Arrangements on for celestial wedding in Meenakshi temple

Madurai, Apr 17 (UNI) A day ahead of the re-enactment of the spectacular celestial wedding of Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswarar at the ancient Sri Meenakshi-Sundareswarar temple, elaborate arrangements have been made for the smooth conduct of the festival.

The celestial wedding (Thirukkalyanam), a sacred event, would be held between 0930 hrs and 0954 hrs tomorrow, as part of the 12-day annual 'Chithirai Brahmotsavam' of the temple.

Following the wedding, images of Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswarar would be taken out in a grand procession on a palanquin and a silver elephant, respectively.

The temple authorities in coordination with the district administration have made elaborate arrangements for the festival.

Two television screens have been set up inside the temple complex for devotees to have a better view of the Thirukkalyanam. The traditional feast following the celestial wedding would cater to around 50,000 devotees. Fifteen varieties of food would be served to the devotees, an official of the temple said.

The grand ritual of Lord Kallazhagar (Lord Vishnu) entering river Vaigai on the occasion of 'Chithirai Pournami' would be held on April 20 between 0705 hrs and 0720 hrs.

Talking to UNI here, Mr B Raja, Joint Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department and temple Executive Officer, said the celestial wedding would be streamed live on the temple website www.maduraimeenakshi.org. A separate place had been earmarked for foreign tourists to witness the event.

In view of the festival, police have made exhaustive security arrangements in and around the city. A large number of policemen were deployed at vantage points. Armed police protection was given to the temple and the devotees were being checked with metal detectors, before entering the temple.

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