Latest news with #Upakarma
The Hindu
6 days ago
- General
- The Hindu
Relevance of Upakarma
Upakarma is a festival steeped in Vedic traditions. This festival is observed on different days based on the Veda followed by one's family, said Tirukkudanthai Dr. Venkatesh. Those following Rig Veda observe it on the day of Shravana star in Shravana month. Yajur Vedis follow the same based on Avittam star in Shravana month. Sama Veda followers observe it in Bathrapatha month under the star Hastha while Atharva Veda followers observe it in Sharavana month when the full moon coincides with the rising sun. Tamil Nadu boasts more followers of Yajur Veda and since Avittam falls in Aavani month in general, the festival is known as Aavani Avittam in Tamil Nadu. Young students commence learning the Vedas on the day of Avitta star under the full moon in Shravana month, winding up the studies for the year on the full moon day in the month of Thai. They focus on other aspects of Vedas during the next six months and return to further study the Vedas in Shravana month. They start learning the Vedas performing the Upakarma ceremony. Two asuras, Madhu and Kaidapa, stole the Vedas from Brahma. Lord Vishnu incarnated as Hayagreeva, retrieved the Vedas and returned them to Brahma on the full moon day in Shravana month. Thus, learning of the Vedas by aspirants traditionally commences on this day. The Upakarma ceremony is essential for beginning Vedic learning. When one learns the Vedas, it is inevitable that there are some mistakes such as wrong pronunciation, wrong tempo, and inattention. The Upakarma ceremony absolves one of the bad effects of such mistakes. Apart from the mistakes during learning, the Upakarma ceremony protects one from the mistakes that may creep in during the routine observance of Sandhyavandhanam, Pithru tharpanam, Sratham, etc. On the day after observing Yajur Vedis' Upakarma, followers of all Vedas chant the Gayathri mantra 1,008 times, to rationalise the learning of the Vedas in full strength.
Hans India
30-07-2025
- General
- Hans India
Devotees mark Nagara Panchami with traditional fervour in Coast
Mangaluru/Udupi: Nagara Panchami, the traditional Hindu festival dedicated to the worship of serpents, was observed with devotion and community participation across the coastal districts of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi on Tuesday. The festival, which heralds the start of the coastal region's festive season, drew thousands of devotees to serpent shrines (naga sthanas) and family-owned sacred groves (nagabanas), where rituals were performed in keeping with long-standing local customs. Prominent religious centres including the Kukke Shri Subrahmanya Temple, Kudupu Anantha Padmanabha Temple, and the ancient Skandalayas of Mucchalakodu, Mangodu, Tangodu, and Aritodu, reported large turnouts. Special pujas and milk offerings were conducted from early morning at these sites, along with the preparation of siyaala—a sacred offering made with turmeric leaves, coconut, and milk. In Udupi and Mangaluru, the dry weather on Monday encouraged brisk shopping activity in local markets, with a surge in demand for flowers, tender coconuts, turmeric leaves, and other ritual materials. Traders reported a marginal rise in prices due to increased demand. Temples and local authorities appealed to devotees to refrain from using plastic containers for offerings, particularly those carrying milk for the ritual abhisheka. At the Kukke Subrahmanya Temple, one of the most significant naga worship centres in southern India, rituals were held at the nagapratishta mantapa in the outer courtyard. The panchamrita mahabhisheka was performed in the morning, followed by milk and coconut offerings from devotees throughout the day. The mantapa was adorned with natural decorations and fresh flowers, adding to the spiritual atmosphere. The temple also witnessed steady participation in harake sevas, with a maha puja and naivedya conducted in the afternoon. Several family-run nagabanas—private serpent groves traditionally preserved over generations—also hosted gatherings for ritual worship. At the Moola Nagabanas and temples such as Sri Venkatramana Temple, Neelavara Panchamikana, Sagri Vasuki Subrahmanya Temple, and Badagupete Anantha Padmanabha Temple, the celebrations reflected the continuity of age-old practices. The observance of Nagara Panchami marks the beginning of a string of upcoming festivals in the coastal calendar, including Upakarma, Raksha Bandhan, Krishna Janmashtami, and Ganesh Chaturthi. Local authorities are now preparing for the next wave of celebrations, expecting increased public participation and temple activity in the coming weeks.
