Festivals

Thaipusam, Thaipoosam (Tamil: தைப்பூசம், ) is a Hindu festival celebrated mostly by the Tamil community on the full moon in the Tamil month of Thai (January/February).

The word Thaipusam is a combination of the name of the month, Thai, and the name of a star, Pusam. This particular star is at its highest point during the festival. The festival commemorates the occasion when Parvati gave Murugan a Vel "spear" so he could vanquish the evil demon Soorapadman. There is a misconception among people that Thaipusam marks Murugan's birthday; however, it is believed that Vaikhasi Vishakam, which falls in the Vaikhasi month (May/June), is Murugan's birthday

Pradosham

Pradhosha  pooja is one of the most important among the poojas performed to the Graceful Lord Shiva. In Shukla Paksha (15 moon days from New moon to Full moon) and Krishna Paksha (15 moon days from Full moon to New moon) the evening of the trayodasi (thirteenth moon day) between 4.30 p.m. to 6.00 p.m. is called Pradhosha. It comes once in fifteen moon days. Pradhosha time is especially meant for praying Lord Shiva. Praying in that time will free us from out sins and gives moksha finally (hence the name Pradhosha). During pradoSha time a special type of circumambulating called soma sUtra pradaxiNam is done.

Pradhosha Purana:

Once Dhevas and Asuras using the serpent Vasuki and the hill Mandhara were trying to get Amrutham (nector) from the Kseerabthi (milk ocean). Then the terrible poison Halahalam came up. All got frightened and pleaded to Lord Shiva for rescue. Being the peak of mercy Lord Shiva ate that poison. Then as per His order they resumed their effort to get Amrutham. They got it on Dhwadhasi (twelfth moon day). Without praying and thanking the God, by whom they got Amrutham, Devas started dancing and celebrating their victory.

On thrayodhasi (thirteenth moon day) they realised their sin of not praying the God and pleaded for forgiveness. The pleased graceful Lord Shiva forgave them and danced between the horns of the Nandhi (holy bull). That time is called Pradhosham. Whoever prays Lord Shiva in that time, Lord Shiva fulfills their wishes and give them mukthi

During Prodhosha time anointing (Abhishekam) the Shiva deity with the following is considered fruitful.

Milk                                gives                   long life   

Ghee                              gives                  Moksha state   

Curd                               gives                  good children   

Honey                            gives                   melodious voice   

Rice powder                   frees                   from debts   

Sugar cane juice            gives                   good health   

Panjamrutham               gives                   wealth   

Lemon                            removes             fear of death   

Sugar                              removes             enmity   

Tender coconut              gives                   enjoyment   

Cooked Rice(Annam)     gives                   majestic life   

Sandal                            gives                   Lakshmi's grace.