Srirangam Sri Ranganathaswami Temple Adhi Brahmotsavam: Panguni Ther

Jaya Varusha Chitra Hastham, April 14th 2014 was Day-10 of NamPerumal’s Panguni Ther Utsavam.It was also the first day of the New Year Jaya. SriRangamvasis were awake the whole of last night as Panguni Uthiram Serthi Utsavam was in progress. The whole place was filled with devotees waiting to have darshan of NamPerumal and Thayar in Serthi.This happens only once a year.At midnight SriRangam was bustling with activity. Devotees had the saubhaghyam of listening to Gadhya Trayam recited with devotion by the goshti. The Divya Dampathis in all their finery were a  feast for the eyes and Bhaghavadh Ramanuja’s Gadhya Trayam was a treat for the ears . Early morning  at the break of New Year the sight of Tirumanjanam for the Divya Dampathis was auspicious.Once Tirumanjanam was over it was time for  NamPerumal to get ready for the Ratha yatra.

At about 10.00 a.m. NamPerumal boarded the Goratham to make the rounds of Chitra Veedhis.Devotees rushed to hold the thick ropes (Vadam Pidditthal) to pull the chariot. Goratham had different colours and carvings and Garudazhwar seated with folded hands at the threshold was a picture of handsomeness. Devotees had good darshan of NamPerumal as the Goratham is open on all sides and does not have cloth hangings and other embellishments

In the evening after Tirumanjanam Sapthavarnam took place. During Sapthavarnam no musical instruments are played and NamPerumal enjoys the anusandhanam of Amudhanar’s Ramanuja Nuttranthathi while traversing the four Chitra Veedhis and returns to Moolasthanam after this.

Some of the photos taken during the occasion can be viewed below:

Writeup by : Vyjayanthi Rajan