logo
Grand celestial wedding of goddess Meenakshi and lord Sundareswarar held in Madurai

Grand celestial wedding of goddess Meenakshi and lord Sundareswarar held in Madurai

MADURAI: Amid thousands of devotees, the celestial wedding of Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswarar was held at the Thirukalyanam Mandapam at the Arulmigu Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple in Madurai on Thursday.
Following the traditional rituals by the bhattars, the celestial wedding took place between 8:35 am and 8:59 am in Mithuna Lagna, with priests chanting the Vedas. The Thirukalyanam ritual was held on a special stage set at the junction of North-West Aadi Street within the temple premises.
Earlier, the ceremonies began at 4 am with Odhuvamurthigal singing 'Thirumurai'. The procession of deities, Lord Pavala Kanivai Perumal and Lord Subramaniya Swamy from the Thiruparangundram Temple, arrived at the temple by 6 am.
Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswarar were brought to the Thirukalyanam Mandapam by 8:15 am. Adorned in traditional green attire and gem-embedded ornaments and armour, Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswarar were brought to the Mandapam following a procession.
The deities will remain in the Thirukalyanam Mandapam for devotees to have darshan. The traditional wedding feast for the Meenakshi Thirukalyanam was arranged at Sethupathi School.
Being the major event of the ongoing Chithirai Festival, the temple car procession is scheduled to be held at the Meenakshi Temple on Friday (May 9) following the Thirukalyanam ritual.
Thousands of devotees gathered at the Thirukalyanam Mandapam to witness the ritual inside the temple.
State ministers P Moorthy and Palanivel Thiaga Rajan, along with other dignitaries from Madurai, were present at the temple to participate in the event. A large number of devotees thronged the Chithirai streets around the temple and watched the entire ritual through LED screens placed around the temple.
Police were stationed at all entry points to regulate crowd movement at the Meenakshi Temple. Detailed security arrangements were made in and around the temple in view of the festival.
Philanthropists were seen distributing Annadhanam around the temple specially for the festival. Despite the scorching summer heat, devotees continued to flock to the temple on Thursday. They were seen gathering under shades as the temperature began to rise in the morning hours.
"Since the seating inside the Thirukalyanam Mandapam is limited, we had to wait outside the temple and watch the Thirukalyanam ritual through the LED screens. As the celestial wedding took place at the same time as per tradition, married women who had gathered around the Meenakshi Temple changed their mangalsutra during the occasion," said S Haritha, a devotee who arrived at the temple to take part in the Meenakshi Thirukalyanam.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

10 traits of Nammazhwar
10 traits of Nammazhwar

The Hindu

time16 hours ago

  • The Hindu

10 traits of Nammazhwar

Falling on June 9 this year, the Tamil star of Visakam in the Tamil month of Vaikasi is indeed a special one. It is the day on which Nammazhwar, the great Vaishnavite saint, was born in Tirukurugur in Tirunelveli, rendering Vaikasi Visakam as an extremely auspicious one, said Tirukkudanthai Dr. Venkatesh. Nammazhwar commands an exalted state among the azhwars, the Vaishnavite saints. There are many reasons to celebrate Nammazhwar, but it is worth looking at 10 of them, which set him apart. First, he is considered to be an aspect of Vishvaksena, Lord Narayana's lieutenant, and he had no earthly attachment since at his birth he cut the cord of sadavayu (an aspect that binds us all to earthly matters) and hence his devotion to the Lord is purity personified. Second, he presented Tiruvaimozhi, an unparalleled work comprising 1,102 verses and hailed as Dravida Veda. Thirdly, although he lived for 35 years in this world, he was so consumed by bhakti that he did not care for food, preferring to relish on the attributes of Lord Krishna. Fourth, he is considered to be a veritable sun, since his verses throw light on one's inner darkness and dispels ignorance. The lines, Mayar vara Madhi nalam arulinavan evan avan, encapsulate his knowledge and how he came by it: Perumal Himself gifted it to him, marking his fifth trait. His sixth trait is the most celebrated one of his: he distilled the essence of all the four Vedas in his Tamil works: Rig Veda is contained in Tiruviruttam, Yajur Veda in Tiruvasiriyam; Sama Veda in Tiruvaimozhi and Atharvana Veda in Periya Tiruvandhadi. He is identified as the head of the Vasihnavaite Azhwars, with the rest of them forming the various parts of his physique. Next, he is considered to be greater than everyone, even God: Once, Nammazhwar asked God who is the greatest. 'I am the greatest,' said Perumal, 'I bear the universe.' Nammazhwar gave the famous rejoinder, depicting his devotion, 'I bear You in my heart, therefore, I am the greatest.' Nammazhwar is symbolised by the paduka of Perumal, which is placed on the head of devotees in temples as a benediction. Finally, his works in Tamil have put the Vedas and Upanishads within the reach of the ordinary people. Praying to him would guide a devotee on the way to reach God.

Free speech and criticism in the age of hurting sentiments
Free speech and criticism in the age of hurting sentiments

New Indian Express

timea day ago

  • New Indian Express

Free speech and criticism in the age of hurting sentiments

How can one predict what will hurt the sentiments of someone or another? Anyone can claim that his or her sentiment is hurt because of some statement or act of another person. Is there a sentiment meter that has been developed to measure how much sentiment is hurt over some social media post or a remark in an interview by random individuals? Is your religion, language, and culture of many thousands of years so fragile that you feel so insecure, weepy and murderous about a remark by a stranger? I wonder how Adi Shankaracharya would have fared in modern-day India if he continued to criticise, debate, and win arguments like he did against various philosophies and religions of his time. Would a Prince Sidhhartha, who criticised the Vedas, ever become Buddha or rot in jail without bail, had he been a citizen of the secular, democratic, socialist republic of India instead of living 2,600 years ago? In a civilised society, if sentiment is hurt, one would ignore such comments or criticise back. In theocratic autocracies, blasphemy is punishable by death. We are marching there from the light of Buddha, Gandhi, Shankara and countless other great souls. Indian culture was based on free speech and debates. The freedom to criticise, debate, discuss and even mock or deny is what made the Indian religions like Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism unique. Had I been born 200 years ago and lived under the King of Cochin or the East India Company, I would have said we are far removed from that classical society and are so near to the witch hunts of medieval Europe or those of Islamic theocracies like Afghanistan. However, since that statement might hurt someone somewhere in these times, and I am scared, I am apologising profusely and sincerely in advance. Everything is perfect, and we are living in golden times.

Reading the stars: Understanding the real role of astrology
Reading the stars: Understanding the real role of astrology

India Today

time2 days ago

  • India Today

Reading the stars: Understanding the real role of astrology

Astrology is often perceived as a tool for predicting the future, but its true essence goes far beyond that. In the Vedic tradition, astrology is regarded as a profound spiritual science rooted in the ancient Vedas. With over three decades of experience in the field, Pt. Umesh Chandra Pant emphasises that astrology is not merely about forecasting events—it serves as a guide to understanding one's karma, life patterns, and spiritual journey. This article explores the deeper purpose of astrology, highlighting its role in self-awareness, alignment, and personal previous article, 'The Power of Astrology', gives a five-part overview of how Jyotish is a life-changing tool. In this feature, let us explore the real purpose of astrology from the Vedic and Upanishadic lens, showing how it helps us connect to cosmic order and inner truth."Yadaa Deveshu Karmani pravartate, tadaa sarvam sukham bhavati." Upanishads(When actions align with divine forces, life becomes joyful.)Through the sacred science of Jyotish, we can decode our karmic patterns, understand life's timing, and evolve with greater ASTROLOGY FOR SPIRITUAL GROWTH: A VEDANGA ROLE EXPLAINEDAstrology, or Jyotish Shastra, is one of the six Vedangas, the auxiliary limbs of the Vedas. The ancient seers declared:"Jyotisham Vedanaam Chakshuh"(Astrology is the Eye of the Vedas)This phrase beautifully conveys the meaning of 'Jyotisham Vedanaam Chakshuh' astrology offers spiritual vision. Just as eyes guide us in the physical world, Jyotish guides us through the karmic and cosmic realms, helping us live in tune with dharma and divine Vedic astrology for spiritual growth is not superstition, it is a discipline that awakens consciousness and aligns us with higher IN VEDAS AND VEDANGAS: DIVINE COSMIC ORDERVedic astrology is embedded in ancient scriptures like the Rigveda, Atharvaveda, and Puranas. The planetary system is seen as a reflection of divine intelligence. Each graha (planet) is not just an astronomical object but a conscious force representing a deity and psychological trait:Surya (Sun) – Soul, truth, authorityChandra (Moon) – Mind, intuition, emotionBudha (Mercury) – Intelligence, logic, speechShukra (Venus) – Love, harmony, wealthMangala (Mars) – Energy, drive, courageGuru (Jupiter) – Dharma, expansion, wisdomShani (Saturn) – Karma, patience, disciplineRahu and Ketu – Shadow forces, illusion, past-life karmaThe Bhagavad Gita also reinforces this principle, stating that action depends on factors like time, body, and consciousness. Astrology "decodes" the unique energies and influences of celestial bodies (planets, signs, houses) on human lives, offering insights into personality, relationships, and potential life USE OF JYOTISH IN MODERN LIFE: BEYOND SUPERSTITIONSo, is astrology more than predictions? Yes, and its relevance today is stronger than ever. Here are some practical uses of Jyotish in modern life:Career Astrology – Identify favorable fields and growth cyclesadvertisementMarriage Compatibility – Match charts to ensure emotional harmonyHealth Astrology – Understand health vulnerabilities based on planetary doshasFinance and Property – Analyze timing of gains, investments, and inheritanceSpiritual Progress – Guide meditative practices based on planets like Jupiter and KetuAstrology enables conscious decisions aligned with cosmic timing (Dasha, Gochar or transit), reducing confusion and empowering Astrology Helps in Self-Realization: One of the noblest purposes of astrology is to guide us toward self-realization. Through Jyotish, we can recognize our Svabhava (inherent nature) and Svadharma (life purpose). The natal chart becomes a karmic blueprint that reveals strengths, weaknesses, past debts, and future observing planetary placements, transits, and yogas, astrology helps us understand:Why specific patterns repeat in lifeWhat karmic lessons are we meant to learn?Which remedies or changes bring spiritual growth?In this way, astrology is not merely predictive, it is transformative and reflective, bringing us closer to our inner Between Astrology and Superstitio: Pt. Umesh Chandra Pant says" I've often emphasized the importance of distinguishing between genuine Jyotish and blind superstition. Vedic astrology is rooted in logic, timing, karma, and remedy, not fear-based beliefs".advertisement'Graha yatha karma' – Planets reflect your karmas; they do not dictate your fate superstition promotes helplessness, astrology encourages empowerment. Vedic remedies like mantra chanting, Rudraksha wearing, gemstone wearing, daan (charity), and puja are not magical cures, they are energy-balancing disciplines that work alongside effort (Purushartha).What Is the Real Purpose of Astrology?The real purpose of astrology is not to induce fear or passive waiting, it is to guide, awaken, and liberate. As one of the six Vedangas (They are: Shiksha (phonetics), Kalpa (rituals), Vyakarana (Sanskrit grammar), Nirukta (etymology), Chhanda (Vedic meter), and Jyotisha (astronomy for auspicious timings), Jyotish connects human consciousness to divine rhythm. It helps us live with awareness of karma, fulfill dharma, and walk the path to when practiced as per Vedic principles, becomes:A spiritual compassA map of karmic evolutionA mirror for soul transformationLet us remember, astrology is more than predictions. It is a light for those walking the path of wisdom and a sacred mirror for those seeking purpose."""Let Jyotish, the eye of the Vedas, guide you toward inner clarity and divine timing" says is more than predictions, it is a Vedic science that aligns human actions with divine timing and deeper karmic astrology plays a vital role in self-realization, helping individuals uncover their life's purpose, karmic patterns, and spiritual Umesh Chandra Pant, in this article, explains how Jyotish as one of the six Vedangas serves as a guiding light for conscious and dharmic Watch

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store