A large number of devotees offered worship to Samayapuram Sri Mariamman during the float festival organised as part of Thaipoosam Tiruvizha on Wednesday night.
The processional idol of the goddess was taken out from the sanctum sanctorum at 8 p.m. and taken to the float, where religious rituals were performed. The deity was taken for three rounds by the float. Special deeparadanai was performed to the Goddess, amidst religious fervour. G. Thennarasu, Joint Commissioner of the temple, supervised the arrangements.
The processional idol was taken from the float to the temple at around 10 p.m., marking the conclusion of the float festival.
Elaborate arrangements were made and fire fighting and rescue personnel were deployed as a precautionary measure. Women police constables, positioned on the steps of the temple tank, where the float festival was held, ensured the safety of the women and children.
The Thaipoosam festival commenced on January 7 and today’s rituals mark the ninth day celebrations.
On Thursday, the Theerthavari will be held at about 6 p.m. The deity would be taken from Samayapuram to the Kollidam near Srirangam. The important ritual of receiving the holy gift from Srirangam Sri Ranganathar will be held between 10 p.m. and 11 p.m. There will be no darshan at Samayapuram from around 4 p.m. on Thursday till the Theerthavari is completed.
