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| Srirangam Panthakal Naduthal’ ritual indiatimes.com/ |
The most popular annual temple festival Vaikunta Ekadasi festival (December-January) gets more prominence at Srirangam Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple than others as it heads the list of 108 Divyadesam shrines glorified by Tamil Vaishnava saints Azhwars of past era. Being the largest functional Hindu temple in the world, here it is celebrated with great passion and devotion. This 22 - day long festival divided into two parts - Pagal Pathu and Ra Pathu, each lasting 10 days is scheduled to begin on December 22 with Thirumangai Azhwar's Thirunedunthandakam and culminates with Nammazhwar moksham on January 12. 2023.
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| Srirangam Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple,Alamy.com |
The customary and traditional ‘Panthakal (wooden pole) Naduthal’ ceremony, a prelude ritual was held on 12th of December on the temple precincts close to 1000 pillar mantapam for Vaikunda Ekadasi festivities.. This simple ritual was done in the midst of chanting of devotional hymns and playing mangala music under the HR & CE, the TN govt. Agency in charge of Hindu temples. Participated in the function were the senior officials and the temple Bhattacharyas.
During this festival period - Pagal pathu and Rapathu Pasurams and divine hymns of Nalayeeera Divyaprabandam - will be recited by pundits. The Aryiyar sevai (introduced by Vaishnavite Savant Nadhamuni of 9th-10th Century A.D) is a soul-stirring ritual, especially during Rapathu performed by hereditary Ariyars. This Ariyar Sevai tradition at Srirangam is a famous one and has been performed for centuries. The other places where this sevai is held are at Azhwarthirunagari and Sri Villiputhur Andal temples. That this Bhakti- inspiring seva is now limited to only three temples in Tamil Nadu is a sad commentary.
The opening of Paramapathavasal / Heaven's gates (Sorgavasal in Tamil) will be held around 4.45 am on January 02 2023. The processional idol of Namperumal attired in Rathangi (gem-studded dress/ armour will be taken in a procession from the sanctum and emerge through the 7th gate of the heaven- Paramapada vassal in the early morning. Thirumangaimannan Vedupari, yet another ritual will be held in the temple on January 9, 2023. Apart from Srirangam, at other important Vishnu shrines like Thiruvallikeni, Tirupati, etc., - Paramapada Vasal, Sorga Vasal Thirappu will be held in early morning.
https://www.navrangindia.in/2020/12/araiyar-sevai-unique-part-of-vaishnava.html
