Thousands throng to witness liberation of Mandooga Maharishi
Madurai: Devotees gathered in huge numbers in and around the Thenur mandapam in Vandiyur, Madurai, on Tuesday as part of the Chithirai festival, and catch a glimpse of the deities at the highlight event of the ceremony, where Lord Kallazhagar liberated Mandooga Maharishi from his curse.Earlier, on Monday, lakhs of people witnessed the grand ceremony of Lord Kallazhagar entering the Vaigai river.
On Monday night, Kallazhagar halted at Veeraraghava Perumal Temple in Vandiyur. Later, on Tuesday morning, following rituals, with the deity mounted on Sesha Vahanam (vehicle), Kallazhagar procession departed to Thenur mandapam on the Vaigai river in Vandiyur. As special pujas were performed, thousands offered their prayers to the exalted sight of Kallazhagar on Garuda Vahanam.According to Hindu mythology, Mandooga Maharishi was performing penance at Noopura Gangai but was cursed to turn into a frog by sage Durvasar for ignoring his presence. The only way his curse would be lifted was by Kallazhagar coming to the banks of the Vaigai river in Thenur, where he performed penance. While originally, the venue was located in Thenur, it was later shifted to Vandiyur. Rituals were held on Tuesday, signifying the lifting of the curse of Mandooga Maharishi. A stork (Naarai) is released to symbolise the lifting of its curse, following tradition.Security arrangements were tightened by the police at the venue of the ceremony, and devotees were allowed in groups to prevent overcrowding. However, devotees complained of being forced to wait outside in huge crowds under the scorching sun instead of experiencing smooth movement.Meanwhile, on Tuesday night, Kallazhagar reached the Ramarayar Mandapam. The enactment of 'Dasavatharam', during which the 10 avatars of Lord Vishnu are showcased, is held into the early hours of Wednesday. Kallazhagar will be returning to his abode in Alagarkovil hill by May 15.
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