Madurai (Tamil Nadu), Apr 29 (UNI) The annual Chithirai festival, also popularly called as ‘Chithirai Brahmotsavam’ of the World-renowned Sri Meenakshi-Sundareswarar Temple began with the ‘Dwajarohanam’ (Flag hoisting) ceremony here on Tuesday.

The holy flag was hoisted atop the gold-plated 56-feet-high “dwajasthambam” (flag mast) of Lord Sundareswarar, amidst chanting of Vedic hymns by the temple priests and bhattars during the pre-designated “Mithuna Lagnam” between the auspicious hours of 1035 AM and 1059 AM.

The priests performed the “deeparadhana” to the flag mast.

A large number of devotees, including women and children, congregated at the temple to witness the flag hoisting ceremony.

The idols of Goddess Meenakshi, Piriyavidai and Lord Sundareswarar were brought in a silver palanquin to the Kambathadi Mandapam, where special pujas were performed to the deities before the ceremonial flag hoisting ceremony.

As part of the Chithirai festival, the “Meenakshi Pattabishekam” (Coronation for the goddess Meenakshi) will take place on May 6 and the famous “Thirukkalyanam” (Celestial wedding) of Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswarar will be held on May 8.

The Temple car festival was slated for May 9.

The festival will culminate on May 12, when ‘Lord Sundararaja Perumal’ also popularly called as ‘Lord Kallazhagar’ mounted on a ‘golden stallion vahana’ descends into the River Vaigai, considered as one of the grandest religious celebrations in Tamil Nadu.

The Hindu Religious and Endowment Department officials in coordination with various government departments have made elaborate arrangements, as lakhs of devotees from various parts of the country and abroad were expected to participate in the Chithirai festival.

UNI GSM CS