Events – Urakam Ammathiruvadi Temple

2011 ലെ നവരാത്രി / മഹാനവമി ആഘോഷങ്ങള്‍ക്ക് തുടകം കുറിച്ച് കൊണ്ട് തൃശൂര്‍ ജില്ലയിലെ ഊരകം അമ്മതിരുവടി ക്ഷേത്രത്തില്‍ ഇന്ന് ഒന്‍പതു ദിവസ്സം തുടര്‍ച്ചയായുള്ള പൂജാ ആഘോഷ കര്‍മങ്ങള്‍ക്ക് തുടക്കം കുറിച്ചു.

കേരളത്തിലെ അതിപുരാതനവും വിഷിടവും ആയ ഈ ദേവി ക്ഷേത്രത്തില്‍ മഹാനവമി മഹോത്സവം പണ്ടുമുതലേ വളരെ വിശേഷമായി നടന്നു വരുന്ന ഒരു ഉത്സവമാണ്. നവമി കാലത്തെ ഒന്‍പതു ദിവസ്സവും പ്രത്യേക പൂജകളും കലാപരിപാടികളും ക്ഷേത്രത്തില്‍ പ്രത്യേകമായി നടന്നു വരാറുണ്ട്.
കന്നിമാസ്സത്തിലെ പ്രഥമ പക്ഷം തൊട്ടു നവമി വരെയുള്ള ഒന്‍പതു ദിവസ്സങ്ങളും പിന്നെ വിജയ ദശമിയും കേമമായി തന്നെ ഇവിടെ ആഘോഷിക്കപ്പെടുന്നു. ഈ ദിവസ്സങ്ങളില്‍ അമ്പലം കുരുത്തോലകള്‍ കൊണ്ടും ദീപാലങ്കാരം കൊണ്ടും അലങ്കരിച്ചു പ്രത്യേക മണ്ഡപവും സജ്ജമാക്കി കലകാരന്മാരാലും ഭക്ത ജനങ്ങളെ കൊണ്ടും നിറഞ്ഞു കവിഞ്ഞു ഇരിക്കും. ദുര്‍ഗഷ്ടമി നാളില്‍, അമ്പലത്തിന്റെ മുന്‍വശം, അതായതു പടിഞ്ഞാറെ നട, പഴുത്ത വാഴക്കുലകള്‍ കൊണ്ട് അലങ്കരിക്കുന്ന രീതി ഊരകം അമ്മതിരുവടി ക്ഷേത്രത്തിലെ മാത്രം പ്രത്യേകത ആണ്. പല തരത്തില്‍ ഉള്ള വാഴക്കുലകള്‍ ദേശക്കാര്‍ തങ്ങളുടെ കൃഷി സ്ഥലങ്ങളില്‍ നിന്ന് വിളവെടുത്തു ഈ അവസ്സരത്തില്‍ അമ്മതിരുവടിക്ക് കാഴ്ച വക്കും. ഇത് ഒരു വാര്‍ഷിക ചടങ്ങും സമര്‍പ്പണവും ആണ് ഊരകം ദേശത്തിലെയും സമീപ പ്രദേശങ്ങളിലെയും ഭക്തര്‍ക്ക്‌. അതോടു കൂടി തന്നെ ഈ ചടങ്ങിനു ഒരു മത്സര സ്വഭാവവും നല്‍കുന്നു.

ഈ വര്‍ഷത്തെ മഹാനവമി മഹോത്സവം 27 സെപ്റ്റംബര്‍ മുതല്‍ ഒക്ടോബര്‍ ക്ടോബര്‍ 6 നു വിദ്യാരംബത്തോടെ അവസാനിക്കുന്നു. എല്ലാ ദിവസ്സങ്ങളിലും നിറമാല, സംഗീതോത്സവം, ക്ഷേത്ര കലാ ആചാരങ്ങള്‍ക്ക് അനുസൃതമായ് കലാ പരിപാടികള്‍ ഇവിടെ ഭക്തര്‍ തങ്ങളുടെ സമര്‍പ്പണമായി അവതരിപ്പിക്കുകയും അവ കാണാനും ആസ്വദിക്കാനും ഭക്ത ജനങ്ങള്‍ക്ക്‌ ഒരു സുവര്‍ണ അവസ്സരം നല്‍കുകയും ചെയ്യുന്നു.

മഹാനവമി മഹോല്സവത്തോടനുബന്ദിച്ചു ഉള്ള പഴുത്ത വാഴക്കുലകള്‍ കൊണ്ട് ഉള്ള അലങ്കാരം ഇവിടിത്തെ മാത്രം പ്രത്യേകത ആണ്. ദേവിയുടെ അനുഗ്രഹത്തിനായി ദേശക്കാരും ഭക്ത ജനങ്ങളും പിണ്ടിയോടെ സമര്‍പ്പിക്കുന്ന വാഴക്കുലകള്‍ ക്ഷേത്ര ഗോപുരത്തിനുള്ളിലെ പ്രത്യേകം അറകളില്‍ വച്ച് പാകപ്പെടുത്തി പഴുപ്പിച്ചു ക്ഷേത്ര നടപ്പുരയില്‍ ഇരുഭാഗത്തും അലങ്കരിച്ചു വക്കും. ചുരുങ്ങിയത് ആയിരത്തില്‍ പരം വിവിധ ഇനം കുലകള്‍ കുറയാതെ ഉണ്ടാവും അവ. ഈ കാഴ്ച അത്യപൂര്‍വവും ഊരകം അമ്പലത്തിന്റെ മാത്രം പ്രത്യേകതയും ആണ്. പൂജാ വയ്പ്പ് ദിവസ്സം മുതല്‍ ഉള്ള ഈ ഒരു കുല വിതാനം കാണാന്‍ മാത്രമായി രാജ്യത്തിന്റെ വിവിധ ഭാഗങ്ങളില്‍ നിന്ന് ഭക്ത ജനങ്ങള്‍ എത്തി ചേരുന്നു.

2011 ലെ ഈ മഹാനവമി മഹോസവ കാലം നിങ്ങള്‍ തീര്‍ച്ചയും ഉറകം അമ്മതിരുവടിയെ ദര്‍ശിച്ചു സരസ്വതി ചൈതന്യവും ഐശ്വര്യവും സമാധാനവും ഭക്തജനങ്ങള്‍ക്ക് ലഭിക്കട്ടെ.

For more information, please contact:
Urakam Ammathiruvadi Temple Advisory Committtee
Urakam P.O
Thrissur 680 562
Phone. Secretary 0944 7522 699 / Joint Secretary 0944 637172
News compiled by: രമേശ്‌ മേനോന്‍, ഊരകം Photos by Dheeraj Warrier, Urakam
27 September 2011

This entry was posted in Events - Mahanavami Maholsavam at Urakam Ammathiruvadi Temple, Events - Urakam Ammathiruvadi Temple.

Karthika Maholsavam at Urakam Ammathiruvadi Temple – 21 November 2010

Posted on December 15, 2010 Updated on June 6, 2015

Photos provided by urakathammathiruvadiksethra upadeshakasamathi

This entry was posted in Events - Mahanavami Maholsavam at Urakam Ammathiruvadi Temple, Events - Urakam Ammathiruvadi Temple, Events Covered and Reviews.

Urakam Ammathiruvadi Temple – Photos of Samarppanam of 18 Bali stones covered with brass

Posted on November 18, 2010 Updated on June 6, 2015

Urakam Ammathiruvadi Temple – Photos of Samarppanam of 18 Bali stones covered with brass

Photos of SAMARPANAM OF 18 BALI STONES with BRASS covered held on 17th November 2010 (Vrishikam 1),

This entry was posted in Events - Mahanavami Maholsavam at Urakam Ammathiruvadi Temple, Events - Urakam Ammathiruvadi Temple, Events Covered and Reviews.

Thikkarthika Maholsavam at Urakam Ammathiruvadi Temple – 21st November 2010

Posted on October 31, 2010 Updated on June 6, 2015

Thikkarthika Maholsavam at Urakam Ammathiruvadi Temple – 21st November 2010

To know more about the temple, please visit Urakam Ammathiruvadi Temple

This entry was posted in Events - Mahanavami Maholsavam at Urakam Ammathiruvadi Temple, Events - Urakam Ammathiruvadi Temple, Events Covered and Reviews.

Photo Speaks – Mahanavami Maholsavam at Urakam Ammathiruvadi Temple

Posted on October 18, 2010 Updated on June 6, 2015

Photo Speaks – Mahanavami Maholsavam at Urakam Ammathiruvadi Temple

Decorations at the main nada.

Ezhuthiniruthal 

Ottan thullal by Kalamandalam Sreeja

Bharatha natyam dance recital by Subramanya Kalakshethra, Thayamkulangara, Cherpu.

Vote of thanks to devotees, institutions, participants ,and all other publics who have cooperated with samithy by secretary Sri Pradeep Thoppil.

Photos provided by urakathammathiruvadiksethra upadeshakasamathi

This entry was posted in Clicks and writes, Events - Mahanavami Maholsavam at Urakam Ammathiruvadi Temple, Events - Urakam Ammathiruvadi Temple, Events Covered and Reviews, Photo Speaks.

Photo Speaks – Mahanavami Maholsavam at Urakam Ammathiruvadi Temple, Thrissur

Posted on October 17, 2010 Updated on June 6, 2015

Photo Speaks – Mahanavami Maholsavam at Urakam Ammathiruvadi Temple, Thrissur

Photos provided by urakathammathiruvadiksethra upadeshakasamathi

This entry was posted in Clicks and writes, Events - Mahanavami Maholsavam at Urakam Ammathiruvadi Temple, Events - Urakam Ammathiruvadi Temple, Events Covered and Reviews.

Significance of Navaratri, Mahavanavmi and Vidhyaarambam

Posted on October 17, 2010 Updated on June 6, 2015

Significance of Navaratri, Mahavanavmi and Vidhyaarambam
(Ezhuthiniruthal)

9 – day Navratri festival begins on the first day of the Shukla Paksha of the Ashwayuja/ Ashwina month (Ashwayuja Padyami). In 2008, Navratri begins on 30th September, Tuesday. On this day, in Northern States and in Karnataka and certain extent in Andra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, a ceremony called ‘Durga Kalash Sthapana’ is done with utmost devotion. Shri Durga Mahaanavami will be celebrated on 8th October. The festival of Navratri ends on 9th October, Thursday. On this day, devotees celebrate Dussehra / Dasara. It is also called Vijaya Dashami day where children are initiated to the world of learning and knowledge in the presence of goddess Saraswathi at temples or in front of gurus in gurukulas / schools of knowledge.

Navratri ” literally means “nine nights.” Navratri is celebrated twice a year, once at the beginning of the New Samvatsar (Hindu New year) in Summers and again at the onset of winter. Navratri or Navratra are therefore known as Chaitra Navratra and Shaardey Navratra on the basis of their occurrence. These nights are devoted to the reverence of Goddess Durga (Maa Durga) who exists in many forms and is the manifestation of the absolute energy that pervades the Universe. During these days and nights prayers are offered to Mother Goddess.

The Shrimad-devi Bhagwat mentions the significance of puja done during the Navratri. Devi Mahaatmya and other texts invoking Goddess Durga are cited during thir period of nine days. According to puraanas if a person worships Goddess during this period then he is blessed with virtues of all kinds and all his sins are forgiven.

During Navaratri, we invoke the energy aspect of God in the form of universal mother Maa Durga, which literally means the remover of miseries of life. Maiya is also known as Shakti as she is the source of all energies in the world. It is this energy, which helps God to proceed with the work of creation, preservation and destruction.

In Shiv Puraan, Lord Shiva says that he is Shav(meaning Dead) without the powers of Shakti (his wife and the ultimate source of energy). In other words, we can say that even God is motionless, absolutely changeless without the divine support of Maa Durga.

In Bhagwat puraan, Lord Vishnu says that he is incomplete without his better half. He blesses those who worship his wife Maa Mahalaxmi. It is for this reason the world says Radhey-Krishna and Sita-Raam and not Raam-Sita or Krishna – Radhey.

The worship of Mother Goddess can be dated back to Indus Valley Period wherein the statue of Mother Goddess clearly mentions the presence of her supremacy. This is a true example of importance given to females in Idian culture and religion.

Durga or the destructive aspect of the divine mother is worshipped during the first three nights. On the succeeding three knights, her protective aspect of Lakshmi and on the last three nights, her knowledge aspect or Saraswati are worshipped. The significance of this order is that first durga destroys all the evil propensities lurking in the minds of her devotees; then lakshmi implants divine qualities in the devotees’ minds and finally saraswati bestows true knowledge to her devotees. The tenth day known as Vijaya Dasami, commemorates the victory of knowledge over ignorance of goodness over evil.

Importance of each day of Navratri:

1st – 3rd day of Navratri

On the first day of the Navaratras, ‘Kalash Shthaapna. is done in the puja room.These initial days are dedicated to Durga Maa, the Goddess of power and energy. Her various manifestations, Kumari, Parvati and Kali are all worshipped during these days. They represent the three different classes of womanhood that include the child, the young girl and the mature woman.

4th – 6th day : Lalita Panchami

4th – 6th day of Navratri During these days, Lakshmi Maa, the Goddess of peace and prosperity is worshipped. On the fifth day which is known as Lalita Panchami, it is traditional, to gather and display all literature available in the house, light a lamp or ‘diya’ to invoke Saraswati Maa, the Goddess of knowledge and art.

Final days: Durga Ashtami Puja

These final days belongs to Saraswati Maa who is worshipped to acquire the spiritual knowledge. This in turn will free us from all earthly bondage. But on the 8th day of this colorful festival, yajna (holy fire) is performed. Ghee (clarified butter), kheer (rice pudding) and sesame seeds form the holy offering to Goddess Durga Maa.

Mahanavami Puja. Navratri ends.

The festival of Navratri culminates in Mahanavami. On this day Kanya Puja is performed. Nine young girls representing the nine forms of Goddess Durga are worshiped. Their feets are washed as a mark of respect for the Goddess and then they are offered food mainly consisting kala chana, halwa and poori. Then after new clothes or gifts by the worshiper. This ritual is performed in most parts of the country.

Vijaya Dashmi

After the three days of Puja, in Dashami , in the last day, a tearful farewell is offered to the Goddess. Most of the community pujas postpone the farewell as long as possible and arrange a grand send-off. The images are carried in processions around the locality and finally is immersed in a nearby river or lake. Vijaya Dashami is an event celebrated all over the country.This day also marks the return of Lord Ram to Ayodhya after 14 years in exile

This is also the day when most of the Malayalees do the Vidyaarambam or Ezhuthiniruthal ceremony to initiate children to the world of learning and knowledge.

Panachikkadu saraswathi temple, Thiruvullakkavu Sri Dharmashastha temple, Chottanikkara Devi temple and Paravur Mookambi temple are well known places where Vidyarambam ceremonies are conducted in an elaborate and systematic manner. Kollur Mookambika temple is also very significant amongst all art and music lovers, as well as educationist.

Even if it is a hindu tradition, now it is followed by other religions too to start the formal education of children on this auspicious day dedicated to Vidhya Devi.

At temples, it will be the chief priest and his assistants who takes initiative to start this knowledge initiating process to the child by first writing on the tongue with a golden ring a sloka/or small prayer dedicated to saraswathi and then holding the hands of the child, the priest makes him write on sand or on rice the same slokas. This is also done in schools of knowledge by gurus.

Normally, they (the priests or the gurus or elders) with soft and careful hands and with prayers and good thoughts in mind, make the child write the following words on his tongue:

Hari Shree Ganapathaye Namah Avignamasthu

Children and elders who already have started their education may write the above and then followed by the below mentioned prayers:

Om Sree Gurubhyo Namah
Om Sree Saraswathaye Namah

And if you know Malayalam the following first few letters of the language

or the alphabets of any language you know for example, English, Hindi, French etc. and then followed by numerals starting from 0 to 9 etc.

Vijaya Dashmi day is also very auspicious and many children are initiated into the world of music and arts on this day.

For those readers who wish to learn or start learning Malayalam, the following site is very useful.

http://www.geocities.com/malatutor/

May I take this opportunity to wish all my readers blessings in abundance from the goddess of knowledge to continue and sustain knowledge (all types of it ) from all sources.

You may please visit the following link to see in detail how Navarathri/Mahanavami is celebrated at Urakam Ammathiruvadi Temple, Thrissur District Kerala.

http://clicksandwrites.blogspot.com/search/label/Events%20-%20Mahanavami%20Maholsavam%20at%20Urakam%20Ammathiruvadi%20Temple

This entry was posted in Events - Mahanavami Maholsavam at Urakam Ammathiruvadi Temple, Events - Urakam Ammathiruvadi Temple, Events Covered and Reviews, Malayalam - Traditions.