Sea of pilgrims at Kumbakonam
Thousands of devotees from various parts of the State took part in the annual Masi Maham festivities in Kumbakonam on Saturday. While the main Teerthavari of the Shiva shrines was held at the famous Mahamaham tank, chariot festivals were conducted in the Vishnu temples. The event assumes significance as this year’s Masi Maham followed the grand Mahamaham that is held once in 12 years.
The various processional deities arrived on Rishaba Vahanam at the Mahamaham tank bund in the morning.
Special abishekams were performed for the Astra Devars of the respective shrines and the Teerthavari was performed for the Astra Devars at the Mahamaham tank. Immediately, thousands of devotees took a holy dip in the tank as authorities had made arrangements to let treated fresh water into the tank especially for the occasion. Chariot festival was also held at the Sri Chakrapani Swamy temple here in the morning. Thousands of devotees participated in the event and pulled the temple chariot around the major streets.
At the Sri Sarangapani Swamy temple, the Teppotsavam was held at the Potrarmarai tank. Since there was no water, the god witnessed a static float festival.
