CHANDIGARH, July 21, 2013: The Tamil 'Aadi Velli' celebrations coincide with the month of 'Sawan,' considered auspicious for devotees of Lord Shiva. Aadi Velli is a tribute to the Goddess. 

The entire month is said to be perfect for spiritual pursuits. Different forms of the Goddess are worshipped on the different Fridays of the month. The Tamil lore says if an unmarried girl offers prayers to Goddess Kamakshi during the five Fridays, she gets married soon. 

But it is considered inauspicious to get married or move to a new house in the Aadi month. 

This year celebrations began at the Lord Kartikeya temple in Sector 31 on July 19 with a hawan. The month will end on August 16. It is believed that in the month of Aadi, Goddess Shakti's power doubles and she revives the cosmos with her celestial energy. 

'The five divinely charged Fridays of this month, can deliver immense energy and material gains. The Devi is worshipped in her different forms on each Friday. 

It is believed that worshipping the Goddess and her different forms in the month of Aadi can relieve an individual from negative influences and bless him or her with wealth and happiness. There is no gender barrier, as both men and women derive benefit from their prayers,' said Raj Shekhar, general secretary of the Lord Murugan Bhaktha Samaj. Offering lemons during this month is considered very auspicious. 

'Lemons have the property of cooling the body and offering a Lemon garland to the forms of Shakti will help her cool her fiery nature. Our prayers are also transferred through the medium of lemon garland. It has the ability to absorb negative energy. Hence, offering a lemon garland to the forms of Shakti on Her day will help ward off danger and obstacles and provide divine protection,' he said. 

Devotees offer flower garlands, flowers, lemon, til, oil, desi ghee, clothes for deities, coconuts, regular pooja Items, hawan items, fruits, honey, coconut water, turmeric powder, sandal powder, rose water, milk, curd, and rice powder to worship the Goddess.

Source: The Times of India, DT. July 21, 2013.