Sri Meenakshi Temple Society Celebrated Aadi Sukravara Ashtalakshmi Deepa Puja

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By Saro Alagappan

PEARLAND: Aadi Sukravara Ashtalakshmi Deepa Pooja was conducted at MTS on Friday, July 29 in a grand manner. More than 75 devotees participated in lighting the lamp and reciting the slokas which was a feast to the eyes. The Fridays in the month of Aadi is very special for women in performing this pooja. It is believed that Goddess Shakthi doubles her power and worshipping her will help one to achieve what one needs. Ashtalakshmi represents the 8 goddesses of Wealth, Earth, Learning, Love, Fame, Peace, Pleasure and Strength.

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The month of Ashada (Tamil month of Aadi) is the fourth month of the Tamil Calendar, and the start of this month is the Dakshinayana punyakalam or the night time of Devas. Ashada Sukravara Lakshmi Puja and Vratam is observed on the Fridays of the month in many communities in South India including Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. In 2016, the Ashada Sukravara Lakshmi Vratam fell on July 8, July 15, July 22 and July 29. This Vratam also known as Shaaka Vrata is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. Aadi is also the month where prayers and pujas are offered to seek the protection of many other powerful goddesses like Mariamman in Tamil Nadu. The month of Aadi is considered very auspicious to connect oneself to the power of the divine mother, Lakshmi.  The heat of the sun reduces and the rains start during this month to replenish the rivers and streams, often to near full levels. Traditionally the names of Tamil months are named based on the star that prevails during the full moon day or Pournami. In the month of Aadi full moon day happens during Aashada Nakshathiram, giving this month the name Aash Aadi (in north) / Aadi (in the south). Lighted lamps are used for puja to pray to the goddess for the wellbeing and the prosperity of the family.

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The main temple was decorated with utsava Murthi of Perumal and Thayars. Huge silver lamps adorned with garlands were placed on stage representing the Ashtalakshmis. The floor was well coordinated with rows of lamps and pooja samagri for each devotee. The women sat before the lamps and did the pooja following alongside with priests Sri Sridharan, Sri Pavan kumar, Sri Manicka Bhattar and Sri Parameswaran. Many number of prasadams were brought in by the devotees and their families. Close to 200 people attended the event which ended with an extensive Deeparadhana to Goddess Meenakshi. The MTS staff and Board deserve our thanks for the tireless effort in the set up and arranging this beautiful event.