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The Tamil month of Aadi (July-August) is very special for the Divine Mother Goddess or Shakti. Hindus in Tamil Nadu worship Shakti and her various manifestations during this month, seeking her blessings for wealth and happiness.
The six months from Aadi to Margazhi mark the Dakshinayana Punyakalam. This marks the beginning of the night of the gods or Devas. No auspicious ceremonies like weddings, housewarmings, etc., take place this month among the Tamil Hindu community.
The Fridays (Velli Kizhamai) in Aadi month are Aadi Velli. These days are very auspicious for the worship of Shakti in her various forms. Also, on Aadi Velli, people perform Poojas for Nagas (Snake gods). It carries great religious significance for the devotees of Amman (Goddess). They offer milk, sugar, and jaggery to the idols of snakes.
Devout Hindus flock to temples and perform special Poojas on Aadi Velli days. Aadi Velli has immense significance for women, and many rituals are performed during this month.
The women make it a point to meet their friends and neighbors on these Fridays. They perform Poojas and exchange Thamboolam, a plate that contains betel leaves, betel nuts, kumkum, turmeric, coconut, and cloth – after Friday prayers.
Varalakshmi Pooja is an important ritual that is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi. It is performed on a Friday in this month. Brahmins (Iyers) perform the Maa Vilakku ritual to the Mother Goddess.
Tuesdays and Sundays, too, are special in the month of Aadi, and many rituals are performed on these days.
Aadi month marks the onset of the monsoon season. It is a time to worship the water Goddesses. Besides Fridays, Sundays and Tuesdays are also ideal for offering prayers in Shakti or Amman temples in the state. As per Vedic astrology, during Aadi month, the Sun transits into the sign Cancer, the ruler of which is the Moon. The Sun’s transit marks its journey toward the south, which is known as Dakshinayanam. This month is highly auspicious to worship Goddess energy, the ruler of the Moon, and attain spiritual progress.
Importance of Aadi Velli
This month is ideal for spiritual activities, as the power of Goddess Shakti increases during this period and destroys undesirable elements. The 10th day is Aadi Pooram. On this day, the Thirukalyanam (divine marriage of Goddess Andal) takes place, and unmarried girls offer special Poojas to her.
Myths behind Aadi Velli
According to mythology, the Goddess appeared as Pachai Amman (an aspect of Goddess Parvati) in this month to establish peace and harmony in the world. It is said that Pachai Amman or Kanni Amman manifested in many holy places and enhanced the divine powers of these localities. As Thirumullaivaayal, she brought peace and prosperity to the world. As the Goddess of marriage and fertility, she blesses young maidens seeking a suitable groom.
Aadi Velli Offerings
Devotees make many offerings to the Goddess during Aadi Velli Pooja. They include:
1. Sakkarrai Pongal and Payasam (Milk Porridge)
2. Garland of lemons
3. Thamboolam is given to 5 Sumangalis (married women)
4. Offerings of Milk and Egg to snake pits
5. Lighting of ghee lamps
Benefits of Celebrating Aadi Velli
1. Worshipping Shakti on Aadi Velli protects you from negative forces.
2. It can bestow health, wealth, intelligence, and courage.
3. It removes obstacles to marriage and progeny.
4. It helps fulfill your wishes.
5. It boosts positivity and prosperity.
6. It makes individuals more wise and more intelligent.
7. It promotes physical, mental, and social well-being.
8. It can bestow good health.
9. It can enable one to accomplish great feats.
10. It can restore peace and harmony in turbulent relationships.
Rituals of Aadi Velli
The first Friday of Aadi Velli honors Goddess Swarnambika, a form of Parvati. On this day, devotees seek her blessings by observing fast and doing Pooja.
The second Friday honors Goddess Kali, the most ferocious Hindu goddess, who grants siddhi powers. Worshipping her brings prosperity and intelligence.
The third Friday is dedicated to Goddess Kalikambal, the Goddess of courage and temperament, who boosts vitality.
The fourth Friday honors Kamakshi Amman, the Goddess of relationships. She protects one from troubled relationships and makes them more harmonious. She can also remove obstacles to marriage.
The fifth Friday is dedicated to Lakshmi. On this day, Varalakshmi Pooja is performed. Worshipping Lakshmi on this day brings financial abundance.
Devotees also observe fast on all the Aadi Fridays to please the Goddess. They also make Kadalai Paruppu Prasad, Sakkarai Pongal, Akkaravadisal, and Thengai Poorna prasad on this day.
Aadi Velli 2023 Dates
- 18 July
- 25 July
- 1 August
- 8 August
- 15 August
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