Today is the first Friday of Shravana Masam. The Telugu Lunar month of Shravana Masam started yesterday; 23rd July, and it would end on 20th August. This is a very auspicious month for us and specially Fridays – Sharavana Shukravaralu. Today my wife would be preoccupied until late afternoon with religious activity. As I am writing this blog she is busy in the pooja room performing Gowridevi pooja and reciting Lalitha Sahasranamam. Earlier she had prepared Naivedhyam – especially payasam (food offerings) for the Gods along with her daily chores of breakfast and lunch for us. Soon, the invitees, her sisters, sister-in-law, few neighbors and her Kitty party friends would be arriving when Lalitha Sahasranamam would be recited followed by Pasupu-bottu (Haldi kumkum in North India) and Lunch. My sister is unable to attend this function because of a minor eye-operation my brother-in-law is undergoing this morning. This and few more such religious traditions are for seeking the blessings of the almighty for all round well-being of the family.
This entire month one would find many people visiting temples, especially ladies. Just as my wife has invited friends and relatives for Pasupu-bottu, pooja and Lunch almost all Telugu families practice this tradition.
These are centuries old practices in the family and we have great belief and respect for these rituals and traditions. My mother who is 89 years old is happy with us on this count and I hope our children would continue this, though I leave it entirely to their willingness and convenience.
On this occasion I would like conclude with the following ‘Peace Prayer’:
Om Sahana Vavathu Sahanav bhunakthu
Saha Viryam karawavahai
Tejasvinavadhithamasthu
Ma Vidvishavahai
Om Shanti Shanti Shanti.
This means:
Together may we be protected
Together may we be nourished
Together may we work with great energy
May our journey together be brilliant and effective
May there be no bad feelings between us
Peace, peace, peace.
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