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The month of Shravana is regarded as the month of gods and worships, the full moon day being the most important day of all. The rakhi purnima is vital in more than one ways. It is celebrated in a different manner throughout the country. The reasons may be different, |
the names altered but one thing remains the same and that is the oath taken for protection or “Raksha” by the brother.In the Western Ghats, the rakhi is considered to be an offering to Lord Varuna (the Lord of sea). He is also offered coconuts. The festival over there is known as Nariyal Purnima and marks the beginning of the fishing season.
The festival of Rakhi is called Avani Avittam in South India. It’s a very crucial day for the Brahmins. They first take a holy bath and then change their holy thread (Janeyu) chanting the mantras. They take a promise to perform the brahmanik duties as written in the holy books and adopt a good conduct and dignity. The ceremony is called Shravani or Rishi tarpan. All the Brahmins celebrate it in the same manner.
In the northern part of India, Rakhi Purnima is also called Kajri Purnima or Kajri Navami, when barley and wheat are sown. Goddess Bhagwati is worshipped and the farmers seek her blessings for a good crop.
In Gujarat, people offer water to Shiva Linga every Monday of the year. On the occasion of Rakhi Purnima they offer water and pray to the Almighty for forgiveness. In another ceremony known as the Pavitropana, a few twisted filaments of cotton are soaked in panchagaivya (mixture of cow’s ghee, milk, curd, urine and excreta) and then fixed firmly around the shivalinga.
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