Latest news with #MeenakshiSundareswarar
The Hindu
05-05-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Renewing the marital thread
Every year thousands of devotees from far and near gather on the Chithirai streets outside Meenakshi Sundareswarar temple to witness the 'Thirukalyanam', the Celestial Wedding of Goddess Meenakshi with Lord Sundareswarar. As per tradition, the women devotees replace their 'Thali' with a new mangalsutra. The devotees also distribute the mangalsutra, vermilion powder and pictures of the presiding deities to fulfil their vow. C. Ashok Bhattar, a priest at Meenakshi Sundareswarar temple, said that women devotees tie the new mangalsutra as they believe that the marital bond becomes stronger. Sacred items are distributed by the devotees in a respectful manner on the auspicious day. They do so as it is believed that good deeds reciprocate. Devotees distribute the mangalsutra with the belief and hope that any person unmarried in their family will get married soon. At the 'Thirukalyanam', the devotees pay 'moi' outside the temple and are given a receipt and a gift bag that contains the mangalsutra, vermilion powder and pictures of Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswarar Following the celestial wedding, the devotees head to the 'Thirukalyana Virundhu'. Close to a lakh devotees are treated to a grand feast. The essential materials like rice, ghee, oil and vegetables are contributed by devotees.
The Hindu
05-05-2025
- General
- The Hindu
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.
