Saturday, April 1, 2017

Thirukkurungudi Dhivya Desam – Festivals

Thirukkurungudi Dhivya Desam – Festivals
The temple follows the traditions of the Thenkalai sect of Vaishnavite tradition and follows Pancharathra agama. The temple priests perform the pooja (rituals) during festivals and on a daily basis. As at other Vishnu temples of Tamil Nadu, the priests belong to the Vaishnavite community, a Brahmin sub-caste. The temple rituals are performed four times a day: Kalasanthi at 8:00 a.m., Uchikalam at 12:00 p.m., Sayarakshai at 6:00 p.m., and Ardha Jamam at 8:00 p.m.
Each ritual has three steps: Alankaram (decoration), neivethanam (food offering) and Deepa aradanai (waving of lamps) for both Vaishnava Nambi and Thirukurungaivalli. During the last step of worship, nagaswaram (pipe instrument) & tavil (percussion instrument) are played, religious instructions in the Vedas (sacred text) are recited by priests, and worshippers prostrate themselves in front of the temple mast. There are weekly, monthly and fortnightly rituals performed in the temple.
The Chittirai Utsavam (festival) in the month of Chittirai (April - May), Vaikasi Jestabishekam during June, Aavani Pavitrotsavam during Aavani (August - September), Float festival during Thai (January - February) and Brahmotsavam during March–April are the major festivals in the temple. Garuda Sevai on the fifth day of Panguni is a special occasion. Kaisika Ekadesi is one of the big highlights at this temple. Onam is celebrated in this Divya Desam.