Thousands throng Tiruchendur temple to watch ‘Soorasamharam’

‘Soorasamharam’ is the highlight of the Kanda Sashti festival celebrated at the Tiruchendur Subramaniya Swamy temple, the second of six abodes (Aru Padai Veedu) of Murugan. It is believed that Lord Murugan defeated demon Surapadman on the occasion of ‘Soorasamharam’, which is observed annually to mark the victory of good over evil.

Scores of devotees gathered at the beach near the Tiruchendur temple to watch the ‘Soorasamharam’, the significant event of the festival, which commenced around 4.30 pm. A decked-up Jeyanthinathar was taken out in procession before signifying the killing of demon Surapadman with ‘vel’ (spear).

Initially, the demon, in guise of elephant and lion, were killed by the deity and the killing of the real demon later took place in the midst of devotees who chanted “Arogara arogara, kandhanuku arogara”. Earlier, the sanctum sanctorum of the temple was opened to devotees around 1 a.m. It was followed by Vishwaroopa Deeparadanai around 1.30 am, and Udhayamarthanda abishekam, Yagasala pooja and Yagasala Deeparadanai through the day.

The six-day festival had begun with yagasala pooja on October 28. During those days of festivity, devotees observed fasting and involved in prayers to have their wishes fulfilled.

Devotees also took a dip in the sea at Tiruchendur and offered special prayers. Many also engaged in the padayatra and the ‘kavadi’ rituals.

Ahead of the festival, the district administration had involved in making necessary arrangements for the devotees.

Police force was also deployed adequately in the interest of devotees. Tiruchendur Deputy Superintendent of Police Barath said that as many as 3,200 police personnel were deployed in the vicinity of the temple, besides CCTV surveillance being employed.

Ministers Kadambur C Raju, RB Udhayakumar and KT Rajenthra Bhalaji, Thoothukudi Collector Sandeep Nanduri, Superintendent of Police Arun Balagopalan and officials from the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments were among those witnessed the event, sources said.