Aippasi Purnima: Aippasi Annabishekam

For Lord Shiva



    In the Tamil Calendar, Aippasi is known to be the seventh month and it is one
of the most celebrated festivals in South India- especially Tamil Nadu.

The month commences as the Sun enters Thulaa Raasi or Libra. At the same time, Moon is
positioned in the Ashvini Nakshatra Constellation right on the full moon day. This is when
the month is named as Aippasi/Asvija or Ashvayuja Maasam.

It is also named as Thulaa Maasa, as Thulaa denotes 'Balance' and at that time, the day and
night will be equal.

Aippasi Purnima 2019 is on November 12 Tuesday

13 days to go for the event
Image Source: IANS

Lord Shiva

Rituals of Aippasi Annabishekam

On this day, Annabishekam is celebrated religiously in all Siva Temples.  Rice is considered
the most important form of prasadam as that is considered the favourite of Lord Shiva.

Devotees cover the Shiva Lingam with freshly cooked rice and also adorn it other fruits and
vegetables in  a beautiful and attractive manner. They believe that this is a good way to offer
thanksgiving to the Lord Shiva- for all the food and blessings he has offered to them.

Cooked Rice is also offered as Maha Naivedhyam to the diety in the homes and the temples
of the Shiva followers.

One of the Largest Asian Shivalinga can be seen at Lord Bragadeeswarar, the presiding deity
of the world heritage temple at Gangaikondacholapuram, in Tamil Nadu. On the Aippasi
Annabishekam festival, at least 110 bags of raw rice are cleaned, and cooked dutifully. Then
the rice is poured over the giant Shiva Lingam.

Once the puja is over, this rice is offered to devotees as prasadam.

Important Timings On Aippasi Purnima

Sunrise November 12, 2019 6:42 AM

Sunset November 12, 2019 5:39 PM
Purnima Tithi Begins November 11, 2019 6:01 PM
Purnima Tithi Ends November 12, 2019 7:04 PM
Place : Ujjain [ India ]   See More

Significance of Aippasi Purnima Puja

This festival named as the Aippasi Purnima Puja is one of the most celebrated festivals in
South India. It marks the beginning of Diwali Festival.

In South India, it is believed that Deepawali will begin with a holy bath called the Ganga
Snaanam. This involves a holy oil bath, that has to be taken early in the morning. 

Mythology explains that Goddess Lakshmi lives in the holy oil, Ganga Maa in the holy water
and the medicianl powder that is used to clean and rub off the oil from the body. This is
usually Sheekkakai powder that helps wash away the medicinal oil. It is believed to be a
cleansing bath before the Festival of Lights: Diwali.

Aippasi Purnima festival dates between 2016 & 2026

Year Date
2016 Monday, 14th of November
2017 Friday, 3rd of November
2018 Wednesday, 24th of October
2019 Tuesday, 12th of November
2020 Saturday, 31st of October
2021 Wednesday, 20th of October
2022 Monday, 7th of November
2023 Saturday, 28th of October
2024 Wednesday, 16th of October
2025 Wednesday, 5th of November
2026 Sunday, 25th of October