Thiruvoodal festival at Thiruvannamalai

The Thiruvoodal festival was celebrated in Thiruvannamalai. The festival is about a lover`s tiff between the Lord and his consort Ambal. The Nayanmar Saint Sambandhar mediates between the couple. It is during this time that the poem Thirukkutraala Voodal was sung by the two, mocking each other.

On this day, Abhishekam is performed early and a procession starts from the temple. The Lord and Ambal bless Nandi and head to the Thitti Vasal of the temple. This is a small entrance on the east side of the temple, next to the Raja Gopuram. As the sun rises, the procession goes around the temple three times.

Hundreds of devotees line the streets for the Darshan. They offer money and clothing to the Gods. The procession also includes Thani Amman and Sambandhar. Nandi is elaborately decorated as the occasion falls on Pongal as well.