The Aryavarth Express:
Tiruchirappalli: Thousands of devotees gathered at the historic Jambukeswarar Temple on Friday to take part in the grand Panguni Car Festival, one of the most significant events of the annual Panguni Brahmotsavam.
The temple, dedicated to Lord Jambukeswarar and Goddess Akilandeswari, is one of the revered Pancha Bhoota Sthalams representing the element of water and is believed to be over 2,000 years old, holding immense spiritual importance.
The festivities began with the Dwajarohanam (flag hoisting) on February 26, followed by the Ettuthikkum Kodiyetram ceremony on March 15. As part of the celebrations, the deities were taken out in daily processions on various vahanams, including Rishaba Vahanam, Kamadhenu Vahanam, and Surya-Chandra Prabhai Vahanam.
The highlight of the festival—the grand chariot procession—took place on the sixth day. Beautifully decorated temple chariots carried Lord Jambukeswarar along with Goddess Akilandeswari, while a separate chariot was dedicated to the Goddess. Devotees enthusiastically pulled the chariots through the temple streets, chanting “Om Namah Shivaya” and “Thennaadudaya Sivane Potri.”
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The main chariot was first drawn and halted at the southwest corner, followed by the procession of Goddess Akilandeswari’s chariot. Both chariots later completed their ceremonial circumambulation of the four streets before reaching their designated positions.
A large number of devotees participated in the event and offered prayers. To ensure smooth conduct and safety, over 100 police personnel were deployed. The arrangements were overseen by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department, along with temple authorities.
The Panguni Brahmotsavam will conclude with the Mandala Abhishekam on April 15. Celebrated during the Tamil month of Panguni (Phalguna/Chaitra), the festival marks the end of the Tamil solar calendar year and the approach of the Tamil New Year.
