Significance of Aadi Velli Celebrations
 
Aadi month (July 16th - August 15th), is very special for spiritual activities. During the month of Aadi, the Sun enters the sensitive zodiac sign Cancer, ruled by the Moon. The whole month of Aadi (Shravan or Sawan) is considered to be auspicious in Hindu scriptures. It is believed that the full moon day (Pournami or Poornima) in Shravan month coincides with Lord Vishnu's Nakshatra (Star) and hence the whole month is considered to be auspicious. Worshipping Goddess Shakti, the ruling deity of Moon, during this month can negate evil forces and impart true wisdom. It is believed that the Goddess Shakthi doubles Her power and worshipping Her will help one to achieve what one needs. The Goddess will protect Her devotees from all negative effects. Five Fridays of Aadi month are celebrated. Aadi Velli is dedicated to Goddess Shakthi and it is believed that the Goddess comes down to bless the people on this day.

The month of Aadi is considered as very holy, auspicious and sacred for the very powerful Goddess Maariamman or simply Amman. Sri Maariamman is usually portrayed as a young beautiful woman with a red-hued face, and wearing a red dress. Sometimes she is portrayed with many arms, representing her many powers and aspects, but in most representations she has only two or four arms. Her hands may display some mudra and Her usual attributes are with the trident or spear and the bowl. Goddess Maariamman is also associated with Goddess Parvati and Goddess Durga. Goddess Mariamman is closer to the human level of consciousness and will therefore grant boons easily.

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The Significance of Aadi Pooram

The new moon day in the month of Aadi is known as ‘Aadi Pooram.’ The day is also considered to be the birthday of Andaal, the Vaishnava Saint who wrote Thiruppavai. Aadi Pooram is regarded as the birthday of Mother Parashakthi who made Her appearance on Earth on this day. Among Vaishnavites, it is the day on which the saint Perialvaar found the child (who came to be known as Andaal) in a field. The festival is observed to propitiate the Goddess Shakti Devi who is said to have come into this world on this occasion to bless the people. People therefore worship Her in order to secure happiness for themselves and for their loved ones.

Aadi Pooram Festival falls on the month of "Aadi" the 4th month in the Tamil Calendar. "Pooram" is termed as the star of Mother Parashakthi. On this day, the Sun (Surya) and Moon (Chandra), exchange their constellation, which means the Sun occupies the Moon's house of Cancer, and the Moon occupies the Sun's house of Simham (Leo constellation). This exchange of houses is known as Parivarthanaa Yogam.

During the Aadi Pooram day offering Thirumangalyam (Mangalsuthra) brings the blessings of offspring, obtaining a good husband and prosperity in marriage. On this auspicious day, sumangalis (married women) replace the yellow string on their Thaali (Mangalsuthra) with the hopes of getting abundance of happiness. On this day, glass bangles offered to Goddess Andaal are given to devotees. Wearing these bangles bestows blessings of offspring and protection from evil forces during pregnancy for the mother and the child.