The lunar month of Sra:vana began on July 21st, 2020 and will continue through 19th August 2020. This month is significant with it’s a special connection to Maha Lakshmi. Every Friday (24th, 31st, 7th and 14th), a special prayer is performed. The second Friday is especially special and celebrated as Vara Lakshmi Vratam.

The month also has many other important events such as the appearance day star of our A:ndal, the advent of Nara Narayana in Badarinath, Sra:vana Pournami (signifying bond of protection between ‘sisters and brothers’), Vara:ha Jayanti, Ha:yagri:va Jayanti, the appearance of Sri Pedda Jeeyar Swami and more!

If you need something from your mother, you can go straight to her without checking the month, day or time. Isn’t it? If Maha Lakshmi is the universal mother, the epitome of compassion, why do we have a special time to seek her grace?

We think of some super power that governs this existence as God. People who don’t believe in the term ‘God’ call the same power as universal consciousness, fate, luck or even nature etc. But, everyone knows that there is something above us that is controlling the seasons, day and night, the movement of planets, as well as other natural forces.  But there is also an extremely energetic feminine power, Sri Maha Lakshmi whose association with the supreme power, God, can alleviate us from the long-lasting bondage of karma sooner and take us towards to the blissful union with God!

De:vya: ka:runya ru:paya:
(personified compassion)
Nityam ajna:ta nigraha:m
(knows no anger)
– from A:gama scriptures

This month of sra:vana is a reinforcement within each one of us of this universal truth.  It gives us ample time (four weeks) to sit in front of the universal mother, Sri Maha Lakshmi, and re-establish the forgotten and ignored bond.  If getting back to your earthly mother after a few months of separation brings happiness, the joy of togetherness with the universal mother is beyond expression.  This month gives us all a chance to seek Her divine grace and blessings.  The time of Dusserah and Dhanurma:sam are two other times for which our pu:rva:cha:ryas, the lineage of gurus have set aside for the same reason.

Absolutely, it is true that we do not need a special occasion to reach our mother. She is unconditionally compassionate. But, many of us have forgotten Her existence due to ignorance from countless births in many different kinds of bodies over yu:gas and yu:gas.

When a specific time is set for such processes, we consciously make effort to reinstate this otherwise forgotten truth.  However, for those who have never forgotten these truths – everyday prayers are anyways part of the ingrained culture.  We offer gratitude and servitude towards the universal couple every day, whose support is the reason for our existence.  Daily prayers situate us in the mood of humility towards the divine mother and father, Sri Maha Lakshmi and Sriman Na:ra:yana.

Why does the Supreme power of the entire universe and beyond, God, need association with the feminine power, Sri Maha Lakshmi?

This is a secret vested in Vedas which our acharyas have beautifully experienced and shared for our benefit.

Ival sannidhiyaale kaakam thalai petthadhu
Adi illaamayaale ravanan mudindaan
– by Pillai Loka:charya

Because, S:ithamma was with Sri Ra:machandra, ka:ka:sura was shown mercy despite having done an inexcusable act. Whereas, when S:ithamma was not with Sri RamaChandra, Ra:vana was fully destroyed along with his dynasty despite having not done nearly as cruel as a gesture that that ka:ka:sura did.

Sri Maha Lakshmi’s divine love for God accentuates his most merciful attributes. God’s compassion and forgiveness are brought to light by A:ndal Devi.  These qualities can protect us all through any situation throughout life.

We are wishing everyone a divine and happy Sra:vana ma:sam
Our blessings for a very happy A:ndal Thirunakshatram to you all!

Sri A:ndal is an incarnation of Sri Maha Lakshmi in this Kali Yuga.  She sang timeless pasurams glorifying the Lord distilling the essence of Vedic knowledge for all of us in a simple, approachable manner.

– From the discourse of Sri Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji
– 21 st July 2020, and 24 th July 2020