Sitting in front of the Pooja, reciting this chant until the Manjal Saradu is tied to your neck with a small bit of Malli poo and verali manjal strung to the saradu, the wafting smell of Uppu Adai and Vella Adai - these are fond memories that we hold dear as children. As young girls, we dream of the D-day, the saree colour, the theme of the wedding, your prince charming and Karadayan Nonbu just adds more flavour to that dream, where you pray for the long life of the man, you will be spending the rest of your life with!
If you are not one who is familiar with Karadaiyan Nombu (also known as Satyavan-Savitri Nonbu Vrutham), we’ll tell you this - Karadaiyan Nombu is much like the Karva Chauth in the North. Karadaiyan Nonbu is observed on a certain day when the month transitions from Maasi to Panguni (Tamil months), which usually falls in March. Married women observe a strict fast praying for their Spouse’s long life. Young Girls also fast and perform rituals.
The story goes, that King Asvapati after years of being childless was blessed with a girl, Savitri, after prayers to the Sun God. But as fate would have it, Savitri, a heroic and beautiful princess, did not find the right suitor. And so, Savitri was sent on a pilgrimage to find her groom, and it was then that she met Satyavan and instantly fell in love. Satyavan, the son of King Dyumatsena, was living in a forest in exile as their kingdom was conquered and taken over. Savitri expressed her interest in marrying Satvyavan and informed her father King Asvapati of it. It was during this time that Narada paid a visit to the soon to be wed couple and teold them that even though the match was perfect, Satyavan would die in a year. Savitri sticks to her decision. As Narada had warned, a year later Satyavan dies. It is believed that Savitri follows Yama, prays to him offering Kaaradai and butter in return for her husband coming back alive.
It is with this belief that women recite Urukaadha vennaiyum oradaiyam naan nootren; Orukkalum en kanavar ennai vittu pririyadhirukka vendum and break their fast after this offering is made.
While there is still much more to accomplish, let us women not forget what we have achieved. At this day and age, this function may have no meaning, to some it may seem silly even. But it teaches us a beautiful lesson - the stronger our resolve, the higher our chances of achieving anything in this world no matter who we are up against.
At Panjavarnam, we also look at Kaaradaiyaan Nonbu as a beautiful tradition that is passed on to generations, teaching us a very important lesson. It shows us what a woman is capable of, and how strong she is, and THAT is an important lesson we must teach the girls and women of our family.
This Kaaradaiyaan Nonbu, why not add more colour to your celebration. We would love to be a part of your family’s celebration and heritage.
Any thoughts on what Kaaradaiyaan Nonbu means to you? Let us know by mailing us at panjavarnamsilks@gmail.com
Here are the verses recited:
In Sanskrit :
