by Dushiyanthini Kanagasabapathipillai
There is an old saying in Tamil “Saniyai pol kodupaarum illai; Saniyai pol kedupaarum illai” (there is nobody who will give at the same time obstruct like Saneeswaran).
Once a curious woman asked Ramakrishna Paramahamsar “Is it possible for the priests to pray and make offerings to the planets and change the unfavourable influences into fvourable ones?”
Ramkrishna Paramahamsar responded to the woman, “The planets are not so mean that, without reason they should change course and create problems. They are also no so fickle that they can be content or discontent with simple rituals. Priests are not their representatives that they should dance to their tune for a price”.
The leader of the nine planets is Sun. He has two wives-Sayadevi and Ushadevi respectively. Lord Saneeswaran, is also known as Sayaputhran, (son of Saya). Saturn is the seventh of nine planets.
Kumbam is set at the venue of the vedic fire
The Saturn (Saneeswaran) moves his house every thirty months. He moved from Simma Rasi (Leo) to Kanni Rasi (Virgo) on September 26th 2009 at 12.03 AM according to Vaakkiya Panchaangam (Almanac). Transition of Saturn took place on September 9th 2009 according to Thirukanitha Panchchaangam (Almanac)
Special poojas and Yagams (vedic fire) have been orgainsed on the eve of the “Sani Peyarchchi”. A festival of Sani Peyarchchi was celebrated on September 26 th 2009. Since the transition took place during Navaraaththri, certain devotees who are fasting refrained from participating in the Yagam. It is also believed that, it is not proper to light sesame lamps during Navaraththri festival.
A special Yagam was organized at the Naattukottai Nagaraththaar New Kathiresan temple in Bambalapitty on September 26th 2009. As the countdown started for the transit of Saturn from Simma Rasi (Leo) to Kanni Rasi (Virgo) to the ‘Simma Rasi’, Naattukottai Nagaraththaar New Kathiresan temple in Bambalapitty, in capital of Sri Lanka was brimming with devotees.
Hundreds of devotees thronged the temple to worship and take part in Yagam. The devotees were allowed to go near the “Omakundam” (Place to set fire) to perform the religious rituals. They were given sesame seeds on betel leaves along with banana, flowers and a ring of “Thettpai” (a ring made out of straw). It’s worn around the ring finger while performing the religious rituals.
Men, women and children flocked the temple in large numbers. Festive atmosphere was created. An “Abishekam” (a shower with milk, honey, fruits, curd, king coconut water, saffron, holy ash, sandalwood, Kumkumam and water) was performed to Saneeswaran.
Bells began to toll, devotees lit sesame lamps, some sang devotional songs, priests chanted the Sanskrit Mandras and the Vedic fire were set. Coins, betel leaves, ghee, sesame seeds, nutmeg, cardamoms, cinnamon, were offered along with other holy items.
Saturn is decorated for the special day
The chief priest of Naattukottai Nagaraththaar (New Kathiresan) temple Nagarajah Kurrukkal performs the appropriate religious rituals on the day of the transition of Saturn
Sesame seeds are offered to Saturn
Devotees flocked the temple in the morning
Saturn is responsible for happiness and sorrow
Fire clears the air, spreads fragrance and purifies the atmosphere
Agni or fire destroys enemies, and promotes mental peace
Saturn has four arms. He carries a bow and a trident in his two left hands, and an arrow in one of his right hands, and blesses with his devotees with the other hand.
Devotees receive Karuththa Pottu (Black paste made out of ghee and straw from the vedic fire) from the chief priest
It is said that whoever offers oblations to the fire is blessed with wisdom, wealth and prosperity
Colour for the Saturn in Blue
Sanctum of the temple
A crow continues to sit on a steel bar during the religious rituals
A view of the Kopuram of the temple
Image of Saturn is created on a coconut
According to various religious findings it is believed that Saturn draws inspiration from Lord Brahma (the creator) and Yaman (the God of death)
An individual attains purification of self, spiritual progress, physical,mental and internal peace and protection of sickness through sacred fire
The temple hours were longer
The fire is ceremoniously lit
The fire is ceremoniously lit
Peanut is sold near the temple
Garlands makers are seen busy in Bambalapitty
Garlands makers are seen busy in Bambalapitty
The fragrance of fresh flowers believed to please Gods and Goddesses
The fragrance of fresh flowers believed to please Gods and Goddesses
Roadside Banana leaf seller in Bambalpaitty
Rice and vegetarian curries are offered to crow on Saturday
____________________________________________
HumanityAshore.org ~ Email: dushi.pillai@gmail.com
