Thanjavur: A large number of people took a holy dip at Sridhara Ayyavaal Math in
Thiruvisanallur on Karthigai Amavasya (19th November). Devotees drew water from a
sacred well believed to be linked to the Ganges River.
Thiruvisanallur, near Kumbakonam in Thanjavur district, is a place where Sri
Bhagavannama Bodhendra Swamigal, Sri Sadasiva Brahmendral, and Sridhara Ayyavaal
Swamigal discussed the Shastras and Vedas about 300 years ago.
It is said that on a Karthigai Amavasya day, Sridhara Ayyavaal Mahan,
while arranging a Tithi ceremony for his father, saw a poor man starving.
Unable to bear it, he gave the food meant for the Tithi to the man.
The visiting Shastris were upset, saying the food should only be offered
after going to Kashi and bathing there. Shocked, Ayyavaal recited the Gangashtakam
Stotra to Lord Shiva, and according to legend, the Ganges started flowing in the
well at his house.
Since then, every year on Karthigai Amavasya, the Ganges water flows in Ayyavaal’s
well, reminding the world of his greatness.
This year, hundreds of devotees from Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh,
Karnataka, and Puducherry first took a holy dip in the Cauvery River and then in
the sacred well at Ayyavaal Math. The idol of Sridhara Ayyavaal Swamigal was
decorated with flowers, and special poojas were performed.
Tomorrow, the Thiruveediyula of Sri Sridhara Ayyavaal and the Sri Anjaneya
Utsavam will be held, marking the conclusion of the annual festival.