Karinaal

Karinaal: A Sacred Observance in Hinduism

Karinaal is a term that refers to certain days in the Tamil calendar when the sun's rays are more intense than usual. These days are considered to be inauspicious for starting any new ventures or performing any auspicious ceremonies. However, they are also believed to have some spiritual benefits for those who observe certain rituals and practices on these days.

Significance of Karinaal

The word Karinaal comes from the Tamil word "Kari", which means "black" or "dark." It implies that these days are marked by darkness or ignorance and hence should be avoided for any good deeds. The sun is considered the source of life and energy, but on Karinaal days, its heat and radiation are excessive and harmful. Therefore, people are advised to stay indoors and avoid exposure to the sun as much as possible.

According to some legends, Karinaal days are associated with the curse of Sage Durvasa, known for his short temper and wrath. It is said that once, he cursed Lord Indra, the king of gods, for disrespecting him. As a result, Indra lost his power and glory, and the demons attacked the heaven. The gods then sought the help of Lord Vishnu, who advised them to churn the ocean of milk to obtain the nectar of immortality. However, the churning produced many other things, including poison, gems, herbs, and celestial beings. Among them was Surya, the sun god, who emerged on a Karinaal day. He was so bright and hot that he scorched everything around him. The gods then requested him to reduce his intensity and radiance, which he agreed to do on all days except Karinaal.

Another legend says that Karinaal days are related to the death of Lord Krishna, the avatar of Lord Vishnu. It is believed that Lord Krishna was killed by a hunter's arrow on a Karinaal day, which was also an eclipse day. The hunter mistook his foot for a deer's ear and shot him. Lord Krishna forgave the hunter and ascended to his abode, but his death marked the end of the Dwapara Yuga and the beginning of the Kali Yuga, the age of darkness and evil.

Important Festivals Associated with Karinaal

Despite being considered unfavorable days, Karinaal days are also associated with some important festivals and observances in Hinduism. Some of them are:

• Thai Poosam: This is a festival dedicated to Lord Murugan, the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. It falls on the full moon day in the Tamil month of Thai (January-February), which is usually a Karinaal day. On this day, devotees worship Lord Murugan with fervor and devotion and offer him various offerings such as milk, honey, fruits, flowers, etc. Some devotees also perform penance by piercing their body parts with hooks or skewers and carrying heavy kavadis (wooden structures) on their shoulders.
• Panguni Uthiram: This is another festival dedicated to Lord Murugan, as well as his consorts Valli and Devasena. It falls on the full moon day in the Tamil month of Panguni (March-April), also a Karinaal day. On this day, Lord Murugan is believed to have married his consorts on Mount Palani. Devotees celebrate this occasion by taking out processions of the deities on chariots or palanquins and offering them various delicacies.
• Aadi Perukku: This is a festival that celebrates the onset of the monsoon season and the rise of water levels in rivers and lakes. It falls on the 18th day of the Tamil month of Aadi (July-August), a Karinaal day. On this day, people worship Goddess Parvati as Aadi Shakti, the supreme power, and offer her various dishes made of rice, such as pongal, puliyodharai, payasam, etc. They also perform rituals such as throwing rice balls into water bodies or planting saplings on river banks.
• Aadi Amavasai: This is a new moon day in the Tamil month of Aadi (July-August), also a Karinaal day. On this day, people pay homage to their ancestors by performing tarpanam (water offering) and pinda daanam (rice ball offering) at sacred places such as Rameswaram, Kasi, Gaya, etc. They also feed Brahmins and cows as a mark of respect and gratitude.

Benefits of Observing Karinaal

Although Karinaal days are generally avoided for any auspicious activities, they are also believed to have some spiritual benefits for those who observe certain rituals and practices on these days. Some of them are:

• Fasting: Fasting on Karinaal days is said to purify the body and mind and reduce the effects of the sun's heat and radiation. It also helps to control the senses and the ego and attain self-realization. Fasting can be done by abstaining from food and water entirely or consuming only fruits, milk, or water.
• Chanting: Chanting the names or mantras of the sun god or other deities on Karinaal days invokes their blessings and protection and prevents evil influences. It also helps to calm the mind and increase the concentration and devotion. Chanting can be done using a rosary, a book, or a digital device.
• Meditation: Meditation on Karinaal days is said to enhance spiritual awareness and wisdom and connect with the inner and supreme self. It also helps balance the body's energy centers or chakras and harmonize the physical, mental, and emotional aspects. Meditation can be done by sitting comfortably, closing the eyes, and focusing on the breath, a sound, an image, or a thought.
• Charity: Charity on Karinaal days is said to earn merit and goodwill and reduce negative karma or sins. It also helps to cultivate compassion and generosity and share joy and happiness with others. Charity can be done by donating money, food, clothes, books, or any other useful items to people in need or deserving people or organizations.

Astrological Significance of Karinaal

Karinaal days also have some astrological significance, as they are based on the sun's movement concerning the Earth. The sun is considered to be the king of planets in astrology, and it represents the soul, the ego, the authority, the vitality, and the fame of a person. The sun's position in a person's birth chart indicates their personality traits, strengths and weaknesses, goals and ambitions, and potential for success and fame.

On Karinaal days, the sun is said to be in its peak position or exaltation point in certain zodiac signs. These signs are Aries (Mesha), Leo (Simha), Sagittarius (Dhanus), and Capricorn (Makara). People born under these signs or have these signs as their ascendant or moon sign are said to be more influenced by Karinaal days than others. These days, they may experience more heat, energy, enthusiasm, confidence, courage, leadership, creativity, and fame. However, they may also face more challenges, obstacles, conflicts, stress, anger, arrogance, ego clashes, and health issues these days.

Therefore, such people should be careful on Karinaal days and avoid risky or hasty decisions or actions. They should also balance their positive and negative traits and use their power and influence for good causes. They should also worship the sun god or other deities on these days to seek their guidance and grace.

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