Why is 'govindha' praised during purtassi?

Answer 1

During the month of Purtassi devotion is paid to God, the PRESERVER. In the Holy Trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Siva, Lord Vishnu is the preserver. Preservation affects all facets of human life - the physical, the emotional and spiritual well--being. During this month strict abstinence from meat is observed. This act purifies the mind, body and soul. It helps discipline the mind and removes toxins from the body. By observing this fast and paying homage to Lord Vishnu, God's grace of preservation is bestowed upon individuals and allows progression in life. Purtassi falls between the middle of September and the middle of October.



Usually on a Saturday during the fasting month, a special prayer dedicated to Lord Vishnu culminates in the breaking of the fast with vegetarian delicacies. According to tradition the prayers have to be done late in the afternoon so that the fast may be broken at sundown.



A lot of preparation goes into this prayer. In the absence of a picture of Lord Rama or Vishnu or Krishna, a drawing is made of the Namam. The Namam is in the form of a 'V'. This is drawn with a special white chalk referred to as the Nama Katti. To complete the drawing a red line is drawn down the middle. The Namam is also drawn on the foreheads of the men and children present. A red dot is made on the women's forehead. A banana leaf is placed on the altar on which the various dishes prepared are offered to Lord Vishnu. These dishes include payasam, sweet rice, vades, woorandai and kozhu kattai. In many homes vegetarian dishes are offered in addition to the sweetmeats. A theertham is made with milk, sugar and tulsi leaves.



The prayer begins outside the house or temple, as this is the propitiation of the sun. A vessel of water is placed, the camphor is lit and a coconut is broken. The worshippers then move into the house/temple chanting the Garuda Patthu. Each verse ends with the devotees chanting Govinda! Govinda! Govinda! In the house the main prayer continues with the turning of camphor, burning of agarbathi, singing of songs, ringing of bells and blowing of the conch. The Thiru Nama Pathakkam is chanted, the theertham is then handed around to all present. The right hand is cupped over the left, a tulsi leaf is placed in the 'cup' with a bit of milk. The milk is sipped and the tulsi leaf is eaten. Finally, the blessed food (prasad) is offered to all present.