Celestial wedding draws scores of devotees to Palani

Lakhs of devotees witnessed the grand celestial wedding of Lord Muthukumarasamy with Goddesses Valli and Deivanai at Sri Dhandayuthapani Swamy temple in Palani in Dindigul district on Saturday.

The celestial wedding was conducted on Saturday evening. Following the celestial wedding, the deities Lord Muthukumarasamy and Goddesses Valli and Deivanai in their wedding attire were taken out in a procession on a chariot. The devotees congregated outside the temple and sought the blessings of the deities. Special pujas were performed to the deities. On Saturday 1,70,000 devotees had darshan, as per the temple source.

Lakhs of devotees from far and near have started pouring into the temple town for the Thai Poosam festival. A large number of devotees came by foot (padayatra) after observing fast.

The ‘Thai Poosam’ festival at Sri Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple, one of the six holy abodes of Lord Murugan, began with the hoisting of the holy flag at Sri Periyanayaki Amman Temple on January 26 .The holy flag was hoisted amidst the chanting of hymns and special pujas were conducted to the deity and the kodimaram (flag mast).

‘Thai Poosam’ will be celebrated on February 1. It will be followed by the holy car festival. The festival will conclude on February 4 with the ‘Theppa Ther’.

The authorities have made adequate arrangements for the smooth conduct of the festival. The devotees will be provided with annadhanam, drinking water, toilet facilities, medical assistance and accommodation during the event. A large number of police personnel have been deployed in the temple town to ensure the smooth conduct of the event.