Garuda
Panchami is celebrated on the Panchami or fifth day of the Sukla Paksha (waxing
phase of the moon) of Shravana Mass(Month). As the name suggest Garuda Panchami
is the festival of Lord Garuda popularly known as Garuthmantha, the vehicle of
Lord Vishnu.
Garuda
Panchami is celebrated to commemorate the victory of Garuthmantha on all the
Gods in the process of obtaining AMRUTHAM, the holy nectar that gives
immortality to the one who drinks it and relieving his mother from slavery.
Garuda Panchami is celebrated remembering the difficulties a son undergoes for
the wellbeing of his mother. Garuda Panchami is the day of mother and son.
On
Garuda Panchami, which also popularly known as Naga Panchami, people worship
Lord Garuda. The normal process would involve worshipping Lord Garudas image,
but a image of the snake lord is also placed and worshipped. The worshipping of
snake is to overcome the Naga Dosha that would come as a result of worshipping
Lord Garuthmantha.
Garuda
Panchami is dedicated to Garuda, the vehicle or Vahana of God Vishnu. The puja
and vrat associated with Garuda Panchami observed by women for the welfare and
good health of their children. Naga Panchami is also observed on the day.
Legend
has it that the day remembers Garuda’s love and devotion for his mother Vinita.
Thus the day celebrates mother – son relationship. In some regions, married
women observe it for a happy married life.
Garuda
Panchami Puja is mainly observed by certain Hindu communities in Andhra
Pradesh, Karnataka, Gujarat and Maharashtra.
Garuda
Panchami pooja is dedicated to Sri Garudalwar, also known as "Periya
Thiruvadi".
Benefits
of this Pooja:
This
pooja is usually performed by women and benefits their children. Garudalwar is
propitiated by women who wish to give birth to bold, brave and sharp-minded
children like Garudan. Newly wed couples perform this pooja for a happy married
life. By performing this pooja, it is also believed that suffering due to Naga
Dosham will be alleiviated.
Story behind Garuda Panchami:
Kaasyapar,
one of the Saptha Rishis had two wives named Vinathai and Kandharu. Once, when
Vinathai and Kandharu had an argument about the colour of the tail of
Ucchairavam, the horse of Lord Indira. Kandharu argued that it was black while
Vinathai said it was white in colour. They decided to see the horse to reslove
the issue and decided that that the one who lost the argument would be a slave
to the one who wins. Kandharu ordered her black snake sons and to wind around
the tail of the horse, so that its tail looked black in colour. Thus, Vinathai
was enslaved by Kandharu, and being a slave lived a very dejected life. When
Garudan, the son of Vinathai was told how his mother was tricked into being a
slave he was very angry. Garudan asked Kandharu how his mother could be free
again. Kandharu asked Garudan to get the Amirtham from the Deva Loka to release
his mother from slavery. Garudan, who went to Indra Lokam was stopped by the
devars but fought and won over them. Before Lord Indra could use his
Vajrayudham, Garudan bowed down and narrated the entire story of what had
happened to his mother and why he had come to Indralok. On hearing this,
Indiran gave him the Amirtham and blessed him. He also proclaimed that all
snakes would henceforth be enslaved to Garudan as they were also responsible
for his mother's misery.
GARUDA PANCHAMI AND NAAGA PANCHAMI
(I-DISCOURSE BY N. R. SRINIVASAN)
Animal
as a part of the evolutionary process is well known to modern scientists.
Hindus hold Animal altogether in a different perspective. To a Hindu animal
world is as important as mankind. Vedic wisdom says that the spirit in animals
is the same as that in mankind. It is the will of the Supreme Spirit that
decides whether one would be born a man or animal depending upon one’s Karma
(deed). Animals are therefore revered by Hindus. The gods use them as vehicle
as mentioned in the Puraanas. If animals are so dear to gods, it is but natural
they not only attract but also held in reverence by mankind.
It
appears rather intriguing that Lord Vishnu has a serpent (Aadisesha) as his
couch and an eagle (Garuda) its arch enemy as his vehicle. This just shows that Vishnu is the Lord of
Balance and Harmony which is an essential quality for one responsible for sustaining
the multifarious universe.
Eagle
is admired in many cultures as the king of birds known for its strength and
dashing nature. Eagle, the dominating bird flying in the sky known for its
strength is the national symbol of USA. It appears as national emblem of USA
since 1782. It was the spiritual symbol of Native Americans long before its
adoption as national symbol appearing on its seal. USA adopted Bald Eagle as
the national symbol inspired by the Roman Republic where eagle imagery was
prominent. The basic Vedic fire altar described in Rigveda is composed of seven
Purushas, viz the body is four, the wings and tail are three. This is the eagle
glorified in Vedas in Garuda Gayatri—“Tatpurushaaya vidmahe suvrnapakshaaya
dheemahi tannoe garudah prachoedayaat”—We meditate upon that Purusha (Supreme
Principle). For that purpose we meditate upon the one who has golden wings. May
that Garuda Invigorate us! (Garuda Gaayatree mantra from Mahaa Naaraayana
Upanishad) Garuda is identified as
golden eagle.
Snakes
are venerated and admired in many cultures. In Greek mythology, the Rod of
Asclepius is a serpent-entwined rod wielded by the Greek God Asclepius, a deity
associated with healing and medicine. The symbol continues to be used in modern
times, associated with medicine and healthcare. From ages immemorial serpent
has been worshipped to ward off evil effects and prevent diseases by Hindus. Probably Greeks could
have been influenced by Hindus in this regard. Old Testament describes how God
of Israelites commanded Moses to hold a snake he saw in wilderness which turned
into a magic wand. With the help of this
rod he led the Israelites to safety crossing then sea.
Bhagavadgeetaa
teaches that whatever is celebrated and great in the Universe, is a
part-manifestation of the Supreme Spirit. Geeta says: “Vainateyascha
paksheenaam”—I am Garuda amongst birds; “Sarpaanaam asmi Vaasukih”—among
serpents I am Vaasuki; “Anantah asmi Naagaanaam”—among snakes I am
Sheshanaaga. Vaasuki, Sheshanaaga and
Garuda are invariably found in separate enclosures or as Vishnuparivaara
(Vishnu’s family) in all Hindu temple complexes, venerated and worshiped daily.
On Sraavana Sukla Panchami special Poojas are conducted and celebrated as
Garuda Panchami and Naaga Panchami. In some traditions Naaga Chaturthi is
observed instead of Naaga Panchami during Sraavana Sukla Paksha. Hindu women pray for warding off evils,
curing of diseases, welfare and prosperity of the family, for begetting healthy
children of strength and fame and for the welfare of brothers.
Garuda
means “wings of speed” and actually personifies Vedic knowledge. Vedic
knowledge has come down to us from the worlds of gods on his wings. You have
all heard about the famous shrine of Tirupati which is called Bhoo-vaikuntha.
The story goes that Lord Vishnu as Varaaha decided to continue to stay on this
earth. Garuda brought down the hill of Vaikuntha to earth for the Lord’s
residence. The word Vengada of Tamil origin signifies hill. So Venkatesa is The
Lord of the Hill.
Garuda
is the golden eagle celebrated in Vedas. He is described as Vishnuratha
(Vehicle of Vishnu); Amritaharana (carrier of nectar); Suvarna-kaaya (Golden
bodied); Gaganeswara (The Lord of Skies); Rasaayana (Man of Quick Movements);
Pakshiraaja (King of Birds): Uragaasana (devourer of serpents); and
Saalmalistha (dweller on the Saalmali tree) etc. In Rigveda Garuda is known as
Tarkshya.
In
Vishnu temples in South India Garuda is installed in a separate enclosure, in
front of the sanctum as Garudaazhwar (Saint Garuda), facing the presiding deity
of Vishnu. He is seen in the standing position, usually two armed, the hands
being folded in the attitude of supplication and wearing on his head Karanda
type of crown. He is also sometimes shown like Hanuman kneeling but on the left
knee only while the other leg being drawn back as if ready to fly.
The
legends in Puraanas concerning him make him the son of Kasyapa and Vineetaa
(daughter of Daksha). Kasyapa had two wives, Kadru and Vineetaa. Kadru became
the mother of one thousand serpents (Naagas). Vinita laid two eggs, one of
which did not hatch. In frustration she broke open the first egg and out came a
half developed Aruna who later became the charioteer of Sun God. Aruna cursed
his mother for his misfortune and as a consequence she had to serve as a slave
to Kadru. Garuda was born when the second egg was allowed to hatch in due
course. Garuda fought with the guardians of Nectar (Amrita) and brought the pot
to where the children of Kadru resided to release his mother from the bondage
of slavery as per the conditions set by Kadru. Vishnu was pleased with his
valor and made him not only his mount but also as crest in his banner
(Garudadvajha). Sri Karamurti, one of the forms of Vishnu is shown seated on
the shoulders of Garuda with his hands supporting Vishnu’s feet. This is the
pose we usually see Lord Vishnu as Garudavaahana during special festivals like
Vaikuntha Ekaadasi, Gajendra Moksha etc.
It
is on Sraavana Sukla Panchami Garuda brought the pot of Nectar after great
struggle to release his mother with great fight risking his life. This day is a day of celebration of affection
between a mother and her child. It is the celebration of the bond between
mother and child. It is therefore fitting and proper to dedicate this day to
mother and celebrate it as Mother’s Day by performing special worship to
Garuda. Newly-weds perform special worship on Garuda Panchami Day for a happy
married life. Religiously devoted, having faith in astrology, who believe they
have been afflicted with Naagadosha (ill effects due to serpent curse) hope to
get rid of it by this act of worship.
Garuda
Panchami is observed with reverence by married women for their better health
and future of their children. They pray
to make their children as bold, strong and sharp as Garuda. This Worship is
observed by newly-wed couples for their married bliss and prosperous life.
Snakes
move around typically during monsoon time. Farmers stop tilling the soil to
avoid killing these beneficial creatures. They play a big role in controlling
rat population that destroys the crop. That is why the Sravan Sukla Panchami
becomes an important period to propitiate Ananta.
Vishnu
reclining on Adisesha with closed lids is a common scene in Hindu Temples. He
is also called Sesha-sayee, Padmanaabha and Ranganaatha. Kaalika Puraana
mentions that Adisesha approached Vishnu reclining on the waters (ambasya
paare) of Ksheerasaagara (Milky Ocean) and offered his services to the great
Lord. He employed his body as a cot for him, and spread his hoods on his head as
a cover. Vishnu then went into deep
trance (yoga-nidraa). Vishnu, Siva, Subhramanya and Ganesha are all associated
with snake and snake ornaments.
Ananta
is the primordial serpent or dragon. It is considered as one of the Prajaapatis
(progenitors) evolving from Brahmaa who in turn evolved from Vishnu. Ananta is
considered as Taamasic (dark), a form of Vishnu abiding in the bottom of
Netherworlds (Paataala loka) and worshiped by gods (devas) and sages (rishis).
Ananta supports the world on his head. He is also identified with the first
born child of Kasyapa (son of Marichi) by Kadru (daughter of Daksha
Prajaapati). Kadru gave birth to one thousand serpents of which Sesha was the
eldest. Important among the other children are: Vaasuki; Airaavata; Takshaka;
Kaarkootaka; Kateeya; Kalmaasha; Nahusha; Kunjara; Kumuda and Kumudaaksha.
Ananta is one of the names of Vishnu meaning endless or infinite. Ananta is
Vishnu’s taamasic form which resides in paataala. Ananta is also one of the
forms of Siva. He is in this form represented as tranquil (saanta) and pleasant
(saumya) seated on a red lotus and bedecked with ornaments
(sarvaabharanabhooshita).
In
Kukke Subhramanya in Karnataka Lord Subhramanya is worshiped as snake as Lord
of all serpents. As the legend goes when Vaasuki and other serpents were
threatened by Garuda they sought refuge under Lord Subhramanya here.
Mahabharata
says: Sesham cha akalpayed devamanantam visvaroopinam | yo dhaarayati bhootaani
dharaam chemaam saparvataam || The Supreme Principle created godlike Sheshanaag
who is omnipresent and eternal. On his head rests the whole world along with
mountains, the sea and the atmosphere.
Before
starting the Worship on Naagapanchami day it is customary to remember all the
divine serpents celebrated in the Puraanas and worship them with the wife
(sapatneeka) together:
Anantam Vaaasukim Sesham
Padma Kambalakau tathaa |
Kaarkotakam Naagam
Bhujasavatarau tathaa |
Dhritaraashtram
Sankhapaalam Kaaleeyam Taksahkam Tathaa |
Pingalam cha Mahaanaagam
sapatneekam prapoojayet ||
The
two shadows of grahas (planets) Rahu and Ketu are often represented as snakes.
Rahu and Ketu are formed by the interaction of the axis of rotation of the moon
and the earth. They have huge influence on the mind and are referred to as eclipse
of the mind. For one to achieve Moksha one has first to stabilize his mind properly. Naaga Panchami Pooja is aimed
towards that.
Naaga
Panchami celebration is very ancient and it is believed to be observed even
before the Vedic culture came into existence. Womenfolk in Karnataka and Andhra
Pradesh observe this day as Vrata (ritualistic day) by fasting and praying for
the prosperity and welfare of their brothers. It is similar to Rakshabandhan
celebrated in the North. If at all food is consumed, it is neither cooked nor
fried and consumed without salt.
Naga
tribes in the North celebrate this day remembering the past history when they
controlled rain by worshiping Sheshnaag returning to the land of rains at the
command of their Tantric King. As we all
know Chirapunji in Assam gets the heaviest rainfall in a year in the world.
In
Eastern parts of India (Bengal Assam and Orissa) serpent is worshiped as
Maanasadevi by a pooja called Ashtaanga.
During
foundation laying prayers are offered to Seshanaag in Kalasa form of worship so
that he may bear the weight of the structure of the house on his head and
protect it from calamities.
It is a common sight to see the icons of
Seshanaag in a slab form under the tree (usually Asvattha) in all Siva temples
worshiped by ladies. They also feed the snakes with milk, yoghurt and honey
through the opening of the anthill and also worship it as well as
circumambulate it. During Brahmotsava (annual festival of ten days conducted in
all Vishnu temples) Vishnu and his consorts are taken in procession on Seshnaag
as the mount.
Nairs
of Kerala claim themselves as Kshatriya Nagavamsis or descendants of divine
Naagas. Thiru-Aananta-puram in Kerala derives its name from the Great Ananta
Naaga or Adisesha. It is also known for its rich and ancient Padmanabhaswami
Temple.
Video Links:
Garuda
Dandakam
கருட
பஞ்சமி
கருட பஞ்சமியில் கருடனை வணங்கி வளம்பெறுவோம்
நான் பறவைகளில் பட்சிராஜனான கருடனாயிருக்கிறேன்' என்று கீதையில் கூறியுள்ளான் கண்ணன். நித்யசூரிகளில் கருடன் இரண்டாமிடத்தை
வகிக்கிறார். பொய்கையாழ்வார் கருடனை போற்றுகையில் "அனந்தனாகிய
ஆதிசேஷனைப்போலவே கருடனும் திருமாலுக்குப் பலவித சேவைகளைச் செய்கிறார்' என்று குறிப்பிடுகிறார். அனந்தன், கருடன்,
விஸ்வக்சேனர் என்ற வரிசையில், அனந்தனான ஆதிசேஷன் இலக்குவனாகவும், பின்னர் ராமானுஜராகவும், பின்பு பெரியஜீயர் மணவாள மாமுனிகளாகவும் அவதரித்தார். விஸ்வக்சேனர்
நம்மாழ்வாராக அவதரித்தார் என்பதை அறிவோம். கருட பகவானோ வேத ஸ்வரூபி. ஆளவந்தார் கருடனை
"வேதாத்மா விஹகேஸ்வரர்'
என்று போற்றுகிறார்.
இவரை பெரிய திருவடி என்றும் போற்றுவர்.
ஸ்வாமி தேசிகனுக்கு அவருடைய ஆசார்யர் கருட மந்திரத்தைதான் உபதேசித்தார். அதை
ஜெபித்ததால் அவருக்கு ஹயவதனின் அருள் கிடைத்தது. கருடனை "கருத்மான்' என்றும் அழைப்பார்கள். தீரன் என்பது அதன் பொருளாகும்.
யாருக்கும் அஞ்சாதவர். இவர் ஒருசமயம் தேவலோகத்திலிருந்து அமிர்தத்தை
எடுத்துவந்தாராம். (அது தனிக்கதை). அவரை தேவர்களாலும்- ஏன் தேவேந்திரனாலும்
தடுக்கமுடியவில்லை. தன் இறகுகளை வீசி இந்திரனையே மயக்கமடையச் செய்தார். இதைக்கண்ட
தேவர்கள் கருடனை "ஸுபர்ணன்'
என்று புகழ்ந்தார்கள்.
இவரின் வீரத்தில் மகிழ்ச்சிகொண்ட திருமாலே,
"உனக்கு என்ன வரம் வேண்டும்?' என்று கேட்டாராம். அவர் பரமனைப் பார்த்து, "நானே உமக்கு வரம் தருகிறேன்; என்ன வரம் வேண்டும்?' என்று திருப்பிக்கேட்டாராம்.
புன்னகைத்த திருமால்,
"நான் எப்போதும் உன்
தோளுக்குமேல் இருக்கவேண்டும்'
என்று கேட்டாராம்.
"அவ்வாறே ஆகட்டும்' என்றார் கருடன். பிறகு திருமால் கருடனிடம் "நீ
வரம் ஏதும் கேட்கவில்லையே?'
என்று வினவ, "நான் உமது தலைக்குமேல் இருக்கவேண்டும்' என்று கேட்க,
திருமாலும் அருளினார்.
அதனால்தான் நாராயணன் அவர் தோள்மீதேறி தம் வாகனமாகக் கொண்டார். கருடனைத் தன்
கொடியாக ஏற்று, தன் தலைக்குமேல் பறக்கும் கொடியில்
இருக்கச்செய்தார். இதுதான் நாம் திருக்கோவில்களில் பார்க்கும் கொடிமரத்தின்
தத்துவம். கொடிமரத்தின்கீழ் கருடன் சந்நிதியும் அமைந்திருக்கும்.
ஏற்கெனவே வினதை, கத்ரு இருவருக்கும் பகைமையிருந்ததால், அவர்கள் பிள்ளைகளான கருடனுக்கும் பாம்புகளுக்கும் பகை
தொடர்ந்தது. இந்த நிலையில் ஒரு சூழ்ச்சி மூலம் வினதையை தன் அடிமையாக்கிக் கொண்டாள்
கத்ரு. இதையறிந்த கருடன் தன் தாயின் அடிமைத்தனத்தை நீக்கத்தான் தேவலோகத்திலிருந்து
அமிர்த கலசத்தைக் கொண்டுவந்தார்.
கருடன் நாகங்களைக் கொன்றுவந்தார். இதற்கு ஒரு முடிவுகட்ட எண்ணிய பிரம்மா, தேவர்களின் கோரிக்கையை ஏற்று, சூரியன் தன் தேரின் லகானாக ஒரு பாம்பை ஏற்க, சிவபிரான் ஒரு பாம்பைத் தன் ஆபரணமாகக் கொள்ள, திருமாலானவர் ஆதிசேஷனை தன் அரவணையாக (படுக்கை) ஏற்றுக்கொள்ள, சில நாகங்களை கருடனே தன் ஆபரணங்களாக ஏற்றுக்கொண்டார். கருட
பகவானுக்கு ருத்ரா, ஸுகீர்த்தி என்ற இரண்டு தேவிகள். இவர்களே
அரங்கநாயகிக்கு இரு கண்களாகத் திகழ்கிறார்களாம்.
கருட பகவான் திருமாலின் பல லீலைகளில் எப்படி சம்பந்தப்பட்டுள்ளார் என்றறியலாமா?
கஜேந்திரன் என்ற யானையின் காலை ஒரு முதலை கல்வியிழுக்க, அந்த ஆபத்திலிருந்து காக்க திருமாலை "ஆதிமூலமே' என்று கூவிச் சரணடைய,
திருமாலின் திருவுள்ளத்தை
அறிந்த கருடன் வாயுவேகத்தில் அவரை கஜேந்திரன் இருக்குமிடத்திற்குக் கொண்டுவந்து
சேர்த்தார். அதனை பெரியாழ்வார்,
"உதவ புள்ளூர்ந்து அங்கு
உறுதுயர் தீர்த்த' என்று தன் பாசுரத்தில் குறிப்பிடுகிறார்.
இராமாயண காலத்தில் போர்க்களத்தில் இராம- லட்சுமணர்களை இந்திரஜித் நாக
பாசத்தால் கட்டிப்போட, அவர்கள் மயங்கி விழுந்தபோது கருட பகவான் வந்து தன்
சிறகுகளால் வீசி அவர்களை மூர்ச்சையிலிருந்து தெளியவைத்தார்.
கிருஷ்ணாவதாரத்தில், சத்யபாமாவுக்காக பாரிஜாத மரத்தைக்
கொண்டுவந்ததாகவும் கூறுவர்.
கருட பகவானே ஆழ்வார்களில் பெரியாழ்வாராக அவதரித்தார். பாண்டியன் சபையில்
பரதத்வ நிர்ணயம் செய்து பொற்கிழியைப் பெற்றபோது, மன்னன் அவரை பெருமைப்படுத்த எண்ணி,
பெரியாழ்வாரை யானைமீதேற்றி
ராஜவீதிகளில் பவனிவரச் செய்தான். அப்போது தன் பக்தனின் வைபவத்தைக் கண்டுமகிழ
திருமால் கருடாரூடனாக வானில் காட்சி கொடுத்தார்.
திருமாலின் திவ்யகருடசேவை காட்சி யைக் கண்ட பெரியாழ்வார், அவனுக்கு யாரேனும் கண்ணேறு (கண்திருஷ்டி) வைத்துவிடுவார்களோ
என்று மனம் பதறி, "பல்லாண்டு பல்லாண்டு' என்று பாடுகிறார். அவனுக்கு மட்டுமா பல்லாண்டு? அவனின் வலமார்பினில் வாழ்கின்ற மங்கைக்கும், அவன் திருக்கரங்களிலே ஜ்வலிக்கும் சங்கு சக்கரங்களுக்கும் பல்லாண்டு
பாடுகிறார். "அவன் இறைவன்;
நாம் சாதாரண மானிடன். அவனை
வாழ்த்துவதற்கு தனக்கு என்ன தகுதியிருக்கிறது' என்றெல்லாம் பார்க்கவில்லை. அவர்மீது ஏற்பட்ட பரிவு அவரை பரந்தாமனுக்கு
பல்லாண்டு பாடவைத்தது. அதனால்தான் பூமிப்பிராட்டியை அவரின் திருமகளாய் அவதரிக்கச்
செய்து, அவளையும் தன் நாயகியாய் ஏற்றுக்கொண்டு அவருக்கு
மாமனார் ஸ்தானத்தையும் கொடுத்தார்- பரவையேறு பரமபுருஷனான பரந்தாமன். அதனால்தான்
ஸ்ரீவில்லிபுத்தூரிலே ஆண்டாள். ரங்கமன்னாருடன் ஒரே ஆசனத்தில் கருடனுடன் காட்சி
யளிக்கிறான் அக்கருணா காகுத்தன்.
கருட பகவானைத் பய பக்தியுடன் வணங்கினால் நோய்களிலிருந்து நிவாரணம், தொலைந்த பொருள் கிடைத்தல், தோஷ நிவர்த்தி உள்ளிட்ட அனைத்து நலன்களும் கிட்டும்.
கருட பஞ்சமியில் கருடனை வணங்கி வளம்பெறுவோம்!
No comments:
Post a Comment