The special event of Theerthavari was performed at Kalasapakkam Cheyyaru for the deities of Lord Annamaliyar and Thirumamudeeswarar yesterday (Friday, 16th February) as part of the ongoing “Rathasapthami” festival celebrations. The deity of Lord Chandrashekhar was specially adorned and taken to the Theerthavari function for this occasion.
On the way, the event included the deity of Lord Chandrashekhar inspecting the lands owned by the temple of Lord Annamalaiyar in the Union of Dhanakotipuram, Kottipuram. Thousands of devotees offered an enthusiastic welcome when the procession reached Kalasapakkam Thenpallippattu, before finally arriving at Kalasapakkam Cheyyaru.
Similarly, the deities of the Kalasapakkam temple, Lord Thirumamudeeswara, and His Consort Goddess Thirupursundari, were specially adorned and taken to Cheyyaru, where there was a meeting of the deities of Lord Chandrashekhar and Lord Thirumamudeeswarar. Thousands of devotees who had gathered for this special occasion participated with extra enthusiasm, chanting ‘Arogara’ and praying to the Lords.
For the special Theerthavari occasion, sacred water was brought from Cheyyaru and the main event of Theerthavari was performed on the deities, followed by Deeparathanai. Due to the lack of water in Cheyyaru, a large pit was dug with JCT equipment and filled with water for the special Theerthavari event.
Traditionally, the temple elephant of the Annamalaiayar temple would also participate in the Theerthavari every year. However, as the elephant had passed away, the devotees, especially the children, were somewhat disappointed by its absence.
‘Annadhanam’ was performed throughout the entire route when the deity of Lord Chandrashekhar was taken from the temple to Cheyyaru.
After the Theerthavari event, the deity of Lord Chandrashekhar remained at Cheyyaru through the night and was then taken back to the Thiruvannamalai temple the next morning (today, Saturday, 17th February).
