Friday, May 11, 2018

Pallikondeswarar Temple, Surutapalli – Pradoshams

Pallikondeswarar Temple, Surutapalli – Pradoshams
Pradosha is celebrated with great shradha, popularity and vigour here and as per beliefs, it was here where practice of celebrating Pradosha Kalam started in origin. Pradosham is an important event in this temple and is conducted on Shukla Paksha (15 moon days from New moon to Full moon) and Krishna Paksha (15 moon days from Full moon to New moon), the evening of Trayodasi between 4:30PM to 6:30PM.
Pradosham is considered as one of the important rituals performed to Lord Shiva. The Pradhosha Nandhi here is present in a big open mandapam that can withstand a big crowd in a way that everyone can have a clear Dharshan. Additionally, if you buy a 50 Rs ticket, one person is allowed in the inner reserved area and for a 250 Rs ticket, 4 persons are allowed and are given the Pradhosha prasadam.
All the Gods and Goddesses have assembled during Pradosham. So Pradhosha worship gives the blessings of all these Gods and Goddesses. Devotees should not go in between Shiva lingam and Nandhi in any temple in normal time itself and especially during the Pradhosha time. Devotees should worship Nandhi, then Shiva through the gap in between the two horns of the Nandhi. Since Nandhi is the one who takes one’s prayers to Shiva, we can tell our wishes and prayers to the ears of Nandhi. Arugampul garland and Kapparisi neivedhyam to Nandhi are very sacred.
Maha Pradosham comes yearly during the month of Masi before Maha Shivarathri. The Pradosham coming on Somavaram (Monday) is called Soma Pradosham. Monday is a special day for Shiva. Saturday is the day when Shiva swallowed poison and this is called Sani Pradosham. It is categorized into three depending upon the month of the Pradosham: Uthama Sani Pradosham (Maximum power) – The Sani Pradosham that comes during the Tamil month of Chithirai, Vaikasi, Aippasi and Karthigai during the Growing Lunar Cycle (Valar Pirai), i.e., New moon to Full moon period.
Mathima Sani Pradosham (Normal power) – The Sani Pradosham that comes during the Tamil month of Chithirai, Vaikasi, Aippasi and Karthigai during Diminishing Lunar Cycle (Thei Pirai), i.e., Full moon to New moon period. Athama Sani Pradosham (Minimum power) – All the other Sani Pradoshams
If the Maha Pradosham comes on Saturday, it is called Sani Maha Pradosham. According to the duration of Thrayodhasa star Pradosham is categorized into three: Uthama Pradosham (Maximum power) – If the Thrayodashi period is present from dawn to the next day dawn; Mathima Pradosham (Normal power) – If the Thrayodashi period is present from dusk to the next day dusk. Athama Pradosham (Minimum power) – If the Thrayodashi period comes after the sunset and goes before 4:30 PM the next day.
A Pradhosha worship gives the benefit of worshipping a Shiva temple daily throughout the year. A Sani Pradhosha worship gives the benefit of worshipping a Shiva temple daily throughout the year for five years. Continuous 120 Pradhosha worships give limitless benefits and salvation. It is believed that seeing a Pradosham at Kutraleeswarar temple of Koyambedu, will fetch the benefit of seeing 1000 Pradoshams.