Purattasi is the sixth month in the tamil calendar, and it holds great significance for devotees of Lord Venkateswara (Lord Vishnu). According to astrology, the Tamil month of Purattasi begins when the Sun God enters the Virgo zodiac sign. In North India, Purattasi is known as the Ashwin month. This month is marked by several significant festivals, including Mahalaya Paksha, Pitru Paksha, and Sharada Navratri. Purattasi month is considered auspicious for worshiping God and seeking blessings for good health and prosperity. While the entire Purattasi month is ideal for worshiping Lord Venkateshwara, Purattasi Sani (Saturdays) hold special significance for his worship.
Significance of Purattasi Sani
Purattasi month falls between mid-September and mid-October in the Gregorian calendar. It is also believed that Purattasi is the ideal month to express gratitude to Lord Vishnu for preserving the Earth. Devotees of Lord Venkateswara who typically consume non-vegetarian food abstain from eating it for the entire month.
Saturdays during this month are considered especially auspicious for worshiping Lord Venkateswara. According to Hindu mythology, it is believed that this is the time when Lord Venkateswara descended to Earth. Fasting and worshipping Lord Venkateswara on Saturdays in the Purattasi month will bring exceptional blessings, remove sorrows throughout the year, and bestow happiness. It is believed those affected by " Sani Sade Sati" (the seven-and-a-half-year period of Saturn's influence) can fast during this time to alleviate Saturn's afflictions. Visiting an Anjaneyar (Hanuman) temple on every Purattasi Saturday helps devotees stay protected from graha dosham (planetary afflictions).
Why worship on Saturdays?
In ancient times, Narada, the celestial sage who travels the three worlds, told Lord Sani (Saturn) provocatively that while he could cause suffering to anyone on Earth, he should avoid approaching Tirumala. Arrogantly, Shani wondered who could stop him and decided to head towards Tirumala. However, as soon as he set foot there, he was thrown back. Realizing his mistake, he humbly bowed to Lord Perumal, who resides in Tirumala, and sought forgiveness.
Seeing Sani's repentance, Lord Perumal forgave him on the condition that he would not cause suffering to His devotees who remember and worship Him. Sani agreed and promised not to trouble Venkateswara’s devotees. Furthermore, he requested a boon from Lord Venkateswara, stating that if his devotees worshiped him on Purattasi Saturdays, the day of his birth, he would grant them their desired wishes.Thus, Purattasi Saturdays have come to be considered especially auspicious for worshiping Venkateswara.
How to Worship on Purattasi Sani (Saturday)?
- Clean your house the day before Saturday to ensure it is spotless for Lord Venkateswara.
- Wake up early and take a thorough bath. Then begin preparing the special dishes (naivedyam) for the Lord.
- Observe the sacred fast without eating until the rituals are complete.
- Adorn the idol or frame of Lord Venkateswara with Tulasi (basil leaves), marigold flowers, or a jasmine garland. Offer a variety of fruits, including bananas, apples, grapes, oranges, and pineapples.
- Special dishes prepared for serving and worshiping the Lord during Purattasi are known as Purattasi Padaiyal or Thaligai. These include:
- Laddu (a favorite sweet of Lord Venkateswara), Bellam Pongal (jaggery rice. Ven Pongal (pepper rice), Panchamrutham, Vada, Payasam, Pulihora (tamarind rice), curd rice, Biyyam Pindi (rice flour), Mudha Pappu (cooked lentils), Sambar, Rasam, Perugu (curd), Neyyi (ghee), Annam (rice).
- (If you're unable to prepare all these dishes, it's perfectly fine to prepare just 2 or 3 dishes to serve the Lord)
- After preparing the dishes, apply Thiru Namam (the sacred tilak) on your forehead, which symbolizes the feet of Lord Venkateswara.
- Begin the rituals by lighting a lamp (diya). Offer the prepared dishes to Lord Venkateswara and his consorts, Sri Devi and Bhu Devi, on three banana leaves.
- During the worship, perform Harathi while chanting either "Om Namo Narayanaya" or "EDU KONDALA VADA! VENKATA RAMANA! GOVINDHA! GOVINDHA!!".
- After worship, you can break your fast and enjoy the meal. Share the naivedyam with friends and neighbors, spreading the blessings of the Lord.
Things to avoid on Purattasi Saturdays:
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If you're observing fast on Purattasi saturdays, consuming non-vegetarian items such as meat, fish, and eggs is considered inauspicious
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Drinking alcohol is discouraged during this period, as it is believed to obstruct spiritual progress.
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Cutting hair or nails on Purattasi Saturdays is considered inauspicious.
Dates of Purattasi Sani
Purattasi Month: 17th September 2024 to 17th October 2024
Purattasi Sani Dates:
- 21st September 2024: First Purattasi Sani (This day is particularly auspicious as Sankatahara Chaturthi also occurs on this day)
- 28th September 2024: Second Purattasi Sani
- 5th October 2024: Third Purattasi Sani
- 12th October 2024: Fourth Purattasi Sani
Purattasi Sani fasting, dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, also has a scientific basis. The unpredictable climate of this month—neither fully summer nor rainy season—can lead to health issues. Consuming heavy, indigestible foods during this time may cause problems, which is why abstaining from non-vegetarian food is advised. Observing this fast with full devotion not only honours Lord Venkateswara but also promotes better health.
At Om Spiritual Shop, we offer a special Purattasi combo: a beautifully crafted Perumal Vilakku and Perumal Patham with intricate designs of Namam, Sangu, and Chakram. Light your Perumal Vilakku and receive Lord Venkateswara’s blessings this Purattasi.