Devotees flock to Thiruparankundram, Tiruchendur for Vaikasi Visakam

Time of India

a day ago

Madurai: Thousands of devotees thronged the Thiruparankundram Murugan temple near Madurai on Monday to celebrate the auspicious Vaikasi Visakam, marking the birth star of Lord Murugan.
The temple, one of the six sacred abodes of the deity, witnessed a massive spiritual gathering as devotees from across Tamil Nadu participated in rituals and offered thanksgiving.
The day began with special pujas and abhishekams to the presiding deity. Devotees carried various forms of kavadi—wooden arches, flower garlands, and even milk pots—on their shoulders. Many undertook arduous vows such as piercing their cheeks and tongues with spears, symbolising personal sacrifice and gratitude.
Temple authorities and local police made elaborate arrangements to manage the crowd and ensure the smooth conduct of the rituals.
Meanwhile, in Tiruchendur, another abode of Lord Murugan, lakhs of devotees gathered for the celebrations, transforming the coastal town into a sea of faith. The skies echoed with chants of 'arohara' as devotees marched to the seashore and temple in vibrant processions.
One of the key highlights of the Tiruchendur celebration was the holy sea dip, believed to cleanse sins and bestow blessings.
To ensure the safety of the large crowd entering the sea, the district administration deployed trained swimmers and stationed lifeboats along the shore. Coast Guard personnel were also pressed into service to monitor the situation and assist in emergencies.
To manage the unprecedented inflow, special trains and buses were arranged from various parts of Tamil Nadu. Authorities said all logistics, including medical facilities and drinking water stations, were in place to handle the influx.