Chithirai fest commences: Celestial Wedding

Madurai, Apr 20 (UNI) With the traditional flag hoisting ceremony, the annual Chithirai festival, comprising the re-enaction of the legendary celestial wedding of Goddess Meenakshi with Lord Sundareswarar and the visit of Kallazhagar, Lord Vishnu, to the city from suburban Azhagarkoil, commenced today.

Earlier, in the morning, the flag hoisting ceremony was performed amidst chanting of vedic mantras at the famed Meenakshi-Sundareswarar temple.

The festival is of great importance to both Vaishnavites and Saivites as it signifies a fusion of both the traditions.

Goddess Meenakshi's coronation falls on April 27 and the celestial wedding on April 29. The temple car festival would be held on April 30, the day when Lord Kallazhagar would proceed to the city from his abode at Azhagarkoil, a temple with a history of 2,000 years and considered prime among the 108 Vaishnavite divya desa's.

The culmination of the festival, the entry of Laor Azhagar into the river Vaigai would be on May two. It would be preceded by 'Ethir Sevai', reception to the Lord at Tallakulam on the northern banks of the city.

Significantly, Azhagar would not cross the river to enter the other side of the city, housing the Meenakshi temple.

UNI