About Thirunakshatthiram

[Guest guest]

Satyan, Nagu on Wed, May 21, 1997 11:41 AM

About Thirunakshatthiram

bhakti digest

 

According to our parents family traditions, most Sri Vaishnavas

observe Birthdays based on Stars (Nakshatthiram). This applies to

mortals like us as well as our respected Acharyas, Azhwars, and

Avatharams of Sriman Narayana. In the latter case the prefix "Thiru"

connatating special is added to convey the importance of both the

observances as well as the Acharyas and God being prayed to. As most

of you are aware, we observe Sri Jayanthi, the birthday of Sri Krishna,

when star Rohini appears, where as Smarthas observe on Ashtami day

hence the festival called Gokulashtami. I recognize traditionally we

observe Rama Navami on Navami day which does not always coincide with

star Punar Poosam (Punar Vasu). However, at home we observe the

auspicious day on Punar Poosam day also. Lord Srinivasa Perumal's

Thirunakshatthiram is observed when star Thiruvonam (Sravana) occurs.

Lord Ranganatha birthday is based on Revathi star, Panguni Utthiram

for Ranganayaki Thayar, Andal's is Adi Pooram (Pubba) etc.

 

To apply a broad generalization, auspicious days are observed by most

SVs based on Stars. Even now in our family we celeberate children's

and adults birthdays based on the birth star. In fact, it may be a

surprise to a few--even our wedding anniversaries are celebrated by

our parents based on the Indian calendar month and star when it was

performed (though I have to admit that it is easy to remember the

birthdays and wedding days based on the normal calendar).

 

I have relatives who are Madhavas who observe their birthdays based on

Thithi. However, most Sri Vaishnavas follow thithis for Ceremonial

rites and observances. The reason I use the word "most" is that I

have noticed that depending on the state that they are settled in

India, the local traditions have and continue to influence. One

example is the start of the New Year. Since my parents follow Solar

calendar (Suryamana), we observe New Year in mid April. However some

SVS from Karnataka and Andhra observe in March on Ugadi Day. Again,

Smarthas from Tamil Nadu observe in mid April where as Smarthas from

Karnataka and Andhra celebrate Ugadi which is based on Chandramana

calendar.

 

There is rationale supporting whatever one follows and it is a

question of traditions. Howevr, I have pondered about the tradition

at temples when we perform Archanas. The priests ask for the

individual's name, gothram and star. I have not yet been asked what

thithi I was born. May be one of you can expound on this subject.

 

Nagu Satyan

[Guest guest]

On 21 May 1997, Satyan, Nagu (MSMAIL) wrote:

>

 

[..]

>

> I have relatives who are Madhavas who observe their birthdays based on

> Thithi. However, most Sri Vaishnavas follow thithis for Ceremonial

> rites and observances. The reason I use the word "most" is that I

> have noticed that depending on the state that they are settled in

> India, the local traditions have and continue to influence. One

> example is the start of the New Year. Since my parents follow Solar

> calendar (Suryamana), we observe New Year in mid April. However some

> SVS from Karnataka and Andhra observe in March on Ugadi Day. Again,

> Smarthas from Tamil Nadu observe in mid April where as Smarthas from

> Karnataka and Andhra celebrate Ugadi which is based on Chandramana

> calendar.

 

This might be because observing the New Year cuts across sampradAya lines,

whereas the birthday of an AcArya is specific to a given sampradAya. All

Tamil speaking people, irrespective of their affiliations, seem to observe

the solar calendar, while all Kannada and Telugu speaking people follow

the lunar year. However, note that the solar calendar of the Tamils is

actually a lunar calendar adjusted on a yearly basis to a solar reckoning.

Thus, the new year always falls in mid-April, but the beginnings of months

follow the phases of the moon. The lunar calendar followed in Karnataka

and Andhra is also adjusted to a solar calculation, but in a different

way, by the addition of an adhika mAsam periodically.

> individual's name, gothram and star. I have not yet been asked what

> thithi I was born. May be one of you can expound on this subject.

 

Again, across most sampradAyas, birthdays of living human beings are

observed by nakshatra. If all mAdhvas celebrate the birthday on the tithi,

then that is probably an exception.

 

Vidyasankar