Sea of humanity witness Kallazhagar stepping into Vaigai

Madurai, May 2 (UNI) Attired in exquisite green silk and mounted on a golden horse, 'Lord Kallazhagar', Sundara Raja Perumal of Azhagarkoil, stepped into river Vaigai, the crowning event marking the culmination of Chithirai Brahmotsavam, early today.

A sea of humanity that witnessed the event as devotees started thronging the river bed since last night.

The display of popular religion was at its best with rustic flavour as most of the devotees were drawn from the countryside of the southern region of the State. Moreover, it was also a celebration of the popular local patterns of worship mingling with the established cannons of devotion.

Earlier, the procession of the Lord commenced before dawn from the Vishnu temple at Tallakulam, two km away, after Azhagar received the garland from Sri Andal, his famed devotee at Srivilliputtur.

Even as the deity was proceeding to the northern banks of the river, enthusiastic devotees relished in performing 'Theerthavaari', splashing water from a leather bag on the divine. In the dress code of the God, who himself was attired like a 'Kallar', a sub-sect of the dominant Thevar community, they sprinkled water on Azhagar.

Thousands of faithful tonsured their heads on the riverbed, in fulfillment of a vow to Azhagar, their family deity. Interestingly, bullock carts have been replaced by motorised vehicles, a sign of modernity. However, bullock carts in rows could be seen at Azhagarkoil, 18 km away, where similar festivities were on.

Till the Lord left the city, devotees in the 'Kallar' attire, holding mammoth torches, would be trotting the temple city.

The annual visit of Azhagar, the Lord of the masses, was significant as the Lord descended down from his ancient abode dating back to the Sangam period in the sylvan surroundings of Azhagarkoil, to be one with his faithful.

UNI