Raghavendra Aradhana or Guru Raghavendra Swamy Aradhanotsavam in 2009 is the 338th annual celebrations of Mahotsavam of Raghavendra Swamy. In 2009, Raghavendra Aradhana Utsav are held from August 5 and ends on August 9. Raghavendra Aradhana Utsavalu is the commemoration of Raghavendra theertha’s Jeeva Samadhi at Brindavan in Mantralayam. Raghavendra Theertha entered into the Brindavan (tomb) in 1671.

In 2009, celebrations of Raghavendra Aradhana begin on August 5 with Gopooja, Dwajarohana, Dhanya Puja, Swasthi Vachana and Maha Mangalarathi. On August 6, Upakarma Utsavam is celebrated. Purva Aradhana is observed on August 7. August 8 is the day to perform Madhya Aradhana. With Uttara Aradhana Utsavam on August 9, Raghavendra Theertha’s 338th Annual Aradhana or Varshika Maharaadhana Utsavalu are concluded.   

Varaha Jayanti is the birthday or Appearance day of Varaha Avatar. In 2009, the date of Varaha Jayanthi is August 22. Lord Varaha Swamy is the boar incarnation of Sri Maha Vishnu. Varaha is the third avatara of Vishnu.

Varaha Swamy – the protector of the Earth:

Varaha swamy is represented with the head of boar and the body of a man. Varaha Deva rescued the Earth from the demon Hiranyaksha. When Hiranyaksha was about to throw the Earth in the Ocean, Varaha Dev demolished the demon and picked up the Earth from the water with his tusks.

Varaha Jayanti Celebrations in Tirumala Tirupati Devastanam:

Varaha Jayanthi is celebrated as festival by Vaishnava sects all over India. Varaha Swamy is the Kshetra Daivam (Lord of the place) for Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam. On the day of Varaha Jayanti, celebrations are held at Varaha Swamy Devasthanam in Tirumala Tirupati.

 Pavitropana is the festival observed on Rakhi Purnima or Shravan Poornima in Gujarat. In 2009, the date of Pavitropana is August 5, Wednesday. On this day of Pavitropana, Lord Shiva is worshipped.

Pavitropana Puja – Importance of Shivling Puja on Pavitropana

On Pavitropana, Gujaratis worship Lord Shiva by performing Shivling Puja in near by temples or at home. Abhishek to Shivling is performed on Pavitropana by large number of devotees at local temples in Gujarat. They offer Ganga jal or normal water in Shivling Abhishek. Devotees recite prayers and Slokas of Lord Shiva to seek his blessings. There is a popular belief that worshipping Lord Shiva on Pavitropana makes one free from all sins he/ she made in entire life.

Pavitra Ekadashi or Putrada Ekadasi or Pavitropana Ekadashi is observed in Shukla Paksha during the Shravan month (July – August). In 2009, the date of Pavitra Ekadashi is August 1, Saturday. As the name indicates Pavitra or Putrada Ekadashi is the most auspicious and sacred Ekadasi among all 24 Ekadasi Vrata observances in a year. Even hearing its glories will eradicate one’s sins and makes him/her free from all life bondages to reach the godhead.

Pavitra Ekadasi or Putrada Ekadashi – Glories and Greatness:

The glories and the greatness of Pavitra Ekadasi are mentioned in Bhavishyottara Purana. Lord Sri Krishna explained the glories of Putrada Ekadashi to King Yudhistira. Lord Krishna asked the King to hear the glories of Putrada Ekadashi, by which he can obtain the result of many significant yagas (yagnas – sacrifices) such as Ashwamedha Yaga, Putra Kameshti Yaga.