Krishna Paksha Ashtami Tithi of Margashira Month is observed as “the day on which Bhagwan Shiva provides sustenance to all the living beings” at Madurai Sri Meenakshi Amman Temple, Tamil Nadu. At Madurai, Bhagwan Shiva and Sri Parvathi Devi preside as Sri Soma Sundara and Sri Meenakshi Devi. The ensuing festival occurs on Friday, 5th January 2024.
In Tamil, the festival is called as ஸ்ரீ சோமசுந்தரர் சகலஜீவராசிகளுக்கும் படியளக்கும் நாள்.
As per legend, once Sri Parvathi Devi had a doubt in Her mind as to really whether Bhagwan Shiva provides nourishment to all the living beings as believed. She wanted to test the belief.
Hence, She had put an ant in an empty pot and closed the lid. When Bhagwan Shiva had returned home to Kailash, Sri Parvathi Devi asked Him innocently whether He had provided food to ALL the living beings.
Bhagwan replied in the affirmative and asked Her the reason for Her doubts. Thinking that He was caught unawares, She had brought the closed pot to Him and opened it.
She found the ant eating a rice grain. She was pleasantly surprised that indeed Bhagwan Shiva provides nourishment to all the living beings. This event had occured on the Krishna Paksha Ashtami of Margashira month.
Normally, on this day, the Deities are taken in procession on Rishaba Vahana. The procession cart of Sri Meenakshi is pulled by the ladies only. Few paddy grains and rice grown in temple lands are given as prasadam.
It is believed that keeping such rice and paddy at home ensures lifelong availability of food to the entire household.
Om Nama Shivaya Namaha !!!
