Thai Velli – 4 Fridays with Abundant Goddess Energy

The Tamil month of Thai is considered the most auspicious month of the Tamil calendar. It is believed that worshipping Goddess Ma Shakti on the all the Fridays of this month, brings about innumerable benefits. The month of Thai falls between mid-January to mid-February. The first day of this month marks the beginning of the harvest festival Pongal, which lasts for 3 days. Various holy rituals are performed in temples and households to please the Goddesses on all the four Fridays of this month. Fridays in Tamil is called ‘Velli’. Thus the Friday falling in the month of Thai is known as Thai Velli. Friday is said to be ruled by the planet Venus and has a deep mystical connection to all Goddesses.

Thai Fridays are considered sacred since that is when the Sun starts its movement in the northern direction. There is a general belief that the all divine deities around us are full of positive energy during this time of the year. Goddess (women god) are generally said to be graceful and liberal in showering their blessings. Since they possess immense energy during this time of the year, the blessing that they shower is also said to multiply. Praying the goddess on these holy Fridays, enhances a person in all spheres of life. Worshipping Goddess Lakshmi, who graces in the form of Devi Kanakadhara, on the occasion of Thai Velli helps them gain immense creativity, strong will power and knowledge.

 The importance of 4 Fridays in Thai Month

All the Fridays of the month of Thai is said to be significant with each having its own uniqueness. These Fridays are auspicious for Devi Shakti, who is believed to be present everywhere. Goddess Shakti Devi graces her devotees in three major forms: Icha shakti, Kriya shakti and Gnana Shakti.

Icha Shakti: “Icha Shakti” denotes the will power. Icha Shakthi is associated with a person’s creative drive, desire and motivation. This can be amended by a person through his/ her devotion towards the god. The Melur Thiruvudai Amman stands as the symbol of Icha Shakhi who is believed to guide a person to the path of success in life.

Kriya Shakti: Kriya Shakti denotes the “power of action”. In other words, it is the ability of a person to fulfil his or her desires in an efficient manner. This pertains to the physical aspects of a person’s body which aids one in indulging in divine activities which results in improving your Kriya Shakthi. Thirumullaivayil Kodivudai Amman symbolises Kriya Shakti who graces her devotees in all their endeavours.

Gnana Shakti: Gnana Shakti means the “power of knowledge”. Knowledge is said to bring about wisdom in a person which leads him ultimately to the path of spirituality. The path of spirituality, in turn helps the person with self-realisation. Goddess Parvati showers her blessings as Gnana Shakti to those devotees seeking abundant knowledge. She is also considered the Goddess of splendour who enhances a person’s looks. The renowned Mangadu Sri Kamakshi Amman must be worshipped on the fourth Friday in the month of Thai. The goddess is believed to be the supreme manifestation of all the three forms of Devi Shakti. Worshipping her on this day I said to eliminate all the obstacles in one’s marriage, career, finance etc. and thereby bringing success and happiness in one’s life.

Rituals During Thai Velli

Lakshmi pooja, the lighting of Maa vilakku and performing poojas to the “NAAGAR” (Snake idols) at temples are some of the major rituals that are followed on the occasion of Thai velli. Various vedic hymns such as the Sri Lakshmi Ashtothram and Sri Mahalakshmi Ashtakam are chanted while performing Lakshmi Pooja. Slokas on Goddess Shakthi Devi such as Soundarya lahari and Lalitha sahasranamam are also chanted due in the Gowri pooja performed in many households and in temples. The holy thamboolams are exchanged by Women, which is believed to bring happiness and prosperity in their lives.