Karthigai Masam, or Karthika month, is the eighth month in a traditional Tamil calendar and it derives its name from the Nakshatram, or star, ‘Krithiga.’ Tamil Month Karthigai in 2021 begins on November 17 and ends on December 15. The Mondays in the month are dedicated to Lord Shiva and Karthigai Somavara Vratam is observed. Another important ritual in the month is the Karthigai Deepam. Ayyappa devotees start the 41-day Ayyappa Deeksha Vratam and take a pilgrimage to Sabarimala in this month. Importance of Karthigai Masam Karthigai Deepam Karthigai Masam is also famous for the row of lights that are lit in the month. Houses and streets are decorated on the Karthigai star day in the month with lamps and it is known as Karthigai Deepam  (November 19, 2021). Thiruvannamalai Deepam It is believed that Lord Shiva gave darshan to Lord Vishnu and Brahma in the form of a pillar of fire with no ends on this day. This form is also referred as Annamalai Deepam in Tamil and is

There are five important temples dedicated to Lord Ayyappa in the Western Ghats in Kerala including the famous Sabarimala Shrine. It is believed that these temples were founded by Lord Parashurama. Dharma Shasta or Lord Ayyappa is represented in different stages of his life in these temples. Legend has it that Lord Ayyappa passed through Kulathupuzha, Aryankavu and Achankoil on his return to Pandalam with the milk of leopardess. In the Ayyappa temple at Kulathupuzha near Thenmala in Kollam District, Lord appears as Balaka or child and is known as ‘Manikantan.’ ( more details about Kulathupuzha Ayyappa Temple ) At Aryankavu in Kollam District, Lord Ayyappa appears as a young man - Brahmachari. The temple is closely associated with the Pandi Raja of Madurai . ( more details about Aryankavu Shastha Temple ) At Achankoil Sasta Temple in Pathanamthita District, the Lord appears as a Grahastha with his two consorts Poorna and Pushkala. The idol of Ayyappa here i

Ayyappa Devotees visiting the Sabarimala Temple carry the Irumudi – a specially designed bag with two compartments. This ceremony is referred as Kettunira or Palli Kettu. The front portion of the bag is meant for keeping the puja articles and other offerings to the deities at Sabarimala. The other compartment is meant for holding the personal belongings. But nowadays both the compartments are filled with puja items. Earlier, the journey used to be of two to three days and therefore people used to carry provisions in the second compartment. Puja Items Needed A coconut filled with Ghee Two coconuts Arecanut (Supari) Betel leaf Coins Turmeric Powder Sandal Vibhuthi (Sacred Ash) Rose Water Rice Avil (Beaten rice) Malar (Puffed rice) Jaggery or Small banana Kalkandam (Sugar Candy) Agarbathis Camphor Pepper (For Vavar) Small bottle of honey (optional) Dry grape (optional) Towels (for personal use) While buying the bag, make sure that it has enough space and can h

The mind that has been extinguished will lose its habits of action and thus becomes like a seed that has been roasted. (As roasted seed does not spout, so the mind that has become extinct cannot be reborn again). Ignorance binds the ignorant one by means of habits. If the mind remains wide awake in the quest of truth, then the destruction of habits will begin. Right awareness dawns on the complete extinction of the mind, whereby all the mental habits also are lost. Deliverance is affirmed by all sages to be none other than the final and complete destruction of the mental habits. One should overcome both desire and latency and keep the mind concentrated in the quest. In the quest for the real Self, this is like balancing on the keen edge of the razor. Ramana Maharishi