Rituals and Significance of Aadi Velli

The Holy Month of Aadi

Aadi is the fourth month in the Tamil calendar, which corresponds to the period mid-July-mid-August. This month sees many religious festivals and observances like Aadi Pirappu, Aadi Amavasya, Aadi Perukku, Aadi Velli, Varalakshmi Pooja, Aadi Chevvai, Aadi Krithigai, etc. But though it is a holy month, Hindus do not perform any auspicious functions like marriages, Valaikappu, launching new ventures, etc., during this month.

During this month, the Sun begins its southward journey, which is Dakshinayanam Punyakalam. This marks the nighttime of the Devas or Gods. As the Gods will be sleeping during this time, their blessings will not be available to mankind. It is for this reason that people do not conduct auspicious functions.

On the other hand, this period is ideal for religious and spiritual activities. Aadi month has an association with the Goddesses especially. During Aadi, the Sun transits into Cancer, the sign of the Moon, which is ruled by the Divine Mother.

People worship the Amman Goddesses, who are associated with fertility, water, and natural forces, as it is also when the monsoons set in. Thus, people perform prayers and Poojas at Mariamman temples and Mundakanni Amman temples, etc., to please these powerful Goddesses and invoke their blessings and protection. It is the ideal time to connect with their divine power and seek spiritual progress.

What is Aadi Velli?

Aadi Velli is the Friday that occurs in Aadi month. All Aadi Velli days are highly auspicious, and devotees honor different Goddesses on these days. Special Poojas take place on each Aadi Velli to propitiate the Goddess and invoke her blessings.

Significance of Aadi Velli

1st Aadi Velli

This day is dedicated to Goddess Swarnambika, the Goddess of Wealth. She is a form of Goddess Parvati. By worshipping her, you can receive wealth and riches.

2nd Aadi Velli

The second Friday in Aadi honors Goddess AngalaAmman. By worshipping her, you can gain her protection from evil powers and negativity.

3rd Aadi Velli

This day is associated with Goddess Kalikambal. She is a powerful avatar of Goddess Parvati. She has the power to bestow good health and courage.

4th Aadi Velli

The 4th Aadi Friday is dedicated to Goddess Kamakshi Amman, who bestows good relationships. You can worship her to enjoy good relationships and be free of all the obstacles in your life.

5th Aadi Velli

The 5th or last Aadi Friday honors the Goddess of Overall Prosperity, who is none other than Goddess Lakshmi. It is the day of the Varalakshmi Pooja, which is celebrated by Hindu women with great fervor. They seek the Goddess’ blessings and protection for their husbands.

The Myth behind Aadi Velli

The story goes that the Mother Goddess or Shakti manifested as Pachai Amman or Kanni Amman on earth in Aadi month to create peace and harmony in the world. Due to her inherent energy, she appeared in many holy places. Her divine presence increased the divine powers of these centers. She supposedly manifested at Thirumullaivaayal and established peace and prosperity in the entire world. She is the Goddess of marriage and fertility as well, and young women believe that her blessings can bring them a good husband.

Devotees worship her in different forms like Mariamman, Ellai Amman, Kanni Amman, etc.

Aadi Velli Rituals

Aadi Velli is very important to women devotees who perform many special rituals.

· Naga Pooja for Naga Devtas or Snake Gods are done on Aadi Velli. This has immense religious significance for Amman worshippers.

· Women also perform Varalakshmi Pooja for Goddess Lakshmi on the last Friday in Aadi.

· Devotees flock to temples and offer ‘Koozh’, a kind of porridge to the Goddess. This is distributed to the other devotees later.

· After the Friday prayers, women exchange Thambulam. This is a plate containing Betel leaves, Betel nuts, turmeric, kumkum, coconut, and cloth.

· Maa Vilakku (a lamp made with rice flour, jaggery, and ghee) is offered to the Goddess.

· Women carry pots of turmeric water and pour it over a wooden staff kept at the temple. The wooden staff represents the Mother Goddess.

· Women also cook Sakkarrai Pongal on the temple premises and offer it to the Goddess.

· Lemon garlands are offered to the Goddess.

Benefits of Observing Aadi Velli Fast/Vratham

Many devotees observe fast/vratham on Aadi Velli, as they believe it has many benefits. They include:

· Abundant blessings of the Mother Goddess.

· Progeny blessings for childless couples.

· Relief from all problems.

· Well-being and longevity of the devotee’s husband.

· Unmarried girls can get good husbands.