Pattabhishekam conducted at Madurai Meenakshi temple
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Madurai: The grand 'pattabhishekam' ceremony of Goddess Meenakshi , a highlight of the ongoing Chithirai festival , was held with great devotion and fanfare at the Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple on Tuesday. The symbolic coronation marks the beginning of the Goddess' reign over Madurai, a tradition believed to last for four months until the Tamil month of Aadi.The event saw Meenakshi Amman adorned in special attire seated on the six-foot pedestal in the sanctum. Following rituals, the royal crown (rayar kreetam) was placed on the deity.Symbolising Goddess Meenakshi's earthly administration, the sceptre (sengol), believed to be presented by Thirumalai Nayakkar, was handed over temple trustee board chairperson Rukmani Palanivelrajan. She circumambulated the sanctum before returning it to the Goddess.The Chithirai festival, which began on April 29, continues with daily processions of Meenakshi Amman and Sundareswarar deities through Maasi streets. Thikku Vijayam (conquest in all directions) will take place on Wednesday, the grand Meenakshi-Sundareswarar celestial wedding on Thursday and the temple car procession on Friday.
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