Aippasi Annabhishekam is indeed a significant religious festival celebrated in Shiva temples across Tamil Nadu during the Tamil month of Aippasi, which typically corresponds to mid‑October to mid‑November.
What Is Aippasi Annabhishekam?
- The term Annabhishekam combines “Annam” (rice) and “Abhishekam” (ritual bathing)—thus, it refers to the ceremonial bathing of the Shiva lingam with cooked rice, often adorning it also with vegetables and fruits.
- This ritual takes place annually on Aippasi Pournima (full moon day of Aippasi), and is observed with great enthusiasm in many Shaivite (Shiva) temples in South India, notably in Tamil Nadu.
- The rice used symbolizes life, prosperity, and gratitude. Performing this ritual is seen as a way to thank Lord Shiva for the sustenance and abundance received, and to invoke blessings for all life forms.
How It’s Celebrated & Where
- Shiva Lingam is lavishly covered with freshly cooked rice, often topped with decorative arrangements. The offering is later distributed as prasadam to devotees—ensuring no grain goes to waste.
- Several prominent temples highlight this festival:
- Gangaikondacholapuram — The temple’s massive Shiva lingam is covered with cooked rice, sometimes using over 100 bags, and the prasadam is distributed to many devotees.
- Thiruvannamalai Arunachaleshwara (Annamalayar Temple) — Annabishekam is grandly celebrated on Aippasi Pournima to express thanks to Lord Shiva for life and food.
- Notable temples such as Thenkurangaduthurai, Sivagurunathaswamy (Sivapuram/Kumbakonam), Apathsahayar (Thirupazhanam), Uthirakosamangai, and Nanjundeswarar (Karamadai), all observe Aippasi Annabhishekam as a major festival in their annual calendar.
Significance & Symbolism
- According to Agama Shastra, performing Annabishekam on Aippasi Pournima (when Ashvini Nakshatra coincides) helps promote agricultural productivity and economic growth.
- Traditional beliefs also link this ritual to planetary significance—cooked rice is seen as an offering to Chandra (the Moon God), and that performing Annabhishekam on Aippasi Pournima (when Chandra is bright and prominent) is especially auspicious.
Summary
- Aippasi Annabhishekam is a well-established religious festival in Shiva temples of Tamil Nadu, celebrated on Aippasi Pournima (full moon day).
- The key feature is covering the Shiva lingam with cooked rice, symbolizing gratitude and seeking divine blessings.
- This ritual is observed in numerous temples—ranging from major shrines like Gangaikondacholapuram and Thiruvannamalai to various renowned temples across Tamil Nadu.