Srimathe Ranga
Ramanuja Mahadesikaya Namaha:
WHY
SRIVILLIPUTTUR IS KNOWN AS ‘’CHEVVAI’ (MARS) PARIHARA STHALAM ?
(by
Dasan Kudanthai Amudhan) PART - 10
Mars influence in
zodiac-- Mars is the only planet which has its influence felt
in all signs of zodiac since it governs
the life of all living entities in the earth by being the bhumi karaghan. Bhagvath
gita was rendered by lord Krishna from his red coral mouth during
the war between the brothers resulting in blood spilled/ soaked soil in the battle
field of kurushetra .Hene Kurushetra is called as ‘land of Blood soil ’ due to its red
colored red muddy soil of blood.Lord
Krishna said”I am the skandan among the chief of commanders of army.Hence more
importance must be given to see the mars placement in horoscopes.We will see
below the mars influence in each sign
and its relative effects on all living beings and entities in the earth.The
element of mars is fire.The fire emanates from earth and spread by air, but
fire is extinguished by putting water on it. 12 signs of our zodiac is divided
in to four elements like fire, earth, air and water. mesha, simha and dhanus
are the signs of fire.The signs just behind in 12th place of above fire signs are the watery signs like
meena,cancer (kataka) and vruchika respectively .Hence only fire and water
signs go well with chevvai while the signs of earth and air which spread the
fire do not go well with mars.Hence chevvai will give benefic results only to
the signs of mesha,kataka,simha,vrichika,dhanus and meena either as a lord of lagna
or rasi as above signs are both fire and
watery nature. Mars is the only planet which represents two opposite forces that
unite with each other like its sign
vritchika symbolic of serpent and eagle, the bitter enemies to each other.Also
mars denotes fire and earth together and act as a dual planet linking both sun and earth.
Mesha (Ares) – The very first sign itself is owned
by mars, the planet of fire.Hence Sun is
exalted in this sign (uccham) as both mars and sun adi-devatha is Agni dev. In
this sign, Saturn the planet of ice cold is depleted (neecham) as ice will be
evaporated in fire. So mars and sun do not go well with Saturn from this point of view.Mesha is represented
by Ram or goats which is signified by mars as its vahana and to agni dev also.Hence
goats are given sacrifices in many villages to appease mars to reduce its evil effects as he is the karaghan for
blood. Agni nakshetra period starts during the second half of this month from krittika
, the star owned by Sun whose adhi devatha is agni dev similar to chevvai.
Vrishaba (Tarus) –This second sign is owned by
venus,the planet of feminine. This sign
is represented by the element earth and the symbols of ”Bull” as well as ‘Plough” for
mowing the land for cultivation by bulls. Mars is the bhumi karaghan and
represents the agriculture farming.The stars of kritika ,Rohini and Mrugaseesha
in group are located in this sign.Agni
nakshetra pass through the period from
mesha month of chittrai till first half
of vaikasai month with sun transiting through vrishaba sign by first 4 patas. Also
the star Mrugaseesha with the symbol of animal horns is owned by mars.The name
‘kartikeyan” for murugan/chevvai came in to being only due to the presence of
cluster of seven stars formed as group known as ‘kritika” in this sign. Moon is
exalted here on its own star Rohini. Mars being the friendly planet to moon,
the combination of both will make one strong in creative mind as poets/
lyricists if both mars and moon are placed well and aspected by a benefic
planet.
Mituna (Gemini) – This sign is owned by mercury but
symbolized by couple- husband and wife for this house. Also mrugaseeshas, owned
by chevvai’s last two patas (3rd and 4th) fall in this
sign. Hence chevvai has strong influence on the married life of couples of this
lagna/rasi. Since chevvai becomes the lord of 6th and 11th
sign,mars is not a benefic graha for this lagna if not well placed or aspected
by a benefic planet like Jupiter.
Kataka (cancer) – This sign is owned by moon.Chevvai
attains its depletion –neecha in this sign.When sun transit over cancer sign,the
month of Aadi falls. Jupiter gets exalted –uccham in this sign. Aadi is the
important month for married women to seek the divine blessings for fertility
and progeny by worshipping amman- sakti
devi.This is the month when Sri andal took avatar as an amsam of bhumi piratti.Since
chevvai attains neecha during Aadi, no auspicious functions like marriages are
conducted during this month.As Jupiter is exalted in this sign of moon, worship
of feminine goddess by women are very important in Aadi .The spate of water in
tanks and rivers besides the seasonal rainfall during this month will make more suitable for
sowing of seeds in bhumi. For this kataka –cancer natives mar becomes the yoga
karagha being the lord of 5th and 10th sign. Hence mars
is bound to give benefic results if placed well in horoscope.
Simha (Leo) – This sign is owned by Sun.Hence negative
influence of chevvai on this sign owned by its friendly Suriyan, is less when
compared to other signs. For Leo sign natives, chevvai becomes a yoga karagha
same like for cancer sign by being the lord of 4th and 9th
house. Therefore for this sign too chevvai is a benefic graha. Avani month is
known for ‘avani avittam” or ‘upakarma” when Brahmins change their sacred
threads to re-dedicate themselves to the practice of vedic rituals. Avittam is
the star of chevvai in 7th sign kumbha, just opposite to simha sign
of fire, as it is owned by sun, when above vedic holy rituals for brahmins are
conducted during avani month dedicated to agni dev.
Kanya (Virgo) – This sign is symbolized by an unmarried women and
hence called as ‘kanya”,the sinister girl. This sign has the constellation of
first half of chittrai star (1st and 2nd patas ) owned by
mars. Hence chevvai has its negative influence on this sign towards the
marriage affairs of young girls if not well placed since mars is the lord of 3rd
and 8th sign for virgo lagna natives.
Tula (Libra) –This sign is not good for chevvai
as mars become the lord of 2nd and 7th sign both known as ‘marakas” for Tula lagna.Also
chittrai stars second half of 3rd and 4th pathas are
located in this sign. Chittrai is the star of Sudarshana azhwan and when sun
transit in mesha sign, coinciding on the day of full moon occurring in the star
of chittrai, ‘Chittra pournami “festival is celebrated in all hindu temples. As
mesha is the sign of mars and chittai is the star of mars, it has its influence
with this festival. Mars being the lord of 2nd and 7th
governing both household and marriage affairs, it is very important that mars
should be aspected by benefic planets like Jupiter or Saturn to neutralize the
negative results of mars and chevvai must be placed in a good sign.
Vrichika (scorpio) – This sign is owned by mars. Its
symbols are both scorpion as well as serpent. Apart from this, eagle is also
represented by this sign. In this sign, moon attains neecha like mars attaining
neecha in moon sign kataka.This is the 8th
sign from the first sign of zodiac mesha and hence indicates death or
destruction. If mesha (Ares) the sign owned by mars represent fire, its 8th
house denoting the destruction falls on the water sign vrichika, as water is
quite opposite to fire like serpent do not go well with eagle, the dual symbol
of this sign.Also this sign natives will have to counter enemies or be
quarrelsome in nature due to the symbol of sting of scorpion tail represented by
this sign.
Dhanus (Sagittarius) - This sign is owned by Jupiter.Its
symbol is bow with an arrow or archer. This sign represents the element of fire
and hence it is the friendly rasi for chevvai, the karaghan for fire. Since
srivillputtur is symbolically represented by an archer (villi ), this sign is
closely connected to Sri andal who performed
vratas during this month of “dhanur (margazhi) and left a trail of mark
for this sign as an important month for her. During the month of margazhi, Sri
andal thirupavvai pasurams are recited in all sri vishnu temples and sung by
the followers of vaishnvaites. Sri bhumi devi the divine avatar of Sri andal is
compared with bow (vill ) by Vedas and beauty of her eyes are glorified similar
to a bow.This sign is owned by Jupiter, the friendly planet to chevvai. Lord
Krishna said ‘Among the months, I am the margazhi “.Mars is the benefic planet
for those born in this rasi or lagna as a lord of 5th and 12th
sign.5th is the house of purva puniya and 12th sign is
the end of cycle of life, Vaikunda ekadesi falling during this month represent
symbolically as a gateway to moksha for blessed souls.
Makara (Capricorn) - This sign is owned by Saturn where
chevvai gets exalted (uttacham ) and Jupiter attains neecha. So chevvai is the
powerful graha for this sign as he is exalted.This sign has the constellation
of uttrata (suriyan) Sravana (moon star)and avittam(2 padas of chevvai
star).During this month of Thai, harvest is done in agriculture fields by
farmers as this sign is owned by the element of earth.This sign is quite
opposite to kataka, the month of Aadi when sowing is done during the monsoon
period of watery sign of cancer, while during makara masa (Thai) harvest is
done for all crops. Chevvai which attains neecha in cancer gets exalted in
makara, the sign located just opposite to cancer on its 7th sign
from it.Saturn represents agriculture and labourers while mars denotes the
plough, cutters and other field implements/ tools used in agriculture. Chevvai
has influence on this sign as a powerful graha although Saturn the owner of
makara sign is inimical to mars.
Kumbha (aquarius )-This sign is represented by water
bearer or Kumbam or pot with water or kalasam. This sign owned by Saturn is
represented by the element air.The stars of chevvai (avittam 3,4), Rahu (sathyam)
and purattathi (Jupiter) are located. Placement of second half of Chevvai star
avittam (3rd and 4th pathas )in this sign of kumbam
symbolize the presence of mangalan –chevvai. When sun transit over this sign in
avittam star with Jupiter transiting in the star of magham in its opposite 7th
house of simham on a full moon day, masi maham is celebrated. This planetary combination takes place every
12 years when Kumbha melas are celebrated alongside holy rivers. Chevvai represent
auspicious festivals/ functions.
Meena (pisces) –This is the watery sign owned by
Jupiter, a friendly planet to mars. This sign meena is just behind in 12th
house to mesha , the first sign of zodiac .This being the sign of water just
behind the mesha, the sign of fire owned by mars symbolically denotes that
water is ready to be poured to extinguish the fire. Mesha and vrichika signs
both owned by mars becomes the lord of 2nd and 9th house
for meena rassi or lagna.Hence chevvai is the benefic planet for meena lagna ,being
the lord of both 9th, an auspicious house and 2nd sign governing family and monitory affairs.So
mars will do benefic results for natives
of this sign.
PARIHARAM FOR CHEVVAI - Chevvai is
the karaghan for all auspicious
functions that take place in life like weddings and functions related to
fertility and progeny for ladies and all religious festivals in our society.
One has to appease chevvai to reduce its
evil effects by visiting srivillputtur during
Aadi month to worship Sri Andal on the day of Aadi pooram festival. Those
natives horoscopes where chevvai dosham is strong due to its placement in 8th
or 7th sign of horoscope or
attaining neecha can offer red sari and
conduct Thirukalyanam to Sri andal in Srivillputtur.They
can also recite everyday Nachiyar thirumozhi and pray Sri andal particularly for those girls
whose marriage get delayed.They have to be
engaged regularly in cooking and offering prasadham for daily aarathanam at home in order to escape from
the wrath of malefic aspect of mars to some extend since they deal with fire, knife and cutters in kitchen
which are governed by mars. For those who suffer lot due to the troubles caused
by the malefic adverse placement of chevvai in their horoscopes have to worship
chakrathazhwar on Tuesdays in temples.Chevvai being the ferocious and
aggressive planet, one should pray only satvik goddess like Sri bhumi devi incarnate Sri andal. Saivites worship and propitiate
murugan and amman to appease chevvai but for vaishnavites, they have to worship
Sri andal and chakrathazhwar to get benefic results. One should have the plant
of Tulsi at home and worship everyday which will ward off the evil effects of
chevvai.Marriages must be conducted as per vedic rituals prescribed in the
nachiyar thirumozhi to appease chevvai by undergoing through vedic rituals like
wearing red sari, agni homam, saptapadi and
brides are made to dress similar to
Sri andal ect.
IMPORTANT FESTIVALS IN SRIVILLIPUTTUR
TEMPLE -
1) 10 days Thirvaadipuram
festivals during Aadi month – During this 10 days festival, Sri andal and Sri Rangamannar
will grace the devotees from Kannadi Arai –mirror room known also as Ekadesi
mandapam.Sri andal car festival is celebrated on 9th day that falls
on pooram star . On the 5th day of this festival, Sri andal gets
sacred bath – Thirumanjanam during day
time and on the night all the five lords of
other vaishnavite temples around this ksheram will assemble in Garuda
vahanams to be greeted by Sri periazhwar
upon their arrival. On the seventh day,lord will be seen in “ Sayana
thirukkolam” with his head resting on the lap of Sri andal in the shrine of
Krishnankoil. On the concluding day of festival,’muthukuri’episode will be
enacted by the araiyar when he will don the roles of the mother of the lady
loving for union with the lord as soothsayer. He would spread pearls on a
bamboo plate and this will go on till late night.The araiyars abhinayam and
singing with the help of cymbals will be a treat to watch delightfully.
2) During the month of panguni falling on the star of
Utthiram, Sri andal Thirukalyanam is performed in Panguni utsava mandapam. This
celestial wedding of Sri andal with lord Sri rangammar is celebrated only in
the night unlike other temples during day time.Lord Rangamanar with the scepter
in his hand and a pearl umbrella over his head goes around the four nachiyar
mada veedhis on “Kasi yathirai” in the
evening when his father- in- law Sri Periazhwar receive the lord and request
him to accept the hand of his foster daughter. Oonjal and Nalangu functions are
also performed in the presence of Periazhwar idol kept to their left side.All
the vedic rites held in connection with the marriage as described by Sri andal
in her nachiyar thirumozhi are performed by the head priest of temple. After
this “Sri Suktam”is receited to sanctify the Thirumangalyam , Sri andal is
adorned with it..Later rituals like ‘lajwanthi – poori and “sesha homam” are
performed. In the night the lord mounted on elephant vahana and Sri andal in
flowers palanquin are taken round the main streets accompanied by a big retinue
of devotees that reaches at muthu pandal
after going around all mada veedhis of town.
3) During margazhi, Srivilliputtur has 7 days
festivals called as “Neerata utsavam” when Sri andal gets Thirumanjanam
every day inside the mandapam. On
the 8th day falling as the first day of Thai month, she arrives at
the outer mandapam to have the Thirumanjanam known as periya jeer festival.
During margazhi Adyayanotsavam on the first day, Andal and rangammanar arrive
at the house of descendants of Sri periazhwar situated just opposite to the
temple to get honors by gracing the vegetables spread out before him. Similarly
on the day of Aani swathi, the avatara day of Sri periazhwar, the consorts will
visit their house on the occasion of “Pachai parappudhal “-spreading of green
vegetables, an interesting function to watch delightfully.
ஸ்ரீ ஆண்டாள் திருவடிகளே சரணம்
concluded