THE SACRED RITUALS OF KARKIDAKA VAVU

Dear Friends,
             Good Evening!
                     Last week was hectic with meetings after the office hours,extra work load etc.Besides  I did  suffer from fever and cold.So,I could not reach many blogs  and leave commentsAs and when time and health permit I will be reading your posts..
Tomorrow is Karkidaka Vavu Bali-on 9th August,2010.A day dedicated to the departed souls of our beloved ones.The Hindus of Kerala offer the rituals and rites on the sea shore or the river banks.Thousands of people will throng on the sea shore to offer the holy prayers It is believed that the souls will visit homes on this day.The dear ones will prepare ada[sweet rice cake]and wait for the arrival of the soul..It is the no moon day or Karuta Vavu is Karkidakakam is very important to perform Shrardham.Bali performed on Amavasy pacifies the souls easily.The Bali in Karkidaka month is important because the  Dakshinayana period begins in this month.It is considered to be the night of the Devas.The popular belief is that the departed souls will achieve salvation[moksha] during this period due to the bali performed by relatives on the earth.
Tomorrow Aadi  Amavasi is observed in neighbouring Tamil Nadu  and people perform rites for the peace of departed souls.Hindu devotees take a holy dip in important theerthams and sacred rivers on this day.

 It is believed that Bali will appease the souls and the rites are performed according to Hindu customs and rituals.They are performed at Theertha Ghats.The rituals usually begin from 5 am and extends up to 12 noon.
                Janardhana Swamy Temple,Varkala,The Parasurama Swamy Temple,Thiruvallam and at the Shanmukham beach  will be crowded right from the wee hoursof Karkidaka Vavu.
Special arrangements have been done at all the  prominent beaches.Hundreds of priests will guide the devotees.Vavu comes in every month but Karkidaka Vavu is very important for Hindus.
The various Temple Ghats on the Pampa,Achan Kovil and Manimala rivers in Pathanamthitta district are abuzz with arrangements for the annual Vavu Bali.Elaborate arrangements are done for Bali Tharpanam.After doing the bali rituals on a banana leaf,it is taken to the river or sea and the devotee takes a holy dip in the water.Important temples on the river banks are chosen for doing Bali Tharpan.Aluva Shiva Temple is very popular for Karkidaka Vavu Bali.

On this occasion I want to share my pilgrimage to Gokarna,last week.Gokarna is one of India's sacred places situated in the district of Uttara Kannada,of coastal region of Karnataka.Gokarna is popular as Mukti Stala.The Hindus reach here to pay respects and perform the rites for the departed souls of their beloved ones.The Mahabaleshwara Temple,Ganesh Temple,Tamra Gowri Shrine,Koti Theertha,Chandikeshwara,Aadi Gokarneswara and Dattrateya.
Sitting on the sea shore attending and participating in the rituals,getting into the sea for the tharpan,one moment I felt like go further with the rising waves!It was totally an amazing experience.After a long time,I got wet with the sea water.
The  beautiful rivers  and breathtaking landscapes made the trip wonderful.
                Remembering all the sacred departed souls who left us,
                   It's Anu signing off........
Reminding you about the sacred and auspicious day,

 Remembering all our beloved and close to heart,
Requesting you to take time to think of them,
Life is always precious and we have to live till God wants us,
And in this short life avoid clashes and confusions,
Spread a smile and say a kind word;
My dearies,you will be blessed.
Let's be more humble,loving and caring,
As God has still left us alive.
         Anu loves you dilse,
                                         Sasneham,
                                                        Anu