Chennai: Devotees have hassle-free darshan of Athi Varadar on 34th day

Chennai: Despite Saturday coinciding with the auspicious Aadi Pooram marking Aandal Thiru Kalyanam (celestial wedding of Goddess Andal with the Lord) darshan has been hassle-free at the Sri Devaraja Swamy temple where Athi Varadar is now gracing in nindra kolam (standing posture) for the third day.

The 34th day of the Athi Varadar vaibhavam drew a multitude of crowd as expected and inspite of the transient break in darshan to facilitate the conduct of the Andal Thiru Kalyanam, the sea of devotees moved fast. Some of the devotees felt relieved in having a glimpse of the Lord in three hours' time. Since August 1 Athi Varadar has offering darshan in standing posture. The 48-day festival will conclude on Aug. 17.

Today Athi Varadar was draped in a beautiful pink robe. The Aandal Thiru Kalyanam was held in the evening. This is one of the important festivals performed in the Vaishnavite temples.

Meanwhile, Kancheepuram district administration has commenced the process of regulating the issuance of special donor passes, to visit the Athi Varadar.

Minister hands over Rs 25L for Annadhanam:

State Municipal Administration Minister S. P. Velumani on Saturday handed over a cheque for Rs. 25 lakh to the temple authorities on behalf of the Chennai Corporation for conducting Annadhanam to the devotees who come to visit Athi Varadar.

“There has been overwhelming response to the initiative of Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami, who after worshipping Athi Varadar, has donated Rs.1 lakh from his personal funds for conducting Annadhanam to the devotees visiting the Devaraja Swamy temple from far-flung places,” Mr. Velumani said.