Oppiliappan deities taken around in temple chariot

Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, 02/04/2016: Devotees drawing the sacred chariot of the famous Sri Oppliappan temple near Kumbakonam on Saturday. The event is part of the Panguni Utsavam festivities.

Thousands of devotees drew the chariot of the Sri Oppiliappan Temple near here on Saturday. The ritual was part of the Panguni Brahmotsavam.

Celebrated as an important one among the 108 Sri Vaishnava Divya Desams, the Oppiliappan temple deity has been sanctified in hymns by Poigaialwar, Peyazhwar, Nammalvar, and Thirumangaialwar and the sacred spot is hailed as Thiruvinnagaram. Sri Oppiliappan provides divine darshan to devotees along with His consort Sri Bhoomi Devi Thayar in the shrine.

As part of the Panguni Brahmotsavam, Sri Oppiliappan and Sri Bhoomi Devi Thayar processional deities ascended the tastefully decorated chariot early on Saturday and soon after the devotees pulled the temple car through the four main streets surrounding the shrine.

The 10-day Panguni Brahmotsavam of the temple commenced with the flag hoisting on March 25 and since then every morning and evening processions were being held.

The Vidayaatri Utsavam will be held on Tuesday.