Mangalore: ‘Aati Amavasye’ Observed in Tulunadu
Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje and Ganesh S Perla
Daijiworld Media Network
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Mangalore, Aug 12: Aati Amavasye (Tulu version of 'Aashadha Amavasya) was observed this time on Sunday, August 12.
The day began early with people making a beeline to the Devil's Tree (Hale Mara in Kannada, Pale or Palembu in Tulu and Santni Rooku in Konkani - botanical name Alstonia Scholaris - Lin. Apocynaceae) to chop off the bark of the tree for extracting its sap.
It is believed that devils reside on tree tops on the day of Amavasya. The decoction produced out of the bark of the said Devil's Tree, is considered more potent and powerful on this day, as it keeps one hale and healthy for a long time. And therefore the juice is taken in by people early in the morning.
To make this decoction, as per ancient tradition, the bark of the Devil's Tree is peeled with the help of a sharp white stone before sun rise. Then the sap extracted from the bark and mixed with garlic, pepper and cumin seeds finely ground, and thus this decoction is made. This tradition is followed uniformly throughout Tulunadu, irrespective of caste and creed.
Moreover, on this day, following set traditions, people have been going to temples to invoke divine blessings. This feature of people visiting temples is noticeable throughout Tulu Nadu.
This year too Shri Karinjeshwar Temple, one of the oldest temples of Dakshina Kannada which is located at Karinja near Vogga in Bantwal taluk, witnessed throngs of devotees going there to celebrate Amavasye.
There the devotees were seen having a dip in in the holy water at ‘Gadha Teertha’ which is considered very auspicious for human beings. Later they offered various poojas conducted by the archaks in the temples.
It is noted that on this day newly-wedded couples make it a point to visit the temple to invoke divine grace, as Amavasye day is considered a special day for such couples.
Similar scenario with hordes of devotees was noticed at Shri Sadashiva temple in Narahari Parvata near Kalladka in the same taluk.
It may be said that, the Aati (Aashadha) month which comes in the month of July and August is the resting season for farmers who by then finish sowing paddy in the fields. Nature is seen at its greenest. However, one finds that the season is conducive to the breeding of insects and pests.
Against this background, man invokes the blessings of deities and starts pleading and pleasing nature. Thus in this way Aati Amavasya gained significance. And in this manner, nature produces within herself the means to clear the air of insects and diseases.
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