Saturdays in the Tamil month of Purattasi (September – October) is considered highly auspicious and special prayers are offered to Lord Balaji (Lord Vengkadeswarar), Navagrahas and Lord Saneeswarar. The popular belief is that Lord Vengkadeswarar made his divine presence on the earth in this month and returned to Vaikundam also in the month. There is also a legend that Lord Saneeswarar loses his powers in Purattasi month and therefore cannot create any trouble. In 2014, Purattasi Saturdays are on September 20, September 27, October 4 and October 11..
Sage Naradhar, wanted to know how people can worship Lord Vengkadeswarar after his departure to Vaikundam. Lord advised Sage Naradhar that he will bless devotees who fast on Purattasi Saturdays and pray to Him.
He will also relieve hardship caused by Lord Saneeswarar during Purattasi month. In 2014, Purattasi month begins on September 17 and ends on October 17.
Since Saturdays are free from the evil influences of Lord Saneeswarar, it is easy to please him on this day. It is also believed that Lord Saneeswarar loses his powers in Purattasi month and therefore he will not come in the way of prayers dedicated to Lord
Venkadeswarar. Thus it is easy to get blessings from Lord Vengkadeswarar in this month. People offer Ghee Lamp or Ellu Lamp to Lord Saneeswarar in
this month. Lord Saneeswarar creating trouble is mainly believed by people who give importance to astrology.
Lord Venkadeswarar devotees take only a single meal on Purattasi Saturdays. There are also devotees who observe complete fast on the day. On Saturdays, Naamam, the two feet symbol of Lord Vishnu’s feet, is drawn on the forehead by males and women opt for a red dot. Hymns dedicated to Lord Vishnu are chanted on Saturdays.
Purattasi is a Tamil month closely associated with Lord Vishnu (Lord Vengkadeswarar). The Purattasi Saturdays are of great significance and special prayers are offered on Saturdays of the month to please Lord Shani or Shani dev.
Devotees visit the temples of Lord Vishnu and special flags with Garuda emblem are hoisted in temples. The month is also important from agricultural point of view as it is an important sowing month.
Always remember to forget the troubles that have passed away, but never forget to remember the blessings that come each day.
Source: Chandraseagar Veerappan
