Avani Avittam

Gayathiri Devi

Avani Avittam is an important ritual associated with the Brahmin community in the world. The day is of great significance to Rig, Yajur, Vedic Brahmins. On the next day, Gayatri Japa Sankalpam is observed. In other parts of South India, the observance is known as Upakarma.

Upakrama means the beginning. On this day the Yajurbvedis begin to read Yajur Veda for next six months. The day is auspicious because as per Indian mythology Lord Vishnu was incarnated as Lord Hayagriva,the lord of knowledge, the one who restored the Vedas to Brahma.

This day is also auspicious as the Brahmins offer libations of water to their ancestors to whom they owe their birth and to the great Rishis to whom they are highly indebted for spiritual knowledge and the Vedas themselves.

Traditions of Avani Avittam/ Upakramam

• This is above all a day of retrospection for the Brahmins and a day when they can reaffirm their vows of penitence. This is also known as Maha sangkalp (great aim).
• This they seek to do by taking a dip in the holy river, a sight which commands immense respect all over the rolling plains of India
• The Brahmins also change their sacred thread on this day every year
• The changing of this thread symbolizes the shedding of all sins and making a new beginning
• They renew pledges to keep their Vedic duties towards society and humanity at large
• The followers of the four different Vedas have their Upakarma on different days.

You want more details please see the links
http://www.trsiyengar.com/id62.shtml
http://rakhi.ygoy.com/avani-avittam-or-upakarman/

Menu for Aavani Avittam (please click the links)

Menu 1      Rice,              Paruppu Morekuzhambu  Tomato Sathuamuthu  Kosumalli  Thayir pachadi,  Paruppusili, Chow Chow Kootu Appam Idli  Vadai Aval Payasam	Menu 2 Rice Paruppu Millaghai Sambhar Mysore Sathuamuthu Kosumali Zucchini Pachadi COLOCASIA /SEPPANKIZHANGU ROAST 2 Pooricha kootu Appam Idli Vadai Akkara Adisal	Menu 3 Rice Parruppu Udipi Sambhar Killumillaghai Sathuamuthu Cucumber Kosumali Ginger Pachadi Vazhaikkai Podimas Kumbhalangha kuttan Appam Idli Vadai Cheruupayar Payasam

My Advanced  Best Avani Avittam wishes to all.