Significance of Masi Sharadu Pandigai

On 14.3.2014 between 8.15 and 9.15 p.m. nonbu sharadu will be tied by Sumangalis and unmarried girls with the prayer that they should not be separated from their husbands. An offering of sweet adai and karaadai along with butter is offered to Perumal and eaten on banana leaves after the sacred yellow thread has been tied . In some SriVaishnava households the adai preparation is not made and some  sweet is prepared  and offered along with vethilai-paku and fruits. After the tying of the thread prostrations are done to the husband and elders. The question arises as to whether a prappana has the right to ask anything from Perumal? According to Stri Dharma rules the housewife has to seek Perumal-Pirrati’s grace mentioning each family member.

When such is the case who else can she turn to for seeking grace except the Divine Duo? The time when Masi ends and Panguni starts is considered an auspicious hour for tying the saradu. Tirumangalya saradu can be tied in Masi itself. This thread unique to Tamil Nadu is a valuable ornament and should be treasured more than the gold chains and necklaces. It should be kept yellow by applying turmeric daily during baths. A bath is not considered valid without the application of turmeric. Sad to say this practise is going out of use. Recent research has shown the effects of turmeric consumption and application and it is beneficial to start using turmeric.

While tying the saradu the following slokam from Sri Padhuka Sahasram Sannivesha Paddhathi the 25th Paddhathi (slokam-6) can be chanted:

 Writeup by:  Vyjayanthi Sundararajan