Aadi Pooram
ஆடி பூரம்
Aadi Pooram is a highly auspicious festival dedicated to the Goddess. It marks the day Goddess Shakti is believed to have manifested on Earth, and it is also the birthday of the great saint-poetess, Andal.
Primary date & Panchangam
Times and tithi lines follow the site Panchangam engine for that civil day when data exists.
Spiritual Festival Sequence
Tamil Nadu Spiritual Experience
Significance of Aadi Pooram
Aadi Pooram is celebrated during the Tamil month of Aadi on the day the 'Pooram' nakshatra (star) falls. It is a day of immense spiritual significance in both Shaivite and Vaishnavite traditions. According to Hindu mythology, Goddess Shakti took human form on this day to establish peace and protect the world.
Equally significant is its association with Andal, one of the twelve Alwars and a devout saint-poetess. She was discovered as a baby by Periyalwar in a basil (Tulsi) garden in Srivilliputhur on Aadi Pooram. Her unwavering devotion to Lord Vishnu is celebrated grandly on this day.
Bangle Festival (Valaikappu) for the Goddess
A unique and beautiful custom on Aadi Pooram is performing 'Valaikappu' or a baby shower for Goddess Amman. Thousands of glass bangles are offered to the Goddess, adorning her gracefully. This symbolizes that she is the universal mother carrying the well-being of all living creatures in her womb.
These bangles are later distributed as prasadam to devotees. It is strongly believed that wearing these blessed bangles brings marital bliss to unmarried women and blesses childless couples with offspring. Pregnant women wear these bangles seeking the Goddess's protection for a safe delivery.