FAVORITE OFFERINGS:
- Abishekams and special decorations with turmeric powder and beads are offered to Saraswathi. A variety of preparations made of boiled lentils, paayasam and vada are given as special offerings during the puja.
SLOKAS:
- "Saraswathi Namasthubhyam Varadhe Kaama Roopini Vidhya-Arambham Karishyaami Siddhir Bhavathu Me Sadhaa"
Lakshmi
Lakshmi or Sri Devi is the consort of Vishnu. She is the Goddess of wealth and prosperity. Wealth includes nobler values of life, power of mind and intellect, moral, and ethical qualities which constitutes the spiritual wealth. The eight forms of Lakshmi, called Ashta-Lakshmi are: Santhanalakshmi (wealth of progeny), Gajalakshmi (wealth of animals), Dhanalakshmi (wealth of gold and other material wealth), Dhaanyalakshmi (wealth of food grains), Veeralakshmi (wealth of valor), Vijayalaksmi (wealth of victories and success), Mahalakshmi (wealth of greatness) and Aadhilakshmi.
IMPORTANT FESTIVALS:
- Navarathri & Panguni Uthiram
AUSPICIOUS DAYS:
- Fridays are considered auspicious for Lakshmi Puja. The Friday before the full moon in the Hindu month of Sraavan is considered specially sacred and Varalakshmi puja (puja for boons and longevity) is performed on that day by ladies in the temples and in the homes. Diwaali, the festival of lights, is also an occasion for Lakshmi Puja. Three days during Navarathri are also celebrated for Lakshmi.
VAHANA:
- Owl
FAVORITE OFFERINGS:
- Paayasam and sweets such as Ladu, fruits and milk, are made as alankara to Lakshmi. Special abishekams and offerings with beads and coins, and homams are also performed to Lakshmi.
SLOKAS:
- "Namastesthu Mahaamaaye Sreepeete Surapujithe Sankha Chakra Gadhaa Hasthe Mahaalakshmi Namosthuthe."
Krishna
Krishna is one of the ten major incarnations of Lord Vishnu. Among the avataars of Lord Vishnu, perhaps the most popular is His descent as Krishna. He imparts Divine wisdom to Arjuna in Bagavath Gita. Kanna, Govinda, Madhusudana, Muralidara are also his common names.
IMPORTANT FESTIVALS:
- Krishna Jayanthi & Guruvayur Ekadasi
AUSPICIOUS DAYS:
- Thursdays and the star Rohini are auspicious to Krishna. Sri Krishna Janmaashtami is celebrated as a big annual festival. Ranga Puja is a way of worshipping Lord Krishna at Udipi in Southern Kannara region. It starts with Chamara seva, lighting innumerable small lamps around the Grabagraha. In the front two parallel rows of lamps are lit and neividyams of several kinds are offered to the deity. Vishnu sahasranama parayanam, Ashtavagana, Special deeparadana & puja are offered to the Lord.
VAHANA:
- Garuda
FAVORITE OFFERINGS:
- Garlands with Thulasi leaves and fruits, beaten rice with jaggery and butter are special offerings to Krishna. Special decorations with butter are performed to Krishna.
SLOKAS:
- "Krishnaaya Vasudevaaya Devakinandanaaya Cha Nandagopa Kumaraaya Govindaaya Namo Nama"
Siva Koshta Devatas
Lingodbhavamurthy is an iconic representation of Siva, installed in the rear devakoshta (niche) of the garbagriha (sanctum) of all Siva temples. The story of Lingodbhavar is based on the attempts of Vishnu and Bhrama to discover the origins (the beginning Aadi and the end Antha) of Siva. While Vishnu and Brahma were arguing about their superiority over one another, a huge lingam of fire appeared before them. Curious to trace the origins of this column of fire, Bhrama assumed the form of a swan and flew upwards, while Vishnu assumed the form of a boar, and burrowed down into the earth. Days of search in either direction proved futile, and hence the duo surrendered to this column of fire with prayers. Siva then appeared out of this column of fiery lingam, with a thousand arms and legs, with the sun, moon and fire as his three eyes, bearing the pinaka bow, wearing the hide of an elephant, bearing the trishul, and addressed Vishnu and Bhrama in a thunderous voice, explaining that the two were born out of him, and that the three were then separated out into three different aspects of divinity.
Chandikeswarar
Sri Chandikeswarar is an aspect of Chandi in human form later elevated to the status of divinity, to signify the connection between Siva and Chandi, or Durga. Chandikeswarar is a ferocious god, holding weapons of war and ready to do battle for a divine cause. His images are generally found in a corner in all the Siva temples. As in case of Nandi, devotees usually visit him and pay their respects before going to see the Siva Linga in the sanctum sanctorum.
Hanuman
Hanuman is the son of Vaayu, the Wind God. He is a great devotee of Lord Rama. He is an outstanding scholar and master of vedas. He symbolizes heroism and valor to fight for the cause of dharma, devotion and selfless service, and above all, humility. In Bhajans it is customary to conclude with a song for Hanuman. Other common names of Hanuman are Aanjaneya (son of Anjana) and Maaruthi (son of Maaruth – Maaruth is another name of Vaayu).
AUSPICIOUS DAYS:
- Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays are auspicious to Hanuman. His star is “Moola”. Hanumath jayanthi is celebrated on the day of “Moola star” in the Hindu month of Dhanu (Vrichiga, Margazhi- mid December to mid January ). The last day of Sri Rama Navami festival, the birthday of Rama, is celebrated in honor of Aanjaneya.
VAHANA:
- Camel
FAVORITE OFFERINGS:
- Offerings of butter and garlands with vada, thulasi and betel leaves are special to Hanuman. On Hanumath Jayanthi day more than one thousand eight vadas are offered as a garland to Hanuman. Special decorations with butter are performed to Lord Hanuman. Reciting Hanuman chaalisa and writing the holy name of Rama on these days are considered auspicious.
SLOKAS:
- "Manojavam Maarutha Thulya Vegam Jithendhrhiyam Budhdhimathaam Varishtam Vaathaa-thmajam Vaanara Yoodha Mukhyam Sree Raama-dhootham Sirasaa Namaami"
Ram
Rama is the eighth major incarnation of Vishnu. Vishnu assumed different forms on several occasions and came down to earth to protect the good people from the evil, to reestablish the right order and to punish the wicked. Rama is one of the most popular Avataar. He exemplifies the ideal of Manava Dharma (duties and moral code for humans).
IMPORTANT FESTIVALS:
- Rama Navami
AUSPICIOUS DAYS:
- Mondays and Saturdays are auspicious to Rama. Navami, the ninth day of lunar fortnight, is a special day of worship of Rama. Sri Rama Navami falling in March-April, is celebrated as the birthday festival of Rama. Sita kalyanam is celebrated during one of the days of Sri Rama Navami Festival and also during Navarathri. During the Rama Navami festival, devotees chant the entire Ramayana. The tenth day of Navarathri , is celebrated as Vijaya Dasami, the day Rama destroyed Ravana and his demon forces. Deepavali is celebrated as the day of Rama’s return to Ayodhaya and coronation as its king.
FAVORITE OFFERINGS:
- Apart from flowers and fruits, light drink prepared from jaggery and also butter milk are special offerings to Rama. Reciting the verses in Sundara Kaanda in Ramaayana is auspicious. Performing Sita Kalyanam is also customary.
SLOKAS:
- "Raamaaya Raama Bhadhraaya Raamachandraaya Vedhase Raghu Naathaya Naathaaya Seethaaya Pathaye Nama"
Siva Dwara Murthis
Dwara murthi means ‘gate keeper’. The doorway to the Siva shrine is guarded by the Sri Ganesha and Sri Karthikeya, 2 sons of Lord Siva.Siva also known as Mahadeva is one of the principal deities of Hinduism. He is the Supreme Being in Shaivism, one of the major traditions within Hinduism.
Nandi
Nandi is the vahana (vehicle) of Siva. In ancient times, Nandi was represented as a man with a bull’s head. Nandikeeshwara also means the Lord of Joy. Later it was said of Nandikeeshwara that he was a rishi (wise man) who guarded Siva’s door to become divine in this way. Nandi embodies the permanent inner strength which can be acquired by controlling physical strength and violence (the name means: he who grants joy). Only those who have conquered desire and achieved self-knowledge can ride the bull like Siva himself.
SLOKAS:
- "Om Mahaakaalyam Mahaaveeryam Siva Vahanam Outatmama Ganaanamtwa Pratham Vande Nandishwaram Mahabalam"
Navagrahas
The configuration of nine idols, called Navagraha, represents the nine principal heavenly bodies that influence man’s life. They are considered different aspects of Paramaathma. Worshipping them is a way to attain His abode. Each of them confer different benefits like good health (Surya – Sun), Victory (Chandra – Moon), Wisdom (Budha -Mercury), honor (Guru – Jupiter), Vocal skills (Sukra – Venus), joy and happiness (Sani – Saturn), strength (Rahu), personal opulence (Ketu) and family prosperity (Angaraka – Mars).
AUSPICIOUS DAYS:
- Devotees worship the individual planetary deities on the particular day of the week associated with the planet, and also at special times when there is planetary shift or unique configurations. Proper worship of individual planets on the right occasions is believed to bestow good on the devotees, in specific areas of life.
FAVORITE OFFERINGS:
- Performing Navagraha Homam is very auspicious. Offerings like sesame seeds, rice or any of the “nine grains” that may be appropriate are also made. Lighting lamps with sesame oil or seeds on Saturdays is important to Sani. Thil rice and Paayasam are offered to Navagraha.
SLOKAS:
- "Aadhithyaaya Cha Somaaya Mangalaaya Bhudhaaya Cha Guru Sukra Sanibhyascha Raahave, Kethave Namaha."
Garuda
Garuda, a bird deity, with the head and wings of an eagle and sometimes with the rest of his body like that of a man, is called the king of birds and he is also the celestial vehicle of Lord Vishnu Garuda is also known by another name Vinayaka, which he shares with Lord Ganesha. Thus, this god-bird is thought to be remover of obstacles. Garuda is not separately worshipped as an independent god. He is worshipped together with Vishnu.
Vishnu Dwajstampam
The Dwajasthamba is believed to carry the power of the God in the temple. The top portion of the flag staff has three horizontal perches or three branches pointing towards the Sanctum. These 3 parts symbolizes or represents the Trimurthis – Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva.The Dwajasthambam is referred to as being a medium for the Heavens to be connected to the earth, which would refer to it being a spiritual connector between us earthlings, and the Supreme Being, God. The Sanskrit word for the flag is 'dhvaja' and it means whatever is raised.
Ayyappa
Ayyappa is the son of Lord Siva and Mohini. Vishnu took the form of Mohini to destroy a demon named Basmasura. Ayyappa stands for constructive destruction which is a combination of Vishnu and Siva. He protects our spiritual wealth and grace by maintaining the thought of godliness and destroys all other thoughts pertaining to worldly infatuations. He is the symbol of unity among all sects of Hinduism.
IMPORTANT FESTIVALS:
- Makara Sankarathi,Panguni Uthiram & Trimurthi Puja
AUSPICIOUS DAYS:
- Saturdays and the star Uttiram are auspicious to Ayyappa. Panguni Uttiram, Vishu and Makara Sankaranthi days are very important. Traditionally devotees observe austerities during the Hindu months of Vrichiga and Dhanu.
VAHANA:
- Tigress
FAVORITE OFFERINGS:
- Ghee Abishekam to Lord Ayyappa is very auspicious. Devotees observe vratham for a mandalam (41 days) and carry irumudi* up the Eighteen Holy steps and perform abishekams to Lord Ayyappa. Decorations with sandalwood powder and abishekam with flowers are also performed. Appam, Paanakam and Aravanai Paayasam are offered to Lord Ayyappa.
SLOKAS:
- "Loka Veeryam Mahaa Poojyam Sarva Rakshaakaram Vibhum Parvathee Hirdya-anandham Saasthaaram pranamaamyaham"
Subrahmanya Dwara Palakas
Sri Idumban and Sri Virabahu are the devoted guards of the Sri Subraymanya sannidi. They stand on both sides of the Subraymanya – Sri Idumban on the right side of Lord Subraymanya and Sri Virabahu on the left side.