THANJAVUR: Thousands of devotees from various parts of Tamil Nadu witnessed the grand chariot festival of the world renowened Sri Brihadeeswarar Temple, popularly called as Big Temple as part of the Chithirai festival today.
Special poojas commenced early in the morning to the presiding deity Lord Brihadeeswarar, after which the processional deities were mounted on the decorated 50-foot high temple car on the West Main Street.
The well-crafted chariot, all of 40 tonne and sporting 360 wooden icons depicting various important mythological events on all its facets, rolled on with a majestic gait.
Amid chanting of vedic hymns and “Om Namahshivaya,” the ardent devotees braving scorching sun pulled the car around the West Main Street, North Main Street, East Main Street and the South Main Street. The car was halted at important junctions where devotees gave their offerings.
A total of six new chariots participated in Wednesday’s festival carrying various deities as per tradition.
A large number of police personnel were deployed along the route of the temple car procession.
The district administration had declared a local holiday for the day in view of the festival.
Tamil Nadu Agriculture Minister R Duraikannu, Collector A Annadurai, Superintendent of Police J Mahesh, MLA M Regngasamy (Thanjavur), Revenue Divisional Officer C Suresh, C Kumaradurai, Joint Commissioner, HR and CE and Senior Prince Bhabaji Rajah Bhonsle, who is the hereditary trustee of Palace Devasthanam, were among those who participated in the car festival.
The temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, known for its architectural marvel, was built by emperor Raja Raja Chola over 1,000 years ago and is a world heritage site declared by UNESCO.
Special poojas commenced early in the morning to the presiding deity Lord Brihadeeswarar, after which the processional deities were mounted on the decorated 50-foot high temple car on the West Main Street.
The well-crafted chariot, all of 40 tonne and sporting 360 wooden icons depicting various important mythological events on all its facets, rolled on with a majestic gait.
Amid chanting of vedic hymns and “Om Namahshivaya,” the ardent devotees braving scorching sun pulled the car around the West Main Street, North Main Street, East Main Street and the South Main Street. The car was halted at important junctions where devotees gave their offerings.
A total of six new chariots participated in Wednesday’s festival carrying various deities as per tradition.
A large number of police personnel were deployed along the route of the temple car procession.
The district administration had declared a local holiday for the day in view of the festival.
Tamil Nadu Agriculture Minister R Duraikannu, Collector A Annadurai, Superintendent of Police J Mahesh, MLA M Regngasamy (Thanjavur), Revenue Divisional Officer C Suresh, C Kumaradurai, Joint Commissioner, HR and CE and Senior Prince Bhabaji Rajah Bhonsle, who is the hereditary trustee of Palace Devasthanam, were among those who participated in the car festival.
The temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, known for its architectural marvel, was built by emperor Raja Raja Chola over 1,000 years ago and is a world heritage site declared by UNESCO.