Thai Poosam festival was celebrated at Sri Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple in Palani in Dindigul district in a grand manner on Tuesday. Thousands of devotees from far and near had come to Palani to attend the event.
Devotees pulled the temple car with chants of Muruga, Muruga and Arohara, Arohara. The temple car with the presiding deities Muthukumaraswami and Valli-Deivanai was pulled around the four radha veedhi. Earlier, the Celestial wedding was performed on February 10 (Monday), which was also attended by thousands of devotees.
Special pujas, aradhanam and abishekam were performed to the deities. Thousands of devotees started pouring into the temple town for the festival which began on February 5 with the hoisting of the holy flag at Periyanayaki Amman temple.
On the day of Thai Poosam, devotees gathered in large numbers and waited in long queues to visit the Palani temple. A large number of devotees came by foot (padayatra) after observing fast. Theertha vaari was conducted at the Shanmuganadhi in the morning, followed by the procession.
The temple car was renovated recently for Thai Poosam. Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department officials Joint Commissioner S. Marimuthu, Deputy Commissioner R.S. Venkatesh, Assistant Commissioner S. Lakshmi, temple trustees, Dindigul Superintendent of Police A. Pradeep and other officials attended the festival.
Elaborate security arrangements had been made for the smooth conduct of the grand event and for the safety and security of the devotees. Around 3,500 police personnel were deployed in Palani for the event. The festival will conclude on February 14 with Theppa Ther and the holy flag would be lowered.
Considering the large number of devotees coming to attend the event, TNSTC operated special buses to various destinations. Adequate arrangements had been made to provide drinking water, toilet facilities, medical assistance and accommodation to the devotees. Annadhanam was provided to the devotees.
Published - February 11, 2025 09:06 pm IST
