Chennai: If Margazhi has its own attractions, the Tamil month of Aadi has a magnetic hold on devotees prompting them to frequent the Amman temples and dedicate the month for devotion and service to the goddess. Despite the hustle and bustle of traffic, Chennai reverberates with the Aadi celebrations and the colourful milk-pot processions are so conspicuous.
Though Aadi Perukku, occurring on 18th day of the month, is an occasion to offer prayer to the Goddess to increase nature’s bounty and for peace and prosperity.
The name Aadi Perukku or Pathinettam Perukku (Perukku means ‘rising or increasing’), signifies glorifying nature's gifts during Aadi month. Aadi Pooram is also celebrated during this month. Prayers are also offered to water to facilitate a rich harvest.
Aadi Perukku is also one of the finest moments to praise Goddess Lakshmi. This year, as per the Tamil calendar Aadi month has begun on July 17 and ends on Aug. 16. Adi Perukku falls on August 3.
Amman temples are all decked up and women perform several rituals, including take out procession with milk-pots or Mulaipari (sprouting of nine grains or Navadhanyam in a basket or clay mud pots) on their heads in a colourful procession.
In Chennai, the Mundakakanniamman Temple, Mylapore, where the deity is considered a Swayambhu, several hundreds of women participate in the series of events held during this month. The goddess here is considered as the 'chief doctor' who can cure all diseases. She has a remedy for Nagadosham and Thirumanadosham, and can grant boons for children. On the last Friday of Aadi, the 1,008 poochurithal poojai - a procession
is held.
At Broadway the Kalikambal temple is known for 108 abishekams held over all the Sundays during Aadi every year - ranging from milk, tender coconut milk, curd, turmeric, sandalwood paste, ash, rose water (paneer), panchamirtham and flowers. The manjal abishekam is performed regularly for 48 days, as women who are trying to conceive visit the
temple, and consider it auspicious.
The Kamakshi Amman Temple, Mangadu, which one of the oldest temple in the city, as the Goddess herself comes to earth performs severe penance there, Aadi Pooram is the major highlight. Devotees carry metal pots containing milk, cook koozhu for the Goddess, while some pierce their bodies for Amman.
At the Vembuli Amman temple, Pazhavanthangal, near the subway, which is nearly 370-year-old, the Aadi festivities also include Thee Midithal (only men are allowed to perform this ritual), on third Sunday. The 400-year-old Kadumbadi Chinnamman Temple, Saidapet, celebrates the 10-day festival with a series of festivities. The 300-year-old Aalayamman Temple, Teynampet, Devi Karumariamman Temple, Thiruverkadu, and the 150-year-old Ellaiamman Temple, T. Nagar, 500-year-old Pathala Ponniamman Temple, Kilpauk, attract several hundreds of devotees during this festive season.
