Vedo Rakshati Rakshitaha

Aaswayuja Maasam - The Divine Mother Centric Month

Aaswayuja maasam marks beginning of a new season called Sharad Ruthu (autumn) when, monsoon starts receding and winter makes a beginning; one of the best seasons. When Moon is at or nearer to the constellation of Aswini on the full Moon day that month is reckoned as Aaswayuja Masam. Aswini Devathas are presiding deities of Aswini constellation. During this month Sun transit into Thula raasi takes place called Thula Sankramana. This Sankramana is called Vishuvat Parvakaala. Thula Raasi (Libra) is the sign of debilitation for Surya Graha. Lord Vishnu in the name Sri Padmanaabha is the governing Lord (Maasa Niyaamaka) of Aaswayuja maasam. Padmanaabha means the one who has a Lotus like navel; the one who has Lotus in the navel; the one whose navel in the form of a Lotus has given birth to the creation of the Universe and is its source. We find reference to the word Padmanaabha in sloka # 6; 38 and in the Dhyaana sloka of Sri Vishnu Sahasranaama Stothram (Saantaakaaram Bhujaga Sayanam Padmanaabham). Lord Vishnu resides not only in the lotus called universe (Brahmaanda Kamala) but also in our Hrudaya Kamala, i.e. in our heart of hearts.

As per Hindu lunar calendar three major religious events occurs during Aaswayuja maasam; seventh one among lunar months. They are Tirumala Srivaari Navarathri Brahmotsavam at Tirumala Kshethra; Devi Navarathri festival popularly called Dasara and the month ending with another famous and popular festival among Hindus viz. Naraka Chaturdasi/Deepaavali the festival of lights.

During Aaswayuja maasam when Sun is transiting in Kanya Raasi (Virgo) Lord Venkateswara is worshipped through Brahmotsavam a unique car festival conducted at Tirumala Kshethra for nine days starting from Aaswayuja Sukla Prathama thithi. On parallel days Goddess Shakthi (Durga) is also worshipped across the country. This period of worshiping the Divine Energy is popularly known as Devi Navarathri or SharanNavarathri. We find such nine day (Navarathri) celebrations being held for Lord Sri Rama called Rama Navarathri; for Lord Ganesha called Ganesha Navarathri. Even the Brahmotsavam festival held at Tirumala for Lord Venkateshwara is also a nine day and night celebration.

Vijaya Dasami is also revered as Buddha Jayanthi, the day Lord Vishnu was born as Buddha. Aaswayuja maasam is the sacred month, Saint Sri Madhvacharya, the founder proponent of Dvaita (Tattvavaada) philosophy was born at Paajaka Kshethra near Udupi on the auspicious day of Vijaya Dasami that is celebrated as Madhva Jayanthi. Aaswayuja Bahula Trayodasi is reckoned as Dhanvanthari Jayanthi.

In the concept of Pithru Yagna, first lunar day of Aaswayuja maasam is earmarked for performing sacred rites to Mother’s father (Maatamaha) called Dauhithru Karthruka Maatamaha Sraaddha being performed by daughter’s son to his maternal grandfather. This is possible only when a person doesn't have sons but has daughter. This is an exceptional case where a person (Jeevat Pithru) performs ceremony when his father is alive. Aaswayuja maasam is favourite month of Goddess Shakthi who is worshiped throughout the month in some form or other. Starting from the very first day the Divine Mother is also worshipped on several other days of the month apart from Devi Navarathri festival; viz. on Vijaya Dasami day as Goddess Aparaajitha; on the full Moon day Goddess Lakshmi is worshiped (Kojagara Vratha); on the day of Bahula Dwaadasi (12th day of the dark fortnight) as Go-Maata (Cow) called Govatsa Dwaadasi; on the day of Bahula Trayodasi, Goddess Ganga is worshiped (Jalapoorna Trayodasi); on the new moon day (Amaavaasya) Goddess Lakshmi is worshiped (Deepaavali) etc. apart from in various other names as per the local/regional customs and traditions.

Certain positions in the Nature have surfaced a point of level that can never be encroached upon and have to be recognized with due respect without any compromise. One such position is that of a Mother who is given a unique and sacred place that can never be filled by any other element of nature. She is depicted as an epitome of benevolence, love and affection. The dictum says Maathru Devo Bhava; Mother is God; she is to be adored. We have many examples in Hindu Sanaatana Dharma where, several sages, devotees, great personalities and even the incarnations of Lord Vishnu have eulogized the paramount significance of this dictum which has not changed over ages.

Aaswayuja maasam is also pronounced as Aasweeja or Aasweena maasam. Aasaa/Aasee means Sthree (woman); Yuj/Yuja means added to/included. Worshiping universal divine mother Goddess Shakthi (feminine energy) is exclusively added to the religious calendar of Aaswayuja maasam. In Hindu philosophy the nature is said to be an embodiment of the universal divine mother. Devi sooktham describes divine mother as queen of the universe. Sri Lakshmi ashtottara sathanaama stothram eulogizes Goddess Lakshmi as Prakruthyai namaha. She is the nature. Universal Divine Mother Goddess with whatever name one may call (Durga; Lakshmi; Saraswathi); She is Maaya (illusion); She is Shakthi (divine energy) and She is Prakruthi (Nature).

It is befitting to call Aaswayuja maasam as the Divine Mother centric month dedicated to adoration of the mother of mothers the universal divine mother.

Sarvamangala Maangalye Sive Sarvaartha saadhike

Saranye Thrayambake Devi Naaraayani Namosthuthe

Universal Divine Mother is the one who bestows auspiciousness; She is auspicious to the auspiciousness. Sri Krishnaarpanamasthu