Aadi Masam or Adi Month (July-Aug)

Aadi  Masam or Adi Month

Many spiritual activities are performed in temples and homes during this month. However weddings, house warming, upanayanams and other family special events are not celebrated. Uttarayana ends and the first day of Adi month marks the begining of Dakshinayana Punyakala. In the month of Adi, when the Pooram Nakshtram (star) occurs, that day is celebrated as Andal's birthday. Andal was found by Perialwar in a tulsi vanah (garden). Andal is also Sridevi, the embodiment of  Boomi Devi or mother earth.

This month is the time to offer reverence to mother earth and everything that represents her divinity. Special prayers and events are offered in temples during this month of Adi, especially at Devi temples.Women alias Devi are invited to homes and honored with tamboolam and gifts. Special festival foods are prepared to be enjoyed by the family. This month is dedicated to prayers and worship.

Aadi Pirappu

First day of this month, that is the fourth month in the Solar calender, is observed as Aadi Pirapu.

Dakshinayana Punyakala

The duration of six months between the summer solstice and winter solstice is Dakshinayana. This denotes the sun's transit towards the southern hemisphere (celestial sphere). During this period the nights are longer and days are shorter, Dakshinayana begins on the first day of Adi month (mid July) and ends with Makarasankranti (mid January)

Adi Chevai Kaimae

The Tuesdays during this month are considered auspicious.

Adi Velli Kaimae

The Fridays during this month are also considered auspicious.

Tiru Adi Pooram

This is celebrated when the Pooram Nakshatra (star) occurs during this month.The festival celebrates the birth of Andal. It is also celebrated as the Tirukalyanam or wedding anniversary of Andal and Lord Ranganathar of Srirangam temple.

Padinetta Peraku

This festival is celebrated on the 18th day of this month.

Varamahalakshmi Pooja

This is always celebrated on the Friday before the full moon day of the solar calender month of Adi ( and this overlaps with the lunar calender month of Sravana ). See blog label July-Aug Festivals for detailed description.