Purattasi (or Purattasi Masam) is a key month in the Tamil Hindu calendar and in the months between September and October is believed to be the most sacred month for the devotees of Lord Vishnu and Lord Venkateswara. They pray and study and take on special food and drink as part of their spiritual discipline.
The month is especially important in Tamil Nadu and Tamil Hindu communities, but traditions associated with Purattasi are also followed in other parts of India.
Why Is Purattasi Considered Sacred?
Purattasi is associated with Lord Vishnu’s veneration and in this month many devotees consider that prayers and religious observances will strengthen spiritual discipline and encourage people to focus on devotion, gratitude and self-control.
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Saturdays are especially important during Purattasi. As a result, devotees often visit Vishnu temples, light lamps, offer prayers and make special offerings at home. Saturday is very important for Lord Venkateswara, also known as Venkatachalapathy or Srinivasa, and we call him the Saturday observance.
We know that for many families these traditions have been passed from one generation to another.
Importance of Purattasi Saturdays
Purattasi Saturdays are considered especially auspicious for many devotees. Families can prepare a vegetarian dinner, avoid certain foods and spend the day in prayer.
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Some households make a special arrangement for worship, making offerings like rice-based dishes and sweets, chanting Vishnu-related prayers. In some Tamil traditions, devotees also make Maavilakku, a sacred lamp made of rice flour, jaggery and ghee.
The exact customs of a family and community may be very different.
Why Do Many Hindus Avoid Non-Vegetarian Food?
One of the most visible Purattasi practices is to avoid meat, eggs, and alcohol in particular, in some households. This is often seen in the context of a more general lifestyle of sattvic living where devotees desire simplicity, restraint and a greater focus on spiritual activities.
The practice is not followed by every Hindu, and dietary customs vary from family tradition, region and religious denomination.
And those who observe this can also get a reminder of their spiritual commitment when they change their diet temporarily.
Connection With Lord Venkateswara
Purattasi has a special connection with Lord Venkateswara of Tirumala. The deity is worshipped as a form of Lord Vishnu and thousands of devotees undertake special prayers and temple visits during this time.
The Tirumala Venkateswara Temple is the holy place for all the devotees during Purattasi and they come to it seeking blessings to be prosperous, healthy, happy, family healthy and spiritual.
Spiritual Meaning of Purattasi
In addition to rituals and food restrictions, Purattasi is often viewed as a period of self-discipline and devotion. Devotees can lower distractions and devote themselves more time to prayer, visit temples and reflect on their actions.
The observance therefore is religious tradition in combination with disciplined self-accountability. And Purattasi is not only a month on the calendar for many families but also a time when family members come together for prayers, eating together and customs.
Why the Tradition Continues
Purattasi has become so important because its practices are so much in line with family custom and community worship. Kids are taught to participate in the rituals at an early age as parents work to keep them in their family.
For devotees, the month is a time of year to strengthen faith and practice restraint in order to stay together and to honour Lord Vishnu. It is, of course, largely subjective, and will depend on the beliefs of everyone and the traditions of a family.
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