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| Lord Kallazhagar entering the Vaigai river in Madurai, The Hindu |
Across India only fewer than three or four cities have the distinction of celebrating two festival in the same Tamil month of Chithirai lasting roughly one month - the first half related to Madurai Meenakshi Amman temple and the other being that of Azhagar kovil dedicated to God Vishnu. In India there is no dearth of temple festivals that keep the people engaged in religious activities year round. Such festivals impart Bhakti on one hand and on the other emphasizes unity among different communities during the festivities. Besides, such festivals give a large section of people some space to take their mind off their stressed life and focus on spiritual pursuits that will be conducive to peace of mind and contentment in life. In this materialistic society, self contentment is a rare thing. At Madurai Saivite and Vaishnavite festivals are merged into one in the Tamil month of Chithirai and and this practice has been around since the time of King Thirumalai Naicker, a devout Hindu and ardent builder of temples.
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| Alagar Koyil /Temple commons.wikimedia.org |
In the month of Chithirai, this famous temple city wears a festive look with lakhs of devotees making a beeline to the city to witness Meenakshi Thirukalyanam and Meenakshi temple therottam immediately followed by the most colorful and exciting festival of Kallazhagar getting into Vaigai river (Azhagar Aatril Iranguthal) at Alwarpuram. The festival at the Kallazhagar temple started on May 01 and would end on 10th and during this festive time the procession of Kallalagar to Madurai and entering into the Vaigai river and visiting Thenur Mandapam are major events.
This year the holy ritual of Lord Kallazhagar entering the river took place on the 5th of May. The festival idol of Lord Kallazhagar of Sri Sundararaja Perumal temple at Azhagar Koil arrived near the venue of the event at 5.35 a.m. from Sri Prasanna Venkatachalapathy Temple in Tallakulam,in 5he presence of a large number of devotees.
Lord Veera Ragava Perumal (temple on South masi street) received Kallazhagar at the special platform made for Kallazhagar to enter into the river. Mounted on a golden stallion wearing beautiful green silk, Lord Azhagar entered the river at 5.52 a.m. in the midst of thousands of devotees who chanted Govinda Govinda and sprinkled flowers. Festival fervor was very much there. The reason why the lord wears the green robe is it is a symbol of prosperity and plenty meaning good harvest is awaiting in the upcoming year.
A mandagapadi platform was made temporarily and the Lord was taken in a procession twice around it and the procession was on the way to Ramarayar Mandapam for the theerthavari ritual. In this ritual thousands of devotees disguised as deities Kallazhagar and Pathinettam Padi Karuppu who would spray scented water at the procession deity using leather bags fitted with hand pumps. Following that the procession went onto Vandiyur and then to Thenur Mandapam on May 06 to remove the curse of Sage Manduka (cast on him by rishi Durvasa). That night at Ramarayar Mandapam there will be Dashavatar darshan for the devotees..
This year Kallalagar idol during his procession to the Vaigai river was kept in the Thousand Gold Coin Car (Aayiram Pon Saparam) that belongs to the Thirumalai Nayakkar era. This was done for the first time this year.
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