బ్లాగులు — Aadi

Madurai, often hailed as the Athens of the East, is more than just a historic city — it is a spiritual heartbeat of Tamil Nadu.   Nestled in the serene Alagar Hills, the Azhagar Temple (Alagar Kovil) stands as one of the most revered shrines dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Rooted in ancient times, stories, and beautiful architecture, the temple is not only one of the 108 special Vaishnava temples (Divya Desams) but also a lively place for Tamil culture and festivals. One of its most interesting spots is the Pathinettam Padi Karuppasamy shrine, which becomes very active during the Chithrai...

The Srivilliputhur Andal Temple, located in the Virudhunagar district of Tamil Nadu, is one of the most sacred and culturally rich temples in South India. Dedicated to Goddess Andal and Lord Vishnu (in the form of Vatapatrasayi), this ancient temple is not just a spiritual destination but also a symbol of Tamil heritage, devotion, and poetry. The temple is revered as the birthplace of Andal, the only female Alvar saint among the twelve Alvars of the Vaishnava tradition.  Historical Background  Srivilliputhur is believed to be over 2000 years old. The temple's history is deeply intertwined with the legend of Andal, who...

Amman worship, the veneration of mother goddesses, is one of the most ancient and enduring spiritual traditions in South India. Deeply rooted in the Dravidian folk culture, this practice existed long before the rise of Vedic and Brahminical influences. Archaeological discoveries and classical Tamil literature reveal that rural communities have long worshipped female deities for rain, health, fertility, and protection.  These goddesses were seen not only as divine but also as nurturing forces connected deeply with nature and the rhythms of village life. Scholars agree that the worship of a Mother Goddess was one of the earliest forms of spiritual...

The month of Aadi (mid-July to mid-August) is a spiritually charged time dedicated to the worship of goddesses, especially Amman, the fierce and compassionate Mother Goddess. While Tamil Nadu celebrates Aadi with grandeur, the spirit of the festival thrives equally in Singapore, where the Tamil community comes together to observe powerful rituals and prayers.  Singapore, with its rich Indian heritage, is home to several ancient and prominent Amman temples. During Aadi, these temples witness huge crowds, special pujas, and devotional activities that reflect the vibrancy of Tamil traditions overseas.   1. Sri Mariamman Temple  Address: 244 South Bridge Road, Singapore 058793  ...

The month of Aadi is considered auspicious for the Goddess Amman, and among the various festivals celebrated during this time, Aadi Perukku holds significant importance. Aadi perukku falls on 18th day of the Tamil month Aadi (mid-July to mid-August), this festival is a beautiful blend of nature worship, religious rituals, and community celebrations.   Why do we Celebrate Aadi Perukku?  According to legend, the River Ganges once sought Lord Krishna's advice on how to purify herself from the sins absorbed from people bathing in her waters. Lord Krishna advised that she could merge with the Kaveri River to purify herself.  Upon...