Madurai (Tamil Nadu): Lakhs of devotees from various parts of the country thronged the Vaigai River bed in Madurai city on Tuesday morning to witness the spectacular event of Lord Kallazhagar’s entry into the river.
The historical event was held as part of the ongoing 12-day annual Chithirai Brahmotsavam festival of the World-renowned Sri Meenakshi-Sundareswarar Temple.
The decorated idol of Lord Sundararaja Perumal, adorned in resplendent green silk (a symbol of prosperity and booming agriculture) and mounted on a golden stallion taken in a procession from the temple in the early hours, had entered the River Vaigai in the guise of Lord Kallazhagar, amid the chanting of ‘Govinda, Govinda’ by the devotees.
On the riverbed, the deity was received as per tradition by Lord Veeraraghava Perumal, mounted on a silver stallion.
It was estimated that around 10 lakh devotees congregated in Madurai to witness the event.
Earlier, a garland of Tulsi, brought from the famous Sri Aandal Temple at Srivilliputhur, was adorned for Lord Kallazhagar – a customary practice to express the affection of Goddess Aandal towards the Lord.
After the rituals at River Vaigai, the idol of Lord Kallazhagar was taken in a procession to the historic Ramarayar Mandapam in the city, where the devotees sprayed water on the Lord as part of the tradition.
The Chithirai Brahmotsavam of Sri Meenakshi-Sundareswarar Temple is a celebration of unity and amity with a “Saivite” festival telescoping into a “Vaishnative” festival.
The district administration, in coordination with various government departments, has made elaborate arrangements for the grand event.
