Manmatha Maasi Magham Pournami (February 22nd 2016) Varadaraja Perumal and His Consorts left the temple premises as early as 4.30 a.m. for Rajakulam after stopping by at several villages on the way and blessing devotees. It was almost 5.00p.m. when He reached the mandapam opposite Rajakulam. Devotees rushed to have a glimpse of Him wrapped and covered in a blue shawl and Ubhaya nachimars also wrapped in shawls facing Him inside the ‘maina pallaku’.(palanquin of wood with glass doors.) Incidentally Varadaraja Perumal enjoys three Float Festivals – one at Ananthasaras with Thayar for three days within the temple, second at Theneri and the third at Rajakulam.
After arriving at the mandapam we got to see Tirumanjanam. Seeing Perumal sans ornaments is a beautiful anubhavam. The shanku, chakram gadha and the Fourth Hand assuring Protection are clearly visible. The weapons look more like ornaments and He does not clutch or hold any of them tightly, it seems as if they have rushed to take their places on Him. As the Tirumanjanam went on and cool Tulasi garlands were wound round His Crown on His sandal paste covered Tirumeni cool breeze from the tank cooled the atmosphere. A devotee was dancing frentically near-by. There was a carnival on the grounds with merry-go-rounds and shops selling knick-knacks.
After Tirumanjanam we got Theertham and waited for ‘Devadhirajan’ to get ready for the Theppam. It was about 6.30p.m. when He emerged in an orange turban covered with precious gemstudded clips and covered with jewels of all kinds and a thick white and orange flower garland. Ubhaya Nachimars were clad in blue silk and wore gemstudded crowns and similar jewellery. As They emerged forth to ascend the decorated Float everyone held their breath and enjoyed the three rounds They did on the Float in the water filled Rajakulam on the full moon night.
Perumal returned to Kanchi by 1.00 a.m. accepting the offerings of the residents who had made kolams on the road and came out with their fruit and camphor offerings glad that their Varadan had come back to them.
The following are the photos taken during the Utsavam:
Photos & Videos: Sri Sundararajan & Write- up: Smt Vyjayanthi Rajan
Thank you for the wonderful videos, photos and write-up. We felt as if we were personally there witnessing the events! Those who carry the Lord on their shoulders from Kanchi are indeed blessed souls.
There is a whole group which travels all the way by foot. There are thorns on the way and no street lights yet they move trusting Varadan. We went by two-wheeler found the journey tedious and bumpy. It is the deeply ingrained love for Deva Perumal tha makes such things possible.
Thanks. Video Part-6 is playing well. Thanks again