10 Best Life Quotes / Risk Quotes

Risk is the probability of an unwanted event which may or may not occur.Risk may be a danger or financial risk or any other type of hazard.Risk is the part of life which we have to face and overcome boldly with positive attitude.

10 Best Life Quotes / Risk Quotes

Risk! Risk Anything!

1.Denis Waitley - Life is inherently risky. There is only one big risk you should avoid at all costs, and that is the risk of doing nothing.

2.Andre Gide - "Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore."

3.T.S. Eliot -  Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go.

4.Paul Tillich -  He who risks and fails can be forgiven. He who never risks and never fails is a failure in his whole being.

5.Andre Malraux  “Often the difference between a successful person and a failure is not one has better abilities or ideas, but the courage that one has to bet on one's ideas, to take a calculated risk - and to act.”

6.Jim Rohn -  You have to risk going too far to discover just how far you can really go.

 Risk

7.It's a great experience to take risk as a challenge,And the greater feeling is to overcome the results of the risk taken.

8.If we take challenges in life,we will learn to win,So be a sport to experiment with situations in life and you will see how easily you can become a winner.

9.Jim Rohn - If you are not willing to risk the unusual, you will have to settle for the ordinary.

10.Albert Einstein  - The fear of death is the most unjustified of all fears, for there’s no risk of accident for someone who’s dead. 

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7 Best Motivational Quotes

1.The time is always right to do what is right.
Martin Luther King

2."Develop the winning edge; small differences in your performance can lead to large differences in your results." Brian Tracy.


3.The great end of education is, to discipline rather than to furnish the mind; to train it to the use of its own powers, rather than fill it with the accumulations of others.
-- Tyron Edwards

4."The successful person has the habit of doing the things failures don't like to do. They don't like doing them either necessarily. But their disliking is subordinated to the strength of their purpose."
- E.M. Gray

Motivation

5.Determine what's most important to you in life.Put them down on paper and in your heart.Do them daily.

6.Untrained hands in the use of tools destroy what they want to build.It takes skill to use tools to achieve the result desired,whether it's tearing down an old house or building a new one.

Skepticism is a tool serving both purposes.But it must be used by a trained mind,a mind capable of disciplined thinking.Discipline is remembering what you want.

7.People Don't Plan To Fail, They Fail To Plan

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Best Team Work Quotes

What is Team Work?

Team Work is a work performed by a group of members(team) with a common goal or vision.

TEAM 

T- Together 
E- Everyone
A- Achieves 
M- More


Best Team Work Quotes

The nice thing about TEAM WORK is that you always have others on your side.

Coming together is beginning,keeping together is progress.Working together is Success.

Teamwork is the ability to direct individual accomplishments towards organisational objectives.It is the fuel that allows common people to attain uncommon objectives.

"When a team outgrows individual performance and learns team confidence,excellence becomes a reality".

Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence wins championships.

Every team needs a hero, every hero needs a team.

“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much”
― Helen Keller


“The strength of the team is each individual member. The strength of each member is the team.”
― Phil Jackson

Team Work

In Organisations, home, everywhere team work is essential for miraculous achievements.


So be a part of a great team,contribute your potential,Give the best of what you have and you will see the results for yourself.

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Significance of Margazhi(Tamil) Month

Margazhi month is considered auspicious because in Bhagavat Geetha(Holy book of Hindus), Lord Krishna says that he will be as the "Margazhi" in that month.

Among the 12 months ,God resides in the Margazhi month.Hindus dedicate the whole margazhi  month of 30 days only to God's worship and avoids keeping marriages and other functions in their home.

It is the best month to worship and get God's Blessings.

In the early morning,special poojas,prayers and bhajans will take place in temples throughout this month.

Lord Vishnu

What I can do this Margazhi month to get God's Blessings?

Early morning(Brahma Muhurtha 4AM - 6AM)) wake up, &

Visiting to the near-by temple

Reciting Thirupavai and Thiruvempaavai

Offering Naivedhya

This is the best month to make God hear our prayers.

It has been proven scientifically that the OZONE layer will be closest to the earth during the month of Marghazi,so breathing the fresh early morning air is very good for health in the margazhi month.

*Tiruppavai is a part of Divya Prabandham, comprising 4,000 verses. It composed by the Andal Nachiyar. Andal is also one among twelve azhwars. The lyrics of the  Tiruppavai are considered sacred.  Tiruppavai is considered equivalent to Vedas and it consist of Thirty pasurams. 

Tiruppavai was composed and sung by Andal in margazhi month with an aim to attain Lord Vishnu.She also observed  Pavai nombhu. Many thousands of years ago, Gopikas observed fasting to attain Lord Krishna. They meditated upon Goddess Kathyayani and observed fasting . Andal followed the same principle while she took birth in bhooloka as the daughter of Periyazhwar to attain Lord Vishnu.

Reciting Thirupavai is good in general.Particularly to get good husband Thirupavai is the best composition to recite.

*Thiruvempaavai on Lord Shiva was composed and sung by Manickavasagar. In these verses, the saint visualized himself  as a Women and sung in the praise of  Lord Shiva during the early hours in the Margazhi month.

Like these great people we too can get God's blessings if we follow them.

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Peepal Tree

Scientific Facts and its Religious Significance

 Peepal Tree is considered sacred by the followers of Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism.It is a very large tree with long life span and it can grows upto 30 metres (98 ft) tall.  Its bark is light grey, smooth and peels in patches. Its heart-shaped leaves have long, tapering tips. The slightest breeze makes them rustle. The fruit is purple when ripe. The Peepal is the earliest-known depicted tree in India: a seal discovered at Mohenjodaro, one of the cities of the Indus Valley Civilisation (c. 3000 BC - 1700 BC), shows the Peepal being worshipped. During the Vedic period, its wood was used to make fire by friction.


Common name: Peepal, Bo tree, bodhi tree, holy tree, scared fig

 • Hindi: पीपल pipal • Manipuri: সনা খোঙনাঙ Sana khongnang • Marathi: पिंपळ pimpal • Tamil: அரசு aracu • Malayalam: arayal • Telugu: బోధిద్రుమము bodhi-drumamu, రావి raavi • Kannada: ಅರಳಿ arali, ಅಶ್ವತ್ಥ ashvattha • Bengali: অশ্বত্থ asbattha •Oriya: aswattha, jari • Konkani: पिंपळ pimpal • Urdu: peepal پیپل • Gujarati: પિપળો piplo • Sanskrit: अश्वत्थ ashwattha, बोधिवृक्ष bodhivriksha, प्लक्ष plaksha 

Botanical name: Ficus religiosa    Family: Moraceae (Mulberry family)


Peepal tree is considered as  Aswatha(the tree of life).The twigs of peepal tree is used for homams.It provokes the functions of the brain, giving peace of mind.The leaves of Peepal tree is very rich in protein and the bark of the tree is used in several native medicinal drugs.

As religious belief many people circle around peepal tree for in need of children.But it is scientifically proved that the air comes from peepal trees cures uterus problems,menstrual cycle related problems.

Ashwatha literally means "Where horses stood" (ashwa + tha).Sage Shankaracharya interprets this tree as representing the the entire cosmos. 'Shwa' in Sanskrit means tomorrow. 'a' indicates negation, and 'tha' means one that stands or remains. He interprets Ashwatha to indicate "One which does not remain the same tomorrow", or the universe itself. 

Ashwatha tree is quite remarkable because it grows both upwards as well as top to bottom. The branches themselves morph into roots, so even if the original tree decays and perishes, its branches underneath are young and continue to enclose the parent. 

This eternal life of the the Peepal tree has inspired many Indian philosophers and Hindu thought. 

Great Stories behind Peepal Tree

The Brahma Purana and the Padma Purana, relate how once, when the demons defeated the gods, Vishnu hid in the peepal. Therefore spontaneous worship to Vishnu can be offered to a peepal without needing his image or temple. The Skanda Purana Peepal Tree also considers the peepal a symbol of Vishnu. He is believed to have been born under this tree. 

Some believe that the tree houses the Trimurti, the roots being Brahma, the trunk Vishnu and the leaves Shiva and worship the tree as Ashvatha virutcham. The gods are said to hold their councils under this tree and so it is associated with spiritual understanding. Ashvatha means "hORSE".Once Agnidev turned as horse and hid in the peepal.And so the tree got its name Ashwatha.

The peepal is also closely linked to Krishna. In the Bhagavad Gita, he says: "Among trees, I am the ashvatha." Krishna is believed to have died under this tree, after which the present Kali Yuga is said to have begun. According to the Skanda Purana, if one does not have a son, the peepal should be regarded as one. As long as the tree lives, the family name will continue. To cut down a peepal is considered a sin equivalent to killing a Brahmin, one of the five deadly sins or Panchapataka. According to the Skanda Purana, a person goes to hell for doing so. Some people are particular to touch the Peepal only on a Saturday. The Brahma Purana explains why, saying that Ashvatha and Peepala were two demons who harassed people. Ashvatha would take the form of a peepal and Peepala the form of a Brahmin. The fake Brahmin would advise people to touch the tree, and as soon as they did, Ashvatha would kill them. Later they were both killed by Shani. Because of his influence, it is considered safe to touch the tree on Saturdays. Lakshmi is also believed to inhabit the tree on Saturdays. Therefore it is considered auspicious to worship it then. 

Women ask the tree to bless them with a son tying red thread or red cloth around its trunk or on its branches. On Amavasya, villagers perform a symbolic marriage between the neem and the peepal, which are usually grown near each other. Although this practice is not prescribed by any religious text, there are various beliefs on the significance of 'marrying' these trees. In one such belief, the fruit of the neem represents the Shivalinga and so, the male. The leaf of the peepal represents the yoni, the power of the female. The fruit of the neem is placed on a peepal leaf to depict the Shivalinga, which symbolises creation through sexual union, and so the two trees are 'married'. After the ceremony, villagers circle the trees to rid themselves of their sins.

In Buddhism

The Bodhi Tree at the Mahabodhi Temple. 

The Bodhi tree and the Sri Maha Bodhi propagated from it are famous specimens of Sacred Fig. The known planting date of the tree in Sri Lanka is 288 BC which gives it the oldest verified age for any angiosperm plant.This plant is considered sacred by the followers of Buddhism, and hence the name 'Sacred Fig' was given to it. Siddhartha Gautama is referred to have been sitting underneath a Bo-Tree when he was enlightened (Bodhi), or "awakened" (Buddha). Thus, the Bo-Tree is well-known symbol for happiness, prosperity, longevity and good luck.

According to the Buddha – 'He who worships the Peepal tree will receive the same reward as if he worshiped me in person'. The Peepal tree has its own symbolic meaning of enlightenment and peace.

On new moon day and in karthigai somavaram it is good to circle the tress and worship.In Tamil Nadu,the Snake deity is kept under the tree and worshipped. For infertility and other naga doshas for marriage peepal tree can be worshipped.

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Aaditya Hrudayam

Aaditya Hrudayam
The Heart of Aditya (the Sun God)

Aaditya Hrudayam is a hymn associated with Aditya or the Sun God and was recited by the sage Agastya to Rama on the battlefield before fighting with Ravana. This historic hymn starts at the beginning of the duel between Rama and Ravana. Agastya teaches Rama, who is fatigued after the long battle with various warriors of Lanka, the procedure of worshiping the Sun god for strength to defeat the enemy. These verses belong to Yuddha Khanda, in the Ramayana as composed by Valmiki.

Thing to be noted is this hymn is older than the ancient epic Ramayana.


The benefits of chanting Aaditya Hrudayam daily

It is a very powerful hymn to get 

+ Sharpness,tejas,intelligent

+ victory over external enemies (foes) 

+ internal enemies (weaknesses such as lust, anger, jealousy etc.)

+ long life and good health, destruction of sins, dissolution of worries and anxeity, long lasting prosperity and auspicious qualities.

Aditya = the Sun God; Hridayam = that which is especially nourishing and healing for the heart.

In simple words, Aaditya Hrudayam is the worship to the Sun God.

Sun

Aaditya Hrudayam 

Tato yuddhaparishraantam samare chintayaa sthitam.raavanam chaagrato dr.ushtva yuddhaaya samupasthitam.1

Rama, exhausted and about to face Ravana ready for a fresh battle was lost deep in contemplation.

Daivataishcha samaagamya drashhtumabhyaagato ranam upaagamyaa braviidraama magastyo bhagavaan rishhi. 2

The all knowing sage Agastya who had joined the Gods to witness the battle spoke to Rama thus

Raama Raama mahaabaaho shrnu guhyam sanaatanam yena sarvaanariinvatsa samare vijayishhyasi. 3

Oh Rama, mighty-armed Rama, listen to this eternal secret, which will help you destroy all your enemies in battle

Aaditya hrudayam punyam sarva shatru vinaashanam Jayaavaham japennityam akshayyam paramam shivam. 4

This holy hymn dedicated to the Sun deity will result in destroying all enemies and bring you victory and never ending supreme bliss.

Sarvamangalamaangalyam sarvapaapapranaashanam. Chintaashokaprashamanam aayurvardhanamuttama. 5

This hymn is supreme and is a guarantee of complete prosperity and is the destroyer of sin, anxiety, anguish and is the bestower of longevity.

Rashmimantam samudyantam devaasuranamaskrutam. Puujayasva vivasvantam bhaaskaram bhuvaneshvaram. 6

Worship the One, possessed of rays when he has completely risen, held in reverence by the devas and asuras, and who is the Lord of the universe by whose efflugence all else brighten.

Sarvadevaatmako hyeshha tejasvii rashmibhaavanah.Eshha devaasuraganaa.nllokaan paati gabhastibh. 7

He indeed represent the totality of all celestial beings. He is self-luminous and sustains all with his rays. He nourishes and energizes the inhabitants of all the worlds and the race of Devas and Asuras.

Eshhah brahmaa cha vishhnushcha shivah skandah prajaapati. Mahendro dhanadah kaalo yamah somo hyapaam pati. 8

He is Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva, Skanda, Prajapati. He is also Mahendra, kubera, kala, yama, soma and varuna.

Pitaro vasavah saadhyaa hyashvinau maruto manuh.Vaayurvahnih prajaapraana ritukartaa prabhaakarah. 9

He is the pitrs, vasus, sadhyas, aswini devas, maruts, manu, vayu, agni, prana and, being the source of all energy and light, is the maker of all the six seasons.

Aadityah savitaa suuryah khagah puushhaa gabhastimaan. Suvarnasadrsho bhaanu rvishvaretaa divaakarah. 10

He is the son of Aditi, creator of the universe, inspirer of action, transverser of the heavens. He is the sustainer, illumination of all directions, the golden hued brilliance and is the maker of the day.

Haridashvah sahasraarchih saptasaptirmariichimaan. Timironmathanah shambhustvashhtaa maartandam anshumaan. 11

He is the Omnipresent One who pervades all with countless rays. He is the power behind the seven sense organs, the dispeller of darkness, bestower of happiness and prosperity, the remover of misfortunes and is the infuser of life.

Hiranyagarbhah shishirastapano bhaaskaro ravihi Agnigarbhoaditeh putrah shankha shishiranaashanah. 12

He is the primordial being manifesting as the Trinity. He ushers in the Day and is the teacher (of Hiranyagarbha), the fire-wombed, the son of Aditi, and has a vast and supreme felicity. He is the remover of intellectual dull-headedness.

Vyomanaatha stamobhedii rig yajuh saama paaragah. Ghana vrishhti rapaam mitro vindhya viithii plavangama... 13

He is the Lord of the firmament, dispeller of darkness. Master of all the vedas, he is a friend of the waters and causes rain. HE has crossed the vindya range and sports in the Brahma Nadi.

Aatapii mandalii mrityuh pingalah sarvataapanah. Kavirvishvo mahaatejaa raktah ssarva bhavod hbhava. 14

He, whose form is circular and is colored yellow, is intensely absorbed and inflicts death. He is the destroyer of all and is the Omniscient one being exceedingly energetic sustains the universe and all action.

Nakshatra grahataaraanaam adhipo vishva bhaavanah. Tejasaamapi tejasvii dvaadashaatman namostute 15

He is the lord of stars, planets and all constellations. He is the origin of everything in the universe and is the cause of the lustre of even the brilliant ones. Salutations to Thee who is the One being manifest in the twelve forms of the Sun.

Namah puurvaaya giraye pashchimaayaadraye namah. Jyotirganaanaam pataye dinadhipataye nama. 16

Salutations to the Eastern and western mountain, Salutations to the Lord of the stellar bodies and the Lord of the Day.

Jayaaya jayabhadraaya haryashvaaya namo namah. Namo namah sahasraansha aadityaaya namo nama. 17

Salutations to the One who ordains victory and the prosperity that follows. Salutations to the one possessed of yellow steeds and to the thousand rayed Lord, and to Aditya.

Namah ugraaya viiraaya saarangaaya namo namah. Namah padma prabodhaaya maartandaaya namo nama. 18

Salutations to the Terrible one, the hero, the one that travels fast. Salutations to the one whose emergence makes the lotus blossom and to the fierce and omnipotent one.

Brahmeshaana achyuteshaaya suuryaayaadityavarchase. Bhaasvate sarvabhakshaaya raudraaya vapushhe nama. 19

Salutations to the Lord of Brahma, shiva and Achyuta, salutations to the powerful and to the effulgence in the Sun that is both the illuminator and devourer of all and is of a form that is fierce like Rudra.

Tamoghnaaya himagnaaya shatrughnaaya amitaatmane. Kritaghnahanaaya devaaya jyotishhaam pataye nama. 20

Salutations to he transcendental atman that dispels darkness, drives away all fear, and destroys all foes. Salutations also to the annihilator of the ungrateful and to the Lord of all the stellar bodies.

Tapta chaamiika raabhaaya haraye vishvakarmane. Namastamo.abhinighnaaya ruchaye lokasaakshine 21

Salutations to the Lord shining like molten gold, to the transcendental fire, the fire of supreme knowledge, the architect of the universe, destroyer of darkness and salutations again to the effulgence that is the Cosmic witness.

Naashayatyeshha vai bhuutam tadeva srijati prabhuuH. Paayatyeshha tapatyeshha varshhatyeshha gabhastibhi. 22

Salutations to the Lord who destroys everything and creates them again. Salutations to Him who by His rays consumes the waters, heats them up and sends them down as rain.

Eshha supteshhu jaagarti bhuuteshhu parinishhthitah. Eshha evaagnihotramcha phalam chaivaagnihotrinaam. 23

Salutations to the Lord who abides in the heart of all beings keeping awake when they are asleep. He is both the sacrificial fire and the fruit enjoyed by the worshippers.

Vedaashcha kratavashchaiva kratuunaam phalameva cha. Yaani krityaani lokeshhu sarva eshha ravih prabhu. 24

The Sun is verily the Lord of all action in this universe. He is verily the vedas, the sacrifices mentioned in them and the fruits obtained by performing the sacrifices.

Phala stuti

Enamaapatsu krichchhreshhu kaantaareshhu bhayeshhu cha.kiirttayanh purushhah kashchin naavasiidati raaghav. 25

Raghava, one who recites this hymn in times of danger, during an affliction or when lost in the wilderness and having fear, he will not lose heart (and become brave).

Puujayasvainamekaagro devadevam jagathpatimh. Etat.h trigunitam japtvaa yuddheshhu vijayishhyas. 26

Aaditya Hrudayam

Raghava, worship this Lord of all Gods and the Universe with one-pointed devotion. Recite this hymn thrice and you will win this battle.

Asminkshane mahaabaaho raavanam tvam vadhishhyasi. Evamuktavaa tadaa.agastyo jagaama cha yathaagatam. 27

O mighty armed one, you shall truimph over Ravana this very moment. Having spoken this, Agastya returned his original place. Raghava became free from worry after hearing this.

Etachchhritvaa mahaatejaa nashhtashoko abhavattadaa. Dhaarayaamaasa supriito raaghavah prayataatmavaan. 28

He was greatly pleased and became brave and energetic.

Aaadityam prekshya japtvaa tu param harshhamavaaptavaanh. Triraachamya shuchirbhuutvaa dhanuraadaaya viiryavaan. 29

Gazing at the sun with devotion, He recited this hymn thrice and experienced bliss.

Rraavanam prekshya hrushhtaatmaa yuddhaaya samupaagamath. Sarva yatnena mahataa vadhe tasya dhritoabhavat. 30

Purifying Himself by sipping water thrice, He took up His bow with His mighty arms. Seeing Ravana coming to fight, He put forth all his effort with a determination to destroy Ravana.

Atha ravi ravadanam nirikshyam raama Muditamanaah paramam prahrishhyamaanah. Nishicharapatisa nkshayam viditvaa Suragan amadhyagato vachastvaret. 31

Then knowing that the destruction of the lord of prowlers at night (Ravana) was near, Aditya, who was at the center of the assembly of the Gods, looked at Rama and exclaimed 'Hurry up' with great delight. Purifying Himself by sipping water thrice, He took up His bow with His mighty arms. Seeing Ravana coming to fight, He put forth all his effort with a determination to destroy Ravana. Source - Wikipedia 

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Deepam 2014

Karthigai Deepam is the festival of lamps celebrated in  Tamil Nadu (November – December).It is celebrated on the full moon day of the Tamil month of Karthigai. Different names - Malai deepam,Annamalai deepam,Vishnu deepam,Thirukarthigai. This year, Thiru Karthigai falls on 5th Dec  2014.

Karthigai Deepam -  Stories for Children

Legend of Siva

Once Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma were quarrelling and claiming themselves as "greatest". In order to teach them a lesson, Lord Siva appeared before them and asked them to find out the exact location of his head and his feet. Meanwhile, he transformed himself into a huge pillar of fire. Accordingly Brahma assumed the form of a swan and moved upwards. Vishnu transformed himself into a boar and started digging deep into the earth. Even after searching for many years, they were not able to find the ends of the pillar. Accepting their defeat, they prayed to Lord Siva that the blazing pillar should establish itself as a Hill.

Then Lord Shiva takes the form of a jyothi (light of fire) on the hill of Thiruvannamali. Therefore, this festival is also known as Annamalai Deepam. Here, a special torch is lighted every year on the zenith of the hill and it is believed that Lord Shiva's jothi will be visible on this day. 

Legend of Muruga

Karthigai Deepam is celebrated on the full moon day of the Karthigai month which coincides with the Krithigai Star. The month of Karthigai is of special importance to the Tamil people, which derives its name from the star “Krithigai”. It was in this month that Lord Siva created Lord Muruga from his Divine Light. Lord Muruga took the form of six babies in a lake called “Saravana Poigai.” On this day, all his six forms were united by his mother Parvathi, and he became “Arumugan” (the form with six faces). Special pujas are performed for Lord Muruga on this day. Lord Muruga is worshipped as the reigning deity of Tamil Nadu.

Deepam

During this occassion lamps are lit all over the house.The lamps are lit for a happy married life and for the well being of children in the family.

While lighting the lamp (diYa,) it is good to recite this.

"Deepam-jyothi para-brahma Deepam jyothi Janardhanaha Deepo Haratume Papam Sandhyaa deepam namo-stute" 

'I prostrate to the dawn/dusk lamp whose light is Supreme Knowledge which removes the darkness of ignorance and by which all can be achieved. '

Tamil song:

'Vilakke Thiru Vilakke ....... '
விளக்கே ! திருவிளக்கே ! வேந்தன் உடன் பிறப்பே!
ஜோதி மணிவிளக்கே ஸ்ரீதேவி பொன்மணியே
அந்தி விளக்கே அலங்கார நாயகியே
காந்தி விளக்கே காமாக்ஷித் தாயாரே
பசும்பொன் விளக்கு வைத்துப் பஞ்சுத்திரி போட்டுக்
குளம்போல நெய்விட்டுக் கோலமுடன் ஏற்றி வைத்தேன்

ஏற்றினேன் நெய்விளக்கு, எந்தன் குடிவிளங்க
வைத்தேன் திருவிளக்கு மாளிகையும் தான்விளங்க
மாளிகையில் ஜோதியுள்ள மாதாவைக் கண்டுகொண்டேன்

the lamps lit symbolically represent knowledge, victory and peace. Muruga as Kumaraguru is believed to have taught the meaning of ‘OM’ to Lord Shiva. Thus the lamps lit on the day are in remembrance of sharing the ultimate knowledge of ‘OM.’ The knowledge of OM helps in enlightenment and emancipation. 


Another legend associated with Karthigai Deepam is that King Bali surrendered before Lord Vishnu. King Bali attained moksha by surrendering all his wealth and himself before Lord Vishnu. Special offerings made from puffed rice and beaten rice is believed to be due to this legend.


Goddess Umadevi

In another episode, Goddess Umadevi once playfully closed the eyes of her beloved, which plunged the world into darkness. All living beings suffered in the dark. The universal mother felt for her folly and separated herself from her companion. Mother started worshipping Lord Shiva in the form of Linga to absolve herself of this sin and to reunite with him. Lord Vishnu, (or Adi Kesava Perumal, enshrined at Thiruchenkode, a unique Ardhanareeshwara temple) instructed Shakthi on the Kedara Gowri Vratam to be performed to unite with Shiva. 

When she reached Kancheepuram, Lord Shiva ordered her to proceed to Thiruvannamalai and do her penance. Likewise Mother Parvathi did penance at Pavalakundru with the help of Saint Gowthama. 

A demon called Makishasuran disturbed the penance of Mother Parvathi. The Mother took the form of goddess Durga Devi and destroyed him on the full moon day of the Tamil Month of Karthigai during the auspicious period of pradosham. 

LORD SHIVA presented himself in the form of FIRE ATOP THE HILL and merged Goddess Parvathi on the left half of his body. This day of Supreme merger is celebrated as Karthigai Deepam. To commemorate this event, every year during the festival of Annamalai Deepam, Lord Arthanareeswaramurthi presents himself as Jyothi Swaroopa to his devotees.


Choka Panai is burnt in Shiva and Vishnu temples on this day. 

The fire in choka panai symbolises destruction of impurity,bad evil and bad thoughts.It is believed that God destroy the darkness of ignorance and egoism in men and blesses them with the light of wisdom. 

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