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Uthsavams
The Annual Festival (Brahmotsav) of the Mandir is celebrated for ten days in January-February every year (Tamil month of “Thai”), main day being the Day of Poosam Star). Both in the morning and evening the Lord is taken in procession in different vahanas (vehicles) like Garud, Hanuman, Sesha, Rath, etc. Besides special aradhanas are performed. Annual sanctification (Thiru Pavitrotsavam) of the Temple is done during October-November, for seven days. Special Havan and Aradhanas are performed. Only food cooked in the Temple’s kitchen by specially appointed cooks can be offered to the deities. From outside devotees can bring only coconut and fruits, sugar-candy and dry fruits. However, devotees desirous of offering items of food may do so by arranging with the Temple authorities, choosing from a list of articles that can be prepared for the purpose, on payment at prescribed rates. The list is given separately in the Calendar (Panchangam), and is also exhibited in the Temple. The three festivities mentioned afore are open in part or in full for being sponsoring by devotees either as a permanent arrangement or occasionally, by paying in advance donations at rates notified from time to time. Annual Days of Eminent Bhaktas and Gurus of Sri Vaishnavism are also celebrated as one day, five days, or ten days utsavams. |