The ban on devotees visiting temples from Jan. 14 to 18 was due to the third wave of Covid.
Coimbatore: The 'Thaipusam' festival was celebrated low-key at Marudhamalai without the participation of devotees this year, in the wake of the third wave of Covid-19.
The ceremony celebrated annually at the Marudhamalai Subramaniaswamy Hill Temple in Coimbatore was held without the devotees this year due to the restrictions announced by the Tamil Nadu Government from January 14 to 18.
The Marudhamalai temple wore a deserted look without the devotees to add fervor to the Thaipusam celebrations, on Tuesday. The Lord Muruga idol was mounted on a floral swing and the union of Lord Muruga with Valli and Deivanai with ‘Agni Gundam' was celebrated. Subsequently, the idol of Lord Muruga was adorned with a golden robe and the traditional 'Ural' was beaten, and Thiruppugazh verses were chanted. Later, the Lord Muruga deity was taken for a rally in the chariot along with Valli and Deivanai.
Only temple gurus, employees, and security guards participated in the event since devotees were not allowed to participate due to the third wave of Covid-19. Devotees were allowed only up to the base of the temple and chanted praises of Lord Muruga all through the path up to the hill temple but were not allowed entry for 'darshan' at the temple.
