{ Happy MakarSankranti/Pongal/Uttrayan }

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@-RD-

Stunner

+ 9

Posted: 8 years ago

Makar Sakranti or Makra Sakranti is a popular festival in India. It's celebrated all over the country and other parts of world with great enthusiasm. It's a harvest festival and have different name in different states. In Tamil Nadu it's known as Pongal, in Punjab as Lohri, in Assam as Bhogali, in Rajistan and Gujrat as Uttarayan.

The festival marks the transition of the sun on its zodiacal sign of Makara (Capricorn) on its stellar path. The change is first in zodiac after midwinter and is the start of month of Magha. it's one of the few hindu festival which has a fixed date and is celebrated on 14^th January with some exceptions with the celebration taking pace on 15^th January.

The festival is also dedicated to God of Sun and mark the beginning of Uttaarayan (six month of auspicious period for Hindus). The importance of Uttaarayan is also displayed in Mahabharata where Brishma Pitamah although wounded waited till Uttaaarayan to die willingly.

The day of Makar Sakranti also hold special significance as on this day Solar calendar measures day and night to be equal of equal duration. After which the day starts to become longer. This day importance was first realized by Aryans who started celebrating this day as festival.

Pongal is a Tamil Harvest festival celebrated for four days usually from 14th- 16^th January. The festival begins on the Last day of Tamil month Maargazhi and ends on the third day of month Thai. It's the longest and one of the most important festivals of Tamil Nadu. The Origin of this festival is more than 1000 years ago

Pongal is celebrated to show appreciation towards Sun God for providing energy for Agriculture and as part of celebration the first boiling rice of the harvest is dedicated to the Sun. It also marks the end of farming season providing break to farmers from their routine.

caffeineaddict. || pancakes

Edited by -RD- - 8 years ago

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Frequent Posters

Subha

@Life_Is_Dutiful

Stunner

+ 42

Posted: 8 years ago

This festival is known by different names in different states of India. It is called Sankranti in Karnataka, Uttarayan in Gujarat, Lohri in Punjab, Pongal in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

******************

Makar Sankranti/Pongal in Andhra Pradesh & Telangana

Pongal is celebrated for four days in these states. The first day is called Bhogi. On this day, people light bonfire with logs of wood and useless wooden furniture. The bonfire represents the disposal of old and bad habits. The second day is called Makar Sankranti/Pongal where people wear new clothes, pray to God and decorate their houses with Rangoli or 'Muggu' in Telugu. The third day is called Kanuma. Farmers worship their cattle on this day. The last day is called Mukkanuma. Farmers offer prayers to the elements of nature like soil, rain, etc.

******************

Pongal in Tamil Nadu

The first day is called Bhogi Pandigai where people light a bonfire and dispose all their old things. In villages, a ceremony called 'Kappu Kattu' is done. People keep neem leaves along the walls and roofs of the houses to eliminate evil forces. The second day is called Thai Pongal. It is celebrated by boiling rice with fresh milk, jaggery,brown sugar, cashew nuts and raisins in new pots early in the morning. The moment the rice boils over and bubbles out of the vessel, the tradition is to shout "Ponggalo Ponggal!" and blow a conch to welcome the new year. The boiled rice is then offered to the Sun god during sunrise and later served to the people in the house. The third day is called Mattu Pongal where cattle are worshipped and Jallikattu or Bull taming contest takes place in villages. The last day is Kaanum Pongal where people visit their friends and relatives and celebrate the festival with them.

******************

Lohri in Punjab

Lohri is celebrated in rememberance of Dulla Bhatti. On this auspicious day, the Punjabis wear new colorful dresses, light a bonfire and throw jaggery, sesame seeds, etc., into the fire and offer prayers to Agni or Fire God. People sing, dance, distribute sweets and other delicious food like Makki di roti and Sarson da saag are eaten by everyone sitting around the bonfire.

******************

Uttarayan in Gujarat

People in Gujarat celebrate this day by flying kites in the sky. The whole state is filled with colorful and beautiful kites of different shapes and sizes. People even enjoy a competition of cutting the strings of other kites. Special Gujarati foods like Undhiyu, Jalebi, Til Ladoo and Chikki are made on this occasion.

******************

Makar Sankranti in Maharashtra

This festival is a 3-day festival in Maharashtra. First day is Bhogi, second day is Sankranti and third day is Kinkrant/Kinkranti. People distribute multi-colored halwa and til-gud ladoo (ladoos made up of sesame seeds and jaggery) .While exchanging the til-gud ladoos, people greet each other with the words, "Til-gud ghya, God God bola" ("Accept Til-gud and utter sweet words"). Maharashtra is also famous for kite flying on this day.

******************

This festival is also celebrated in Assam, Odisha, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan ,etc. It is also celebrated in other countries like Thailand, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, etc.

Edited by -RD- - 8 years ago

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Mishti

@.LilGreenRobot.

Sparkler

+ 5

Posted: 8 years ago

Ayyappa, the son of Vishnu and Shiva
Lord Ayyappan or simply Ayyappa (also spelled as Ayappa) is a popular Hindu deity worshiped mainly in South India. Ayyaappa is believed to be born out of the union between Lord Shiva and the mythical enchantress Mohini, who is regarded as an avatar of Lord Vishnu. Therefore, Ayyappa is also known as 'Hariharan Puthiran' or 'Hariharputhra,' which literally means the son of both 'Hari' or Vishnu and 'Haran' or Shiva.
Why Ayyappa is called Manikandan

Ayyappa is also commonly known as 'Manikandan' because, according to the legend of his birth, his divine parents tied a golden bell (mani) around his neck (kandan) soon after his birth. As the legend goes, when Shiva and Mohini abandoned the baby on the banks of the Pampa river, King Rajashekhara, the childless monarch of Pandalam, found the newborn Ayyappa and accepted him as a divine gift and adopted him as his own son.
Why the Gods created Ayyapa
After Goddess Durga killed the demon king Mahishasur, his sister, Mahishi, set out to avenge her brother. She carried Lord Brahma's boon that only the child born of Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva could slay her, or, in other words, she was indestructible. To save the world from annihilation, Lord Vishnu, incarnated as Mohini, wed Lord Shiva and out of their union Lord Ayyappa was born.
******************Royal conspiracy against Ayyapa

When it was time to name the heir to the throne, King Rajashekhara wanted Ayyappa or Manikantan, but the queen wanted her own son to be the king. She plotted with the diwan or minister and her physician to kill Manikantan. Feigning illness, the queen made her physician ask for an impossible remedy - lactating tigress's milk. When no one could procure it, Manikantan volunteered to go, much against his father's will. On the way he chanced upon the demon Mahishi and slew her on the banks of the river Azhutha. Manikandan then entered the forest for tigress' milk where he met Lord Shiva and at his behest sat on the tiger, and came back to the palace.
The story of Ayyappa's childhood

After King Rajashekhara adopted Ayyappa, his own biological son Raja Rajan was born. Both the boys grew up in a princely manner. Ayyappa or Manikantan was intelligent and excelled in martial arts and the knowledge of various "shastras" or scriptures. He surprised everyone by his superhuman powers. Upon completing his princely training and studies when he offered 'gurudakshina' or fee to his guru, themaster aware of his divine power asked him for a blessing of sight and speech for his blind and dumb son. Manikantan placed his hand on the boy and the miracle happened.
The worship of Lord Ayyappa

Lord Ayyappa is believed to have laid down strict religious adherence to receive his blessings. First, the devotees should observe a 41-day penance before visiting him in the temple. They should maintain abstinence from physical pleasures and family ties and live like a celibate or 'brahmachari.' They should also continuously contemplate on the goodness of life. Moreover, the devotees have to bathe in the holy river Pampa, adorn themselves with three-eyed coconut and 'aantha' garland and then brave the steep climb of the 18 stairs to the Sabarimala temple.
******************
The famous pilgrimage to Sabarimala

Sabarimala in Kerala is the most famous Ayyappa shrine visited by over 50 million devotees it every year, making it one of the most popular pilgrimages in the world. Pilgrims from around the country brave the dense forests, steep hills and inclement weather to seek the blessings of Ayyappa on the 14h day of January, known as Makar Sankranti or Pongal, when the Lord himself is said to descend in the form of light. The devotees then accept 'prasad' or the Lord's food offerings and descend the 18 steps walking backwards with their faces turned towards the Lord.

Sabarimala: Abode of Lord Ayappa

Sabarimala or Mount Sabari - the holy abode of Lord Ayappa (also spelled as Ayyappa or Ayyappan)is situated in the western coast of Kerala, the southern state of India. Sri Ayappa is considered the third son of Lord Shiva, and the brethren of Ganesha and Murugan or Kartikeya. The deity is steeped in legend and is unique to Hinduism, particularly to Kerala.
Pilgrimage and austerities

Every pilgrim is supposed to observe 41 days of continence or 'brahmacharya' starting with the 'Maladharan' ceremony, when the prospective pilgrim adorns a garland of 'tulsi' (holy basil) or 'rudraksha' beads. The pilgrim maintains austerity of mind, body and speech and spends his time visiting temples, praying and attending religious discourses. During the Mandalam period, mid-November to the end of December, the devotee wears colored clothes like blue, black or ochre and grows a beard. The pilgrim virtually leads the life of an ascetic and is expected to consume only 'sattvic' food as explained in the Bhagavad Gita and abstain from meat, intoxicating drinks and tranquilizers.
Entry restricted!

The temple is open to all, except adolescent girls and young women, irrespective of caste and religion. Small girls and women who have attained menopause are only allowed inside the temple.
The scared sack

The pilgrimage starts with the Kettunira ceremony, the filling up of the sacred bundle (Irumudi), conducted either in one's house or in a temple. Irumudi is a cloth bag of two compartments - front portion meant for Puja articles and offerings and the rear portion for storing the personal requirements for the holy trek. The main offering to the Lord is the ghee-filled coconut and the Irumudi is balanced on the head while trekking. Once the Kettunira ceremony is over the pilgrim is ready for the pilgrimage.
All roads lead to Sabarimala

There are three routes to Mount Sabari - the Erumeli route, the Vandiperiyar route and the Chalakayam route. Erumeli route is the traditional and the most arduous route of the three. During the peak season, buses ply up to Erumeli. from there pilgrims have to trek a distance of over 60 km crossing three formidable hills - the Azhutha, the Karimala and the Neelimala. The Vandiperiyar route is much shorter - the distance to be covered on foot is 12.8 km through dense woods. The third and the shortest route is via Chalakayam, which is near river Pampa and the abode of Lord Ayappa is just 8 km away.
Atop Mount Sabari

With the relentless chanting of "Swamiye Saranam Ayappa" ("Lord Ayappa Our Refuge"), pilgrims reach the holy forest abode of Lord Ayappa atop Mount Sabari. One beholds the resplendent 'Patinettempadi', 18 golden steps that lead pilgrims to the sanctum sanctorum of Dharma Sasta. All the steps are 5 to 6 feet long and 8 inches wide. The number 18 has great prominence - first five steps signify the five 'indriyas' or senses - eyes, ears, nose, tongue and skin; the next eight steps symbolizes eight ragas; the next three represents three 'gunas' - 'sattwa', 'rajas', 'tamas' and the last two steps denote 'vidya' (knowledge) and 'avidya' (ignorance). By scaling all the 18 steps, one takes the path of self-realization.

The majestic gold-covered flag staff towers over the sanctum sanctorum or 'srikoil'. The 'srikoil' has a copper plated roof with four golden finials or 'thazhikakkudam' shining at the top. Standing on the 18th step, one is in front of the 'srikoil' and straight ahead the idol of Lord Ayappa in all His glory.
******************Facing the Ayyappa idol

The beautiful idol of Lord Ayappa is made of Panchaloha (a five metal alloy) and is about one and a half feet high. Lord Ayappa sits in a meditative pose, with a band around the folded legs and right hand in 'chin mudra' with the forefinger touching the thumb indicating "Thou art that". Lord Ayappa grants refuge to His devotees and protects them from all evils.

To the south of the main shrine is a Ganesha idol and to the left are the idols of Subramanya and Goddess Mala. The shrine of Mallikappurathamma Devi is 100 meters away from the 'srikoil'. One can also find the shrine of Vavar, the Islamic confidant of Lord Ayappa.
End of the journey

The devotee, before entering the house, breaks a coconut and lies prostrate before the family deity and takes down the garland, thus breaking the continence. The pilgrimage is symbolic of the transformation of the individual self or in other words, a journey from 'Jivatma' to 'Paramatma'.

Edited by .LilGreenRobot. - 8 years ago

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gibbu

@gibbu

Explorer

Posted: 8 years ago

Wishes to all IF members on Lohri/Makar Sankranti/Pongal/Bihu/Uttarayan/Maaghi

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Mahi

@Mannmohanaa

Trailblazer

+ 3

Posted: 8 years ago

Awesome thread once again!

E&F just rocking it out these days! Loved it :*

Til gud ghya ani god god bola! Happy Uttaran to all IFians <3

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Shivangi.

@caffeineaddict

Trailblazer

+ 6

Posted: 8 years ago

Happy Makarsankranti and Pongal everybody ❤️

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sashashyam

@sashashyam

Sparkler

+ 3

Posted: 8 years ago

This is an excellent presentation of the mythology behind Sabarimalai and the worship of Lord Ayyappa. I am familiar with the whole narrative, being Tamil, but I was very pleased to see it all set out so neatly and comprehensively, including the description of the Sabarimalai temple, which I have never visited.

As far as TV shows go, in Devon ke dev Mahadev, the Ayyappa story was presented in detail and very well too.

Wishing you, and all the others here an auspicious Makar Sankranti and a wonderful year ahead,

Shyamala B.Cowsik

Originally posted by: .LilGreenRobot.
Ayyappa, the son of Vishnu and Shiva
Lord Ayyappan or simply Ayyappa (also spelled as Ayappa) is a popular Hindu deity worshiped mainly in South India. Ayyaappa is believed to be born out of the union between Lord Shiva and the mythical enchantress Mohini, who is regarded as an avatar of Lord Vishnu. Therefore, Ayyappa is also known as 'Hariharan Puthiran' or 'Hariharputhra,' which literally means the son of both 'Hari' or Vishnu and 'Haran' or Shiva.
Why Ayyappa is called Manikandan
Ayyappa is also commonly known as 'Manikandan' because, according to the legend of his birth, his divine parents tied a golden bell (mani) around his neck (kandan) soon after his birth. As the legend goes, when Shiva and Mohini abandoned the baby on the banks of the Pampa river, King Rajashekhara, the childless monarch of Pandalam, found the newborn Ayyappa and accepted him as a divine gift and adopted him as his own son.
Why the Gods created Ayyapa
After Goddess Durga killed the demon king Mahishasur, his sister, Mahishi, set out to avenge her brother. She carried Lord Brahma's boon that only the child born of Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva could slay her, or, in other words, she was indestructible. To save the world from annihilation, Lord Vishnu, incarnated as Mohini, wed Lord Shiva and out of their union Lord Ayyappa was born.
******************Royal conspiracy against Ayyapa
When it was time to name the heir to the throne, King Rajashekhara wanted Ayyappa or Manikantan, but the queen wanted her own son to be the king. She plotted with the diwan or minister and her physician to kill Manikantan. Feigning illness, the queen made her physician ask for an impossible remedy - lactating tigress's milk. When no one could procure it, Manikantan volunteered to go, much against his father's will. On the way he chanced upon the demon Mahishi and slew her on the banks of the river Azhutha. Manikandan then entered the forest for tigress' milk where he met Lord Shiva and at his behest sat on the tiger, and came back to the palace.
The story of Ayyappa's childhood
After King Rajashekhara adopted Ayyappa, his own biological son Raja Rajan was born. Both the boys grew up in a princely manner. Ayyappa or Manikantan was intelligent and excelled in martial arts and the knowledge of various "shastras" or scriptures. He surprised everyone by his superhuman powers. Upon completing his princely training and studies when he offered 'gurudakshina' or fee to his guru, themaster aware of his divine power asked him for a blessing of sight and speech for his blind and dumb son. Manikantan placed his hand on the boy and the miracle happened.
The worship of Lord Ayyappa
Lord Ayyappa is believed to have laid down strict religious adherence to receive his blessings. First, the devotees should observe a 41-day penance before visiting him in the temple. They should maintain abstinence from physical pleasures and family ties and live like a celibate or 'brahmachari.' They should also continuously contemplate on the goodness of life. Moreover, the devotees have to bathe in the holy river Pampa, adorn themselves with three-eyed coconut and 'aantha' garland and then brave the steep climb of the 18 stairs to the Sabarimala temple.
******************
The famous pilgrimage to Sabarimala

Sabarimala in Kerala is the most famous Ayyappa shrine visited by over 50 million devotees it every year, making it one of the most popular pilgrimages in the world. Pilgrims from around the country brave the dense forests, steep hills and inclement weather to seek the blessings of Ayyappa on the 14h day of January, known as Makar Sankranti or Pongal, when the Lord himself is said to descend in the form of light. The devotees then accept 'prasad' or the Lord's food offerings and descend the 18 steps walking backwards with their faces turned towards the Lord.

Sabarimala: Abode of Lord Ayappa

Sabarimala or Mount Sabari - the holy abode of Lord Ayappa (also spelled as Ayyappa or Ayyappan)is situated in the western coast of Kerala, the southern state of India. Sri Ayappa is considered the third son of Lord Shiva, and the brethren of Ganesha and Murugan or Kartikeya. The deity is steeped in legend and is unique to Hinduism, particularly to Kerala.
Pilgrimage and austerities
Every pilgrim is supposed to observe 41 days of continence or 'brahmacharya' starting with the 'Maladharan' ceremony, when the prospective pilgrim adorns a garland of 'tulsi' (holy basil) or 'rudraksha' beads. The pilgrim maintains austerity of mind, body and speech and spends his time visiting temples, praying and attending religious discourses. During the Mandalam period, mid-November to the end of December, the devotee wears colored clothes like blue, black or ochre and grows a beard. The pilgrim virtually leads the life of an ascetic and is expected to consume only 'sattvic' food as explained in the Bhagavad Gita and abstain from meat, intoxicating drinks and tranquilizers.
Entry restricted!
The temple is open to all, except adolescent girls and young women, irrespective of caste and religion. Small girls and women who have attained menopause are only allowed inside the temple.
The scared sack
The pilgrimage starts with the Kettunira ceremony, the filling up of the sacred bundle (Irumudi), conducted either in one's house or in a temple. Irumudi is a cloth bag of two compartments - front portion meant for Puja articles and offerings and the rear portion for storing the personal requirements for the holy trek. The main offering to the Lord is the ghee-filled coconut and the Irumudi is balanced on the head while trekking. Once the Kettunira ceremony is over the pilgrim is ready for the pilgrimage.
All roads lead to Sabarimala
There are three routes to Mount Sabari - the Erumeli route, the Vandiperiyar route and the Chalakayam route. Erumeli route is the traditional and the most arduous route of the three. During the peak season, buses ply up to Erumeli. from there pilgrims have to trek a distance of over 60 km crossing three formidable hills - the Azhutha, the Karimala and the Neelimala. The Vandiperiyar route is much shorter - the distance to be covered on foot is 12.8 km through dense woods. The third and the shortest route is via Chalakayam, which is near river Pampa and the abode of Lord Ayappa is just 8 km away.
Atop Mount Sabari
With the relentless chanting of "Swamiye Saranam Ayappa" ("Lord Ayappa Our Refuge"), pilgrims reach the holy forest abode of Lord Ayappa atop Mount Sabari. One beholds the resplendent 'Patinettempadi', 18 golden steps that lead pilgrims to the sanctum sanctorum of Dharma Sasta. All the steps are 5 to 6 feet long and 8 inches wide. The number 18 has great prominence - first five steps signify the five 'indriyas' or senses - eyes, ears, nose, tongue and skin; the next eight steps symbolizes eight ragas; the next three represents three 'gunas' - 'sattwa', 'rajas', 'tamas' and the last two steps denote 'vidya' (knowledge) and 'avidya' (ignorance). By scaling all the 18 steps, one takes the path of self-realization.

The majestic gold-covered flag staff towers over the sanctum sanctorum or 'srikoil'. The 'srikoil' has a copper plated roof with four golden finials or 'thazhikakkudam' shining at the top. Standing on the 18th step, one is in front of the 'srikoil' and straight ahead the idol of Lord Ayappa in all His glory.
******************Facing the Ayyappa idol
The beautiful idol of Lord Ayappa is made of Panchaloha (a five metal alloy) and is about one and a half feet high. Lord Ayappa sits in a meditative pose, with a band around the folded legs and right hand in 'chin mudra' with the forefinger touching the thumb indicating "Thou art that". Lord Ayappa grants refuge to His devotees and protects them from all evils.

To the south of the main shrine is a Ganesha idol and to the left are the idols of Subramanya and Goddess Mala. The shrine of Mallikappurathamma Devi is 100 meters away from the 'srikoil'. One can also find the shrine of Vavar, the Islamic confidant of Lord Ayappa.
End of the journey
The devotee, before entering the house, breaks a coconut and lies prostrate before the family deity and takes down the garland, thus breaking the continence. The pilgrimage is symbolic of the transformation of the individual self or in other words, a journey from 'Jivatma' to 'Paramatma'.