Aadi Velli Pooja: All you need to know about Aadi Velli Pooja at Home

Aadi Velli Pooja

A significant ritual known as Aadi Velli Pooja, alternatively referred to as Aadi Sevvai or Aadi Chevvai, is observed by a portion of the population in South India from mid-July to mid-August, which is the Tamil month of Aadi. This pooja is particularly well-liked by followers of the deity Shakti, and the last Friday of this month is regarded as a fortunate occasion to perform it. The objective of performing the Aadi Velli Pooja is to invoke the divine mother’s protection and prosperity.

Aadi, a festival that customarily occurs between mid-July and mid-August, is exceptionally sacred to Lakshmi and Goddess Durga, particularly on Fridays. During this month, devotees observe sacred rituals at home or in nearby Amman temples in homage to various manifestations of the divine feminine. Sweet pongal is among the customary offerings, and Maavilakkus (lamps constructed from flour and ghee) are ignited. In addition, every Friday, devotees recite Lakshmi slokas in an effort to obtain the goddess’s favor.

At the outset, the inaugural Friday of Aadi is consecrated to Goddess Swarnambika, a benevolent embodiment of Goddess Parvati renowned for bestowing prosperity and riches.

On the second Friday, Angali Amman, a compassionate facet of the goddess Kali, is venerated. Her intelligence, boundless love, vitality, and Siddhi abilities earn her reverence.

Devotees pay obeisance to Goddess Kalikambal, an alternate manifestation of Goddess Parvati, on the third Friday. She bestows courage and good health upon her devotees, thereby enabling them to attain success.

Goddess Kamakshi Amman, an embodiment of Goddess Shakti, is venerated on the fourth Friday as a bestowalor of harmonious relationships. By securing her blessings, devotees hope to surmount challenges in their marriages and relationships.

Aadi Friday concludes with the veneration of Goddess Lakshmi and the performance of the Varalakshmi Pooja. It is a day of great importance for Hindu women, as it is a belief that by offering prayers to the Goddess on this day, blessings will be bestowed upon the entire family.

• The Aadi Velli Pooja holds notable importance for married women due to the belief that it bestows marital contentment, safeguards their spouses, and fosters familial harmony.
• It is believed that the sacred thread (yellow thread) that is woven during the pooja carries the goddesses’ benediction and is therefore auspicious. This thread is worn by some women as an expression of their protection and devotion.

• Some families perform the pooja with a group of married women gathering together. It is considered more auspicious when conducted collectively.
• During the pooja, married women tie the sacred thread not only on their right hand but also on the hands of their daughters and other family members as a sign of protection and good fortune.
• Apart from married women, unmarried girls may also participate in the pooja to seek blessings for their future and to honor the divine feminine energy.

• On the day of Aadi Velli Pooja, women often create intricate and colorful kolams (rangoli) at the entrance of their homes. These kolams are made with rice flour and are believed to welcome the goddesses and bring positive energy into the house.

• Clean the house and the puja area to create a sacred and pure atmosphere.

• Decorate the puja space with flowers, rangoli (kolam), and other traditional decorations.

• Arrange a wooden plank or a small platform to place the deities and other puja items.

• Images or idols of the goddesses you wish to worship (commonly, Goddess Durga or any form of Goddess Shakti).

• A sacred thread or yellow thread (mangalsutra) to be blessed during the pooja.

• Kumkum (vermilion), turmeric powder, sandalwood paste, incense sticks, and camphor for aarti.

• Fruits, flowers, and prasad (sweets or fruits) to offer to the deities.

• Coconut with its husk.

• Begin by sitting in front of the puja altar, meditate for a few moments, and set your intentions (sankalp) for the pooja.

• Invoke the presence of the goddesses and seek their blessings to perform the Aadi Velli Pooja with devotion.

• Offer kumkum, turmeric, and flowers to the images or idols of the goddesses as a mark of respect.

• Tie the sacred thread (yellow thread) on your right hand while reciting prayers or mantras dedicated to the goddess.

• Offer the coconut, fruits, and prasad to the deities.

• You can also recite hymns or stotrams dedicated to the goddess during the pooja.

• Light the incense sticks and camphor, and perform aarti while chanting aarti songs.

• If you have access to the Aadi Velli Vrat Katha (the sacred story associated with this observance), read or listen to it during the pooja.

• Sing bhajans or devotional songs in praise of the goddesses, invoking their divine presence and blessings.

• Conclude the pooja with heartfelt prayers, seeking the blessings of the goddesses for your well-being, protection, and prosperity.

• Express gratitude to the goddesses for their presence during the pooja.

• Finally, after completing the pooja, distribute the prasad to family members or devotees present.

• It is permissible to recite mantras and slokas honoring Goddess Shakti or any manifestation of the divine mother during the Aadi Velli Pooja. Durga Chalisa and Lalita Sahasranama are two well-known mantras that are sung during these types of pujas.

• Destruction of Negative Forces.

• Bestows Health, Wealth, Valor, and Intelligence.

• Removes Hurdles in Marriage and Getting Progeny.

• Wish-Fulfillment.

• Spiritual Growth and Inner Peace.

• Strengthening Family Bonds.

Similar to other religious rituals, Aadi Velli Pooja is thought to provide devotees with a chance to establish a spiritual connection with the divine and transcend the material world and lead a spiritually enriched life.

• During the Aadi Velli Pooja, manifest your appreciation to the deities for their protective and benevolent nature. Appreciate the abundance and benefits in your life, and in so doing, seek direction and the fortitude to surmount obstacles.

• It is vital to perform the Aadi Velli Pooja with abiding faith, sincerity, and devotion while adhering to the prescribed rituals. Pureté of heart and devotion to the sacred are fundamental prerequisites for establishing a relationship with the goddesses.

The essence of Aadi Velli Pooja lies in dedicating oneself to the worship of the divine mother, seeking her grace, and celebrating the feminine energy that nurtures and sustains life. It is a time for reflection, spiritual growth, and connecting with the profound aspects of the divine feminine.

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