Purattasi is the duration of mid-Sep to mid-Oct as per the English calendar. This is one of the most auspicious months in the Tamil calendar since various festivities related to different deities happen in Purattasi. The ceremony associates with Lord Venkateswara in Purattasi, which is primarily celebrated on Purattasi Saturday.
Saturday is considered to be the day on which Lord Venkateswara appeared on Earth, and hence each Saturday in Purattasi is important. Devotees observe fast on each Saturday of the month; the odd Saturdays such as first, third, and fifth are more significant.
How was the Month Named Purattasi?
Purattasi is the sixth month of the Tamil calendar and is particularly dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, an avatar of Lord Vishnu. The month name Purattasi came from the star(s) on the Full Moon day – Poorattadhi,
A legend says that Lord Vishnu is worshipped in this month because this was the time when Lord Vishnu descended to Earth to preserve the Universe at the end of Kali Yuga. That is why people celebrate Lord Vishnu on Purattasi Saturday to thank God for preserving the Universe.
Purattasi Month – Rituals and Religious Practices
Purattasi month is an important duration for Vishnu devotees. The festivity happens in almost every state of South India, and they all worship Lord Vishnu in his Venkateswara avatar. People consider various rituals and practices to celebrate the day and please the Lord. Several special poojas take place, and offerings are made to the Lord. All the devotees gather at the temples and participate in all the rituals. There is a ritual of hoisting flags with the Garuda emblem in all the temples where this festivity is celebrated.
Devotees of Lord Venkateswara also observe strict fasting that they observe on every Purattasi Saturday. A few people also observe the fast without even drinking water, and this is known as “Nirjala Vrat.” People who don’t observe fasting follow some rules, such as avoiding non-vegetarian food, consuming alcohol and liquor.
Purattasi Saturdays and the Effects of Shani
On Purattasi Saturdays, people also draw Namum, which represents a two-feet symbol of Lord Vishnu. They draw this on their forehead. There is also a practice of unique lighting lamps called Maavilakku. These lamps are made of rice flour; devotees light these lamps and offer them to Tirumala Tirupati temple or any Vishnu temple where the festivity happens. This way, they receive the divine blessings of Lord Venkateswara.
On the Purattasi Saturday, Lord Vishnu is worshipped, who pacifies the ill effects of planet Saturn. Thus people who worship the Lord on Saturday of Purattasi get rid of the ill effects of Saturn in their horoscope. People also get the grace of Saturn, and that is why Purattasi Saturdays are so important from an astrological point of view.
Shani becomes passive during this month; hence this comes as a great chance to receive blessings of Shani by offering him ghee or ellu (sesame seeds) lamp. There are other festivals too for which this month is sacred. These festivities are Durga Navaratri, Saraswati Pooja, and Vijayadasami.
Purattasi Vrat or Fasting
Observing fast during this period is the most sacred thing a devotee can do. Fasting on Purattasi Saturdays goes to Lord Vishnu. It is a belief that those who observe fast for 108 Purattasi Saturdays go to the heavenly abode of Vishnu after their lifetime.
Additionally, when a devotee observes fast, he purifies his body, mind, and soul. This is because, during fasting, you control your senses of hunger and taste. Also, you try to devote yourself to God, and hence your vibrations increase, and you easily connect to the higher frequencies. However, one should not feel fasting as a burden; one should fast only when he or she is ready for it wholeheartedly. Only when you have true devotion and respect in your heart can you get the fruit of your effort.
Mahalaya Amavasya
Mahalaya Amavasaya arrives in the same month Purattasi. This is the day when people make offerings to their ancestors. Every Tamil month has one Amavasya on which offerings are given to those who have departed from this world. However, the Amavasya of Purattasi month is considered the most sacred and auspicious.
During this month, the ancestors arrive on Earth and stay here for 15 days before New moon. So all these 15 days, people make offerings or give tharpanam to ancestors. Due to all these festivities and events, Purattasi month remains one of the sacred months of the Tamil calendar.