CHENNAI: Several temples across Tamil Nadu conducted special pujas to invoke the blessing of the rain God for bounteous rains in Tamil Nadu, which is facing water scarcity.
A Varuna japam was organised at the Andavar temple, Vadapalani, here on Wednesday as part of the state-wide initiative by the Tamil Nadu HR and CE to propitiate Lord Varuna for copious rains in the State.
Special abhishekam of milk, curd and tender coconut was performed for Goddess Mariamman. Apart from conducting Rudhraabhishekam, the chanting of Varuna Gayathri was organised on the occasion.
Meanwhile, pujas were also performed on Wednesday to Varuna at the Thanjavur Big temple. the outer West prahara of the Thanjavur big temple. Kalasams were put up before the Lord and yagams performed. Vedha parayanam was done. Abishekam were performed to Varuna Bhagawan with milk, buttermilk, sandal, turmeric etc. Ragas like mehavarshini, amirtha varshini were played. Saint Thirugnanasambandar's devaram hymns related to rain were rendered with music.
Hundreds witnessed the pujas. The move follows an instruction from the HR & CE Commissioner asking the authorities of all the major temples in Tamil Nadu to carry out special prayers to appease the rain god.
This is not the first time the HR & CE department has asked the temples to perform special poojas for rains. Whenever Tamil Nadu reeled under drought or faced acute water scarcity due to the failure of the monsoons, the department had directed the temples to perform pooja on a particular day.
