DHAATHRI HAVANA - DHAATHRI POOJA - VANA BHOJANA
Literally Dhaathri means the nourisher. It is attributed to the sacred and divine plant Aamla or Amalaki (Indian Gooseberry) which is considered as the strongest rejuvenator in Aayurveda.
Dhatu element of the term Dhathri is one of the major attributes of Lord Vishnu who is DhaAtre Namaha (Sri Vishnu Sahasranamavali);
In Sri Vishnu Sahasranama Stothram sloka # 5, Lord Vishnu is eulogized as "Dhaata - Vidhaata - DhaaturUttama";
He is the great supporter (DhAtu) of the universe, the vital force and sustaining power of all beings;
Lord Vishnu is the divine law maker and law giver. He is the great ruler; ordainer; VidHaAta. He is the dispenser of fruits of action.
Lord Vishnu is the subtlest DhAtu without which no existence is ever possible;
He is the substratum for the world, the one who is the support to the universe and the one who is the ultimate support DhaAturUttAma;
Dhathri also means Mother Earth (BhooDevi/Bhoo MaAta) who is the nourisher/supporter for all beings on the earth.
It is said that Dhathri tree has emerged from the joyous tears (Aanandaasru) of Lord Brahma while He was doing penance that fell on the earth DhaAthri that became a great nourishing tree producing Aamla/Amalaki.
Pithrus get satisfied if one performs Pithru Kaarya (Pinda Daana) in the shade of Dhaathri tree that pleases Lord Janardhana;
DhaAthri has visesha sannidhana of Lord Vishnu and is beloved to Him.
Lighting Deepa with Aamla, Lighting in the shade of Dhaathri, performing Sri Vishnu Pooja in the shade of Dhaathri are highly meritorious;
> Where there is Dhathri there, ALakshmi will not enter.
Sukla Ekaadasi in the month of Phalguna maasa is known as Amalaki Ekaadasi; Fasting on this day of Amalaki Ekadasi is more meritorious than giving one thousand cows in charity.
A significant feature that we find during Karthika maasa is Vana Bhojana, taking food under the shade of an Aamla (Amalaki) tree.
This is generally performed on any day during the month, other than Tuesdays, Fridays, Sundays and Sapthami thithi days.
It is preferred on any of the lunar days starting from Trayodasi in sukla paksha to Panchami in Krishna Paksha of Karthika maasa.
On this day a ritual known as Dhaathri Pooja and Dhaathri Havana is performed worshiping Lord Damodara (Sri Krishna) under an Aamla Tree.
Thereafter people are served with food in open space within the vicinity of Aamla tree. It will be generally a mass event.
By doing Vana Bhojana like this it is said that one would get rid of the dosha from Paraanna Bhojana, partaking food in others houses.
DhaAthri (Amalaki) is highly nutritious and is recommended for general health apart from various specific benefits. That's why in traditional families we find Amalaki pickle which can be stored for a longer time.
Amla fruit has curative properties one of the richest in Vitamin-C;
However, usage of Dhaathri is prohibited on the days of Tuesday, Friday, Sunday, Saptami, Navami, Amavasya, Sankramana, during eclipse etc;
While it is called Amalaki in Sanskrit, it is called Nellikai (Tamil/Kannada); Usiri (Telugu);
Sri Karthika Damodara preetyartham - Sri KrushnaArpanamastu
Hari Sarvottama - Vaayu Jeevottama
Sri GuruRaajoVijayate
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