The Aadheenam celebrates Maattu Pongal

Natyam Nandinatha this year is performing the go puja to the milking cows of the monastery.

In the foreground we see the back of Anuradha (we call her Anu for short). Turmeric has been applied to her body. Turmeric (Manjal in tamil) is a very auspicious substance for puja and also acts as a cleansing bug deterrent for the cow.

Our other cows are curious about this puja and await thier turn. Pele (the black cow in the front) has already had some turmeric applied to her head.

Dhoopam and Arati are shown and mantras are chanted.

Many treats were also provided. Here we see our newest calf Leili enjoying an orange.

Also part of honoring cows for this time of year includes painting thier horns.

Sadhaka Mayuranatha is one of the monasteries main cow caretakers.

Here we see Anu after go puja has been performed. She is bedecked with turmeric and kunkumam. Her horns have been painted and rose water offered.

Natyam now honors Teji, our current main milking cow.

As Teji enjoys an array of sweet grains and citrus, she is invoked as Goddess Lakshmi in order to provide abundance and health for another year.

Turmeric!!

The cows feel particularly loved this day and are enjoying the feast!

Our liittle leili just can\

t seem to get enough!'

Siddhanathaswami and Nandinatha enjoy a tender moment with Pele, so named after the Hawaiian Goddess of fire and creation.

We can\

t seem to keep up with there demands!'

Inside the monastery\

s kitchen a simple shrine was created to honor our mother cow. This murthi of a cow and her calf has been decorated with Turmeric, Kunkumam, Betel leaves, unbroken rice and flowers. Lamps were lit and festoons hung. We all enjoyed the days events while seeking blessings from our beloved bovine residents.'

Happy Maattu Pongal!

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