Durmukhi Chitrai Aayilam corresponding with Friday May 13th of the English calendar was’ kadai vellikizhamai utsavam’ for Perundevi Thayar at Kanchi Varadaraja Perumal temple. ‘Kadai’ means the last. The last Friday before Vaikasi Brahmotsavam is the Day dedicated to Perundevi Thayar. Her kataksham is necessary for the success of every endeavour.
In the morning She was brought down from Her sannidhi to ‘kanadi arai mandapam.’ As soon as She was in the mandapam the screen was drawn and ‘kshema thaligai’ was offered. After this the Tirumanjanam started. First She wore a pure white garland of jasmines. Then green Tulasi garland followed by one of pink roses. After the sandalpaste offering Tulasi garlands were wounded around Her crown and around Her neck She looked so Beautiful. All this was done to the accompaniment of Vedic chanting. Tirumanjana kattiyam was offered and was followed by sahasradhara Tirumanjanam. The offering of karpooraharathi and serialharathi was done. ‘Neeratal’ pasurams were chanted by the arulichyal goshti. After this Theertham was distributed and Srisathari blessed the heads of those assembled.
In the evening Thayar goes in purappadu via Azhwar Tiruchuttru to Vasantha Mandapam. Thayar wears white cotton with green and red borders. As we enter the temple to our right is the Vasanta mandapam. Tiruvaradhana takes place here followed by Thaligai offering. Theertham, Srisathari was followed by prasada distribution. Thayar then goes to ‘kanadi-arai’ mandapam and then returns to Her sannidhi. May the kataksham of Perundevi Thayar fall on everyone.
The following are the photos taken during the occasion:
Photos: Sri Krishna Durai, Sri Tirumundi Krishnan & Write – up: Smt Vyjayanthi Rajan
