Shiva Shiva endare bhayavilla
Shiva namake sathi berilla (2)
The above lyrics is a famous song from the movie Bhaktha Siriyala starring Lokesh, Aarathi, and Ashwath. The meaning of the above song is – when you take the name of Shiva, you are not scared anymore and there is no parallel to Shiva’s name.
Siriyala Shashti festival is in honor of one of the greatest devotees of Lord Shiva, Bhaktha Siriyala. Siriyala is the epitome of Bhakti / devotion and Thyaga / sacrifice.
Siriyala Shashti festival falls in the Hindu month of Shravana, July-August in Gregorian calendar. For the festival date click here.
Lord Shiva wanted to test Siriyala and hence took the form of a beggar and went to Siriyala’s house. The beggar asked for offerings to Siriyala and when he was given everything he asked for, the beggar asked for the life of Siriyala’s son. Without hesitation, the couple killed their son and offered to the beggar. Lord Shiva was immensely pleased and appeared before them in his form and brought back the life of their son.
Siriyala Shashti is celebrated in families who have been following this custom since generations. The mother of a male child performs the pooja and Lord Shiva is worshiped. The male children of the household are made to sit on hase mane / wooden planks and an aarathi is perfomed.
On this day 5 types of rice are prepared – Plain Anna, Chitranna, Bellada Anna, Tuppada Anna and Mosaranna. Soppina Palya / Leafy vegetable dish, Payasa, and Thambittu is also prepared on this day. Other mothers of male children from the neighbourhood are invited home for lunch. They are given the Mangala drowya / sacred items and served lunch. While leaving the women call out the name of the son/s and they come out and do Namaskara to the women.
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Dear Shantha
I have a query with u even after doing so many poojas people are suffering what is the reason? and how to overcome from sufferings?
Good question Dhanuja. I will try to answer to the best of my ability. Sufferings and happiness are faces of the same coin. It does not depend on how much Pooja or Vratha or Meditation we do. Ultimately all human being has to undergo all the sufferings and seek peace of mind. The truth is there is no escape from sufferings and sufferings make you stronger and more grounded. To acknowledge the super power and for peace of mind, believers in god have their own way of expressing like doing Pooja, Vratha, Meditation, celebrating Festivals, and visiting religious places (temple,… Read more »
Thank you for posting this. My m-i-l does this habba on our behalf in India for the well-being of the men in the family, so I just started it since last year. I vividly remember my Grandma performing this Pooja, and then my Mom. We used to look forward to “Pancha” Annas. “Bhaktha SiriyaLa” was one of my favorite movies not only because of the songs, but also Baby Rekha.
well answered Shantha so u mean to say fate cannot be changed but god is always there to help who are in need. it is true that sufferings makes strong but somewhere sufferings turns into happiness as we accept the fact and go ahead.
i have seen people who are always happy with minor problems may be lucky and who are always with one or the other major problems may be unlucky. it is not how we look into problems facts cannot be changed so i feel why this differntiation. i am i correct pls reply
Dhanuja, yes when we are going through sufferings we always question “why me?” But, when you look around you can see many more people suffering and their situation being worse than yours. Being positive always helps and always believe that situation will change for good. When my dad went into multiple organ failure after a bypass surgery, he lived on machines for 60 days and we were all heart broken and shattered and I thought that I could not live without my dad. But when I saw around there were babies who had multiple tubes into them and many of… Read more »
Hi Nikhila,
Great to hear that you are performing this pooja. Happy festival season.
Regards,
Shantha
thanks alot for your reply… i wish to see happiness everywhere Shantha and i cannot digest people surrounding me or myself suffering as i am very sensitive in nature
Nice to hear that u named ur house dad’s name feels great and taking life in a positive manner. i try my best to adopt
i am impressed and would like to keep in touch
Sure Dhanuja, you are most welcome to keep in touch.
Very well managed site.
Thanks a lot
Raji
Thank you for the feedback Raji.
Shantha, Amazing site, great information.
Look forward to drop in here more often.
Thanks & Regards,
Anitha, I am glad you liked the information here. Your blog is good too especially the Worli paintings. Do keep visiting.
Hi can you pls clarify my doubt. Can we donate or give away the raw uncooked materials like curds raw rice soppu( leafy vegetables) etc to other women…if we are unable to cook and invite women for lunch on this day
Can a widow lady perform this Pooja or give raw items
All these rituals are man made and was suitable to the days that these were made. Yes, definitely you can do what you feel is the best. The thought counts!
If you ask me, yes you can. I do not see why your marital status should come in the way to show Bhakthi to God. May god bless you!
Does this pooja should be done after 2.5 months after delivery. During postpartum also must be done????
You can check with the elders in the family who have performed this pooja.