Sure I can help, just click on the "Goddess Lakshmi" tag you see on this kolam, and keep browsing all the designs you get. There are more, so please also visit again after two days. We're going to add a search option, and it would make it easier to look for things. :)
This is nothing but a 3 X 3 magic square that gives a total of 72. In other words to the usual magic square that gives a total of 15 with numbers 1 to 9, add 19 to each number. Then we have the numbers 20 to 28 used in this magic square. The question I have is - what is the significance of the number 72? Of course it is divisible by 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 9, 12, 18, 24, 36 and 72. I am still at a loss. I do not believe in "mandirattaal maangaay". But my interest is in the cultural significance and history of this belief. There seems to be a lot of literature on the magic of magic squares :-)
Regards! - mOhana
Beats me!
But there are so many believers and the practice is followed by many people, my mom included. After all these years, I've realized that maybe if I had followed her practice (of making this kolam and placing money/silver coins), I might be richer today!
She never left India, and is definitely richer than I am. :)
I think it takes a believer to actually get some magic out of this belief. ;)
In reply to This is nothing but a 3 X 3 by jkmrao