Kolam For All

Drawing Kolam in front of a house or in the places of worship, be it inside the house or other places, has been one of the important duties cast upon ladies (Stri Dharmam) since ancient times.  The references to drawing Kolam, our elders with knowledge of Vedas will say, can be found in “Smirtis”

The basic  idea behind  this rich tradition are four fold, viz. 1) kindness towards other lives (Jeevakarunyam),  2)invoking the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi (Lakshmi Kataksham) (3)creating healthy/happy state of mind  and (4)generation of positive attraction/vibration.

Even today, individual house owners and in village side, ladies get up early in the morning, sweep the entrance to their houses, sprinkle the place with water mixed with cow dung and draw attractive Kolams with rice powder.  It is believed that Goddess Lakshmi enters such houses without hesitation and blesses the households with health and wealth.    Further the rice powder becomes the feed for many small creatures like ants, birds, etc.  The drawing of Kolams with intricate designs brings with them concentration and peace of mind to the ladies besides serving as a morning exercise.  Even for  the passerby people, the very sight of such finely designed Kolams gives a positive vibration.

The month of Margazhi, is the most auspicious month for Gods/Devas.  During this month, ladies vie with one another in drawing big and well-designed Kolams in front of their houses.  This is an eye-catching sight even today in some traditional villages in South India.

My humble submission is that let us continue this grand tradition by dedicating the Kolams to Lord Vishnu & Goddess Lakshmi  and invoke their blessings for the benefit of the entire mankind.

SARVESHAM SWASTHIR BHAVATHU

SARVESHAM SHANTHIR BHAVATHU

SARVESHAM MANGALAM BHAVATHU

PS: Through this medium, I shall try to put forward some of my ideas in drawing various types of Kolams for various occasions.