Hindus believe that Lord Shiva is the deity who provides food to all living beings, be it the worm under the earth or the fetus within the womb. So, to express gratitude to him, every year, a ritual called Annabishekam takes place at all Shiva temples in South India on Purnima or full moon day in the Tamil month of Aippasi (Oct-Nov). The ceremony honors Shiva. It is performed for food security and an abundant harvest. The ritual usually takes place after a harvest season.
For spiritual initiation, astrological guidance, divine remedies to problems, and fruitful living.
During this ceremony, cooked rice is used to cover the shiva lingam (phallic symbol of Shiva) completely.
Why is Annabishekam performed in Aippasi month?
As per astrology, the 27 stars or Nakshatras are the wives of Chandra (Moon). But Chandra lavished all his love on Rohini alone of all the stars and ignored the others. They went to their father, Daksha, and complained about it. Daksha cursed Chandra with an incurable disease, due to which the Moon began to fade away. Chandra realized his mistake and offered prayers to Kailasanathar (Shiva) at his temple in Thinkalur and begged him to release him from his father-in-law’s curse. Shiva agreed, but he also added that he could not revoke the curse completely. Hence, the Moon waxes and wanes every month. The day he got freedom from the curse is the full moon in Aippasi month, and on this day, due to the grace of Shiva, the Moon is very radiant. On account of this, the full moon day in Aippasi month witnesses special celebrations in Shiva temples.
Shiva loves Abishekams, or hydration rituals, where the deity is bathed in different substances like water, honey, curd, milk, etc. Hence, it is the custom to perform Abishekam for Shiva with rice and other items on the Pournami day in Aippasi month. The other items include holy water, cow’s milk, honey, coconut water, sandalwood paste, Vibhuti (holy ash), Panchamirtham, turmeric, etc. But rice or ‘Annam’ is the most special, as it is Shiva’s favorite. One reason for performing Annabishekam is to remind people that they should not waste even a grain of rice, which is so dear to Shiva.
In the creation of rice, the Panchabhootas (5 natural elements) comprising earth, water, wind, fire, and space play key roles. It is a very important food source for humanity. On the day of the Annabishekam, 5 items are used for the Abishekam initially. This is followed by Annabishekam, where cooked and cooled rice is mixed with the right quantity of water. The priests cook the rice on the temple premises itself. Vegetables, fruits, appalam, vadai are also offered along with the cooked rice.
The Annam covering the Lingam will be left on it for 1 and a half hours. The Lingam thus anointed is Anna Lingam. During this time, there will be recitals of the Yajurveda and Mantras like Rudram, Chamakam, etc. Musical instruments like drums, cymbals, and nadaswaram are also played at this time. As the sun’s rays will be quite intense at this time, the annam will be dissolved in the temple pond or a nearby river. It will become food for the fish and other creatures living in the water.
The Tamil proverb, ‘Soru kanda idam swargam,’ which means that those who have had the good fortune to witness the Annabishekam will go to heaven, underscores the significance of this ritual.
Different kinds of foods like like Ven Pongal, Chakkara Pongal, tamarind rice, sesame rice, curd rice, payasam, and sweets made from freshly harvested rice are prepared and offered to Shiva on this day. After the Pooja, the food is given to devotees and animals and birds.
Where Is Annabishekam Performed?
Annabhishekam takes place in all Shaivite temples.
Benefits of Annabishekam
Performing Annabishekam to Shiva on this day brings many benefits. Let us see what they are:
It can absolve the bad karma of past births and purify the karma of one’s current life.
Participating in this ritual can bestow a happy, trouble-free, and fulfilling life.
It can solve business- related issues and bring profits.
It brings prosperity and stable finances.
It ensures food security and prosperity through agriculture.
It bestows progeny blessings.
It helps one gain beauty and self-confidence.
It provides non-depleting food sources.
Consuming the Abishekam Prasad can boost the memory power of children.
Conclusion
One can witness Annabishekam at all important Shiva temple in Aippasi month in Tamil Nadu. Hordes of devotees gather to see the ritual at the renowned Brihadeeshwarar Temple in Thanjavur. The presiding deity, Brihadeeswarar, will be fully covered with cooked rice and boiled vegetables during the ritual. The priests chant “Sri Rudram” continuously at this time. The ceremony will take place at the Shiva temples in Thanjavur, Thiruvarur, and Nagapattinam districts.
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