Chennai: Hundreds of devotees bearing Kavadis, carrying milk pots and many with their mouths and bodies pierced with spears went in a colourful procession to the Murugan temples, particularly the six abodes of the Lord Muruga on Monday which marked the Thaipoosam. The festival brought devotional fervour to the fore.
Women and children took part in the festival in fairly good numbers. As part of the ritual during the festival, devotees pierced their tongues and cheeks before joining the procession. Some devotees walked over burning coal carrying Kavadis on their shoulders. What makes the procession fascinating to watch are the range of Kavadis that are carried by devotees to fulfill their vows. The event at the Andavar temple, Vadapalani, here, was a sight to behold. The devotees dressed in orange and yellow thronged the temple in large numbers.
Thaipoosam is being celebrated in various Murugan temples across the State and the event drew several thousands of devotees to the famous Sri Dhandayuthapani Swamy temple, Palani, where elaborate arrangements were made for the smooth conduct of the festival. The auspicious occasion falls on the Poosam nakshatram during the full moon day coinciding with the Tamil month of Thai, and hence the name Thaipoosam.
At the Subrahmanya Swamy temple, Tiruchendur, the temple was opened for darshan at 3 am for the Vishwarupa darshan of the Lord. Devotees from Tirunelveli, Kanyakumari, Ramanahapuram, Virudhunagar and Sivaganga districts carried Kavadis to the temple. Some even undertook a padayatra from the neighbouring districts.
At Palani, it was a sea of devotees at the Sri Dhandayudhapani Swamy temple. Thirukalyanam was held on Sunday night at the temple and early this morning the car festival was held. Chants of Murugankku Arogara rant the air. Special puja was held in the wee hours at the Murugan Temple in Tiruttani. Many temples conducted Theerthavari or Theppotsavam on the occasion.
