Bhagawath Sevai: Seeking Divine Blessings

Most tambrams will need no introduction to what I'm saying out here, but to the others "Bhagavat Sevai" is a very special annual puja conducted for Goddess Bhagavati, seeking her blessings for the health, wealth and prosperity for the entire family.

Though it is one among the numerous puja's that are conducted annually, the bhagavat sevai has its own routines and elaborate rituals. The house gets cleaned, loads and loads of flowers of all variety are bought. The 'Aravana Payasam' or "Nei Payasam" gets prepared in the "uruli" and there is generally a festive atmosphere. Evening the vadhyar comes home, bathes and chastely draws a special kolam (rangoli) and the traditional kerala lamp is decorated with flowers. Then the prayers, melodious incantations and chants begin. The elaborate pooja ends with the priest chanting mantra's & naming each family member along with his or her Rasi & Nakshatram and seeking the Devi blessings. The aura around the entire puja altar becomes electrifying and one actually finds strength & peace instilled.

This weekend I got to attend two bhagavat sevai's in a row and needless to say it left me all spiritual and religiousy.