Special pooja held at Sri Ponnambalawaneswrar for “Prathosham”
By Dushiyanthini Kanagasabapathipillai
“Prathosham” is meant for praying Lord Siva. “Prathosham” is one of the most important days, which is observed for Lord Siva. A special “Pooja” is carried out at dusk. Devotees fast during the whole day and have the meals after dusk.
Once the Devar and Asurar tried to get “Amirtham” by using the serpent Vasugi and the mountain Mandhara from the milk ocean. Then the poison came out form the milk ocean. The Devar and Asurar were frightened and pleaded to the Lord Siva fro help. The Lord Siva swallowed the poison and saved them from danger. The Devar and Asurar found the “Amirtham” on the twelfth moon day. But they forgot the pay their gratitude to the Lord Siva for saving them from danger and getting the “Amitham”. They celebrated their victory by dancing.
They realized their sin of not thanking Lord Siva, and pleaded again for forgiveness on the thirteenth day. The Lord Siva was pleased and forgave them. The Lord Siva danced between the horns of “Nanthi” (Holy bull). This time is called “Prathosham”. It’s believed that Lord Siva fulfils wishes and grant “Mukthi” for the devotees, who pray him during “Prathosham”.
A special pooja was held at the Sri Ponnambalawaneswrar temple in colombo 13 for “Prathosham” on January 16 th 2007
“Prathosham” falls once in fifteen moon days
Lord Siva with his wife Goddess Parvathy are decorated and seated on “Nanthi” (Holy bull) in the the “Vasantha Mandapam”
An auspicious musical instrument “Thavil” is being played while the “Pooja” is taking place in the “Vasantha Mandapam”
Rajan Sharma offers “Katpoora Theepam” to Lord Siva and Goddess Parvathy
Auspicious musical instrument “Thavil” and “Nadaswaram” are played in front of the procession of Lord Siva and Parvathy
Lord Siva and Goddess Parvathy are being taken in procession on the inner route of the temple by the devotees
The unmarried female devotees fast during “Prathosham” to be blessed with good husbands in the future
Male devotees carry Lord Siva and Goddess Parvathy on their shoulders
“Prathosham” is specially observed in Sivan temples
“Nanthi” (Holy bull) becomes more significant on “Prathosham”
Devotees are allowed only on “Prathosham” days to go around the temple from right to left. Other days devotees go around the temple from left to right either three times or five times or seven times or nine times.
Source: humanityashore
Contact: Dushi.Pillai@gmail.com
