Significance of Purattasi Masa, Purattasi Month, Puratasi Tamil Calender, Purattasi Masam Importance
Purattasi Masam
Purattasi is one of the auspicious tamil months, usually begins in the English month of September. It is the sixth month in a Tamil calendar and is dedicated to God Perumal (Lord Venkateswara).
Purattasi masam is the masam in which full moon normally occurs either on Poorattadhi/Uttirattadhi stars. Puratasi Masam is of great importance to Tamilians as it is believed that Lord Venkateswara appeared on the earth in this month. Lord Vishnu devotees consider Purattasi as the ideal month for thanking Lord Vishnu for preserving the Universe at the end of Kali Yuga. Devotees gather in large number at Lord Vishnu temples and special prayers are offered and flags with Garuda emblem are hoisted.
Purattasi Vrat is observed by Devotees of Lord Venkateswara. Some people observe partial fasting on all days in Puratassi others limit it to Puratasi Saturdays. A few observe strict fast on Saturdays which involves not even drinking a drop of water is called Nirjala Vratam. Some devotees only eat vegetarian food during the entire month. They also quit smoking and consuming alcohol for one month. On Purattasi Saturdays, Namum, the two feet symbol of Lord Vishnu’s feet, is drawn on the forehead by males and women opt for a red dot. Hymns dedicated to Lord Vishnu are chanted and Mavilakku offered to the God.
It is also believed that Lord Shani looses his powers in Puratasi month, so it is easy to escape from his malefic influences. Devotees offer Ghee or Ellu Lamp to Lord Shani in the month. Navagrahas are also worshipped in the month.
Also there is a huge list of important festivals like Durga Navaratri, Saraswati poojai, and Vijayadhasami celebrated in the month of Purattasi.
