Thousands of devotees thronged the Vaigai riverbed here to witness the entry of Lord Kallazhagar in the river at the early hours of Wednesday and offered worship, marking the culmination of the five-day annual Chithirai festival of Sri Sundararaja Perumal Temple.
The festival which began on May 5 with flag hoisting drew to a close with Kallazhagar entering the river and giving darshan to a large number of devotees and local people in various ‘Mandagapadis.’
After leaving the temple at 2. 30 a.m. in a palanquin decorated with flowers, Lord Sundararaja Perumal entered the river in the guise of Kallazhagar at 3. 16 a.m. amid display of fire works.
Adorned in green silk sari, the Kallazhagar entered the river as the large number of devotees, who thronged the riverbed since Wednesday evening offered worship and chanted Govinda, Govinda. After reaching Tallakulam, the Kallazhagar offered darshan in ‘Kuthirai Vaganam’ as the devotees reverently performed ‘theerthavari,’ by splashing the sacred yellow water on the Azhagar as a mark of fulfilment of their vows.
Later, Kallazhagar was taken in a procession through Melachathiram, Manjalpattinam and Kaattu Paramakudi, after which a special puja was conducted.
Belief has it that the festival would bring copious rains and prosperity in the lives of farmers and traders.
A large number of men and women attended the festival, seeking the divine blessings for early marriage. On returning to the temple in the evening, the Lord gave darshan to the devotees after ‘Sandana kaappu abishekham.’
