Pranam The last question Pongal; extracted from katha sarith sagara where the British did research but dravidians simply adopted it?. "
Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story) <https://www.wisdomlib.org/hinduism/book/kathasaritsagara-the-ocean-of-story>by Somadeva | 1924 The festival of the Winter Solstice this text is extracted from Book XIII, chapter 104 <https://www.wisdomlib.org/hinduism/book/kathasaritsagara-the-ocean-of-story/d/doc143171.html> "As already intimated (p. 12), Tawney has translated the text wrongly. The word in question is ’*uttārayaṇe*, the locative case, which simply means “at” or “in the northward journey”—*i.e.* the *ayana <https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/ayana#purana>,* or “course” beginning at the *winter* solstice. There is no word for “festival” at all, but since bathing in the sacred rivers takes place immediately after the solstice during the festivity known as the *Makara-saṅkrānti <https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/makarasankranti#hinduism>,* Tawney has doubtless considered the addition necessary. He was probably justified; but the text merely says he was bathing “at the winter solstice.” How Roth, Monier Williams, etc., came to call it the “summer solstice” I cannot imagine. Full details of the *saṅkrāntis <https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/sankranti#hinduism>* will be found in Sewell and Dîkṣit, *Indian Calendar <https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/indian-calendar#history>,* p. 9. The following is a brief account of the festival from the various sources shown. *Saṅkrānti <https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/sankranti#hinduism>* is the name given to the day on which the sun passes into a fresh sign of the zodiac <https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/zodiac#history>, and the *Makara <https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/makara#purana>* corresponds to *Capricornus.* In ancient times a twelve nights’ celebration was held immediately after the winter solstice. The period was regarded as sacred, for it was then that the three Ṛbhus <https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/ribhus#purana> (Ṛbhukṣan, Vāja <https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/vaja#purana> and Vibhvan), who by their extreme skill rose to be the personified seasonal deities, slept. In modern times the *Makara-saṅkrānti* forms the chief seasonal festival, corresponding to our New Year <https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/new-year#history>’s Day. It is the time for the great pilgrimage to Allāhābād and the annual bath of purification in the sacred rivers of the North. In the South the corresponding festival is called *Pongol,* at which the boiling of the new rice is watched and regarded as an augury for the New Year. In an interesting article (Hastings’ *Ency. Rel. Eth.,* vol. v, pp. 868-869) E. W. Hopkins describes the festival: “Cattle are led about, decorated with garlands and treated with veneration. Presents are given to friends at this time, and general rejoicing takes place. The festival lasts for three days, and is officially a celebration of the Vedic gods Indra <https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/indra#kavya> and Agni <https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/agni#purana>, with the addition of the (later) god, Gaṇe *ś* a.” Speaking of the *Uttarāyaṇa <https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/uttarayana#purana>,* as observed in Northern India <https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/northern-india#history>, Crooke states (*Religion & Folklore of Northern India <https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/india#purana>*, 1926, pp. 31-32) that it is considered a lucky period for all enterprises; while on the other hand, the *Dakṣiṇāyana <https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/dakshinayana#purana>,* when the sun moves southwards, is the unlucky season. “In the Lower Himalaya <https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/himalaya#kavya> the January *Saṅkrānti* is observed by baking little images of birds made of flour in butter and oil, which are hung on the children’s necks and given next day, the winter solstice, probably with the intention of passing away evil, to the crows and other birds.” Crooke refers us to Atkinson, *Himalayan Districts of the North-Western Provinces of India,* vol. ii, p. 869 *et seq.* Under the heading of “Joshi <https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/joshi#history>, Jyotiṣi, Bhadri, Parsai,” “the village priests and astrologers,” Russell (*Tribes and Castes of the Central Provinces,* vol. iii, p. 26l) discusses the “Saṅkrānts.” He says that “the Til Saṅkrānt, or entry of the sun into Makara or Capricorn, which falls about the 15th January, is a special festival, because it marks approximately the commencement of the sun’s <https://www.wisdomlib.org/hinduism/book/kathasaritsagara-the-ocean-of-story/d/doc363249.html#page-20>northern progress and the lengthening of the days, as Christmas roughly does with us. On this day every Hindu who is able bathes in a sacred river at the hour indicated by the Joshis <https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/joshi#history> of the sun’s entrance into the sign. Presents of *til* or sesame are given to the Joshi, owing to which the day is called Til Saṅkrānt. People also sometimes give presents to each other.” *Makara* is usually taken to mean a sea-monster, often a crocodile. We have seen, however (Vol. V, p.48*n*1), that in the *Pañcatantra <https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/pancatantra#purana>* it is translated as “crab.” This could not be so in the signs of the zodiac, as Karkati <https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/karkati#purana> corresponds to Cancer.—n.m.p." 2 Makarasaṃkrānti (Makar Sankranti): The Makarasaṃkrānti <https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/makarasamkranti#hinduism> is one of the festivals celebrated in honour of the Sun. A bath is obligatory in Makarasaṃkrānti. Special gifts are made on the specific day. The transition of the Sun from one month to the other is called the *Saṃkrānti <https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/samkranti#hinduism>* day. On Makarasaṃkrānti day, the Sun-god enters into Capricorn. This *Saṃkrānti* day is regarded as very pious. Festivals are celebrated in different parts, all over the India <https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/india#purana>, taking the holy bath in devotion of the Sun, specially in the Gaṅgā <https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/ganga#purana>.Thus, in the Purāṇic texts, references are found of observances of different sacrifices, rituals, vratas and festivals, in devotion of the Sun-god. The immense power of the deity is well observed by the Purāṇic people and they propitiated the deity giving prominent place among the other deities of the Vedic pantheon. {Kane, P.V., *History of Dharmaśāstra <https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/dharmashastra#purana>*, Vol. V, Part-I, p.57//[2] <https://www.wisdomlib.org/hinduism/essay/sun-worship-in-the-puranas/d/doc626784.html#note-t-163130> : cf., tasminrathavareśreṣṭhekalpitesumanorame/ āropyapratimāṃyatnādyojayedvājinaḥśubhān// [3] <https://www.wisdomlib.org/hinduism/essay/sun-worship-in-the-puranas/d/doc626784.html#note-t-163131> : cf., upavāsasthitairviprairdivyairbhaumaiścasuvrataḥ/ triṃśadbhiḥṣoḍaśairvāpipratimāṃ [4] <https://www.wisdomlib.org/hinduism/essay/sun-worship-in-the-puranas/d/doc626784.html#note-t-163132> : cf., … rājñīcanikṣubhārudrabhāryetasyamahātmanaḥ// śanairāropayedrudraubhayoḥpārśvayorathe/ nikṣubhāṃdakṣiṇepārśverājñīṃcāpyuttaretathā// Ibid., 1.55.77,78// [5] <https://www.wisdomlib.org/hinduism/essay/sun-worship-in-the-puranas/d/doc626784.html#note-t-163133> :cf., garuḍaṃpṛṣṭhataścāsyavalgamānaṃprakalpayet/ Ibid., 1.55.80// [6] <https://www.wisdomlib.org/hinduism/essay/sun-worship-in-the-puranas/d/doc626784.html#note-t-163135> :Ibid., 1.55,44-47// [7] <https://www.wisdomlib.org/hinduism/essay/sun-worship-in-the-puranas/d/doc626784.html#note-t-163136> :Ibid., 1.50.20,21 3 Agni puranam chap 117 shraddha performed on Makara sankaranthi; AND GAYA SRARDHAM EFFECT EXPLAINED AS JUST GREAT AND NOT STOP AT IT FOREVER THEREAFTER: *Fire-god said*: 1-5. I shall describe (the mode of performing) *śrāddha <https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/shraddha#purana>* (ancestral rite) as described by sage Kātyāyana <https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/katyayana#purana> to the sages. One should do *śrāddha* at Gayā <https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/gaya#purana> especially on the *saṅkrānti <https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/sankranti#hinduism>*[1] <https://www.wisdomlib.org/hinduism/book/the-agni-purana/d/doc1083347.html#note-e-178627> etc. or on the day of the new moon or on days after the fourth day. After having reached there, one should invite (any one of the following for the *śrāddha*): the mendicants, pious householders one who has completed his studies, learned brahmins <https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/brahmin#history>, those who are faultless, those who strictly observe the propriety of conduct. Persons afflicted by white leprosy or leprosy should not be invited. So also people who are present uninvited should not be entertained. They should have bathed, be pure and have self-control. They should face the east while doing divine acts. The three fore-fathers (father, grand-father and great grandfather) should separately be invoked. So also the fore-fathers on the maternal side (to whom one is entitled to offer) should be invoked. 6. The performer of the *śrāddha* should observe continence that day. (He should be) gentle, calm, not hasty, true and not intoxicated. (He should) not stir out. (He should) not read the scriptures and practice silence. 7. Kind enquiries should be made of the chief among those seated. Even number of *darbha <https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/darbha#purana>* should be spread for the forefathers. The (appropriate) deity should be invoked. 8. One should ask, “Shall I invoke Viśvedevas <https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/vishvedeva#purana>?” (He should be replied), “you invoke”. After having invoked Viśvedevas, and having spread barley, one should repeat the following: 9. O Viśvedevas! You hear this. I invoke the fore-fathers. Having asked thus and being permitted to invoke, one should invoke them (saying) “You be pleased.” 10-12. After having spread the sesamum, one should invoke the fore-fathers with the repetition of (the mantra <https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/mantra#purana>), “Fore-fathers” One should sprinkle on the *kuśa <https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/kusha#purana>* with the mantra *śaṃ no devī <https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/devi#purana>*. After having scattered the grains of barley with the (repetition of the *mantra*) “You are the barley grains”, the sesamum (is scattered) (with the repetition of the *mantra*) “You are the sesamum. You are permeated with the essence of Soma <https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/soma#purana>. Graciously gratify the souls <https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/soul#purana> of forefathers. Salutations.” Flowers should be offered with (the *mantra* “śrīśca te” in a golden or silver vessel or a wooden (vessel) or sword or vessel made of a leaf. The circumambulation is done clockwise in the case of celestials and anticlockwise in the case of fore-fathers, wearing the *pavitra <https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/pavitra#purana>* (made of *darbha*) on the hand <https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/hand#hinduism>, one for each one (of the fore-fathers). 13. (Then he should recite the following mantra): “May the celestial waters together with the waters of the earth and sky and the golden sacrificial waters confer blessing on you.” (Then the waters of respectful offering should be offered to the Viśve-devas <https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/vishvedeva#purana> with the mantra): “O Viśvedevas! Here are the offerings for each one of you”. (Similarly, offerings should be made to the forefathers saying) “Here is the offering for you, O Forefathers! 14. Similarly, offerings should be made (to the grandfathers) with (the *mantra*) “Obeisance to the grand-fathers.” The sacrificial vessel is lowered with (the repetition of the mantra) “You are the seats of my forefathers.” 15. Then perfumes, flowers, incense sticks, lamps, shawls and food with clarified butter should be raised up (by the performer of ancestral rite). (The brahmins should then be asked) "Shall I offer them in the sacrifice?” 16. Being permitted (by the brahmins) to do so, those things should be offered to the fire in the case of those who maintain fire and on the hands <https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/hand#hinduism> of forefathers in the case of those who do not maintain fire with the repetition of the following *mantra* and (wearing) the *pavitra* (made of *darbha* worn on the finger). 17. The first oblation is (made with the mantra): “Obeisance to the Fire-god <https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/fire-god#hinduism>, the conveyor of offerings.” The subsequent (*mantras <https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/mantra#purana>*) are to Soma, to forefathers, to the god of death and Aṅgiras <https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/angiras#purana>. 18. The remnants of oblations should be collected in the food vessel. “O Nectar! this earth is your receptacle, the sky is the covering. The brahmin <https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/brahmin#history> is your mouth. I am casting in that mouth permeated with the nectar.” After having repeated (the * mantra*) “This Viṣṇu <https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/vishnu#purana>”, the thumb of the brahmin is placed in the food. 19. The sesamum should be scattered with (the *mantra*) “Removed”, and the food should be given. After saying, “Be pleased”, the *gāyatrī <https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/gayatri#purana>* and other *mantras* should be repeated. 20. “Obeisance to the gods, the forefathers, great yogins <https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/yogin#purana>, Svadhā <https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/svadha#purana> and Svāhā <https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/svaha#purana> always.” 21. After having known that they are satisfied, the food must be scattered and water should be given to each one of them. After repeating the *gāyatrī (mantra*) as before, (the *mantra*) “honey, honey” should be repeated. 22-23. They should be asked, “Are you all satisfied?”. They should say, “We are satisfied.” Being permitted by them the residual food should be gathered together and water should be sprinkled by the side of the place where food was eaten. Three *piṇḍas <https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/pinda#purana>* should be placed on *kuśa*, after they have done the *ācamana <https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/acamana#purana>* (rinsing of the mouth). 24. After the rinsing of the mouth, water, flowers and unbroken rice should be offered. The water given may be undiminishing. Then (the forefathers) should be requested (as follows): 25-31. “May the forefathers be gracious: May our progeny prosper always. May the donors enjoy prosperity. So also (may) the *Vedas <https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/vedas#hinduism>* and progeny (prosper). May our earnestness never fail. May we have plenty to give. May our food get profuse. May we get (enough) guests. May there be (plenty) seeking alms. May we not seek alms from anybody. The stems of *kuśa* over which the (term) *svadhā*. (obeisance) has been repeated are then gathered along with the *pavitras <https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/pavitra#purana>* and (permission) should be asked to say obeisance (to forefathers). After having been permitted, (the following *mantra*) should be recited: “Obeisance to the fathers (includes the brothers and cousin of the father) grandfathers and great-grand fathers. Obeisance.” As one is repeating this, water should be sprinkled from the raised pot and fees should be paid according to one’s means. In the ceremonies related to the gods and forefathers one should say: “May the Viśve devas <https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/vishvedeva#purana> be pleased”. They should be bid adieu (with the *mantra*) “Vāje vāje”. Then one should accompany the brahmins (with the repetition) of (the *mantra*) “āmāvājasya,” do circumambulation of them and enter the house. One should do this on the new moon day every month. 32. I shall describe (the mode of doing) *ekoddiṣṭa <https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/ekoddishta#purana>* (rite done for an individual only). The *śrāddha* rite is done as before. One *pavitra*, *argha <https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/argha#hinduism>* and one *piṇḍa <https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/pinda#purana>* are offered. 33-34. In this rite, there is no invocation and the offering is not made in the fire. The Viśvedevas are not (invited) here. At the (time of) query about satisfaction (one should ask) “May it be relished”. The brahmin should say, “well relished”. They should be asked to be seated and be pleased with the offering. They (should say), “We are pleased”. The remaining (part of the ceremony) should be done as before. 35-37. I shall describe (the mode of performing) the *sapiṇḍī-karaṇa <https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/sapindikarana#purana>* (a rite in honour of the dead person done on the 12 th day after death or at the end of one year). (It is done) at the end of a year or in the middle. Three vessels should be kept for the forefathers and one vessel for the dead person. The four (vessels) should be provided with the sesamum and flowers along with the *pavitra*. Having filled them with scented water, sprinkle the vessel of the dead person with the *mantra* “ye samānā <https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/samana#purana>”. The offering of the *piṇḍa* should be (done) as before. By this rite (the soul <https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/soul#purana> of) the dead person attains the position of fathers. 38-49. I shall describe (the mode of doing) the *śrāddha* rite which confers prosperity. Everything is done as before. One should repeat (the *mantras*) except the *mantra* of the father and (do) circumambulation in the forenoon. The materials (required are) good *kuśa*, and barley grains instead of sesamum in this rite. The query about satisfaction is “Is it well done”. The brahmin should say, “well done”. The *piṇḍas* should be composed of curd, broken rice and the jujube. One should ask, “Shall I invoke the ancestors who are fit to receive *nāndī <https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/nandi#purana>* (rite)”. They should be requested to be satisfied with the offerings. The manes (who are) the *nāndīmukhas <https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/nandimukha#hinduism>*, I shall describe. One should ask the clan of manes, the *nāndīmukhas* to be pleased. The *nāndīmukhas* are—father, grand-father, great-grandfather, maternal grandfather, maternal great grand-father and maternal great great grand-father. (In this ceremony) the term *svadha <https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/svadha#purana>* should not be added. Even number of brahmins should be fed. I shall describe the country herbs which would satisfy the manes. They would get satisfied with the roots and fruits of the forest for a month, with the fish for two months, with the ominous bird for three months, with the deer for four (months), with the goat for five or six, with the tortoise for seven or eight, with the boar for nine (months), with the meat of the ram, (meat) of the buffalo and the spotted antelope for ten months, with the milk of a cow and *pāyasa <https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/payasa#hinduism>* (sweat gruel) for one year. They would be satisfied for twelve years with the meat of a sacrificial goat. The meat of a rhinoceros, the *kālaśāka <https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/kalashaka#hinduism>* (a kind of vegetable), (meat) of a red goat, honey and sea crabs offered in the rainy season and *śrāddha* (done) in the (asterism) of *maghā <https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/magha#purana>* (tenth in the cycle) (yields) undiminishing benefits. The brahmins who study the *Vedas*, who do *agnihotra <https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/agnihotra#purana>*, who study their own branch of Vedas, those who are learned in the six ancillary texts (of the Vedas), one who worships the Nāciketa <https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/naciketa#purana> fire thrice a day, the three *madhu <https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/madhu#purana>* (ṛks of the *Ṛgveda <https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/rigveda#purana>*), those who read the *dharmadroṇa*, one who knows the *trisuparṇa <https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/trisupar%E1%B9%87a#purana>* (*sūkta <https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/shukta#purana>*) and the *jyeṣṭhasāman* are those spoken as the *paṅktipāvanas <https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/panktipavana#purana>* (the purifiers of an assembly). 50-53. I shall describe the mode of performing fruit-bearing (rites). (The *śrāddha* done) on the first lunar day confers plenty of wealth, on the second day (gets) beautiful wives, on the fourth day the fulfilment of heartfelt desires, on the fifth day (confers) progeny, on the sixth day (makes the doer) thrive well, on the seventh day (increases) agricultural prospects, on the eighth day (confers) material prosperity, on the ninth day mules, on the tenth day plenty of cows, on the eleventh day off-springs, on the twelfth day wealth and grains, on the thirteenth day (ensures) excellent position among one’s kinsmen. The *śrāddha* of those dead by means of weapons (should be done) on the fourteenth. It is said that one gets all (desires fulfilled by doing *śrāddha*) on the new moon day. 54-58. “The seven hunters (who resided) in Daśārṇa <https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/dasharna#purana>, the deer (which dwelt) upon the mountain <https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/mountain#hinduism> Kālañjara <https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/kalanjara#purana>, the *cakravāka <https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/cakravaka#purana>* (a species of water birds) in the Śaradvīpa, the *haṃsas <https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/hamsa#purana>* (ganders) in the Mānasa <https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/manasa#purana> lake were born at Kurukṣetra <https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/kurukshetra#purana> as brahmins well-versed in the Vedas. They had gone a long way. May you excel them.” When this verse is read at the (time of) *śrāddha* etc., the *śrāddha* gets completed and it yields the region of Brahmā <https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/brahma#purana>. A son may perform *śrāddha* of his grandfather even as his father is alive, or of the grandfather when the great grandfather is living, or of the great grandfather when the great great grandfather is living. So also (*śrāddha* is done) for the mother, maternal grandfather etc. Whoever reads the *śrāddhakalpa <https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/shraddhakalpa#purana>* (that relating to performance of *śrāddha*) gets the fruits of performing a *śrāddha*. 59-63. A *śrāddha* performed at a sacred place, or on the days of the commencement of the *yuga <https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/yuga#purana>* or Manu <https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/manu#purana> period gets undiminishing fruits. Similarly, (śrāddha done) on the ninth day of bright fortnight in (the month of) Āśvayuk (October-November), on the twelfth day in Kārttika <https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/karttika#purana> (November-December), on third day in Māgha <https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/magha#purana> and Bhādrapada <https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/bhadrapada#purana> (February-March and September-October), on the new moon day in Phālguna <https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/phalguna#purana> (March-April), on the eleventh day in Pauṣa <https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/pausha#purana> (January-February), on the tenth day in Āṣāḍha <https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/ashadha#purana> (July-August), on the seventh day in the month of Māgha (February-March), on the eighth day of dark fortnight in Śrāvaṇa <https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/shravana#purana> (August-September), on the full moon day in Āṣāḍha (July-August) and on the full moon days in Kārttika, Phālguna and Jyeṣṭha <https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/jyeshtha#purana> (June-July) (confer manifold benefits). The days of commencement of the Svāyambhuva Manu <https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/svayambhuvamanu#purana> periods are also of undiminishing benefits. Gayā, Prayāga <https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/prayaga#purana>, (river) Gaṅgā <https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/ganga#purana>, Kurukṣetra, (river) Narmadā <https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/narmada#purana>, Śrīparvata <https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/shriparvata#purana>, Prabhāsa <https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/prabhasa#purana>, Śālagrāma <https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/shalagrama#purana>, Vārāṇasī <https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/varanasi#purana> and river Godāvarī <https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/godavari#purana> (are sacred places). *Śrāddha* (done) at those places and also at the Puruṣottama <https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/purushottama#purana> (*kṣetra <https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/kshetra#purana>*) (Puri <https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/puri#history>) (yields manifold fruits). kr irs 26/1/22 On Wed, 26 Jan 2022 at 08:46, 'gopala krishnan' via Thatha_Patty < [email protected]> wrote: > QUES ANSW DIVINE 2022-27 > > Dear friends, > > These are information posted by members compiled as QA by me in > 1998’s-2004’s and stored in my computer. At this date I have no information > of the members posted. > > *BEING COMPILATION THERE MAY BE ERRORS.* > > Sincerely, > > *R. Gopalakrishnan, 78, dated 26-01-2022* > > Q1 Do samayapuram mariamman is the sister of Sriranganatha swamy?What are > the attributes of samayapuram temple? > > A1 There is a myth that Samayapuram Mariamman is the sister of Srirangam > Lord Ranganathaswami. > > The Vijeyanagara king appointed a priest from the temple at Thiruvanaikoil > to perform the regular 'pooja' and brought this temple under the > Thiruvanaikoil temple management. > > Q2 What is Gopika Geetham? > > A2 Gopikaa Geetham is the celestial song sung by Vruja Gopis in praise of > Lord Krishna. This projects the depth of Viraha Thaapam suffered by > Gopis when Krishna diappears and their pure Prema Bhakthi and the > highest spiritual heights attained by them. This song also brings out > the Sringaara Rasam of Gopis with Krishna. This finds its place in the > midst of DEEPA PRADKSHINAM > > The same tathwa is given in the form of RAASAKREEDA *in the > Tenth Skantham(middle) of Bhaagavatham* The mythological story > goes like this:- > > Gopis who enthralled in the presence of Krishna with ecstasy during the > Raasa Leela, thoughtless about their worldly duties, relations > and existence and always longed for Krishna's company, had developed an > EGO, i.e. each Gopi claiming that Krishna is hers and hers alone and He > likes/loves her only. This possessiveness is Saathwic Ego as it relates > to Possessiveness towards Lord. Krishna considers it the right time to > help Gopis caste away this EGO too and give them the Knowledge (i.e. > make them realise the real nature). He disappears temporarily from there > midst and made Himself not reachable by them. At this time, Gopis felt > loneliness and could not concentrate on their work and grieved over > the absence of Krishna. > > They realised that without Krishna, nothing moves, nor is it possible to > do anything. And it is the presence of Krishna that made them happy and > active. Even Living became a torture without Krishna. Having realised > this, they started wandering in the Kaalindhi River bank, where they > used to be in the company of Krishna and craved for his appearance by > admitting all their ignorance and egotism. > > > > The opening sloka brings out the import: This is the description of > RAASAKREEDA *Scene in Brindhaavan where in Krishna formed a circle by > placing in between two Gopis (Anganaam) One Krishna and in between two > Krishnaas one Gopi (Angana) and finally in the Center of the circle > Krishna again and made them all feel the one-ness and enjoy total BLISS* > > > > Q3 What is the mythological legend behind mattupongal? > > A3 According to a legend, once Shiva asked his bull, Basava, to go to > the earth and ask the *mortals to have an oil massage and bath every day > and to eat once a month*. Inadvertently, Basava announced that everyone > should eat daily and have an oil bath once a month. > > This mistake enraged Shiva who then cursed *Basava, banishing him > to live on the earth forever.* He would have to plough the fields and > help people produce more food. Thus the association of this day with > cattle. > > Q4 Do bhogi pongal is attributed to Indra? > > A4 Bhogi Pongal- The first day of Pongal known as 'Bhogi Pongal' is a day > for family gathering and is dedicated to *Lord Indra, the king of > the deities and God of the Clouds and Rains*. > > Offerings are made to him to please him so that he blesses us for the > plentiful harvest. It is also the beginning of the New Year according to > the Malayalam calendar and before sunrise, a huge bonfire of useless > things in home is lit that is kept burning throughout the night. > All the time, boys beat little buffalo-hide drums known as 'Bhogi > Kottus'. > > The houses are then cleaned till they shine and are decorated with Kolams > painted using rice four. There are yellow pumpkin flowers are set in cow-dung > balls in the middle of these designs. > > Q5 Do Thai pongal attributed to Sun God? Do it men to say all worship > invariable sun once in a year? > A5 The second day of Pongal known as 'Surya Pongal' is dedicated to the Sun > God. The granaries are kept full on this day and Sun God with his rays > are painted on a plank as he is worshiped with the birth of the new > auspicious month of Thai. > > Since the word 'Ponga' means 'to boil' representing plentiful and excess > yield, a special dish is cooked on this day in a new mud-pot that comes > in innovative shapes and have artistic designs on them called 'Pongapani'. > *The special dish is called 'Sarkkarai Pongal' and is offered to Sun > God with sugarcane sticks. * > > Q6 What is the miracle performed by Lord sundaresar on the pongal daay in > Madurai? > > A6 It is said that Lord Sundareshwar performed a miracle on this day > of SOORYA PONGAL in the Madurai temple and *breathed life into a stone > elephant who ate sugarcanes*. One can see the depiction of the event in > the Meenakshi temple. > > Q7 What are the three versions about Kanum pongal ? > > *A7 Kanum pongal has three versions- seeing th**e* elders, pray for > brothers and pray for prosperity of the family . The latter two are done by > girls/woman > > Kanu Pongal when girls feed colored balls of cooked rice to the birds > and crows and pray for their brothers' happiness and that they always > remember them. > I*n Tamil Nadu women perform this ritual before bathing in the > morning.* > All the women, young and old, of the house assemble in the courtyard. The > rice is placed in the centre of the leaf, while the women ask that the > house and family of their brothers should prosper *.Another thing many > do is leave food out on banana leaves for birds to take. * > > Many South Indian people will take the first bit of rice cooked in any > given day and set it outside for the crows to take, so this is not > necessarily a habit only for Pongal. > > Q8 Do any speciality in Neivedyam on makara samkranthi day in many > temples? > > A8 To symbolize a bountiful harvest, rice is cooked in new pots until > they boil over. Some of the rituals performed in the temple include the > *preparation > of rice, the chanting of prayers and the offering of vegetables, > sugar cane and spices to the gods on samkranti day* > > Devotees then consume the offerings to exonerate themselves of past sins. > > Q9 Do Pongal has any mention in Puranas? > > A9 NO No Pongal, as all Indian festivals, have interesting legends > attached to it. Originated as a Dravidian harvest festival, it has found no > mention in Indo-Aryan Puranas. > > > > -- > You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups > "Thatha_Patty" group. > To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an > email to [email protected]. > To view this discussion on the web visit > https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/thatha_patty/1497824167.1554839.1643166971017%40mail.yahoo.com > <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/thatha_patty/1497824167.1554839.1643166971017%40mail.yahoo.com?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> > . > -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Thatha_Patty" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to [email protected]. To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/thatha_patty/CAL5XZoo3qfNdJqwTQbhzkj8dUQN_6YYk22oHR0yaJzVFfLDBWA%40mail.gmail.com.
