The Aryavarth Express
Agency(Madurai): As part of the vibrant annual Chithirai festival, the revered deity Lord Kallazhagar is set to make his traditional entry into the Vaigai River on April 23, announced Deputy Commissioner (HR&CE) L. Kalaivanan in Madurai. This significant event is a cornerstone of the festival, drawing devotees from various regions to partake in the celebrations.
The deity’s journey will commence from Kondappa Naicker Mandapam on April 21, within a specifically chosen auspicious window from 6.10 p.m. to 6.25 p.m., embarking towards Madurai. The ritual, known as “ethir sevai,” is scheduled to take place at Moondru Maavadi on April 22, leading up to the deity’s entry into the river the following morning between 5.51 a.m. and 6.10 a.m.
Following the river entry, Lord Kallazhagar will proceed to Veeraraghava Perumal in Vandiyur, where the deity will stay overnight before moving to Ramarayar Mandapam (RR Mandapam) on April 24. Here, the “Dasavatharam,” a depiction of Lord Vishnu’s ten incarnations, will be performed, marking another highlight of the festival.
The return journey will see the deity visiting Ramanathapuram Mannar Sethupathi Mandapam on April 25 for the “Poo Pallakku” ceremony, before making the ascent back to the Alagarkoil hills on April 26, culminating the festivities with the deity’s arrival at the temple on April 27.
Pre-festival rituals are slated to begin with special pujas at Alagarkoil on April 19 and 20, setting the spiritual tone for the forthcoming celebrations. The festival’s preparations and scheduling were reviewed by a committee including Board of Trustees Chairman VR Venkatachalam, members A. Pandiarajan, A. Senthil Kumar, R. Ravikumar, P. Meenakshi, and other senior officials, ensuring a meticulously planned observance of this ancient tradition.