A wonderful writeup by Dr.Sindhu, an aspiring young soul who is a strong believer and practioner of Ayurveda. This explains how Ayurveda is there blended among us though we are not aware of it. It brings out the importance of Thaipoosam and its importance in Ayurvedic point of view. Thaipoosam is a festival celebrated by the Tamil community on the full-moon in the Tamil month of thai (Jan\Feb), coinciding with poosa nakshatra known as Pushya in Sanskrit.
We all would have heard about a festival called Thai pusam especially people of Tamil origins and the people of Srilanka, Malaysia, Mauritius ,Singapore, South Africa, Canada other places where ethnic tamils reside as a part of the local Indian diaspora population such as Reunion, Indonesia, Thailand, Myanmar, Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, Suriname, Jamaica and other parts of Caribbean.Its a National holiday in many countries like MALAYSIA,
SRI LANKA, MAURITIUS. But how many of us really know the importance and auspiciousness of this boonful day? In this post lets explore the science behind this festival apart from the mentioning in skantha puranam!
What is Thaipoosam?
Thaipoosam is a festival celebrated by the Tamil community on the full-moon in the Tamil month of thai (Jan\Feb), coinciding with poosa nakshatra known as Pushya in Sanskrit.
The word Thaipoosam is a combination of the name of the month and the name of a star, Pusam .This particular star is at its highest point during the festival. The known motive of Thaipoosam festival is to pray to god to receive his grace so that bad traits are destroyed.
Offerings:
On the day of the festive ,devotees shave their heads and undertake a pilgrimage along a set route, while engaging in various acts of devotion ,notably carrying the various types of kavadi( sacrifice at every step).Celebration starts by following their body always clean, observing fasting and vegetarian diet before thai poosam. At its simplest, walking the route carrying a pot of a milk, mortification of the flesh by piercing the skin, tongue or cheeks with vel
skwers is also common.The devotees believe that worshipping lord Murugan every year in this way makes them physically and mentally healthy and helps clear them of karmic debts they may have incurred.
Science behind the month, star and day:
- Thai – The month of Opportunist :According to Tamil culture ,’Thai poranthal vazhi porakkum’ meaning thai month provides new opportunities for living.Thai is a tenth month of the year corresponding with Jan/Feb Where the sun starts moving from dakshina ayana (Winter solstice) to Uttara ayana (Summer solstice).To be observed: During this period, one starts to strengthens his immune system, reduces the risk of illness, infections etc from the after-effects of winter solstice .
- Pushya – The Star Of Nutrition:Poosa nakshatra or siddi or Tishya holds 8th position out of the total 27 nakshatras. The meaning of Pushya nakshatra is to give nourishment or that who gives power and energy.It implies that nutrition was given, such as how a mother takes care of the child.No doubt cow’s udder is one of Pushya’s icon as well as its pattern looks identical to cow’s udder as you look closely at the sky. As we know ,we are nourished by cow’s milk ,urine for medicinal reasons and cow dung for its biogas, the natural and most potent fertilizer for plants. And if a cow dies, it assists others by its flesh, skin etc. The cow is a real nourisher!Also,of the 16 samskaras mentioned in ayurveda,One called as Suvarnaprashan samskara is done on the day of pushya nakshatra. To be observed: Pushya and Kids – Power of nourishing
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- Uplifts the childs immune system.
- Boosting child’s physical ,mental and overall development.
- Enhancing the Kids digestive capacity
- Support children overcome recurrent illnesses and do not often fall ill.
- Increases the blood circulation.
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- Purnima – The Illuminator
“THE MOON REACTS AND THE SUN ACTS” – The positivity moon manifests are sympathy, memory, joy, enthusiasm, peace of mind, care, receptivity and patience. And on the other side, negative moon manifests include mood swings, depressions, suicidal tendency, emotional instability, etc.,
HUMAN BODY AND THE MOON
Our physical body has two types of energies – prana and mind or consciousness.In every organ of the body ,there are two channels supplying energy.The lunar energy enters the pineal gland and takes control of all activities from night till we wake up.The meditative ritual during the full moon help in going inwards;transcend the mind and to full divinity within.The hormonal pineal gland reacts to the bioelectric signals of the light and dark, and meditation
activates this bioelectric energy.
The lunar effects are surprisingly particular to humans; it is hard to believe that humans were the first life to be benefitted by the lunar rhythm.The female menstural cycle is a notable example. Unarguably, the stock market average returns are much higher during periods closest to the full moon.
To be observed: All major Indian festivals are observed on full moon days.
The lunar cycles especially full moon are very important for magical workings.Most occult can be created and performed only when the full moon period is in constellation(here Pushya nakshatra) ,but these occult rituals are intended to cast at specific time( here Thai month) .In the scope of science ,meditations,Psychic development , power of clarity are related to the phases of moon particularly during purnima wherein full moon emanates the most
vibrant and luminescent energy whenever the earth is between the moon and the sun.
CONCLUSION: WHY THAIPOOSAM IS A BOONFUL DAY!
Indians have been keen observers of nature and studied moon in all spectrums and manifestations.
Although plants needs sunlight for photosynthesis,Hindus linked their growth to moonlight.Thus ,all vegetation which consists of fluids ,depends on moon for its growth.Since on thaipoosam ,there is perfect lining of the Nourisher(Pushya constellation) and the Oppurtunist time(thai month) on the purnima – the illuminator(ideal day for bioelectric energy) utilizing this day for any wellness especially medicinal purpose serves high in return .This post adds value more to insist kids physical and mental health wellbeing activity on this boonful day because ‘AS YOU SOW SO SHALL YOU REAP’!
Credits:
Dr. Sindhu S
