Thirukarthigai Deepa Uthsavam at Thiruvallikkeni divyadesam

Today (18^th Nov 2013) is Karthigai Nakshathiram in the month of Karthigai and grandly celebrated as “Thirukarthigai Deepa Uthsavam” at Thiruvallikkeni Divyadesam and all other Srivaishnavaite temples.    This year there are two Karthigai Nakshathirams in this month.  Usually, Thirukarthigai Deepa Uthsavam will coincide with Thirumangai Mannan Sarrumurai ~ rarely it would be Thirup Panar sarrumurai too [Karthigaiyil Rohini naal]. This year the sarrumurai uthsavam of Kaliyan [Thirumangai Azhwar] is to be held on 15^th of December, the next day after Kaisika Dwadasi.

On Thirukarthigai day  and in all days of the month, we light oil lamps in earthernware with gingelly oil. The lamps will be kept in all rooms, open spaces, front entrance and other places in the evenings. 

Today at 8 pm, Sri Parthasarathi had purappadu on the occasion of Deepa Uthsavam after lamps were lit all over the temple and in all sannadhis.  The highlight of the day is the lighting of ‘chokka panai’ – a structure made of palmirah trunk and leaves stuffed with rice bran etc., ….. people put fireworks also into this bonfire.  This symbolizes burning of bad behavior and unwanted elements ~ the lamps symbolize blossoming knowledge.

Here are some photos taken during the purappadu.  From midnight of today, there will be thailakappu for Moolavar and there will be no darshan of moolavar in Sri Parthasarathi temple.  This period is known as ‘Anadhyayanam’ ~ a period whence Divyaprabandham and Veda will not be recited in Temples and at homes.  This tradition is followed in all Divyadesams.   At Thiruvallikkeni divyadesam,  from tomorrow during Nithyapadi [daily rituals] only Upadesa Rathinamalai will be recited and in addition, Thiruvaimozhi Noothandhadhi of Swami Manavala Mamuni will be  recited on the Thiruvadhirai and Moolam days.  From the Danur masam [margazhi] Thiruppavai will of course be recited. 

The Adhyayana Uthsavam i.e, Pagal Pathu and Irapathu Uthsavam start on 1^st Jan 2014, which happens to be Thirumoolam on Margazhi and Amavasyai too.  On the 6^th day of Pagal Pathu falling on 6^th Jan 2014, Thirumangai Azhwar’s Thirumozhi will be recited and at the time of rendering of Sthala pasuram ‘Virperu Vizhavum Kanjanum Mallum’ – screens will be off and from then on devotees will have full darshan of Sri Venkata Krishnan, the moolavar and other moolavar idols.  

For the 4 days till Vaikunda Ekadasi, falling on 11^th Jan 2014, devotees can have darshan of Sri Venkada Krishnan without His trademark moustache………….

Adiyen Srinivasa dhasan.