Karadaiyan Nombu

Karadaiyan Nombu or Savithri Nombu is a festival observed by married woman in Tamil Nadu. On this day married woman pray for longevity of their husband lives and unmarried woman pray for getting an ideal husband. The fast is based on the immortal legend of Sathyavan and Savithri and it is also known as Savithri Vratam. The word “Karadai “is the name of a dish offered during the worship.

The event falls on a Meena Sankranti day when the sun moves from Kumba Rashi to Meena Rashi and is celebrated somewhere during the junction of the Tamil month Maasi and Panguni. In the Gregorian calendar, this festival falls in the month of March.

Legend

Asvapati, the king of the Madra kingdom was childless for years. Pleased with his intense prayers, the Sun god also called as Savitr blessed him with a daughter who came to be called as Savithri. Savithri was a heroic and very beautiful girl and none dared to marry her. Therefore, her father asked her to go on a pilgrimage to find her own suitable groom. Savithri travelled far and wide and reached a forest. There a king named Dyumatsena of Salwa Kingdom was conquered and blinded had taken refuge. His son accompanying him on exile into the forest was called Sathyavan. Savithri fell in love with Sathyavan and she informed her father Asvapati about her wish to marry him. However, Sage Narad visited the palace and said that they were a perfect match but Sathyavan’s fate is that he would die in a year. But Savithri was firm in her decision and married Sathyavan. Sathyavan and Savithri live in the forest. A day before the time of Sathyavan’s death, Savithri entered the deep forest with him. After collecting some wood for cooking, Sathyavan reclined on Savithri’s lap and took his last breath. Savithri felt the presence of Yama, the god of death. She saw him carrying the soul of Sathyavan and she followed Yama. Yama first ignored Savithri thinking that she will soon return back to her husband’s body. But she persisted and kept on following him. Yama said that it is not possible for him to give back the dead as it is against the nature’s law. Instead, he will give her three boons. Savithri agreed and for the first boon she asked for a son for her father. With the second boon she asked that her in-laws be reinstated in their kingdom with full glory. Finally, for the third boon she asked that she would like to have children and Yama immediately said ‘granted.’ Yama realized that to fulfill Savitiri’s wish he would have to spare Sathyavan’s life. Hence, he granted her wish to honor her courage and devotion.

Significance of Karadaiyan Nombu

Woman observe fast on Karadaiyan Nombu. It is said the observance of the Vrat shall confer a long and healthy life to the husbands of the women performing it. Woman worship Goddess Gowri and offer her ‘Karadai Nombu Adai.’ This tradition emerged as Savithri prepared this special dish and offered it with butter to Lord Yama as a thanksgiving gesture for returning the life of Sathyavan. Another significant ritual on Karadaiyan Nombu is wearing the yellow colored thread along with a small flower around the neck, which is referred as ‘Karadai Nombu Saradu.’ This thread is said to be a sort of divine protection to ensure the welfare of their husband.