The Significance of Purattasi Month
September 17, 2014
Purattasi is one of the auspicious tamil months, usually begins in the English month of September. It is the sixth month in a Tamil calendar and is dedicated to God Perumal (Lord Venkateswara).
Purattasi masam is the masam in which full moon normally occurs either on Poorattadhi/Uttirattadhi stars. Puratasi Masam is of great importance to Tamilians as it is believed that Lord Venkateswara appeared on the earth in this month. Lord Vishnu devotees consider Purattasi as the ideal month for thanking Lord Vishnu for preserving the Universe at the end of Kali Yuga. Devotees gather in large number at Lord Vishnu temples and special prayers are offered and flags with Garuda emblem are hoisted.
Purattasi Vrat is observed by Devotees of Lord Venkateswara. Some people observe partial fasting on all days in Puratassi others limit it to Puratasi Saturdays. A few observe strict fast on Saturdays which involves not even drinking a drop of water is called Nirjala Vratam. Some devotees only eat vegetarian food during the entire month. They also quit smoking and consuming alcohol for one month. On Purattasi Saturdays, Namum, the two feet symbol of Lord Vishnu’s feet, is drawn on the forehead by males and women opt for a red dot. Hymns dedicated to Lord Vishnu are chanted and Mavilakku offered to the God.
It is also believed that Lord Shani looses his powers in Puratasi month, so it is easy to escape from his malefic influences. Devotees offer Ghee or Ellu Lamp to Lord Shani in the month. Navagrahas are also worshipped in the month.
Also there is a huge list of important festivals like Durga Navaratri, Saraswati poojai, and Vijayadhasami celebrated in the month of Purattasi.
Thousands of people throughout the world go on to pilgrimage to the Thirumalai Hills in Thirupati, in south India during this period to seek the blessings of the Supreme Lord.
This fast is an abstinence of eating meat, smoking, consuming alcohol, some even do not sleep with their spouse and sleep on the floor, clean pots were no meat was cooked are used and so forth. Many faithfuls just have one meal for the day while others give up their favourite foods in dedication to the Supreme Lord. This fast should not be like a torturous burden. The abstinence increases one’s will power and concentration to be able to pray to the Supreme lord even more faithfully. By fasting impurities are decreased and purity is increased which is so essential in the attainment of the Supreme Lord. The benefits are inconceivable if the fast is properly observed.