The historic Palamalai Sri Aranganathar Temple in Coimbatore celebrated the Chariot Festival, attracting thousands of devotees for blessings. The event featured various rituals and cultural performances over several days.
Coimbatore: The Palamalai Sri Aranganathar Temple, known for its age-old heritage, recently celebrated its Chariot Festival, marking the beginning of the Chithirai month festivities. The temple, located in the Western Ghats near Periyanayakanpalayam in Coimbatore, commenced the festival on April 16, a Tuesday, with a flag hoisting ceremony.
The deities graced the devotees on different vehicles; Lord Perumal appeared on Annavahanam on the 18th, Hanumanthavahanam on the 19th, and Garudavahanam on the 20th. Key events included a calling festival on the 21st by Goddess Sengodai and a sacred wedding ceremony on the 22nd.
This ritual extravaganza culminated with the grand procession of Lord Perumal on the chariot on the festival's main day. Starting at 3 PM, the event began with an elephant procession and a mini chariot event, progressing to a grand procession at 6 PM where Lord Perumal circled the temple streets in his chariot. Devotees in thousands were present, energetically pulling the chariot ropes while chanting praises, creating a vibrant atmosphere.
Afterward, the deity bestowed special blessings in an elaborate session lasting late into the night. The temple premises also hosted community feeding and showcased traditional dance performances by local school and college students, as well as devotional singing by groups from different regions.
Coimbatore district administration facilitated special bus services from Coimbatore and Mettupalayam to handle the influx of devotees. Enhanced security measures were in place with coordinated efforts from the police, forest department, fire service, and paramedical teams. Water pandals were also setup periodically for devotees walking up to the temple, ensuring their comfort throughout the festival. The series of celebrations are set to continue with Parivettai on the 24th, Seshavahanam on the 25th, and Sandhana Sevai on the 26th, all overseen by temple trustee P. Jegadeesan.