Patha Pooja Ceremony
On the morning of January 31, 2024, Agastya Academy was filled with spirituality and gratitude as children performed the Patha Pooja ceremony to seek blessings from their parents.
The day's events followed a sequence of deeply meaningful activities, creating touching moments that resonated emotionally with everyone, the children, parents and teachers.
It was a heartfelt fusion of love, cultural traditions, and academic pursuits, creating a sweet memory for everyone to cherish forever.
Morning Program
The morning commenced with the participants singing Thevaram, Thiruvasagam and other devotional songs with the auspicious initiation of Ammaiyappar Velvi, a sacred ritual characterized by the respectful placement of offerings into the sacred fire.
Ammaiyappar, a term signifying the unified presence of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi, became the focal point of prayer, setting a spiritual tone for the day's proceedings.
Parents, teachers, and children joined in the velvi, in a deeply reverent manner to offer their prayers to God. Between 9:15 and 10:30, participants engrossed themselves wholeheartedly in this spiritually enriching experience.
Following this, a rejuvenating tea break until 11:00 allowed everyone to connect with one another.
Patha Pooja
Afterward, preparations for the event took shape with chairs arranged side by side for the parents. Besides each set of chairs, a plate adorned with sandalwood paste, Kumkum, flowers, and milk awaited. The significance of Patha Pooja was evident in the day's events.
Patha Pooja, which translates to expressing thanks at the feet, is a unique way of showing gratitude to esteemed spiritual teachers. This symbolic gesture not only acknowledges the wisdom and guidance bestowed upon us but also serves as a genuine display of humility and respect towards the individuals receiving this heartfelt tribute.
Expressing Gratitude to Parents
Agastya Patha Pooja involved the participation of parents, regarded as embodiments of Shiva and Parvathi, and sought their blessings in earnest prayer. Acknowledging the important role parents play in imparting fundamental values and life lessons, children conveyed their deep love and gratitude through this meaningful ceremonial practice.
Overwhelming Moment
A heartwarming scene was seen as children, guided by the Bhavani Sivanadiyar congregation, performed the Patha Pooja for their parents. Overwhelmed with emotion, the parents were fully engaged in the ritual, showering heartfelt blessings upon their children.
In an era where the tradition of children touching their parents' feet is fading, this event touched a chord, bringing tears to the eyes of all participants. Both parents and children were visibly emotional, leaving the event with hearts full of warmth and returning home with an abundance of love and care, blessing their kids wholeheartedly.
Blessings of Lord Shiva
Participants, receiving the blessings of Lord Shiva through their parents and engaging in deep spiritual prayers during the Ammaiyappar Velvi and other rituals, witnessed a flood of spiritual energy enveloping the entire event.
As the event concluded, everyone was bestowed with prayer offerings. These divine blessings acted as a spring of inspiration and strength, fostering a positive mindset and instilling a sense of purpose as everyone prepared for the upcoming public examinations.
To Conclude
The day at Agastya Academy demonstrated how combining spiritual traditions with academics can make a positive impact. In a nutshell, the varied experiences of the day not only respected cultural traditions but also showed how teachers, and parents work together in shaping individuals.
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