Polala Amavasya
Polala Amavasya is one of the important fasting days
dedicated to Goddess Poleramma. It is observed on the ‘amavasya’ (no moon day)
during the ‘Shravana’ masam in the state of Andhra Pradesh. Hence this festival
is also known as ‘Shravana Amavasya’. According to the Hindu legends, Goddess
Poleramma or Goddess Pochamma is considered to be protector or guardian of
children, and married women therefore keep the Polala Amavasya vratam for the
wellness and longevity of their children. Polala Amavasya is also referred as
‘Pithori Amavasya’.
Polala Amavasya is majorly a
festival observed in South India, particularly in the state of Andhra Pradesh,
Karnataka and adjoining areas. It is celebrated with immense devotion and
enthusiasm. The observance of Polala Amavasya is very much similar to ‘Shital
Sasthi’ in Orissa and ‘Sheetal Saptami’ puja in the northern states of India.
Goddess Poleramma is considered to be the local deity who protects children
from all evils and mishaps. She is believed to be one of main incarnation of
Goddess Shakti or Durga. The day of worshipping Poleramma coincides with
‘amavasya’ each year; hence this vratam is called as ‘Polala Amavasya. On this
day special rituals and pujas are organized in Poleramma temples, all across
India.
Significance
of Polala Amavasya:
The festival of Polala Amavasya holds
immense significance for women bearing children. As Goddess Poleramma is the
protector of children, mothers worship Her with full dedication and affection.
By observing a fast on this day, it is believed that Goddess Poleramma will
protect the children from several diseases, particularly small pox and chicken
pox. As the month of Shravana corresponds to months of July-August that marks
the onset of monsoon season, diseases spread quickly during this time. As
Children are most vulnerable, Polala Amavasya vratam is observed to keep
children healthy.
Rituals
during Polala Amavasya:
- The day of
Polala Amavasya is dedicated to Goddess Poleramma and this festival is
mainly observed by married women in Andhra Pradesh. The women get up early
on this day and finish their morning chores to make preparations for the
special puja.
- On this day,
women sketch a picture of the ‘Pochamma Temple’ at the place of worship
and offer the ‘shodashopachar’ puja there to the Goddess. During the puja,
a sacred thread known as ‘Raksha Daaram’ or ‘Raksha Thoranam’ is also
worshipped. After the completion of puja rituals, women tie this ‘Raksha
Daaram’ to their children to ensure their safety. On this day they also read
the story of the mother who brought back her dead children after
worshipping Goddess Poleramma.
- On Polala
Amavasya special offerings are prepared to offer to Goddess Poleramma.
Women prepare fried sweet balls made from jaggery and chana dal for the
welfare of male children whereas urad dal vadas are offered to the Goddess
for the wellbeing of female child.
- During the time
of puja several mantras or prayers dedicated to Goddess Shakti like ‘Durga
Stuti’, ‘Gauri Astottaram’ and ‘Bhavani Astakam’ are chanted all through
the day.
- Women also keep
a strict fast on this day to please Goddess Pochamma. There is no
‘Udyapana’ for this vratam and it can be observed by all.
2016 Date : 1st
September.
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