When boys don the role of deities
One of the key elements of the annual Chithirai festival in Madurai is the 'Digvijayam' event. The procession is taken out on the ninth day of the event. The Digvijayam procession takes place after the Pattabhishekam or Coronation and before the Thirukalyanam or Celestial Wedding, when Goddess Meenakshi's battles across eight directions are enacted. Goddess Meenakshi, mounted on 'Indira vimana' is taken out on a procession on the four Masi streets. Lord Sundareswarar along with Goddess Piriyavidai are also taken out on a procession. Thousands of devotees witness Goddess Meenakshi's battles across eight directions. It is enacted by children who are dressed up in traditional costumes. The role of the deities are played by boys who dress up as Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswarar for the annual event. The children can be seen sitting close to the deity on the temple car during the procession. C. Ashok Bhattar, a priest at Meenakshi Sundareswarar temple, said that each year children are chosen for these roles and as per the selection process, only boys below nine years are allowed to enact the Digvijayam ritual. These boys are the sons of the priests of the Meenakshi Sundareswarar temple.
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