Avani Avittam, Avani Avittam Mantras, Avani Avittam 2009

Avani Avittam is an important ritual associated with the Brahmin community in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. The day is of great significance to Yajur Vedi Brahmins. On the next day, Gayatri Japa Sankalmpam is observed. In other parts of South India, the observance is known as Upakarma. In 2009, the date of Avani Avittam is August 5 and the date of Gayathri Japam is August 6.

Yajur Vedi Upakarma Avani Avittam is on August 5 and Rig Vedi Upakarma and Avani Avittam is on August 6.

On the Avani Avittam, day the sacred thread worn by the Brahmins is changed and it is usually a community observance and takes place on the banks of a pond. Avani is the name of the Tamil month and Avittam is one of the 27 nakshatras or stars. Chingam is the equivalent Malayalam month.

Legend has it that Lord Hayagriva, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, brought back the Vedas stolen by Asuras on this day.

Gayatri Japam Sankalmpam is noted for the chanting of the Gayatri Mantra for 1008 or 108 times. The sequence and the mode of performing the rituals depend on mutt (Math) affiliation.

Sama Vedi Brahmins perform the ritual the day after Shravan Amavasi.

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