Sunday, January 6, 2013

Vavu, Bali and Vavubali

 
They are Velutha Vavu (Full Moon Day) and Karutha Vavu (No Moon Day or Amavasi) in every month. As per Sanathana Dharma, Vrutha (penance) is to be performed on these two days. Vavorikkal in which people observing fast on those days take only single meal. Normally rituals will be performed in the day time and a light meal will be taken after sunset. Makaravavu and Karkidakavavu are very special. Vavubali is performed on these days. The important Vavubali offering centres are Shangumukham beach in Thiruvananthapuram, Papanasam beach in Varkala, banks of river Periyar, Chaliyam beach, Varakkal and sandy shore of Bharathapuzha at Thirunavaya. The vavu which is observed after Sivarathri in Kumbhom (February-March) is also important.
The Penance is a function organized with special customs and practices. The upavasa (fasting) is performed to wipe out sins and attain blessings or moksha.
A bali is normally done immediately after a person dies and repeated every year on the moon sign of the demise day. Amavasi Vrutha is observed for the welfare of dead ancestors, parents and other relatives.  It is believed that by observing the vrat family will attain peace and prosperity with the blessings of ancestors.
 
The popular belief is that Pitrus (dead ancestors) receive the light of the moon on Amavasi night. Therefore the day is ideal for performing Shradh (shradham) Bathing in holy rivers and performing the rituals is highly meritorious.

For Tamilians, this Ancestral worship is known as Aadi Amasvasi which is also dedicated to the forefathers.
 
Please do let me know if there are inconsistencies in my collation of details about this subject, and help to rectify.
 

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