The Story about Pradhosham

P.Natarajan.

Today is 17th in the Tamil Month 'Thai' or Makara and corresponds with the Krishnapaksha Thrayodhasi. It is otherwise known as 'Prodhosham'. Thai Ammavasai occurs two days from today.

There is a story about Prodhosha and Lord Siva takes the centers stage. The Devas desired to have a life that will last for ever. They approached Lord Narayana who advised them to beget nectar or Amruth from the Ksheerapthi (ocean of milk). They made use of Vasuki, the serpent as a rope to churn the ocean with the help of the Meru Mountain. Vasuki felt the pain unbearable in the process and spit 'poison'. the 'alhala poison' grew in dimension and soon became a threat to the whole world. Devas approached Lord Siva to protect them and Parvathy Devi's merciful look compelled Lord Siva to devour the entire poison that got generated in the process of churning the Ksheerapthi. Parvathi Devi rushed to lord Siva and stopped His action and the poison got stayed at the throat level. Lord Siva came to be known as 'NEELAKANTA" from that day, as the name suggests his throat became Blue in color . Lord Siva who appeared very much tired after swallowing the 'alahala poison' brought his body flat in a lying position. The Devas and Parvathy Devi feared and in order to drive away their fear, Lord Siva began the 'Thandava' dance. It was Ekadasi day when Lord Siva took the poison. He was in the lying position on Dwadasi. On Thrayodasi day , Siva commenced his Tandava Dance. It was then 'Sandhya kalam' or twilight time. This time is considered as holy and from that day on wards came to be known as 'Prodhosham' and people worship Lord Siva and Prodosha Pujas are offered to lord Siva in Temples in elaborate style.. It is believed that those who worship Siva during Prodhosha for a period of 14 years continuously will not have rebirth.

The time when Night meets the Day is known as 'Ushath' Kala or simply known as the Dawn. Usha Devi, the consort of Surya is the presiding deity at Dawn. In a similar way, the time when the Day meets the Night is known as 'Prodhosha Kalam' or simply known as 'Sandhya Kalam'. The gramatic name is 'Prathushath kalam' which in days to come came to be better known as 'Prodosham' We all know dhosham means some deficiency and Pradhosham means 'Nil Deficiency". Sani Prodhosham is considered as sacred as it was
SATURDAY when SIVA's " Sandhya Thandavam " happened !

Nandi Perumal who takes Lord Siva always on him was immensely in enjoyment to look at Sivathandavam. That is why People look at Lord Siva through the horns of Nandi Deavar. People worship Nandi with a garland of fine grass.

On Prodosha Day, people worship Hari at dawn and Siva at the time of sandhya when they recite the Panchakshara Mantra " OM Nama SIVAYA ', "OM NAMA SIVAYA' ...RPT.....

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PONGAL GREETINGS !

Mrs.Parvathy.N & Mr.P.Natarajan.



The Advent of Uttarayana Celeberated as Makara Sankaranthi
Makara Jyothi Is Lit Also The Sun Shines Bright
Obeisance to Sun God for Good Health & Prosperity
Sweet Pongal, Sugarcanes, Flowers and Fruits as we present






We stand in prayer as ' Mangalaharthi ' is offered
The Familly Members say aloud 'PONGALO PONGAL " in a unified voice
And Wish Everyone " A Happy Pongal "





O U R P O N G A L G R E E T I N G S
T O A L L O F Y O U !!

Pongalo Pongal Greetings !!!!!

Parvathy.N & P.Natarajan

1. Thurs 24 Dep.Chennai for Bangalore by night Train


2. Fri 25 Dep.Bangalore 9A.M. Arr. Kukke Subramanya Arr.5 P.M.-340K.M. 8hrs Travel-Kukke Subramanya Temple Visit and Night Halt in Hotel.

3. Sat 26 Dep.Kukkesubramanya @ 8A.M.- Arr. Dharmasthala 10.30 A.M.- 60K.M distance. Visit Temple/ Lunch @ Temple. Leave Dharmasthala @1P.M. for Mangalore-3hrs Journey. Halt Mangalore in a Hotel. Mangala Devi, Kadri and 2 more Temple visits @ Mangalore.

4. Sun 27 Dep. Mangalore @ 7A.M. - Arrive Kateel @ 8A.M. - 30 K.M. - Dharsan @ Ambal Temple in kateel. Dep. Kateel 10 A.M. and arrive Udupi at 11A.M. Dharsan at Udupi Krishna Temple. Lunch in Temple. Dhothi/Tumbler necessary for lunch here.

Leave Udupi at 2.30p.m. for Ambalapadi-10K.M.travel- DEVI Temple. Leave Ambalpadi at 4P.M. for Pa ja ka - Visit Madhwacharyar's Home & Temple-good Coffee & Uppuma free there - Leave Pa ja ka 5.30 P.M. for Anegudda Ganesa Temple - and have dinner before proceeding to Kundapura for night halt. ( Udupi to Kundapura 60 K.M. )

5. Mon 28 Dep. Kundapura @ 6A.M. for Kollur (60 K.M.). Mookambika Amman Temple visit and Break Fast. Leave Kollur for Muruddeswar at about 11 A.M. ( 90 K.M ). Siva Temple at Sea Shore- get Lunch Coupon at the Temple -

Leave Muruddeshwar at 4p.m. for Sringeri - 3hrs journey (100K.M) - Stay at
Mutt Choultry . Darshan Sarada Devi Temple. Dinner free at Srigeri Mutt.

6. Tue 29 Sringeri Sankaracharyar Darshan / Temple and proceed to Rishyasringer Temple. Finish b/f.

Leave Sringeri 10A.M. to Horanadu - 2hrs journey ( not a good road) - Annapoorneswari Temple and Should Have Lunch ( Don't leave without having Lunch) - Rest Room Facility available - Water is good).

Leave for Bangalore 3p.m. or so - 7 to 8hrs journey.

Points to Note:-
Chennai to Mangalore by Train takes 16 hours to cover 900 K.M..
Chennai to Bangalore by Train takes 7 hours to cover 361 K.M.
The Places suggested in the Itinerary are located more or less in a straight line pattern which fact avoids detouring and to save time.
Chartered 8 seater Car or Tempo Traveller with Ac preferred
KSRTC conducts the same Tour starting Thursday Night and returns Monday Morning every week. The fare is available in the catalogue already sent c/o Neela.

The Chartered A.C. Car fare for INNOVA @ 8.75 Rupees per K.M , Rs150 bata to Driver per day.
The envisaged distance involved as per above itinerary keeping Bangalore as the Centre 1200 K.M will be close to Rs.12500.

Boarding and Lodging not included in the above estimate.

Circulated to all for taking stock of the data and for decision making.

Ambi & Parvathy.