Thousands witness temple car festival

Madurai, May 10 (UNI) Thousands of devotees thronged the four Masi streets adjoining the famed Meeankshi Amman temple to take part in the Chithirai Car festival in the city here today.

Lord Chokkanathar with his Consort Priyavidai Amman and Goddess Meenakshi were taken in a procession in the exquisitely decorated grand car, towed by the faithful.

While the Lord and his Consort were seated in the grand car, goddess Meenakshi accompanied them in a separate car. Temple elephants and camels also formed part of the celestial visit of the city.

Special poojas preceded the car procession early in the morning.

The festival which commenced on April 30 with the traditional flag hoisting, concluded with the car fest. The city would now await the visit of Lord Kallazhagar, Sri Sundara Raja Perumal of the Sangam period Vaishnavite temple in nearby Azhagarkoil, to step into the Vaigai river on its northern banks.

Azhagar's visit is the crowning event of the Chithirai festivities, in which people of the southern districts converge in the city in large numbers.

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