Mylapore’s R.K. Tatachari family is performing the Thotta utsavam for Lord Varadaraja at Kanchipuram today. This 14th century annual event has been conducted by successive generations.
The utsavam began at 5 a.m., with Lord Varadaraja, decorated in Venkatadri Kondai and Lord Clive’s Makarakandi, taken in a procession in a golden palanquin in the company of Sridevi, Bhoodevi and Viswaksenar. The procession reached the Inam garden, located close to the Varadaja Perumal temple. It is said that the garden was donated by King Krishnadevaraya’s clan to their royal preceptors — the Royadurgam Tatacharyas, hereditary Ubhayakars of this 600-year-old festival. After a special tirumanjanam, Kattiyam service will be offered by Tatacharya Swami.
The significance of the utsavam is that the Lord, who attends the yagna conducted by Brahma, is brought to cooler surroundings. And around 4 p.m., the deity will be anointed with ‘Vizhithikappu Sevai’ (saffron paste).
The evening programme includes a grand Oonjal Sevai, 6 p.m., when the Lord will be adorned with rose garland followed by Sowrikondai Sevai.
On May 13, Manthrapushpam by five Tatacharyas will be rendered followed by Thiruvaradhanam at around 2.30 a.m. At 4.30 a.m. the Lord, adorned in fragrant Jasmine garland with ‘Sikkathaadu kondai,’ will be taken back to the temple, amidst the chanting of Sri Vedanta Desika’s slokas, led exclusively by the Tatacharyas. Two huge umbrellas make the procession a delight to watch.
The utsavam concludes with the deity returning to His abode. For more details call Ashwin Royadurg Tatachari @ 98400 8345
