Generally the festivals are celebrated to refresh peoples memory of the
event which took place actually and it is enacted during festival for
peoples knowledge and also to younger generation who do not have
knowledge of it. Please visit picture gallery to see different Nam
Perumal on different Vahanam.
Chitrai Usthavam :In the Tamil month of Chitrai ( March - April ) This
festival is celebrated in a grand manner.
The first ritual is Ankurarpanam (Sprouting the seeds) First Vishvaksena
(The Commander in Chief of the Perumal's army) and Seeriya Thiruvadi are
brought to the Thayar Sannidhi accompanied by priests. They perform
poojas under the Vilva tree and some priests go to the Cauvery river bed
to take sand amidst of “BHOOSUKTHA ” recital both soils are mixed in in
the pots in and kept in moisten condition. Seeds are sowed in that pots
and then kept in Yagasala for sprouting of the seeds. Within few days it
gets sprouted.
Then the second ritual is Nagarasothanai (Investigation of Streets
condition) Lord Vishvaksena is taken to all the four Chithirai streets. He inspects the
entire four streets before Lord Visits ( It is like modern day Pilot
jeep of Police , which goes before any VIP steps in the street) . This
inspection is to ensure that there is no untoward incidents happened. It
called as Nagarasothanai.
Day One: is Kodi Eruthal (Flag hoisting) In the first day the flag (The
picture of Periya Thiruvadi / Garudan ( King of Birds & Official Vehicle
of Lord Maha Vishnu ) is drawn in that flag) is taken around the four
Chithirai Veedhi ( Streets) in early morning. Then it is hoisted in the
presence of Lord to indicate temple festival is starting. After the flag
is hoisted Namperuman is brought to the Kannadi Arai ( The Chamber
studded with mirrors all around) Public worship will be allowed in
Kannadi arai on 1st and 7th day of the Chitrai festival). In the evening
the Lord with Ubayanachiyar Sri and Bhoo Devi brought to the Chithirai
streets. In presence of Poigaialwar the Prabhandam are recited.
Day Two :In the morning Session Namperumal is being brought in Pallaku
(Palanquin) and taken around the four Chithirai streets .In the evening
session Namperumal will be taken in Karpagavritcham (A wish yielding
tree) vahana in all four Chitrai streets. In presence of Lord Boodhath
Alwar Prabhandam are recited.
Day Three : In the morning Session Namperumal is being brought in Simha
Vahanam (Lion) and taken around the four Chithirai streets .In the evening
session Namperumal will be taken in Yali ( It is a mixture of Lion, Demon
and other) vahana in all four Chithirai streets. In presence of Pey Alwar
Prabhandam are recited.
Day Four :In the morning Session Namperumal is being brought in Prabhai
Vahanam and taken around the four Chithirai streets .In the evening
session Namperumal will be taken in Garuda ( Periya Thiruvadi / King of
Birds ) vahana in all four Chithirai streets. In presence of Thirumazhisai
Alwar Prabhandam are recited.
Day Five: In the morning Session Namperumal is being brought in ShEsha
Vahanam ( Five Hooded Snake and his bed in divine sea thiruparkadal) and
taken around the four Chithirai streets .In the evening session Namperumal
will be taken in Hanumantha Vahanam ( Seeriya Thiruvadi / Monkey King)
vahana in all four Chithirai streets. In presence of Namma Alwar
Prabhandam are recited.
Day Six :In the morning Session Namperumal is being brought in Hamsa
Vahanam ( a divine bird which is not found now) and taken around the
four Chithirai streets .In the evening session Namperumal will be taken in
Gaja Vahanam ( Elephant) vahana in all four Chithirai streets. In presence
of Namma Alwar Prabhandam are recited.
Day Seven : In the morning Session Namperumal gives you seva in the
Kannadi Arai (The Chamber studded with mirrors all around). In the
evening Namperumal with Ubhaya nachiyarmars visits Thirukottaram ( Place
where Dhanya or Granary i.e.. heaps of paddy are kept ) will be verified
as it is a customary practice. Then Lord goes around all the four
Chitrai
streets and reaches Thayar Sannidhi , Then Thirumanjanam is performed.
Then finally he retires to the Kannadi Arai around midnight. In presence
of In presence of Thirumazhisai Alwar Prabhandam are recited.
Day Eight: In the morning Session Namperumal is being brought in Velli
Kudrai Vahanam (Velli means Silver , Kudrai means Horse) Vahanam taken
around the four Chithirai streets .In the evening session Namperumal is
being brought in Thanga Kudrai Vahanam (Thangam means Gold , Kudrai
means Horse) Vahanam taken around the four Chithirai streets, then When it
comes near Chithirai Ther Adi (Lords Car Shed) unique event can be seen
Namperumal seated on horse is taken in galloping speed by the person's
who carry him as if he is really galloping .In presence of
Thirumangai Alwar Prabhandam are recited.
Day Nine - Therottam (Car Festival) Early morning Namperumal is taken to
Chithirai car, Then the people pull the car the four Chitrai streets. Then
Lord brought to the Revathi Mandapam and Thirumanjanam ( Holy Bath) is
given In presence of Thirumangai Alwar Prabhandam are
recited.
Tenth day : Sabthavaranam :-
Morning in Sandhanu mantapam Thirumanjanam is being to Lord. In the
evening Nam Perumal's procession takes place in quite manner ( that is
without any pomp and show, avoiding musical instruments being used ) of
Lord hearing Ramanuja’s Compositions. Namperumal visits to Ramanuja’s
Sannidhi, Then he is welcomed by Acharya Ramanuja, and Ramanuja offers
coconut water to Namperumal. After Namperumal partakes the offering then
the prasadam is offered to Ramanuja.
Eleventh day :Morning in Garuda Mandapam Thirumanjanam is performed to
Lord. In the evening Nam Perumal's procession takes place in Pushpa
Pallaku (palanquin decorated with the flowers) and he is taken around
the Chitrai streets as usual.
To known other festivals
details please click here
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