The month of Aadi is considered highly auspicious for worshipping the divine feminine energy, Shakti. Aadi Velli, an important festival in the Tamil Hindu calendar, is celebrated on Fridays in the Tamil month of Aadi (mid-July to mid-August). Every Friday in the month of Aadi is special for the Goddesses. During this month, it is believed that the Mother Goddess manifested to bring peace and harmony to the world. The festival pays homage to the Goddess in her diverse forms like Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswati, seeking her blessings for prosperity, health, and happiness.
Significance of Aadi Velli
According to Puranas, The Goddess manifested as Pachai Amman, an aspect of Goddess Parvati, to bring peace and harmony to the world. Through her inherent energy, Pachai Amman, also known as Kanni Amman, appeared in numerous sacred places, enhancing the divine powers of these localities with her presence. It is believed that in her manifestation of Thirumullaivaayal, peace and prosperity were established in the world. She is also known as the Goddess of marriage and fertility, blessing young maidens who seek a suitable groom. Temples are dedicated to various forms of Goddess Amman, such as Mariamman, Kaliamman, and Bhagavathi Amman.
1st Friday of Aadi is dedicated to Goddess Swarnambika, a form of Goddess Parvati, who blesses with wealth and prosperity.
2nd Friday of Aadi is devoted to Goddess AngalaAmman. Worshipping her can gain protection from evil powers and negatively.
3rd Friday is associated with Goddess Kalikambal, a powerful avatar of Goddess Parvati. She has the power to bestow good health and courage.
4th Friday is dedicated to Goddess Kamakshi Amman, who bestows good relationships. Worship her to enjoy harmonious relationships and to overcome obstacles in your life.
5th and last Aadi Friday honors Goddess Lakshmi, the Goddess of Overall Prosperity. This day coincides with the Varalakshmi Pooja, celebrated by Hindu women with great fervour. They seek the Goddess’ blessings and protection for their husbands and their families.
Aadi Velli (Friday) Dates 2024:
1st Friday on July 19, 2024
2nd Friday, July 26, 2024
3rd Friday, August 2, 2024
4th Friday, August 9, 2024
5th Friday occurs on the end of Aadi month August 16, 2024
Celebrations and Rituals
- During Aadi Velli (Fridays), Goddess Amman idols are beautifully decorated with flowers, fruits, and bangles, creating mesmerizing views for the devotees.
- Aadi Velli is famous for the Naga puja, where devotees offer prayers to snake deities. This ritual carries great spiritual significance and is particularly important for Amman devotees.
- A major ritual during Aadi is the Varalakshmi Pooja, dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi. This pooja is usually performed on a Friday when women seek the blessings of the goddess for the well-being and prosperity of their families.
- Devotees visit temples and offer ‘Koozh’ (a type of porridge) to the Goddess. This porridge is later distributed among other devotees as prasadam.
- Every Friday during Aadi, women participate in rituals and prepare Sakarai pongal (Sweet rice dish) for Goddess Amman as a part of devotion and special pujas are conducted in the Temple.
- Devotees prepare Maa Vilakku, made from rice flour, jaggery, and ghee, and offer it to the Goddess as a part of the rituals.
- Garlands made of lemons are offered to the Goddess, which is a distinctive feature of the Aadi Velli celebrations.
The benefits of observing Aadi Velli's fast
- Devotees believe that fasting and performing rituals on Aadi Velli invite the divine grace of Goddess Amman, bringing peace and prosperity into their lives.
- Couples who are seeking to have children often observe this fast with the hope of receiving the goddess’s blessings for progeny
- Observing fast or vratham is also believed to alleviate various difficulties and challenges in life, providing spiritual strength and solutions to problems.
- Married women particularly fast on this day to pray for the health, well-being, and long life of their husbands
- Unmarried girls observe this fast with the belief that Goddess Amman will bless them with good husbands
Embrace the spiritual essence of Aadi Velli by celebrating with devotion and reverence and let the divine grace of Goddess Amman fill your life with peace, prosperity, and happiness. To enhance your Aadi Velli celebrations, consider bringing the divine presence of Goddess Amman into your home with beautifully crafted Amman frames from Om Spiritual Shop.