Thousands descend on Madurai for Kumbabhishekam after 17 years

MADURAI: Thousands of devotees witnessed the Thirukuda Nanneerattu Vizha (Kumbabhishekam) at the Meenakshi Sundareswarar temple here on Thursday, as the consecration of 12 main towers and two golden vimanas was performed simultaneously at 7.40 am

Devotees, who had gathered since the early hours to witness the Kumbabhishekam, which was being held after 17 years, were jubilant as a drone sprinkled sacred water from the kumbhams on them. The previous Kumbabhishekam was held in 2009.

The consecration was performed amid the chanting of Tamil and Sanskrit hymns. Twenty-four Oduvars recited ‘Thiruvasagam’ and ‘Thirumurai’ hymns at all ‘gopuram kalasams’. After the completion of the yagams, the priests carried the kumbhams with sacred water to the temple’s 12 main towers and golden vimanas for consecration around 5.45 am. They adorned the kalasams with garlands and performed poojas. As the rituals neared completion, chants seeking the blessings of Meenakshi Amman and Sundareswarar filled the air.

The sacred water was sprinkled on devotees using a drone.

Ahead of the consecration, 12 phases of yagasala poojas were conducted from September 11 to 17, with more than 300 temple priests participating in the rituals. A total of 184 yaga kundams and 56 yagasalas were set up on North Avani Moola Street. Another 33 yaga kundams were set up for Meenakshi Amman and Sundareswarar.

A total of 1,008 litres of holy water was brought from the Ganga and another 1,008 litres from seven other sacred rivers for the rituals.

Madurai city was decorated for the occasion, with the temple premises adorned with flowers, banana trees and traditional festoons.

Around 6,500 police personnel were deployed in shifts and hundreds of cameras monitored the venues. Drinking water facilities, medical camps, toilets, parking spaces and temporary bus terminals were also put in place.

Food was served to devotees at Sethupathi School on North Veli Street in Madurai. Many Muslim organisations were also seen serving cold beverages to devotees.

State ministers S Ramesh, R Nirmal Kumar and P Viswanathan attended the ceremony.